Vice President & Lead Counsel, Islamic Banking

Mashreq; United Arab Emirates; On-site; AED 400,000 - 700,000; Full time

Job summary

Mashreq is seeking a strategic Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel – Islamic Banking to lead the legal agenda for its Islamic Banking franchise in the UAE. You will guide complex Shariah-compliant financing structures, advise on regulatory matters, and partner with business units to shape compliant, market-leading products.

You will mentor junior lawyers, manage external counsel, and ensure robust documentation across cross-border transactions while aligning with Shariah governance and AAOIFI

Qualifications

• 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.
• 8–10 years specialized Islamic finance experience in leading international law firm or financial institution.
• Strong experience supporting UAE-based Islamic banking transactions and products.
• Deep expertise across Islamic financing structures (Murabaha, Tawarruq, Ijarah, Wakala, Mudaraba, Musharaka, Istisna’a, Salam, Sukuk).
• Understanding of UAE banking regulations, AAOIFI standards, and Central Bank requirements.
• Drafting and negotiating LMA-based financing documentation and Islamic master agreements.
• Experience with Tahawwut Master Agreements in treasury and capital markets.
• Proven track record advising on complex cross-border financing and security arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Act as principal legal advisor for Islamic Banking across all divisions.
• Structure, review, negotiate, and advise on Shariah-compliant financing transactions.
• Draft Islamic financing documents, including LMA-based facilities and security packages.
• Advise on regulatory implications under UAE and international law.
• Support Islamic treasury and capital markets products, incl. Sukuk and hedging.
• Partner with stakeholders to develop innovative Islamic banking products.
• Coordinate with Shariah Governance to translate requirements into documentation.
• Lead legal projects including digital transformation and new product development.
• Oversee external counsel and manage costs.
• Mentor junior lawyers and develop templates, precedents, and policies.

Skills

Shariah knowledge

Islamic finance

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Law degree

Bar admission

Job description

Mashreq is seeking a strategic Vice President, Senior Legal Counsel – Islamic Banking to lead the legal agenda for its Islamic Banking franchise in the UAE. You will guide complex Shariah-compliant financing structures, advise on regulatory matters, and partner with business units to shape compliant, market-leading products.

You will mentor junior lawyers, manage external counsel, and ensure robust documentation across cross-border transactions while aligning with Shariah governance and AAOIFI