Our people

Roger Byrne

Partner, Head of Region – Oman, Corporate Debt & Project Finance
Oman

Expertise

Roger Byrne is the Head of the Oman office and a banking and finance partner, based in Muscat. He leads the team of English and Arabic lawyers and has practice experience of more than 30 years, including over 16 years in the GCC. Roger is a thought leader in the legal industry of Oman and has been annually ranked in the Hall of Fame in Legal 500, and a 'Band 1 Lawyer' in Chambers & Partners.

Roger has advised on high profile banking, infrastructure and project finance matters and his clients comprise of leading regional and international banks, government / semi-government entities and blue-chip enterprises with a particular focus on industrial, energy and utilities, renewables, oil & gas sectors, mining and fisheries. He also advises issuers and issue managers on debt capital market transactions and sponsors establishing investment funds.

Upon qualification Roger spent a number of years at leading Australian Law Firm, Clayton Utz, where he was a partner for 10 years from 1992. Roger also worked for an Australian listed investment company and New York based investment bank with offices in Australia conducting private equity investments and corporate advisory services for clients conducting M&A and capital raising transactions.

Experience

Advising the Bank Muscat SAOG lead syndicate for the amendment and waiver of its US$ 177,000,000 secured refinancing facility involving both conventional finance and Islamic Finance facility (diminishing Musharaka) for Services & Trade Group (the diversified international construction and diversified industries group) and associated security package.
Advising the Mandated Lead Arrangers to the syndicate of project financing on the further amendment of the US$ 400,000,000 for the Saraya Bandar Jissah Integrated Tourism Complex in Oman.
Advising the Mandated Lead Arrangers to the syndicate of project financing on the further amendment of the US$ 400,000,000 for the Saraya Bandar Jissah Integrated Tourism Complex in Oman.
Advising Bank Muscat SAOG as the lender on its US$45,000,000 project finance term facility to Oman Tower Company LLC for the construction, development and maintenance of 886 Mobile Telecommunication Towers in Oman and the associated security package.
Advising the Mandated Lead Arrangers to the syndicate of project financing on the amendment of the US$ 400,000,000 for the Saraya Bandar Jissah Integrated Tourism Complex in Oman.

Professional Qualifications

Admitted as a Solicitor to the Supreme Court of Queensland
Subsequent admissions to the Supreme Court of New South Wales, Supreme Court of Western Australia, the Federal Court of Australia and the High Court of Australia

Testimonials

"Roger Byrne leads Addleshaw Goddard's Muscat office. Having been based in Oman for 16 years, he has advised on a long list of cutting-edge matters, including Shari'a-compliant financings and high-value syndicated lending facilities. He has further experience advising on banking regulatory work." "He is capable, experienced and arguably the best banking lawyer in Oman." "He is a prolific banking and finance lawyer whose work regularly sees him advise on high-value project finance facilities. He is experienced in acting on both conventional and Islamic finance mandates in this field."

" Roger has a very high understanding of the law. His main quality is that he understands business. Roger is very hands-on. Roger is a lawyer who is always great to work with."

Profile and Client testimonial, Chambers Global 2024 Rankings

"Unique expertise. Competitive fees. Quality work. Quick turnaround time. Value-added services. Approachable. Responsible."

"Strong knowledge of the law and Islamic finance. Good judgement and decision-making skills. Research and analytical skills. Drafting skills. Good communication and listening skills."

Profile and Client testimonial, Legal 500 Global 2024 Rankings

Roger Byrne is arguably the best finance/banking lawyer in Oman.

Client testimonial, Legal 500 2021

Roger Byrne stands out as one of the best banking and finance lawyers in town. His personality, accessibility, knowledge, depth and understanding of the commercial elements are just some of the qualities he exhibits in every transaction.

He is hands-on and quick to grab our mindset. Roger has been a strength of support for us.

Legal 500 2020

Rated in "Hall of Fame" in Oman for banking and finance: 'Roger "runs a very accessible banking group which is known for its industry knowledge and individual partner attention"; "an expert in the field" and "has developed a reputation as a go-to-lawyer for sophisticated and complex banking and finance transactions."

Legal 500

Rated in Band 1 and quotes market commentators as saying Roger "understands the level of service we expect". "Clients praise his strong presence in negotiations and his commercial acumen."

Chambers and Partners