Renowned for its expertise in high–value and complex transactions and praised for having 'rich experience in international finance transactions', Akhund Forbes boasts a full-service offering spanning sovereign debt refinancing, loans, and micro-credit transactions for a growing roster of domestic and international clients. The team is also active in advising clients on sovereign debt refinancing matters, as well as liaising with international and multilateral lenders on high-value loans to stabilise the country’s balance of payments. The group’s expertise also extends to assistance with structured sukuk and bond transactions for corporate clients. Rabel Akhund leads the practice with extensive experience acting on behalf of international financial institutions and multinational companies, and he has overseen the firm’s recent expansion to Bangladesh. Akhund is supported by Sahar Iqbal, who has been the go-to counsel for ADB and JS Bank Limited. Senior associate Bilal Awais is another notable name who has worked extensively with the China Development Bank.

At the centre of Pakistan’s banking and financial markets, Haidermota & Co Advocates 'excels in innovative problem-solving' and offers an all-encompassing financial products service, from leveraged and acquisition finance, to Islamic finance and financial restructuring and rescheduling. The team advises the Central Bank of Pakistan on regulatory matters, as well as other multilateral agencies and financial institutions. Co-leading the team is Khozem Haidermota, a sought-after practitioner for complex, high-value deals, Mohammad Anwer, an expert in corporate finance, and Zahra Abid, who uses her knowledge of the financial sector to advise on legislative reform. Other key individuals include M&A lawyers Shabbir Harianawala and Ali Vasi, in addition to Owais Aziz, who heads the firm’s Islamabad’s practice.

A leading firm with a long-established banking practice, Liaquat Merchant Associates advises clients on the full breadth of banking and finance legal services with expertise in Islamic and Sharia compliant modes of financing. The team is well-versed in structuring corporate and consumer financing, leveraged and acquisition financing, and electronic banking. The department is chaired by experienced banking practitioner Faresa Jafarey Ahsan. She is supported by Hira Ahmad, who advises leading banks on finance agreements and regulatory matters, and senior associates Surrina Nasir and Asad Karim.

RIAA BARKER GILLETTE is distinguished for representing leading multinational banks, corporations, and developers across a swathe of sectors. The firm boasts full-service capabilities in the banking and finance arena and handles a wide range of financing and security arrangements, including enforcement actions, debt to equity conversions, and syndicated and substantial loan transactions, as well as Islamic modes of financing; one client praises it for its 'in-depth understanding of project financing transactions'. Taking an innovative approach to new financial instruments, the firm has represented high-profile banks and financial institutions, for example the Export-Import Bank of China, Citibank, IFC, ADB, and the World Bank. The team is led by Bilal Shaukat, who has particular expertise in power projects financing and is supported by Ahsan Zahir Rizvi, an expert in statutory enactments and regulatory frameworks. Hasnain Naqvee leverages his corporate knowledge and operates from the Lahore office. Adil Tirmizey is another key practitioner who advises some of Pakistan’s largest banks on multiple local and cross-border deals.

Headquartered in Karachi, Kabraji & Talibuddin is a leading firm offering full-service banking and finance capabilities, including letters of credit, Islamic financing agreements, and financing from foreign entities, with particular sector focus on aviation financing transactions. With noted expertise in complex onshore and cross-border financial transactions, the team is co-led by Syed Ali Bin Maaz, who leverages his experience in the energy and natural resources sector, and Maheen Faruqui, who boasts a diverse client portfolio of banks and financial institutions, as well as start-ups. Other heads of team include Mubashir Hussain Shah and Kairas Nader Kabraji. Zahra Tariq joined Vellani & Vellani in October 2022.

The Karachi-based banking and financing team at Orr, Dignam & Co. is highly experienced in major transactions and regularly acts for banks, sponsors, export credit agencies, multilateral institutions, Islamic banks, and government agencies. The team is well-equipped to advise on project financing, working capital, and both conventional and Islamic credit facilities. Recently, the practice has assisted leading pharmaceutical companies and brands such as Uber with their financial restructuring within the territory. Well-regarded for their technical expertise, the team is experienced in high-end structured financing in the aviation and fintech industries, and is  jointly led by Zahir Riaz, Aliya Yusuf, Asim Nasim, Shahid Raza, and Umar Shahid.

Nawaz Hussain Sikander has considerable experience in the banking industry, advising major banks and financial institutions on bilateral/syndicate conventional and Islamic financing transactions, structuring transactions, and trade products. The team is also well-versed in developing financing strategies and providing advice on financial documents for both the borrower and the lender. Co-leading the group from Karachi is Imran Nawaz Memon, who leverages his wide-ranging knowledge of corporate and financial transactions, and corporate lawyer, Mir Nasar Ahmad. Mehrunnissa Katpar advises clients on a range of matters including load syndication, Islamic finance, debt restructuring, secured and unsecured lending, and project financing transactions. Umed Ali is another key figure in the team.