André Abou Aad
Seasoned Financial Services Regulatory lawyer (ex-regulator/White Shoe/Magic Circle)
The move
MoveNorton Rose Fulbright → DIFC
TitleCounsel → Senior Vice President of Legal
LocationDubai → Dubai
First time at this levelYes ★
Cross-border moveNo — same country
UAE federal / sovereign destinationYes ★
Native languageFrench, Arabic
Years in UAE11.1
Total experience13.9 years
DIFC headcount201-500 employees
DIFC industryFinancial Services
DIFC HQDubai
DIFC founded2004
DIFC typeGovernment Agency
Career arc
- Senior Vice President of LegalMay 2026 — Present
DIFC· Dubai, United Arab Emirates· Full-time - CounselMar 2022 — Nov 2024
Norton Rose Fulbright· Dubai, United Arab Emirates· Full-time - Legal DirectorJul 2019 — Feb 2022
Clyde & Co· Dubai· Full-time - Senior AssociateJan 2018 — Jun 2019
Baker McKenzie· Dubai International Financial Centre, Dubai, United Arab Emirates· Full-time
- Senior AssociateJul 2016 — Nov 2017
Clifford Chance· Dubai· Full-time
- Senior Legal CounselFeb 2016 — Jul 2016DDubai Financial Services Authority· Dubai· Full-time
- Legal CounselJun 2013 — Feb 2016
DFSA· Dubai
- AttorneyJan 2011 — May 2012
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP· Manhattan, New York, United States· Full-time
- LegalApr 2010 — Oct 2010
UNDP - AttorneyMar 2005 — Feb 2006
Zein Law Firm· Lebanon
Education
- Boston University School of LawLL.M. · Banking and Financial Law2007 — 2008
- Université Panthéon Assas (Paris II) / USJD.E.A. (LL.M.) · Banking and Financial Law2004 — 2006
- Harvard Law SchoolCertification · Mediation and Negotiation2008 — 2008
- Saint Joseph University of BeirutLicence en Droit (J.D.) · International Private Law1999 — 2003
- Collège Notre-Dame de JamhourFrench Baccalauréat · Mathematics and Philosophy1987 — 1999
Languages
- Spanish · Elementary
- Portuguese · Elementary
- French · Native or bilingual
- Arabic · Native or bilingual
- English · Full professional
Top skills
Project FinanceNegotiationMediationPublic SectorBank MergersInvestment Funds
About
Senior financial regulatory lawyer with over a decade of experience advising global financial institutions, fintechs, and virtual asset providers on UAE, DIFC, and ADGM regulatory frameworks. I specialize in licensing, AML/CFT, sanctions, conduct of business, cross-border compliance, and regulatory strategy. I’ve led end-to-end regulatory projects involving innovative financial infrastructure, advised on enforcement and supervisory matters, and supported clients throughout the regulatory lifecycle. My experience spans roles at both a financial regulator and leading international law firms, including white shoe and Magic Circle practices.