Wragge & Co LLP has appointed Islamic finance specialist Kazi Rahman to its banking & finance practice. Kazi will join as a solicitor to boost the firm's Islamic finance capability.

Chris Brierley, head of banking & finance, said: "Wragge & Co continues to develop its Middle East connections and client base. As Islamic finance becomes a real alternative to some conventional financing arrangements in the UK and globally, Kazi brings some really good experience to enhance our Islamic finance offering. We are taking the Middle East and this area of growth very seriously."

Previously at Norton Rose, Kazi's track record includes advising on Shariah-compliant lending and Islamic finance transactions in the UK, Far East and Middle East. As well as working with clients on structuring documentation in accordance with Shariah, he has helped major corporates raise funds in accordance with Islamic religious principles.

Kazi strengthened his Islamic finance capabilities working in the Middle East. He is a member of the Islamic Finance Working Group and the International Financial Services London Islamic Working Group.

Kazi Rahman said: "Wragge & Co has forged strong links with the Middle East. There are huge opportunities for developing the Islamic finance practice further. I look forward to being part of the team and playing a role in growing its reputation for offering high-quality, Islamic finance advice."

Wragge & Co's experience in the Middle East ranges from advising Development Securities on a £250 million tax fund set up to advising Sheikh Khalid Ben Abdullah Rashid Al Fawaz during the El Faragy v El Faragy High Court proceedings. It also steered a private medical insurance provider through its first international investment in the Saudi insurance market.

The firm's banking & finance practice handles UK and cross-border mid-market acquisition, debt and leveraged finance deals for lenders and borrowers. Its 22 lawyers combine technical expertise with market knowledge and understanding of what clients need. Significant work in the last 12 months includes advising new client Autocesta Zagreb-Macelj d.o.o. on a €381 million cross-border refinancing deal and advising KBC Business Capital on a trio of deals totalling £380 million.

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For further information about this press release, contact Kathryn Hobbs on +44 (0)121 685 2785, Amie Ryalls on +44 (0)121 685 2708 or Rebecca Davies on +44 (0)121 685 3819

This press release may contain information of general interest about current legal issues, but does not give legal advice.