DWF strengthens banking & finance practice with partner hire from ACWA Power

DWF has appointed Yasser Yaqub as a partner to its Dubai banking & finance practice with a focus on project finance.

Yaqub has significant experience of advising on large-scale infrastructure projects (power/renewable power and water). Yaqub also has extensive experience in general finance and M&A work for financial institutions and other entities. He has worked on projects within the GCC and wider region, and has experience of working in emerging markets, and a number of international markets.  Prior to joining DWF, Yaqub worked in-house for ACWA Power where he set up an internal finance legal team, and before moving in-house he was a partner with the US firm Chadbourne & Parke.

At DWF, Yaqub will be integral to building the finance practice regionally with a focus on project finance mandates. He has significant experience in relation to export credit agency and multilateral agency lending, Islamic finance and handles general banking and finance matters.

DWF’s head of banking & finance (Middle East) and global head of Islamic Finance, Umera Ali commented, “Yasser’s excellent credentials and his extensive experience further enhances DWF’s credibility and market reputation, and is part of our regional growth strategy.  Yasser will cover both project finance and broader banking work, linking up with our existing finance, restructuring, and corporate practices in the region to further grow our local and global business.”

Yaqub added, “In a relatively short period of time, DWF has successfully managed to establish and develop a strong finance practice within the region, and I am excited to be joining the business at this pivotal stage. I look forward to contributing to the continued growth of the practice.”

Shiraz Sethi, regional managing partner for DWF Middle East, said, “DWF is committed to developing its international business, increasing its headcount and geographical footprint. Here in the Middle East, DWF has recently undergone a significant period of recruitment to further strengthen its proposition. I am pleased to welcome Yasser to our expanding team. He brings a unique skill-set which further enhances the breadth and depth of our offering to clients.”

The Dubai office now employs approximately 50 people providing clients with a full-service offering. The business has extensive experience advising local, regional and international companies in the financial services, energy, infrastructure, defence and security, construction, hospitality and leisure, retail, technology and transport sectors.