Department profile
Kirkland & Ellis

Capital Markets

Global Guide 2026 : Saudi Arabia

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Kirkland & Ellis

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About

Provided by Kirkland & Ellis

Kirkland & Ellis entered the Saudi Arabian legal market in late 2023 with a clear strategic and bold ambition: to establish the firm as the preeminent international legal advisor in the Kingdom and MENA region. Since that time, our Riyadh office has built a dynamic and respected presence; advising on transformative capital markets transactions, recruiting top-tier local and international talent, and embedding our practice in the Kingdom’s evolving regulatory and investment landscape. 

Our capital markets team is at the heart of this momentum. We advise issuers on public offerings, pre-IPO restructuring and readiness, corporate governance, and securities law compliance. The team has quickly become a trusted advisor to local champions and global players alike, supporting clients across all sectors on their capital formation strategies. Our practice spans the full spectrum of capital markets activity, including:

  • Advising corporates, conglomerates, and financial institutions on public offerings, pre-IPO restructuring and readiness and general advice in relation to corporate governance and securities law.
  • Guiding sovereign wealth funds like PIF and its subsidiaries on regulatory requirements.
  • Supporting foreign inbound investors on cross-border securities transactions within the GCC.
  • Counselling private equity and alternative asset managers on regulatory matters with the Capital Markets Authority.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Capital Markets - Saudi Arabia

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Kirkland & Ellis maintains a dedicated equity capital markets practice which is noted for its frequent activity on IPO listings on the Saudi Exchange. It is typically instructed by issuer clients, acting for leading names in sectors as diverse as technology and construction. In addition to its advice on equity issuances, the Kirkland team also provides guidance on securities regulatory matters.

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Work Highlights

Provided by Chambers

  • Kirkland & Ellis acted as counsel to a leading operator of sports clubs regarding its IPO on the primary market of the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul).

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The Kirkland & Ellis team is helpful and quick to respond. They provide us with succinct and clear advice.

    Capital Markets respondentGlobal

  • Kirkland stands out for its high quality of work, depth of commitment and resources, and the experience of its team.

    Capital Markets respondentGlobal

  • They have proved their ability to think outside the box and deliver innovative solutions that assist in the closing of landmark transactions which have no existing frameworks.

    Capital Markets respondentGlobal

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Manal Al-Musharaf
    Manal Al-Musharaf

    Manal Al-Musharaf

    Manal Al-Musharaf is the key capital markets partner in the Riyadh office of Kirkland & Ellis, which was founded in late 2023. Her work principally covers equity issuances and she is quickly establishing herself as a major name in the market, with extensive experience leading on several noteworthy IPOs.

    • Manal's performance exceeds expectations across all areas.

      Capital Markets respondentGlobal

    • Manal is very good at helping us navigate the way forward and showing us the best approach.

      Capital Markets respondentGlobal

    • Manal Al-Musharaf consistently demonstrates exceptional professionalism, strong client dedication and deep subject matter expertise.

      Capital Markets respondentGlobal

    • She is one of the best lawyers in the Saudi market.

      Capital Markets respondentGlobal
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Ranked Individuals at Kirkland & Ellis (1)

Saudi Arabia

Members

Provided by Kirkland & Ellis

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