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Africa to Asia: Legal Narratives of Change and Continuity
This Edition of Law Update, From Africa to Asia: Legal Narratives of Change and Continuity, takes you on a journey through dynamic markets.
Africa is undergoing a tech-driven transformation, overcoming regulatory challenges while its startup ecosystem thrives. India’s legal framework is evolving rapidly, keeping pace with its expanding economy and diverse business environment.
We also dive into China’s regulatory shifts, particularly how they are shaping investments in the MENA region, and explore Korea’s innovative global partnerships, which are driving advancements in industries across the UAE and beyond.
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A complete spectrum of legal services across jurisdictions in the Middle East & North Africa.
Matthew Heaton
Partner, Head of Office, Head of Banking & Finance - Qatar
Biography
Matthew Heaton is a Partner and Head of Office in Qatar, and Head of Qatar’s Banking & Finance practice.
Matthew has broad experience of all aspects of finance law, acting for both borrowers and lenders. Prior to joining, Matthew was a banking & finance partner based in London at a leading global law firm. He has particular expertise in acquisition and leveraged finance, corporate lending and real estate finance, as well as regulatory and capital market matters. He is expert in the laws of both Qatar and the Qatar Financial Centre, as well as remaining qualified to practice English law. Matthew advises borrowers, funders and sponsors, including banks, equity and debt funds, listed corporates, private companies and mezzanine funders. He also advises on syndicated, club and bilateral financings. He has broad experience of leveraged finance and private equity transactions, and in advising purchasers and sellers of stressed and distressed loan portfolios.
In addition, Matthew has experience of general corporate and commercial transactions, and has a great deal of recent experience in the establishment and licencing of regulated entities within Qatar.
Recent Experience
- Advising a syndicate of banks on a EUR 5.6 billion loan to the State of Qatar acting through the Ministry of Defence for purchase of military jets and related products and services, guaranteed by the State of Qatar acting through the Ministry of Finance
- Establishing a representative office of a major European financial institution in the Qatar Financial Centre
- Advising a leading Qatar university on the establishment of an endowment fund
- Advising a Qatar-headquartered conglomerate on the restructuring of its financing arrangements
- Advising a pan-GCC group of companies on the restructuring of its Qatar operations
- Advising a private equity fund on its €8 billion acquisition of a portfolio of non-performing loans secured against assets located across Europe
Language(s)
- English
Education
1995 – Bachelor of Law, London School of Economics and Political Science
Admission
1998 – Solicitor, England & Wales
Practice(s)
Sector(s)
Insights
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