GC Influencers
Most Influential GCs - United Arab Emirates
Simon Copleston of Emirates NBD
Simon Copleston recently joined Emirates NBD after leaving Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB). He joined ADCB in 2008 as its first-ever general counsel. Before this, he worked within the emerging markets and strategic investment and infrastructure teams at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority. He is a UK-qualified solicitor with extensive experience of M&A, private equity and corporate governance matters, among other areas of expertise.
ADCB recently merged with Union National Bank, and subsequently completed its acquisition of Al Hilal Bank as its Shari’a-compliant lending unit. Copleston is regarded as being “at the heart” of this massive transaction. Sources say: “He is a key player who runs a very good team and is always a pleasure to deal with.”
A peer added: “He is very highly thought of within his organisation and within the broader ecosystem here.”
Copleston also spent six years practising with Olswang in London before moving to the Middle East in 2006.
Most Influential GCs - Global-wide
Simon Copleston of Emirates NBD
Simon Copleston joined Emirates NBD at the start of 2021 after leaving Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, where he spent over a decade overseeing the legal team. He joined in 2008 after a having previously specialised in emerging markets deals and infrastructure transactions at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and having spent six years practicing at Olswang. He leads a team of around 20 lawyers, administrative personnel and governance professionals who contribute to the smooth running of the commercial bank, alongside advice on strategic issues and regulatory compliance. Copleston also faces the challenge of a proposed USD114 billion three-way megamerger between the Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Union National Bank and Al Hilal Bank, with ongoing talks between the three to discuss the highly anticipated tie-up.