TeamDedicated professionals with a genuine desire to see our clients succeed

About us

Under the leadership of Managing Partner Nathan Banks, the Banks Legal Group operates as a comprehensive legal and corporate services consultancy in the GCC.



The group consists of Banks Legal (RAK), Banks Corporate Services (Dubai), Banks Legal Limited (ADGM), Ebinnah Banks Law (KSA) and Banks Legal (Pakistan). Our diverse clientele spans various industries and sectors, ranging from individuals and family offices to SMEs and reputable multinational corporations.

Established
By Nathan Banks

2009

Offices

Abu Dhabi

Dubai

Ras Al Khaimah

Saudi Arabia

Pakistan

UAE / KSA

Our team have a wealth of experience from leading international law firms and a number of in-house environments. More than just experts in their practice areas, our people are dedicated, engaged professionals who take the time to understand our clients’ businesses.

Partners

Founder

Nathan BanksFounder & Managing Partner

Nathan, Founder and Managing Partner of Banks Legal, has 25 years of legal experience, 20 of which were dedicated to practicing law in the UAE/GCC region.

His expertise spans corporate, commercial, and business law, complemented by a robust track record in facilitating diverse transactions, including numerous cross-jurisdictional acquisitions and dispositions for clients.

In his role as Founder and Managing Partner of Banks Legal, Nathan primarily oversees the firm’s regional offices and practices. He actively interacts with clients and his team to ensure the provision of high-quality, cost-effective services.

Amir DahbainPartner

Amir is a Partner at Banks Legal with over 24 years of legal experience. He has practiced law in the UAE for the last 25 years. Before becoming part of Banks Legal, Amir served for five years at a distinguished international law firm in Dubai. Additionally, he contributed 15 years to the operations of the Abu Dhabi Criminal Investigation Department.

Amir’s key areas of practice include:
Dispute Resolution
Employment
PRO Services
Commercial Matters
Freezone & Offshore Company Registration
UAE Company Registration
Business Sponsorship
Foreign Direct Investment
Lawyers
Hassaan AhmedSenior Associate

Hassaan Ahmed, a Senior Associate at Banks Legal, has 8 years of experience in both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, specializing in Corporate/M&A.

He has held diverse roles at a leading international law firm in Pakistan and has contributed to projects globally.

He regularly advises corporations involved in joint ventures, corporate and M&A transactions across a range of sectors including real estate, media groups, banks, education, retail and energy. He has significant experience providing counsel on IPOs, M&A, intellectual property issues, private equity, corporate finance, and project-related affairs. His clientele includes a diverse range of financial institutions, private equity investors, and corporations.

Hassaan obtained his LLB (Honours) from Cardiff University, UK, and further completed his Legal Practice Course (with Business) from BPP, UK.

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Icaro AvelarSenior Associate

Icaro is a Senior Associate at Banks Legal, holding a law degree from Brazil and boasting 14 years of experience.

His career is divided between 7 years specializing in corporate law and 7 years focusing on financial and digital assets, allowing him to blend traditional corporate expertise with cutting-edge knowledge in fintech and blockchain technology.

His legal journey has equipped him with a deep understanding of corporate governance, business transactions, and regulatory challenges. Icaro’s comprehensive experience in financial and digital assets also positions him as a trusted advisor for clients navigating the increasingly dynamic digital landscape.

At Banks Legal, Icaro plays a key role in offering strategic legal advice, working closely with clients to deliver solutions that align with both current legal standards and emerging trends in finance and technology.

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Imran LiaqatGovernment Liaison Officer

Imran is a seasoned Public Relations Officer (PRO) at Banks Group, with 8 years of experience managing government relations and administrative processes across the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

His 5 years of work in the UAE, combined with 3 years of experience in Saudi Arabia, have equipped him with an in-depth understanding of the regional regulatory landscape.

Imran is skilled in handling visa applications, trade licenses, and corporate documentation, ensuring smooth and efficient interactions with government entities. His expertise supports clients and colleagues alike, streamlining compliance and operational requirements within the firm.

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Selvi PoinenConsultant

Selvi Poinen is a Compliance Consultant with nearly a decade of experience in AML/CFT, client due diligence, and regulatory compliance across the financial services sector.

At Banks Corporate Services DMCC, she oversees onboarding processes, ensures adherence to UAE regulatory frameworks, and maintains strong compliance governance.

Selvi holds a BSc in Financial Services with Law and an International Graduate Diploma in Financial Crime Compliance. Her expertise supports the firm’s mission to uphold the highest standards of integrity and regulatory compliance.

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Vassanda PeriatambySenior Associate

Vassanda is a Senior Associate at Banks Legal with 12 years of legal experience in Paris, France and Dubai, UAE.

Vassanda’s key professional strengths include corporate structuring (or re-structuring) in the UAE, legacy planning, corporate governance/ legal due diligence/ compliance and regulatory matters.

Vassanda can efficiently assist and advise clients from different backgrounds, languages and cultures.

A Mauritian citizen, Vassanda is bilingual – equipped with technical drafting abilities both in French and English.

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Pakistan

With diverse backgrounds at premier global law firms and various in-house positions, our team offers unmatched experience. But more than just legal specialists, we are dedicated professionals who prioritise understanding our clients’ unique challenges and goals.

Partners
Hassaan Ahmed
Partner

Hassaan Ahmed, a Senior Associate at Banks Legal, has 8 years of experience in both Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates, specializing in Corporate/M&A.

He has held diverse roles at a leading international law firm in Pakistan and has contributed to projects globally.

He regularly advises corporations involved in joint ventures, corporate and M&A transactions across a range of sectors including real estate, media groups, banks, education, retail and energy. He has significant experience providing counsel on IPOs, M&A, intellectual property issues, private equity, corporate finance, and project-related affairs. His clientele includes a diverse range of financial institutions, private equity investors, and corporations.

Hassaan obtained his LLB (Honours) from Cardiff University, UK, and further completed his Legal Practice Course (with Business) from BPP, UK.

Lawyers
Mian Sohail ShoaibSenior Associate

Mian is a law graduate from the University of London in 2014, has garnered significant experience in the legal field.

He served as a Senior Associate at firms like Ali & Qazi (Advocates & Advisors) and Hassaan Ahmed Law Associates. Sohail has managed diverse Banking & Corporate matters, representing high-net-worth clients before various forums, including the High Court, Banking Courts, Intellectual Property Tribunal, and Environmental Tribunal.

Notable clients include Silk Bank Limited, Dawn Bread, Park View City, SAMAA News, Waste Management Pakistan Ltd etc. One of his notable achievements was representing Country Paper Mills against NEPRA, resulting in a historic relief countrywide for consumers. Currently, Sohail is actively involved in Corporate/M&A transactions, supporting the Partner in executing deals related to Banks, Real Estate, and Media Groups.

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Shahjahan HaiderAssociate Corporate

Shahjahan is a 2020 law graduate from the University of Punjab, Pakistan, boasts over 3 years of valuable corporate experience.

Recognised as one of the standout associates at the firm, Shahjahan has seamlessly integrated into our corporate team, showcasing exceptional dedication and hard work.

His areas of specialisation include real estate, competition laws, and IT laws.

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CareersAs a law firm, Banks Legal offers a progressive environment and collaborative culture. We pride ourselves on offering a professional rewarding environment, while extending greater flexibility for easily managing personal and family commitments and lifestyle.
We are constantly on the lookout for talented and self-motivated lawyers and consultants with international law firm experience, who can work largely autonomously on projects.

If this sounds like you, please email us your CV.

All applications will be held in strict confidence.

We deliver our services with a focus on quality and achieving impressive resultsOur legal expertise protects your interests and achieves meaningful outcomes. Whether handling litigation, transactions, or asset protection, we are committed to excellence.