Katharine Lewis is a partner in the Banking and Finance team specialising in conventional and Shariah-compliant finance, advising lenders, investors, corporates and public sector bodies on UK real estate finance and complex cross-border transactions, with particular recognition for her expertise in Islamic finance.
Katharine Lewis helps lenders, investors, developers and financial institutions unlock opportunities in complex real estate and Islamic finance transactions. Whether supporting inward investment into UK real estate, financing large-scale developments or structuring cross-border investments, she is known for providing clear, commercially focused advice that enables clients to move forward with confidence.
Katharine advises on a broad range of conventional and Shariah-compliant financing transactions, acting for borrowers and lenders on acquisition and development financings, refinancings, senior and mezzanine facilities, syndicated loans and investment platform structures. Her experience spans all major real estate asset classes, including build-to-rent, student accommodation, hotels, offices, mixed-use developments and residential property, giving her a practical understanding of the commercial drivers behind real estate investment and development.
As a key partner in Trowers & Hamlins' market-leading Islamic finance practice, Katharine is a trusted adviser to Islamic banks, investment houses, government-related entities and Middle Eastern investors. She advises on the full range of Shariah-compliant structures, including Murabaha, Ijara, Musharaka, Wakala and Istisna'a arrangements, and is particularly valued for her ability to align commercial objectives with Shariah governance requirements. Clients appreciate her skill in making sophisticated financing structures accessible and workable in practice, helping them navigate complex transactions without losing sight of their commercial priorities.
Her experience includes advising an Isle of Man-based borrower on a cross-border financing for the development and investment of UK student accommodation assets, delivering the transaction within an accelerated four-week timetable; advising a Jersey-based purchaser on a £5.5 million mezzanine financing supporting the acquisition of a 354-bed student accommodation portfolio, involving a bespoke escrow structure and complex intercreditor arrangements; advising Angel Gardens Property Company Limited on a £104 million refinancing provided by a Blackstone-controlled funding entity; and acting on the transition of Ahli United Bank (UK) (now KFH UK PLC) from a conventional bank to an Islamic bank, one of the most significant projects of its kind in the UK market.
Katharine's clients include Apache Capital Partners, Estate Capital (formerly Dimah Capital Investment Company KSCC), KFH UK PLC and a range of international lenders, investors and financial institutions. She is known for combining technical excellence with commercial insight, delivering practical solutions and building long-term relationships as a trusted adviser to her clients.
