Manager - Deal Structuring & Documentation

This role involves providing expert advice on Shari’ah compliance for Islamic finance structures and facility documents, including Sukuk transactions. The incumbent will ensure all deals align with the Higher Shari’ah Authority UAE – Central Bank regulations, AAOIFI Shariah standards, ISSC guidelines, and supervisory instructions. The position requires close collaboration with internal teams, legal counsels, and external Islamic financial institutions to maintain rigorous Shari’ah compliance across a variety of bespoke and standardized Islamic financial products.

Key Responsibilities

- Advise on the most appropriate Shari’ah structure for transactions, considering regulatory frameworks and supervisory guidance.
- Collaborate with internal and external legal counsels during the drafting of facility documents to ensure Shari’ah compliance is accurately reflected in contractual clauses.
- Liaise with counterparts in other Islamic banks during syndications and club deals to resolve disagreements and finalize documentation.
- Oversee Shari’ah compliance for bespoke bilateral transactions, syndications, and Debt Capital Market (DCM) Sukuk issuances across the bank.
- Assist the Line Manager in preparing and delivering presentations to the Internal Shariah Supervision Committee (ISSC) to obtain necessary approvals.
- Present concepts and documentation to Executive Members or ISSC, respond to queries, and secure required approvals.
- Maintain a strong understanding of local and regional Islamic banking regulations and ensure adherence in daily operations.
- Provide Shari’ah advisory support on new Islamic products recommended by product teams and business units across Corporate & Investment Banking Group (CIBG), Islamic Banking Group (IBG), and Treasury & Capital Markets (TCM).
- Review and approve product contracts and documents related to Islamic products.
- Address business and product queries related to Shari’ah matters promptly.
- Coordinate with business, product, and legal teams to prepare or amend legal documents in line with Shari’ah compliance requirements.
- Conduct document and Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) mapping to identify Shari’ah sensitivities and recommend action items.
- Review digital journey screens for each product from a Shari’ah perspective, ensuring compliance with ISSC guidelines.
- Collaborate closely with business and IT teams to guide the development of digital journey screens for both liability and asset products.
- Maintain and update e-learning materials related to Shari’ah compliance as needed.
- Deliver wholesale-related training as part of the annual training plan and provide training for new product launches.
- Work effectively within a framework that includes Treasury, Wholesale, Retail teams, Investment Banking, internal and external legal counsels, and counterparts in other Islamic financial institutions.
- Ensure all activities comply with bank policies, AAOIFI Shariah standards, and ISSC guidelines.
- Demonstrate problem-solving skills by completing tasks efficiently without compromising Shari’ah compliance and by proposing innovative, compliant solutions.
- Exercise delegated Shari’ah approval authority as assigned by the Head of Islamic Finance for advisory and Shari’ah controls.

Required Qualifications

- Bachelor’s degree or professional qualification in commerce, business, or banking.
- Certification or qualification in Islamic Banking, preferably AAOIFI certifications.
- Extensive exposure to Shari’ah principles through formal studies, courses, or significant on-the-job experience.
- Exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders across the bank on technical matters.
- Proficiency in MS Office applications.
- Minimum of ten years of professional experience, including at least seven years in the Islamic financial sector (financial institutions, accounting, or auditing firms).

This position demands a deep understanding of Islamic finance principles, regulatory frameworks, and the ability to navigate complex transactions while ensuring full Shari’ah compliance. The successful candidate will play a critical role in upholding the bank’s reputation and adherence to Islamic banking standards.