Big news in the financial world! Squire Patton Boggs is bolstering its Financial Services Practice Group in Dubai with the addition of international finance lawyer Joywin Mathew as a partner. This move signals a significant strategic expansion, and here's why it matters.
Joywin Mathew, formerly of DLA Piper, brings nearly two decades of experience to the table, specializing in structured finance, debt finance, and debt capital markets. He's worked in financial hubs like London, Singapore, and, most recently, the UAE. This global perspective is crucial, especially as the Middle East gains prominence in the financial landscape. Jim Barresi, Global Head of the firm’s Financial Services Practice Group, highlights that Mathew's expertise will be key to growing their business, particularly in the Middle East, a region of increasing interest to alternative capital sources and US-based private credit funds.
Ranajoy Basu, Global Head of Structured Finance, adds that Mathew's skills will significantly strengthen their global team. He specializes in debt capital markets, sustainable finance, securitizations, and structured debt, including CLOs and fund finance. The firm is focused on expanding its capabilities in the Middle East and the US, and Mathew's experience will be instrumental in achieving those goals.
Mathew's expertise is broad, encompassing advice to investment funds, private credit funds, sovereign governments, and multinational corporations on international debt transactions. But here's where it gets controversial: He's also an expert in blue finance and climate finance, serving on the United Nations Global Compact’s Ocean Investment Protocol Advisory Board. He also advises on regulatory frameworks for Small Island Developing States. He is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Blue Bond Accelerator (BBA), an initiative focused on driving capital into the sustainable blue economy.
Mathew's career began at White & Case LLP, with secondments at Deutsche Bank and Citigroup. He joined DLA Piper in 2013, working in Singapore, London, and Dubai.
When asked about his move, Mathew stated that Squire Patton Boggs is a powerhouse in financial legal services, making it an ideal choice for clients. The firm has added more than a dozen new professionals over the past year. Recent additions include Heather Rees in Dallas, Trish O’Donnell in New York, and Nathan Menon in London. These hires, along with Ranajoy Basu, Gabriel Yomi Dabiri, Monica Gogna, and Cassandra W. Borchers, demonstrate the firm's commitment to growth.
What do you think? Does this expansion signal a shift in the financial services landscape? Are you seeing more focus on the Middle East? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
