As part of A&O Shearman’s ongoing investment into the UAE and the wider Middle East, Turkey & Africa region, corporate partner Benjamin Crawford has relocated from Beijing to its Abu Dhabi office.
Ben brings a unique skillset, having trained in A&O Shearman’s London office and worked in its Hong Kong, Beijing and Shanghai offices. Admitted to practice both in Hong Kong SAR and Victoria, Australia, he is also fluent in Mandarin Chinese, so his expertise and experience having been based in Greater China for the last 15 years will be a significant differentiator in the region.
Ben’s practice focuses on multijurisdictional cross-border M&A transactions, joint ventures and complex shareholder and commercial arrangements, with extensive experience advising on transactions involving the financial services, technology and energy & natural resources sectors. His arrival will strengthen the firm’s ability to both support Middle East outbound activity in Asia, and also assist Asian clients with their investments into the Middle East.
Ben Ward commented:
“Asia-Middle East investment flows have increased rapidly in both directions in recent years, underpinned by supply chain diversification, energy transitions, digitalization and emerging technologies. The GCC’s growing relationship with Asia is evidenced by many of the gulf sovereign wealth funds increasing their investments in Asia’s markets and also opening offices in key hubs, so it’s clear that this move will enable us to further capitalise on these strategic opportunities.”
Ibrahim Mubaydeen, managing partner of A&O Shearman’s Abu Dhabi office, added:
“Ben’s legal expertise, coupled with his fluency in Mandarin, brings a unique and valuable perspective to our team. His arrival further strengthens our capabilities and will undoubtedly create new synergies and opportunities for our clients, both in the Middle East and Asia.”
