Sandeep Puri

Expertise

Sandeep is the head of the UAE banking and finance practice and has been a key figure in Dubai since 2003. With a comprehensive and extensive background, he offers seasoned advice on a broad spectrum of conventional and Islamic banking, finance, and capital market issues throughout the Middle East region.

His expertise spans a wide range of financial matters, including Islamic and conventional financing techniques. Specifically, Sandeep specialises in leveraged finance, real estate finance, trade finance, export finance, and sovereign lending. Additionally, he has a keen focus on sustainable finance and is well-versed in capital markets, with a particular emphasis on sukuk issuance. This diverse expertise enables him to provide strategic guidance across various complex financial transactions and regulatory landscapes.

Examples of transactions worked on include: 

• Advising Mobile Telecommunications Company (MTC) on a USD 6 billion Islamic financing for the 3rd GSM licence in Saudi Arabia. 
• Acting as international legal counsel to the Government of Egypt on its USD 3bn conventional and Islamic sustainable financing in 2021 and a USD 2bn conventional and Islamic financing carried out in 2020. 
• Advising Gulf International Bank on a USD 240m acquisition financing to Noon for the acquisition of Namshi, a UAE fashion portal. 
• Advising Wasl LLC on a AED 3bn real estate refinancing in the Emirate of Dubai. 
• Acting for the Five Hospitality group on a AED 720m acquisition financing for the purchase of a five-star hotel in Dubai, UAE.