Senior Legal Counsel – Islamic Finance

About the role

Mashreq is looking for a Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel – Islamic Banking to lead legal advisory across its Islamic Banking franchise. The role combines deep Islamic finance expertise with banking and finance law to ensure Shariah‑compliant structures are enforceable and commercially viable.

Key responsibilities

• Act as the principal legal advisor for Islamic Banking matters across all business divisions.
• Structure, review, negotiate and advise on complex Shariah‑compliant financing transactions such as Murabaha, Tawarruq, Ijarah, Wakala, Mudaraba, Musharaka, Istisna’a, Salam and Sukuk.
• Draft and negotiate Islamic adaptations of LMA‑based facility agreements and related security packages.
• Provide legal support for Islamic treasury and capital markets products, including Sukuk issuances and Islamic hedging transactions.
• Collaborate with Shariah Governance functions to translate Shariah requirements into legally effective documentation.
• Lead legal projects including digital transformation and new product development, and manage external counsel.

Required profile

• Qualified lawyer with a law degree and admission to practice in a recognized jurisdiction.
• 10–12 years post‑qualification experience in banking and finance law, including 8–10 years specialised in Islamic finance.
• Extensive experience with UAE banking regulations, Central Bank requirements and AAOIFI standards.
• Proven track record advising on high‑value, cross‑border financing and security arrangements.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills to influence senior executives, regulators and Shariah authorities.

Required skills

• Deep expertise in Islamic financing structures (Murabaha, Tawarruq, Ijarah, etc.).
• Experience drafting and negotiating LMA‑based financing documentation and Islamic finance master agreements.
• Knowledge of treasury, capital markets and Islamic hedging documentation, including ISDA Tahawwut Master Agreements.