Shanahan joins Clifford Chance

Matthew Shanahan has joined the Middle East Financial Services & Regulatory practice of Clifford Chance as counsel.

Shanahan was most recently associate director at the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA), where for the past six years he was responsible for advising the DFSA executive and other internal stakeholders across financial services and regulatory, capital markets, litigation and advocacy matters. He has considerable experience and a unique insight into DFSA laws, rules, investigations, enforcements and risk assessments.

Prior to joining the DFSA, Matthew worked at the Financial Services Authority in London and Dentons law firm. Matthew also has industry experience, having worked in the financial services sector from 1994 to 2002.

Head of Financial Services & Regulatory Clifford Chance in the Middle East, Tim Plews said, “Matthew's appointment is a clear sign that regulatory matters are high on the agenda of financial institutions in our market. Not only are we witnessing growth in the volume of client requirements but those requirements are growing in complexity."

Matthew Shanahan commented, "Joining Clifford Chance gives me the opportunity to use my specialist skills in helping financial institution clients to devise compliant business strategies, manage risk and maintain positive relationships with local and global regulators. I also look forward to contributing to Clifford Chance's assignments from regulatory authorities."

"We are delighted that Matthew has joined our team which remains the only permanently-based dedicated Financial Services & Regulatory team in the Middle East" added Plews.