We provide legal counsel to financial institutions, borrowers, funds and regulators across a broad spectrum of banking, finance and capital markets transactions. Our team supports clients in structuring innovative financial products, resolving complex transactional issues and ensuring compliance with dynamic regulatory frameworks.
Our expertise spans domestic and cross-border financing arrangements, including syndicated lending, development finance, sovereign borrowing, structured products and debt restructuring. We help clients secure capital, manage risks and navigate the complex legal and commercial considerations that shape financial transactions.
With deep insight into emerging trends such as fintech, Islamic finance, sustainability-linked investments and digital securities, we remain at the forefront of financial innovation. We advise on structuring Sharia-compliant instruments, engaging with regulators and aligning financial activities with both international best practices and local compliance requirements.
Key Capabilities
Local and cross-border financing
We advise clients on the full spectrum of cross-border and local financing arrangements, both secured and unsecured. Our expertise covers syndicated loans, bilateral facilities, trade finance and structured financing solutions tailored to meet the needs of banks, corporate borrowers and multilaterals.
We help navigate regulatory requirements, foreign exchange controls, security enforcement and lender protections, ensuring smooth transaction execution. Our practical approach balances risk mitigation with commercial objectives, enabling clients to access capital efficiently from multiple jurisdictions.
Facilitating complex lending transactions across jurisdictions with regulatory clarity.
Structured finance and debt restructuring
Our team supports lenders, borrowers and advisers in complex syndicated loan arrangements and debt restructuring processes. We assist in negotiating intercreditor agreements, security packages and standstill arrangements to balance stakeholder interests.
Our team is experienced in addressing financial distress scenarios, covenant breaches and refinancing strategies to preserve value and facilitate successful restructurings. We provide guidance on regulatory approvals, insolvency considerations and cross-jurisdictional enforcement.
Facilitating complex lending transactions across jurisdictions with regulatory clarity.
Development Finance Institutions (DFIs)
We provide specialised legal advice to clients involved in projects financed or supported by development finance institutions. Our expertise includes risk allocation, contract negotiation, regulatory compliance and alignment with DFI institutional policies and environmental standards.
We assist sponsors, lenders and public authorities in structuring deals that meet the stringent requirements of DFIs while ensuring commercial viability. Our experience covers diverse sectors such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture and social development, helping clients secure sustainable financing and stakeholder confidence.
Supporting DFI-led projects with tailored legal structuring and compliance.
Islamic finance
We provide legal advisory services on Islamic finance transactions, guiding clients in structuring Sharia-compliant instruments such as Murabaha, Ijara and Sukuk. Our team works closely with financiers, corporates and investors to ensure adherence to Islamic legal principles while achieving commercial objectives.
With a deep understanding of both faith-based finance and regulatory obligations, we support clients through every stage, from conceptualisation to documentation and compliance, bridging traditional Islamic structures with modern financial systems.
Structuring ethical, Sharia-compliant financial instruments for diverse market participants.
Securities and capital markets
The Firm advises on a wide range of securities and capital markets transactions, including initial public offers (IPOs), private placements, debt issuances and listings. We help clients navigate the legal and regulatory landscape to access capital efficiently and remain compliant with market conduct rules.
We work closely with issuers, underwriters and regulators to structure compliant and investor-ready instruments. Whether entering the market or expanding access to funding, we provide sound legal guidance that balances innovation with regulatory precision.
Guiding issuers, investors and intermediaries through public and private capital market transactions.
Pension schemes and sovereign funds
We provide legal advisory services to pension schemes, insurers, sovereign funds and other institutional investors managing long-term capital. We assist in structuring investments, ensuring regulatory compliance and aligning governance frameworks with fiduciary obligations and international best practices.
Our team supports clients in navigating complex asset classes, including infrastructure, private equity and sustainability-linked investments, while mitigating legal and reputational risks.
Advising institutional investors on governance, investment structuring and regulatory compliance.
Regulatory compliance and licensing
The team offers strategic legal support to banks, fintech companies, funds and financial service providers on regulatory compliance and licensing. We assist clients in obtaining and maintaining licenses, interfacing with regulators and developing internal compliance frameworks aligned with local and international standards.
From Central Bank of Kenya licensing requirements to Capital Markets Authority approvals and anti-money laundering compliance, our team ensures clients are well-positioned to meet their obligations, mitigate risks and maintain operational integrity in an increasingly complex local regulatory environment.
Helping financial institutions meet licensing obligations and adapt to evolving regulatory frameworks.
Key Contacts
Ribin N. Ondwari
Partner, Head of Real Estate, Banking & Financial Services
E: ribin@ashitivaadvocates.com
Candice Kola
Partner, Head of Corporate & Finance
E: ckola@ashitivaadvocates.com
