Relevant Experience

Encik Jal Othman, was appointed as Independent Director of CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad on 26 January 2018  and is a Member of the Board Risk Committee.

 

He heads the Islamic Finance practice in Shook Lin & Bok, one of the oldest and largest law firm in Malaysia. Encik Jal was instrumental in setting up the Islamic Finance practice and continues to chart the course of this practice area within the Firm.

 

Encik Jal heads a team of approximately 20 lawyers advising on Islamic finance deals.  His portfolio of work includes advising on a wide range of sukuk issuances for financing power plants in Malaysia and China, vessel construction, project fnancing for the automotive industry, the textile and garment industry, the downstream and upstream palm oil industry, advising on Islamic structured products and Islamic syndicated financing.

Encik Jal is also actively involved in the drive for innovation in the industry and in this respect Encik Jal leads the team advising on various product developments for Islamic banks, both in Malaysia and abroad.    

 

In addition to Islamic Finance, Encik Jal’s other major areas of practice are corporate commercial law and real estate. His experience in advising on some major cross border mergers and acquisition and real estate acquisitions have benefited him in his role as an Islamic Finance lawyer. Encik Jal is the deputy head of the conventional banking and finance department.    

 

Encik Jal holds positions in INCEIF University (an institution established under the auspices of the Malaysian Central Bank). Encik Jal has also been commissioned by the Malaysian Securities Commission and the Rating Agency of Malaysia in relation to product development and regulatory requirements. Encik Jal is also involved in law reform with his involvement in the Malaysian Central Bank committee for Islamic Finance Law Reform.

 

Encik Jal also sits on the technical committees of the Malaysia Accounting Standards Board (“MASB”) and the Malaysia Institute of Accountants (“MIA”). Additionally, he is also a moderator with the Finance Accreditation Agency (“FAA”) and an arbitrator for Islamic Finance with the Kuala Lumpur Regional Centre for Arbitration (“KLRCA”). Encik Jal is also a chapter reviewer and contributor for the International Shariah Research Academy (“ISRA”).   

 

After graduating from Queen Mary & Westfield College of the University of London and after completing the Malaysian Bar examinations, Encik Jal commenced his pupilage in Shook Lin & Bok and continued his employment with the Firm, culminating in his admission as a partner in 2001. He continued his progression within the Firm with his elevation as a senior partner of the Firm in 2004. 

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