Focus on International Finance, Nairobi

Faizal is a UK qualified lawyer and for many years has worked and advised, and is a trusted advisor to institutions, corporates and families across the Middle East, Africa and India. Faizal specialises in banking and finance and has advised corporates, family offices and families including on their international investment and holding structures.

Peter Okaalet Jr. is a Partner at Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews in the Corporate, Commercial, and Real Estate Department. With over 13 years of experience, he is an expert in mergers and acquisitions transactions, corporate reorganizations and restructurings, and business set-ups. Peter's expertise also extends to advising on joint ventures and private equity, employment, regulatory compliance, and infrastructure & public-private partnerships (PPPs) projects as well regulation of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and capital market transactions. He also possesses valuable experience in handling complex multi-jurisdictional mandates and his expertise covers all aspects of corporate and commercial law. Peter is recognized by international legal directories as an ‘Up-and-Coming’ rising star for his impressive work involving listed companies. Based in Nairobi, he also has significant experience representing high-street banks.

Christine Maina is the CEO of the East Africa Venture Capital Association (EAVCA). She has over 16 years of experience in Business, Trade, and Investment across the Region. Her expertise spans organisational leadership, marketing communications, cross-border advisory, and bilateral trade negotiations. Christine is a passionate advocate for increased investment in East Africa as a driver of sustainable economic growth. Through her role at EAVCA, she works to strengthen the region’s private capital ecosystem and position East Africa as a strategic destination for investors.

Sevyn, an English Solicitor and Jersey Advocate, is Partner in Bedell Cristin's International Private Client team, based in Jersey. He is a private wealth specialist experienced in advising on private wealth, corporate, investment and philanthropic structures (via trusts, foundations, private trust companies and family offices). He has considerable expertise in advising on complex trust and corporate matters, often involving family business interests, and is regularly instructed by clients to coordinate their global structuring. Sevyn has significant experience in family governance matters, succession planning in the context of family businesses and the structuring and establishment of both single and multi-family offices. He is also one of the leading experts on the use of Jersey foundations and the establishment of charitable and philanthropic structures in Jersey.

Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews, a Kenyan law firm with the world’s largest footprint, is a firm with a tradition of excellence dating back to 1902. The firm has built a reputation as one of the most prestigious law firms in Kenya which means clients benefit from a depth of understanding that underpins solution-driven advice. We have gained a reputation of being trusted legal advisors to both our local and our international clients across an array of practices and sectors. Dentons Hamilton Harrison & Mathews has consistently been rated as top tier dispute resolution and corporate mergers and acquisition law firm in Kenya by various international legal directories including Chambers Global, IFLR 1000 and Legal 500.

‘One of Kenya’s oldest law firms, that has built and retained a legacy of great competence and respect.’- Legal 500

‘They have an engaged team who give regular updates on ongoing matters. They are always available for consultation and advice. The advice provided is practical and sound. Good use of technology.’- Legal 500