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Banking and Finance Lawyers in Saudi Arabia

Offices in Jeddah, Riyadh, and Dammam

Vision 2030 is poised to transform the banking and finance industry, along with many other sectors in the Kingdom. Several large international banks and financial institutions are already expanding their operations here, and recent mega-mergers in the banking sector have made the changes very prominent. As a result, we expect to see a significant impact on debt markets, project financing, and both conventional and Islamic banking.

Emerging Approaches in Fintech and Digital Finance

Rapid progress in financial technology (fintech) is reforming the banking and finance sector worldwide, and Saudi Arabia is no exception. Digital banking and payment solutions are becoming increasingly prevalent, driven by consumer demand for convenience and efficiency. This shift towards digital finance is opening new avenues for growth and innovation.

Comprehensive Banking and Finance Legal Services

AlGhazzawi & Partners can help your business make the most of the changing landscape. We have more than 50 years of experience in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia handling debt finance, banking, and financial transaction matters under both conventional and Islamic law. Our legal team has tackled some of the most complex legal challenges faced by both domestic and foreign-owned companies across a variety of industries and sectors while concluding transactions with banks and financial institutions.

With our Cooperation Agreement with Gowling WLG, we combine our extensive local knowledge with Gowling’s international banking and finance expertise. This allows us to seamlessly serve our clients on multi-jurisdictional matters.

Navigate Rapidly Evolving Regulations in Banking and Finance

Change and an inviting environment can offer big opportunities in Saudi Arabia. However, taking advantage of those opportunities will require up-to-date knowledge and some adaptation.

Our deep roots in the Kingdom’s banking and finance industry are paired with extensive experience relating to legal entities and structures favored by Islamic banks and Sharia scholars in the Middle East. The combination of knowledge and experience allows us to offer clients practical insights and applications that are compliant with both Sharia practices and the rapidly evolving regulatory environment in the Kingdom. Starting off with the right guidance, thorough analysis, and sound documentation is the best way to avoid future conflicts.

We stay consistently abreast of the changes from both the regulatory and global practice perspectives and put that new information immediately to work for our clients. Should you find yourself in a position of conflict which requires legal support at any time, our team has extensive expertise in Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) and litigation to protect your interests.

About Our Banking and Finance Practice Group

Our legal team has advised clients on some of the Kingdom’s most complex banking and finance matters, including the rescheduling, restructuring, and securitization of various types of debt. We have also worked extensively on issues within the domain and jurisdiction of the Saudi Arabian Central Bank and have served several top-ranking international banks and financial institutions, gaining ever-deeper insight into the finance industry.

Notable Banking and Finance projects include:

  • Using our commercial bank financing expertise to guide a consortium comprised of Japanese multinationals on its bid for the USD $3 billion Marafiq power and desalination projects.
  • Advising Sumitomo Chemicals on the development and project financing of the Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Complex in Saudi Arabia, with an estimated project cost of USD $9.8 billion and a scope including captive independent water, steam, and power projects.
  • Representing a banking group comprised of leading local and international banks on an innovative “Musharaka Mutanaqisa” securitization facility for a Saudi corporate entity.
  • Working on several major GCC debt restructurings and related transactions.
  • Advising BNP Paribas on various lending banking transactions with Saudi clients.
  • Representing a major Bahraini investment bank on a USD $280 million acquisition of a Saudi joint stock company.

Contact Our Legal Team

No matter the complexity of your banking and finance-related projects, our legal team has the capabilities and depth to produce results. With offices located in Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh, we support domestic and international clients across the Kingdom. Contact us to book a consultation. 

 

FAQs

What types of banking and finance legal services does AlGhazzawi & Partners provide?
We advise on various legal matters, including debt finance, banking transactions, securitization, project financing, and restructuring under conventional and Islamic banking systems. Our banking and finance lawyers have extensive experience advising domestic clients and global financial institutions operating in the Kingdom.
How do you support clients navigating FinTech and digital banking regulations?
As FinTech and digital finance gain momentum in Saudi Arabia, AlGhazzawi & Partners assists clients in understanding and complying with emerging legal frameworks. This includes guidance on digital banking licenses, payment regulations, and FinTech partnerships so clients can stay ahead of regulatory developments.
How does AlGhazzawi & Partners ensure compliance with Islamic finance principles and Saudi regulations?
We offer legal solutions that align with Sharia practices while complying with evolving Saudi regulatory requirements. Our banking lawyer team works closely with Islamic banks and scholars to ensure all financing structures, contracts, and transactions meet religious and legal standards.
What experience do you have with major project financing in Saudi Arabia?
AlGhazzawi & Partners has advised on landmark projects including the $3 billion Marafiq power and desalination initiative and the $9.8 billion Rabigh Refining and Petrochemical Complex. Our role often includes structuring finance arrangements, drafting and negotiating contracts, and managing regulatory compliance.
How does AlGhazzawi & Partners assist with debt restructuring and rescheduling?
We work with clients to develop legal strategies for restructuring and rescheduling debt, especially in complex multi-party or cross-border scenarios. Our approach includes negotiating with creditors, advising on insolvency-related risks, and ensuring legal safeguards are in place.
What role do you play in disputes related to banking and finance?
In the event of a conflict, we offer legal representation through litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). Our team has successfully handled disputes involving financial institutions, borrowers, and investors in conventional and Islamic finance contexts.
Where can clients reach your banking and finance legal services?
We have offices in Jeddah, Dammam, and Riyadh if you’re seeking a lawyer for banking issues or finance concerns. You can contact us through our website to schedule a consultation tailored to your specific banking or finance project.

Key Contacts

Dr.-Belal-small

Dr. Belal T. Al Ghazzawi

Senior Managing Partner
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Hussam T. Al Ghazzawi

Managing Partner
Wissam-small

Wissam Alfred Chbeir

Counsel

Insights

Read Our Latest Updates on the Kingdom’s Laws & Regulations

Insights

Read Our Latest Updates on the Kingdom’s Laws & Regulations

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