M. Shams Billah

Corporate

Debt Finance

Emerging Companies and Venture Capital

Energy

Family Office

Financial Innovation and Regulation

Shams Billah navigates complex loan agreements for lenders and borrowers, orchestrating deals ranging from $1 million to $10+ billion. His responsive, no-frills approach to getting the right result and ability to resolve intricate finance issues as the deal progresses make him a go-to advisor for credit funds, global asset managers, and private equity firms.

Shams's versatile fluency in both buy-and-hold credit strategies and syndicated finance transactions translates into tangible benefits for those he serves. He guides clients through a variety of deals across a multitude of industries, including healthcare, media, technology, and manufacturing. His commercial mindset, honed during his time in investment banking, ensures efficiency and pragmatism in everything he does.

As the co-head of Barnes & Thornburg's Debt Finance group and leader of the Private Credit team, Shams leverages his broad market knowledge to structure senior, mezzanine, and subordinated loans, as well as complex inter-creditor arrangements. He also supports clients faced with debt restructurings and bankruptcies, negotiating workouts and debtor-in-possession and exit facilities with precision.

Shams also brings unique value to clients through his deep experience in Islamic finance and other Sharia-compliant transactions. As a thought leader in this niche space, he has published and lectured extensively across the United States, providing clients with innovative financing solutions that align with their specific values and needs.

University of Pennsylvania Law School

J.D., magna cum laude

The George Washington University

B.A., economics, summa cum laude

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Arts and Sciences

Middle East and Islamic Studies Certificate

Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania

Business and Public Policy Certificate