Banking & Islamic Finance Lawyers in Saudi Arabia

Islamic finance is a financial system that operates in accordance with Shariah principles, primarily the prohibition of interest (riba). Common Islamic finance structures include Murabaha (cost-plus financing), Ijara (leasing), Musharaka (partnership), and Mudaraba (profit-sharing). Saudi Arabia is a major hub for Islamic finance. We structure and document Islamic finance transactions for lenders and borrowers.

Saudi law provides for several security interests including mortgages over real estate, pledges over movable assets (including registered pledges under the Movable Assets Pledge Law), assignments of receivables, and guarantees. The enforceability and registration requirements vary by security type. We advise lenders on structuring robust security packages.

The Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) regulates banks, finance companies, insurance companies, and payment service providers in Saudi Arabia. Its regulatory framework includes capital adequacy requirements, liquidity ratios, consumer protection rules, and anti-money laundering obligations. We advise financial institutions on SAMA compliance and represent clients in SAMA-related matters.