Ashurst Boosts Islamic Finance Capability

Ashurst boosts Islamic finance capability with structured and securities finance partner hire 

International law firm Ashurst announces the appointment of Abradat Kamalpour as a partner in its London securities and structured finance ('SSF') practice, specialising in Islamic Finance.

Abradat joins the firm from Dechert LLP where he was a partner in the finance and real estate team. He has extensive experience in securitisation, debt capital markets and structured finance transactions and has been at the forefront of structuring Islamic-compliant capital markets and securitisation transactions, transforming non-compliant structures into instruments acceptable to Islamic investors.

Abradat has recently advised Dresdner Kleinwort and HSBC as co-arrangers and dealers on the establishment of the US$1 billion Sukuk issuance programme and an issue under the programme that was listed on the London Stock Exchange.

Commenting on the appointment, Geoffrey Green, senior partner at Ashurst, said:

"Abradat's appointment will greatly enhance our existing Islamic Finance capability both in the UK and the Middle East. We are confident that he will be a significant asset to the firm and make a notable contribution to the ongoing success of the SSF practice."

Erica Handling, head of the securities and structured finance practice of Ashurst, said:

"We are delighted to have a partner of Abradat's calibre joining the team. He has exceptional knowledge and structuring skills in the area of Islamic finance. This will greatly complement the expertise we already offer across a variety of products which there is increasing interest in structuring as Shariah complaint, including bonds, structured products and derivatives, project finance and corporate transactions."

Abradat added:

"Ashurst's finance practice, including its energy and projects work, offers great opportunities for further development of an Islamic finance practice. The firm has first rate credentials in these areas and I very much look forward to being part of the team."