Omar Shafi

OMAR SHAFI works on a broad range of debt capital markets transactions, including standalone bonds, Euro Medium-Term Note programs, liability management, hybrid and regulatory capital instruments, convertible bonds, commercial paper, and debt advisory work.

Omar acts for both lead managers and issuers in relation to bonds issued by financial institutions, corporates, and sovereigns.

Building on his traditional capital markets background, Omar has also worked on the development and implementation of innovative disruptive technology (blockchain-based structures, advanced delivery solutions, automation, and smart contracts) internationally.

Omar has received acknowledgment from several industry ranking guides:

• Legal 500 UK 2026 – Ranked as a “Leading Associate” for Debt Capital Markets.
• Legal 500 UK 2025 – Ranked as a “Leading Associate” for Debt Capital Markets, being recognized as “a key adviser to some of the firm’s flagship corporate and bank clients”, with sources noting that he “stands out for his exceptional approach in terms of quality of legal advice, personal care and support.” Omar was also described as an “excellent solicitor who is pragmatic and delivers effective, nuanced solutions with a very high attention to detail.” He is “trusted as an advisor and to act in the client’s best interests.” Another client said, “I have known him for many years and have always enjoyed working with him. Omar has excellent legal skills and an incredible attention to detail. He is pragmatic and very focused on finding solutions that work for all parties. Omar is sharp-witted and has a keen sense of humour.”
• Best Lawyers 2023 and 2024 – Recognized as “Ones to Watch” for Capital Markets Law.

Examples of Omar’s work include advising:

• JSC Bank of Georgia on the GEL 450 million offering of 11.50% senior unsecured Notes due 17 November 2028.
• Juventus Football Club S.p.A. on the successful private placement of its €150 million bond issuance.
• BNP Paribas and the other Managers in connection with the issue by Commonwealth Bank of Australia of €1,500,000,000 2.907 per cent. Covered Bonds due 2030 under its Covered Bond Program.
• Coca-Cola Europacific Partners in connection with the offering of its €600 million 3.250 per cent. Notes due 2032.
• Caterpillar Financial Services Corp. (CFSC) in connection with the issuance of €800 million 3.023 per cent. Notes due 2027 under its Euro Medium-Term Note Program.
• Australia’s Worley Group on the establishment of its US$2 billion EMTN program, its debut issue of €500 million five-year sustainability-linked bonds, the establishment of its Euro Commercial Paper program for the purposes of accessing the Joint HM Treasury and Bank of England Covid Corporate Financing Facility, and its April 2023 issue of A$350 million 5.95% sustainability-linked bonds, which was awarded “Australian Innovative Deal of the Year 2023” by KangaNews.
• Bank of Cyprus in connection with:
  • the issuance of its €300 million Fixed to Floating Rate Senior Preferred Green Notes due May 2029, which was awarded “Best Financial Institution Bond in SEE” for 2023 by EMEA Finance; and
  • the issuance of its €220 million Fixed Rate Reset Perpetual Additional Tier 1 Capital Securities, and its concurrent cash tender offer to holders of its outstanding additional tier 1 capital securities.
• HeadFirst Global in relation to the convertible and non-convertible loan notes used as partial consideration for its recommended offer to acquire AIM-listed Impellam Group for approx. £483.2 million.
• On standalone bond issuances, EMTN programs, ECP programs, and bond issuances thereunder for a number of large European, Australian, and U.S. corporate and financial institution issuers (including Bank of Cyprus, GSK, McDonald’s, Commonwealth Bank of Australia, American Honda, W.P. Carey, Realty Income, Westpac, and Worley).
• On a number of hybrid capital instruments for large corporate issuers.
• On the world’s first blockchain bond platform established by a major international bank and a digital bond issuance thereunder.
• On a number of standalone regulatory capital (additional tier 1 and tier 2) debt instruments for financial institution issuers, including the first-ever Swedish convertible additional tier 1 issuance.
• On covered bond programs and issuances thereunder for a number of Nordic financial institution issuers.
• On standalone bond issuances, EMTN programs, and bond issuances thereunder for a number of alternative investment fund issuers.
• On a number of emerging-market bond issues and tender offers involving sovereign and financial institution issuers.
• A major supranational financial organization in relation to its investment in “green” debt capital markets products.
• A number of large corporate issuers in relation to the Bank of England’s Covid Corporate Financing Facility.
• A number of well-known corporate issuers in relation to convertible bond issues.
• An Irish corporate in relation to its exchangeable bond issue.
• A number of issuers and dealer managers in relation to liability management exercises, including tender offers, consent solicitations, and exchange offers.

*Some of the above matters were handled prior to joining Sidley.