Clifford Chance

Clifford Chance advises on US$100 million issuance by International Finance Corporation

Clifford Chance has advised on the issuance of US$100 million floating rate, amortising trust certificates due 2020 (the Issuance) issued by International Finance Corporation (IFC). The Issuance was completed on 15 September 2015 and the trust certificates were admitted to trading on NASDAQ Dubai.

IFC is a member of the World Bank Group and is a supranational organisation providing financing and financial services primarily to the private sector in developing countries that are members of IFC. The Issuance marks the second sukuk issuance by IFC since its establishment in 1956 – IFC previously accessed the sukuk market in 2009 (US$100 million five year sukuk). Proceeds from the Issuance will be used to support IFC's developmental financing activities.

Stuart Ure, partner at Clifford Chance, commented: "We are delighted to have been involved in this transaction, which was completed in the midst of challenging market conditions and we are very pleased to have been asked to support IFC in accessing the Islamic debt capital markets for the second time. The transaction again highlights the capabilities and strength of our Capital Markets practice in the region."

Clifford Chance through its UAE offices, advised the Joint Lead Managers on the Issuance. The team was led by Stuart Ure (Partner), who was assisted by Shauaib Mirza (Senior Associate) and Alekhya Prakash (Associate). Qudeer Latif (Partner and Global Head of Islamic Finance) provided Islamic structuring advice.

Standard Chartered acted as Global Coordinator in connection with the Issuance while Dubai Islamic Bank, HSBC, National Bank of Abu Dhabi and Standard Chartered acted as Joint Lead Managers.

In 2015, Clifford Chance celebrates 40 years of operations in the Middle East since opening its first office in Sharjah in 1975. Over the past four decades the Firm has expanded from a single office to having a strong presence in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Doha and Riyadh with more than 120 permanently based lawyers in the region who are fully integrated into the Firm’s international network of 35 offices in 25 countries.