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Our practices

Capital markets

Ranked as a Tier 1 firm for corporate and M&A by Chambers Global, Legal 500 and IFLR1000, we combine extraordinary ability with cross-sector expertise.

Well-versed in debt and equity capital markets transactions, our services range from routine capital-raising efforts to innovative and groundbreaking work. We provide creative and pragmatic solutions, and together, with our expertise in corporate governance, securities regulation, tax and restructuring, we deliver seamless, comprehensive advice.

We have extensive experience in various transactions, including public and private debt and equity offerings in the domestic and cross-border markets, initial public offerings, rights issues, structured finance products, securitisations and privatisations.

Issuers, investors and underwriters rely heavily upon our advice. Our clients include public, private and institutional entities, from emerging companies to established multinationals and investment banks to venture capitalists, governments to funds and companies in the energy, telecommunications, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing industries.

Our capital-raising efforts include prospectus offerings and private equity and debt securities placements in Pakistan and internationally.

We advise on various risk management, corporate governance, regulatory and disclosure obligations that require us to interact with securities and exchange commissions and boards of directors, compliance teams, investor relations professionals and shareholders.

Contact our lead capital markets partner, Bilal Shaukat, today.

At a glance
  • Al-Meezan Investment Bank Limited, represented client in the Initial Public Offer of Rs. 270m.
  • ICI Pakistan Limited, represented client in relation to Rs.1b term finance certificates issued by client.
  • OGDC, represented client in GDRs of US$ 1b.
  • PTC, represented client in GDRs of US$ 900m.
  • Sui Southern Gas Company Limited, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited, Lakson Tobacco Company Limited and Sapphire Textile Mills Limited, represented clients in issuance of Term Finance Certificates.
Practice areas
  • Bonds, Finance Certificates and Depository Receipts
  • Compliance
  • Corporate finance
  • Corporate governance
  • Debt capital markets
  • Equity capital markets
  • Islamic finance
  • Private placements
  • Privatizations
  • Prospectus issues
  • Regulatory and government affairs
  • Securitizations
  • Security offerings
  • Structured finance
  • Tax

News/Insight

  • Venture Capital Bill, 2026: RIAA submits comments to SECP

    The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan has published the draft Venture Capital Bill, 2026 for public consultation, proposing a dedicated statutory framework for venture capital funds and the companies that manage them.

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  • DHA City: advising on first developer NEPRA distribution licence

    The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) has granted DHA Energy Supply Company (DESCO) two licences for DHA City Karachi. The first is a NEPRA distribution licence, and the second makes DESCO the development's supplier of last resort. RIAA Barker Gillette advised DESCO throughout the application. No licensee outside the l...


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  • Pakistan safeguard investigation: NTC initiates first CPFTA case

    The National Tariff Commission (NTC) has initiated Pakistan's first safeguard investigation, acting on an application that RIAA Barker Gillette prepared for the domestic industry. The case concerns a surge in imports of vulcanised rubber thread and cord from China. It proceeds under Article 27 of the&nbs...


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  • Islamic financing behind Pakistan’s landmark PIA privatisation

    In June 2026, management control of Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) passed to PIA Equity Limited, completing Pakistan's first major privatisation in nearly two decades. A consortium led by Arif Habib Corporation and including Lake City Holdings had won the December 2025 auction, with a PKR 135 billion bid se...


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  • A Vessel Renamed, Reflagged and Sold — and Still Arrested in Karachi

    A shipowner that sees an arrest coming has a familiar playbook. Sell the vessel to a fresh company, reflag it and give it a new name, all before the claimant can act. The Sindh High Court has now confirmed that those manoeuvres will not, by themselves, defeat an arrest, at least where the claimant can show the sale for the façade it is. Acting for the cargo owner, Orkun Group Zanzi...


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What clients say...

  • Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025

    "RIAA Barker Gillette has always had the most apt ability to handle, manage and steer complex and difficult matters in the right legal direction."

  • Legal 500 2025

    "We have worked with RIAA on a number of complex multi-jurisdictional matters. Throughout, they provided not only exceptional local advice but proved excellent at collaborating with firms across the world. They were instrumental in developing and implementing a comprehensive strategy."

  • Chambers Asia-Pacific 2025

    "Our operation is complex and has many nuances, and they have helped us navigate all of them promptly and professionally."

  • Legal 500 2024

    "Very professional firm, able to provide clear, concise and constructive advice. Proven very astute in formulating overall strategies of engagement."

  • Chambers Asia-Pacific 2024

    "RIAA is highly professional, meeting tight deadlines with the utmost proficiency. They have always come up with out-of-the-box solutions."

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