Islamic finance is on the rise.

Islamic finance already attracts significant investment to the UK – investment which continues its upwards trajectory thanks to the UK’s progressive attitude towards Shariah-compliant structures.

Yet it is still a developing market. There is so much more to be done, and whether you are an investor or a financial institution, there are legal and commercial risks which you need to mitigate.

To do that, you need more than lawyers who merely dabble in Islamic finance. Namely, you need the influencers and the experts on your side.

Islamic Finance team in discussion

Recent experience

Riyad Bank

We acted on behalf of Riyad Bank (London Branch) on the £17.5m refinancing to Capital Trust Group of a multi-let Grade A office asset with ancillary data centre known as Kao One in Harlow, Essex, comprising 127,000 ft² of accommodation.

Nester

We advised Nester on the first Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Islamic fintech property transaction in the UK. Our role was to advise on the development of their product and the finalisation of the necessary documents that form the basis of Nester’s P2P Murabaha transactions.

Sidra Capital

We advised Sidra Capital on the acquisition of Coca-Cola’s European HQ.

Nomo by BLME and Boubyan Bank

We provided specialist commercial and tax input on the launch of the Islamic digital bank Nomo by BLME and Boubyan Bank. We also provided specialist Private Wealth advice relating to potentially complex issues caused by the death or incapacity of customers residing overseas.

Blacksand Real Estate W.L.L.

We advised Blacksand Real Estate W.L.L. on the corporate acquisition of a company owning a substantial purpose-built student accommodation development in London.

Focus areas

Islamic fintech

We advise start-up and established fintech businesses, particularly in connection with developing and launching innovative Shariah-compliant and ethical products.

Islamic banks

We support our Islamic bank clients through their lifecycle from product development and transaction execution to recoveries. In particular, we have leading expertise in Shariah-compliant real estate finance.

Shariah-compliant investments

We work with institutional, corporate and individual investors on their Shariah-compliant investments. We have a deep specialism and strong track record in advising on the acquisition and management of UK real estate.

The numbers behind the team

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Team members who hold IFQ

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Value in millions of deals in 2021

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Ranked Band 1 – Legal 500 2023 for Islamic Finance London

Key Contacts

We are a dedicated team of lawyers who specialise in Islamic Finance law. We can advise you on structures including Musharakah, Wakala, Ijarah, Murabaha and Sukuk as well as Hybrids and Funds. You can read our individual profiles to find out more about our specialisms and expertise.

Why choose Foot Anstey?

Over the years, we have helped hundreds of Islamic financial institutions and investors do business in the UK. We can help you too, whether you are an experienced navigator or are looking to invest in the UK for the first time.

We play an active role in developing the market for Islamic finance, working with financial institutions to deliver and implement Islamic retail products and with investors on innovative investment structures.

If you are an institutional investor, you will find our knowledge and commercially minded advice invaluable. With lawyers who have worked in-house for investment advisory firms, we know what you need from a law firm and how to deliver it, having been there ourselves.

However, we do not only work with businesses. We can also advise you if you are an individual looking to deploy capital or manage tax in the UK, drawing on the expertise of our UK and International Tax and Trusts team, supported by our network of international contacts from various global regions including the Middle East and Asia.

It is an exciting time for Islamic finance in the UK and we can help you be part of it.

Your Islamic Finance team in action

What our clients say

Great team to work with. Very supportive and engaged with our business by acting as a partner

Legal 500 2022

Imam Qazi is calm and assured as well as very knowledgeable. He makes time available to learn what is required from his client and is sensitive to business needs

Legal 500 2022

Foot Anstey have an exceptional team we work with closely on a daily basis. I have found them extremely knowledgeable, a pleasure to work with and helpful. The team are quick to respond to e-mail and telephone calls.

Legal 500 2022

Foot Anstey is strong in real estate finance and has a standout Islamic Finance practice

Legal 500 2022

Partner Zahir Nayani has a growing reputation for real estate driven transactions.’

Legal 500 2022

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