Islamic finance

Our clients come to us because of our long-standing expertise and knowledge of the principles and values of Islamic finance.

The team has built up an enviable reputation in a wide range of Islamic finance products, as recognised by industry bodies. The London and international offices (including those in the Middle East) work closely together to provide a seamless service to our clients requiring Islamic finance advice. The strength and depth of the Islamic Finance practice are reflected in its extensive blue-chip client list of international and domestic financial institutions, fund managers, brokers and financial intermediaries.

Members of our Islamic Finance team know most of the leading Islamic finance scholars and we have access to leading bodies such as the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). We are experienced in working with Shari'ah supervisory boards and committees in developing new structures and products. The knowledge of the team has helped us to understand the intricacies of the processes involved to ensure a smooth and successful transaction for our clients and their customers.

As the market develops, many Islamic transactions are driven by the international banks based in London. To support this trend, we have developed centres of excellence in London and in many of our Middle East offices (which are located in the UAE, Oman, Saudi, Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt, Turkey and Jordan). Our offices in the CIS countries and Africa are also seeing an increase in Islamic finance activity.

We have particular experience in:

  • sukuk;
  • murabaha;
  • ijara;
  • mudaraba; 
  • musharaka;
  • salam;
  • wakala;
  • 'arbun; and
  • wa'd,

which have been used in a wide range of financings including some of the most significant groundbreaking sukuk. Our Islamic Finance team has also been actively involved in Shari'ah-compliant funds, highly structured investment products and Shari'ah-compliant derivatives.

Copyright © Denton Wilde Sapte LLP, unless otherwise indicated. All information correct as at date of publication. Consistent with our policy when giving advice on a non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of a specific problem, it is recommended that professional advice is sought.