Published: July 12, 2010
Old hand returns to develop Middle East practice.
Norton Rose has strengthened its banking practice in the Middle East after welcoming a former member of its London team to its Bahrain office.
Mohammed Paracha has returned to the firm after four years to become a partner and deputy global head of Islamic finance. He joins from Al Salam Bank-Bahrain where he was executive vice president and head of Europe.
Jeremy Edwards, Norton Rose’s head of banking, says Paracha brings “valuable experience” with him which will expand the depth of the firm’s Middle East practice.
Paracha adds that Norton Rose’s international reputation in banking and Islamic finance is “second to none” and he is looking forward to continuing its growth.
This appointment is the latest move by Norton Rose to develop its presence in the Middle East, following the relocation of its Islamic finance head, Neil Miller, to the Dubai office last year.
Miller describes Paracha as a “valuable addition” to the firm as his local knowledge and contacts give him an “insight” into the priorities of major banks.
Norton Rose has been active in the Middle East since 1979 and has offices in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, Dubai and Riyadh.
• See emeafinance June/July for a report on Western law firms developing Islamic finance practices in the Middle East