International law firm Simmons & Simmons has hired Umera Ali as a partner in a significant boost to its banking capabilities in the Middle East.
With a career spanning two decades, Umera joins Simmons from a US-headquartered multinational law firm, where she led its Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) banking practice.
Umera advises on both conventional and Islamic finance matters - with a strong track record advising on complex financial instruments and structures and guiding major transactions. Her practice includes a wide range of financing work, including general bank lending, project finance, trade finance, acquisition finance, development and construction finance, and property finance.
Umera has deep expertise and experience in the Saudi market, with an advanced understanding of the complexities of its fast-evolving regulatory environment and economic landscape.
In her new role at Simmons, she will split her time between the firm's Dubai office and its new Riyadh office, which is set to open by summer 2025. From these two Simmons bases, Umera will support a range of national and international clients operating in these countries and across the wider Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region.
Commenting on the partner hire, Muneer Khan, Middle East Head, said: Umera is a first-rate banking lawyer and we're very pleased to have secured her as a partner. Her track record, client relationships and deep understanding of regulatory environments across the Middle East - especially in the KSA - are a huge asset. Umera will play an integral role leading our banking offering in the wider region, supporting our growth ambitions.
On joining Simmons, Umera said: It's great to have joined Simmons as partner ahead of the firm's further expansion in the Middle East. Simmons has a strong presence in the region, supported by an extensive global network, which is a fantastic fit for my banking practice. I'm looking forward to winning mandates across the wider region, supporting clients' complex needs from both the KSA and the UAE.
This news story was originally published on the firm’s website.