Leading global law firm Baker McKenzie announces that Philip Clarke will join the Dubai office as a financial regulatory Partner in its Banking & Finance Practice Group. This strategic hire reinforces the Firm’s commitment to expanding its financial regulatory capabilities across the Middle East and globally.
Philip is a highly regarded financial services regulatory lawyer who has built a successful practice from the ground up in the Middle East. He brings significant experience in advising financial institutions on complex regulatory frameworks, including cross-border compliance and supervisory matters. His background includes senior roles at regional regulatory bodies and a client portfolio featuring top-tier institutions.
“With the UAE continually positioning itself as a regional hub for many of our global financial services and fintech clients, we’re pleased to welcome Philip Clarke to Baker McKenzie. His appointment comes at a pivotal time for our Global Banking & Finance Practice,” said Oliver Socher. “His deep regulatory expertise, combined with his experience across private practice, in-house roles, and within a financial services regulator, will be a significant asset to our clients navigating increasingly complex financial landscapes. Philip’s arrival strengthens our capabilities in advising clients on complex regulatory matters and positions us to further deliver seamless, high-quality regulatory advice across jurisdictions.”
Mohammad Al Rasheed, UAE Managing Partner added: “We’re delighted to welcome Philip Clarke to our Dubai office. His deep understanding of the regulatory environment of the UAE, particularly from his time at the Dubai Financial Services Authority, brings invaluable insight to our clients. This also reinforces our commitment to investing in top-tier talent and further strengthens our ability to deliver strategic, market-relevant advice across the Middle East.”
Philip’s addition marks a significant step in strengthening the Firm’s global banking and finance capabilities. With his strong clients’ network and reputation for excellence, Philip is well-positioned to accelerate our growth trajectory and deepen our engagement with key financial markets.
Commenting on his appointment, Philip said: “I'm thrilled to be joining Baker McKenzie at this exciting time. The pace of regulatory change is accelerating and I look forward to helping clients navigate this evolving landscape with confidence, backed by the Firm’s unmatched global reach and collaborative culture”.
Recognised for his pragmatic approach and technical excellence, Philip is ranked in the Chambers and Partners Global 2025 Guide for Regulatory: Financial Services, UAE, and is listed as a “Recommended Lawyer” in the Legal 500 EMEA 2024 Guide for Banking and Finance: Financial Services Regulation. Chambers describes him as “highly competent and having a very pragmatic approach to regulatory issues.”
This appointment further strengthens Baker McKenzie’s ability to support clients across borders, combining deep local knowledge with global perspective. Over the past two years, the Firm has welcomed banking and finance partners include Luke Harber (London), Miles Wadley (Melbourne), Bryan Paisley (Sydney), Miju Damodar (New York), Kevin Heverin (London), Hamish McCormack (Melbourne), Stephan Huis in het Veld (Amsterdam), Conrad Ruppel (Frankfurt), Juan Gelebert (Madrid), Phetole Modika and Pitso Kortjaas (Johannesburg) and Carlo de Vito Piscicelli (Milan).
Baker McKenzie’s global Banking & Finance Practice is renowned for its comprehensive capabilities, offering clients a full spectrum of services across acquisition finance, project finance, restructuring, and more. With deep roots in all major financial centers and extensive coverage of other markets in Asia, EMEA, and the Americas, the Firm provides integrated and cost-effective solutions to meet the complex needs of its clients.