The banking and finance sectors in Dubai are among the most heavily regulated under UAE Federal Law, regarding the Central Bank and the Organization of Financial Institutions and Activities and related DFSA and ADGM regulations. Laws and regulations can change frequently, impacting how businesses operate and manage their financial services and contractual obligations. Navigating these sectors without legal guidance can be risky and potentially costly. Davidson & Co. serves as among the credible banking and finance law firms in the region, known for offering top-notch regulatory and transactional legal services.
Our Banking and Finance practice is distinguished by its comprehensive understanding of the financial services sector and its complex regulatory and compliance landscape. We provide expert legal advice and strategic solutions to a wide array of clients, including banks, financial institutions, private equity firms, corporate borrowers, and startups. Our experienced team of banking and finance attorneys is adept at navigating the intricacies of financial regulation, secured lending, syndicated loans, and Islamic finance, ensuring our clients achieve their business objectives while complying with the evolving statutory and regulatory requirements.
We can help you deal with the following legal matters pertaining to banking and finance:
At Davidson & Co, our banking and finance legal services are delivered by specialists with extensive experience in both traditional and Islamic finance. We counsel local and international clients on six key areas:
We structure secured and unsecured lending, project finance, asset-based lending, and structured finance. Our attorneys ensure that all financial documentation complies with the UAE Commercial Transactions Law, Central Bank requirements, and international best practices. We also assist with syndications, securitisations, and debt issues. Our legal team is capable of drafting term sheets, credit agreements, and security documentation tailored to client objectives. If you’re looking for a strategic finance attorney, our team can assist you through every phase of your transaction.
Our professionals assist clients with licensing, reporting, and regulations issued by the Central Bank of the UAE, DFSA (DIFC), and FSRA (ADGM). Our experts enable financial institutions to comply with Basel III, AML/CFT, FATCA, and CRS frameworks, providing risk assessments and legal audits when necessary. We also assist with compliance framework implementation, internal policy drafting, and regulatory reporting protocols.
We represent clients in disputes arising from financial services agreements, fraud investigations, enforcement actions, and insolvency proceedings. Our lawyers have experience in civil courts, DIFC courts, and arbitration forums, focusing on resolving matters efficiently while protecting your legal and commercial interests. If you require a seasoned Securities Fraud lawyer, our team provides targeted litigation expertise.
We support fintech startups and digital banks with regulatory authorisations, sandbox, data privacy, smart contracts, and payment service licensing. We keep clients abreast of the UAE’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA), Electronic Transactions Law, and DFSA fintech frameworks through our legal team. If you are a conventional bank or an innovative Financial Services lawyer backing innovation, we can assist you in bridging the gap. We advise on token issuance compliance, crowdfunding platforms, and blockchain-based financial services.
We counsel financing structures of M&A deals, LBOs, and management buy-ins, ensuring deal structures are aligned with both regulatory and commercial goals. Our attorneys prepare and negotiate loan documents, shareholder agreements, and debt instruments. We work closely with tax consultants and financial advisors to structure transactions for optimal outcomes.
Our advisers help lenders and corporate borrowers in restructuring distressed debt, negotiating repayment plans, and guiding them through the UAE Bankruptcy Law. We advise closely with insolvency administrators to safeguard creditor rights and enhance recoveries. In case you have intricate regulatory issues, a specialist Anti Money Laundering lawyer from our practice will guarantee complete compliance. We also assist in developing turnaround strategies and out-of-court settlements.
Our guidance is based on a thorough appreciation of the UAE and international financial regulatory systems, including:
Davidson & Co is a leading banking and finance law firm in Dubai, noted for technical competence, commercial acumen, and skill in handling complex transactional and regulatory issues. Our attorneys represent clients ranging from early stage start ups to multinational banks, offering solutions appropriate for each client’s industry and compliance needs.
Whether you require regulatory risk management, litigation support, or strategic financing advice, Davidson & Co has the expertise and acumen to guide you through the fast paced financial services environment of the UAE and internationally. If you require the expertise of a reliable banking attorney, we are prepared to advance your interests with assurance and legal accuracy.
It depends on the jurisdiction. Mainland firms require approval from the UAE Central Bank, while those in DIFC or ADGM must obtain licences from DFSA or FSRA, respectively.
Federal Law and Cabinet Decision form the legal framework for AML and combating terrorism financing (CTF). Financial institutions must file Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) with the UAE Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU).
Yes. We advise on multinational lending, syndicated loans, and cross-border regulatory compliance, working under New York, English, and UAE law as required.
Fintechs are regulated by VARA, DFSA (in DIFC), and FSRA (in ADGM), depending on location. Licensing depends on the services offered, such as digital wallets, payment processing, or token issuance.
Absolutely. We represent clients in banking disputes, securities fraud claims, insolvency cases, and enforcement actions in both civil courts and financial free zone jurisdictions like DIFC Courts.
Yes. The Central Bank of the UAE has implemented Basel III capital adequacy standards, requiring banks to maintain specific capital buffers and liquidity ratios to protect financial stability.
We handle all legal aspects of M&A, including due diligence, debt structuring, acquisition financing, and post-deal regulatory compliance for both buyers and lenders.
Yes. CDD is mandatory under AML laws, requiring banks and financial firms to verify client identities, assess risk profiles, and maintain records of financial transactions.
