Career & Experience
Zahir is a partner in our Islamic finance practice and advises on a range of real estate driven transactions for both investors and financial institutions.
He is named in the Legal 500 2023 as a Next Generation Partner in Islamic finance in London and described by clients as ‘an incredibly smart lawyer with a close eye on the commercial aspects of legal decision making’ and ‘very approachable, responsive and knowledgeable.’
Zahir joined the firm over a decade ago as one of the first fee earners in our then newly established Bristol office and, after a client-side stint as General Counsel at a privately-owned investment advisory firm in the West End, returned to Foot Anstey in 2019. He aims to provide solutions-focused advice to clients, having been one himself.
He is well-versed in structuring real estate investments and financings in line with our clients’ strategic aims, and seeing those through the full transaction lifecycle. He enjoys working collaboratively with stakeholders and transaction counterparties and aims to impart advice grounded in commerciality and pragmatism.
An example of Zahir’s work includes leading a team of lawyers in acting for Riyad Bank (London Branch) on their single largest real estate financing transaction to date: a £64m shariah-compatible facility used to refinance the UK HQ of an international law firm in Moorgate.
In his personal time, Zahir enjoys time with his two daughters and their newly-acquired cargo bike.
Accolades
- Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 20223
- Key lawyer in the Legal 500 2022
- Equal Opportunities Ambassador for Babbasa, a Bristol-based social enterprise
- Advisory Board Member of The Common Purpose Leadership Programme
- Founder of the Fasted 500 Health Equity Initiative
- Member of the Association of Muslim Lawyers
- Member of the Arab Bankers Association
- Islamic Finance Qualification from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment
Career & Experience
Zahir is a partner in our Islamic finance practice and advises on a range of real estate driven transactions for both investors and financial institutions.
He is named in the Legal 500 2023 as a Next Generation Partner in Islamic finance in London and described by clients as ‘an incredibly smart lawyer with a close eye on the commercial aspects of legal decision making’ and ‘very approachable, responsive and knowledgeable.’
Zahir joined the firm over a decade ago as one of the first fee earners in our then newly established Bristol office and, after a client-side stint as General Counsel at a privately-owned investment advisory firm in the West End, returned to Foot Anstey in 2019. He aims to provide solutions-focused advice to clients, having been one himself.
He is well-versed in structuring real estate investments and financings in line with our clients’ strategic aims, and seeing those through the full transaction lifecycle. He enjoys working collaboratively with stakeholders and transaction counterparties and aims to impart advice grounded in commerciality and pragmatism.
An example of Zahir’s work includes leading a team of lawyers in acting for Riyad Bank (London Branch) on their single largest real estate financing transaction to date: a £64m shariah-compatible facility used to refinance the UK HQ of an international law firm in Moorgate.
In his personal time, Zahir enjoys time with his two daughters and their newly-acquired cargo bike.
Accolades
- Next Generation Partner in the Legal 500 20223
- Key lawyer in the Legal 500 2022
- Equal Opportunities Ambassador for Babbasa, a Bristol-based social enterprise
- Advisory Board Member of The Common Purpose Leadership Programme
- Founder of the Fasted 500 Health Equity Initiative
- Member of the Association of Muslim Lawyers
- Member of the Arab Bankers Association
- Islamic Finance Qualification from the Chartered Institute of Securities and Investment
Expertise
- Shariah-compliant real estate investment and product development
- Structuring and financing of real estate investments
- Acquisition and disposal of property
