Evgeny Yafasov

Evgeny is a bilingual English/Russian lawyer specializing in commercial transactions, corporate and private wealth structuring, and cross-border asset protection across the UAE, the GCC, UK, and EU. With over 30 years living in the UAE, Evgeny is widely recognized for his deep regional market insight and his ability to structure complex, high-value transactions with a commercially strategic approach and nuanced regulatory understanding across mainland UAE, DIFC, ADGM, and international jurisdictions.

His practice is particularly focused on:

• High-value commercial dealings, investments and joint venture arrangements
• Corporate structures, asset transfers, investor and shareholder advisory
• Cross-border asset structuring and succession planning
• Foundations and wealth preservation frameworks
• Advisory to family offices and multi-generational estates

Evgeny advises large corporations, family offices, and high-net-worth individuals within the GCC and internationally on the structuring and preservation of substantial investment portfolios and diversified assets. His work frequently involves designing robust holding structures, foundation vehicles, and governance frameworks to facilitate transactions, mitigate risk exposure, and optimize cross-border tax and regulatory positioning.

He holds a B.A. in Law and Business Studies from the University of Warwick (UK) and an LL.M. in International Legal Practice (Distinction) from the University of Law (London). He has also completed the Legal Practice Course (LPC) and the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) at BPP Law School.

Recent Cases:

• Arranged and advised on a £25 million mezzanine loan for a £200 million GDV residential development project in Belgravia, London.

• Sell-side advisory on the acquisition of a leading mortar manufacturer by a Swiss multinational corporation for CHF 17 million, including inter-shareholder credit restructuring, SPV de-offshorization as well as drafting of shareholder agreements, term sheets and SPAs.
• Advised a $150 million valued chauffeur ride-hailing app on expansion in the GCC market, including drafting of legal opinion, pre-series B equity raise terms and reviewing SPAs.

• Devised a GCC expansion plan for a London-based F&B chain including advising on entity formation and structuring, reviewing franchising and licensing agreements.