Bio
Karishma is an Attorney-at-Law and Senior Associate at Appleby with over a decade of experience specializing in banking and finance and corporate and commercial law.
Her practice focuses on capital markets, securities offerings, complex restructurings, and insolvency. With a career spanning Mauritius, Jersey, and the Seychelles, Karishma brings a versatile, multi-jurisdictional perspective to high-value corporate finance and advisory transactions. Karishma is a fluent bilingual (English and French) practitioner committed to delivering strategic legal insight for global financial institutions and corporations.
Karishma’s expertise is defined by managing landmark mandates, most notably serving as Mauritian counsel for the liquidators on the 1MDB global financial scandal, one of the world’s most significant asset recovery and insolvency cases. Karishma brings a sophisticated understanding of the UAE investment landscape, having spearheaded legal mandates for prominent regional entities such as Allied Gold Corp and Consolidated Copper Corp.
A bilingual practitioner (English and French) with a year-long secondment in the Channel Islands, Karishma offers a unique versatility in bridging the gap between Middle Eastern capital, Africa, Asia and offshore regulatory frameworks.
Bio
Karishma is an Attorney-at-Law and Senior Associate at Appleby with over a decade of experience specializing in banking and finance and corporate and commercial law.
Her practice focuses on capital markets, securities offerings, complex restructurings, and insolvency. With a career spanning Mauritius, Jersey, and the Seychelles, Karishma brings a versatile, multi-jurisdictional perspective to high-value corporate finance and advisory transactions. Karishma is a fluent bilingual (English and French) practitioner committed to delivering strategic legal insight for global financial institutions and corporations.
Karishma’s expertise is defined by managing landmark mandates, most notably serving as Mauritian counsel for the liquidators on the 1MDB global financial scandal, one of the world’s most significant asset recovery and insolvency cases. Karishma brings a sophisticated understanding of the UAE investment landscape, having spearheaded legal mandates for prominent regional entities such as Allied Gold Corp and Consolidated Copper Corp.
A bilingual practitioner (English and French) with a year-long secondment in the Channel Islands, Karishma offers a unique versatility in bridging the gap between Middle Eastern capital, Africa, Asia and offshore regulatory frameworks.
Work Highlights
MIDDLE EAST & CROSS-BORDER EXPERTISE
Karishma possesses a proven track record of acting as lead counsel for high-profile UAE-based conglomerates and private clients on complex, multi-million dollar transactional mandates. Her expertise is centered on bridging the gap between UAE-led investment strategies and offshore regulatory frameworks, specifically:
Allied Gold Corp: Acted as lead Mauritius and Seychelles counsel for this major gold producer during high-stakes capital raises and corporate restructurings, facilitating their growth as a significant player in the international mining sector (in early 2025, Allied Gold entered a landmark $500 million partnership with Ambrosia Investment Holding, a UAE-based fund).
Consolidated Copper Corp: Provided strategic legal guidance on restructuring and financing structures for this prominent UAE-based resource group, ensuring seamless integration between Middle Eastern capital and African mining assets.
Private Client Advisory: Dedicated legal advisor to prominent UAE residents on bespoke transactional matters, navigating the intricacies of Seychelles and Mauritius law to protect high-value regional interests.
Karishma’s deep familiarity with the UAE business landscape, combined with her ability to manage the offshore vehicles (SPVs) frequently utilized by Dubai and Abu Dhabi-based firms, makes her a strategic asset for firms operating at the intersection of the Middle East and international financial centers.
International Secondment – Appleby Jersey
During a nearly year-long secondment in the Corporate Department of Appleby’s Jersey office, Karishma acted as a bridge for complex cross-border transactions, delivering high-quality legal advice within a top-tier offshore financial center. She took a proactive lead in managing M&A and financing projects for blue-chip clients like HSBC and DBAY Advisors. Her role involved navigating the nuances of Jersey and Guernsey law, specifically in drafting facility agreements, security documents, and detailed legal opinions for sophisticated banking mandates. This experience solidified her ability to guide international teams through intricate governance and regulatory challenges with the precision expected in global financial hubs like the UAE.
Corporate
Capital Markets & Debt Securities
- Greenko Energy Holdings: Advised BNY Mellon (Trustee and Collateral Agent) on a US$500M Senior Notes offering by Greenko Investment Company (Mauritius).
- Renew Energy Global PLC: Acted as counsel for a US$400M Senior Secured Notes issuance by India Clean Energy Holdings to finance renewable energy projects via external commercial borrowings.
- IRB Infrastructure Developers: Advised on a US$300M structured finance deal involving Senior Secured Notes listed on the SGX-ST, facilitating the refinancing of debt for one of India’s leading highway construction firms.
- MakeMyTrip Limited: Advised the NASDAQ-listed entity on its US$200M Convertible Senior Notes offering.
- Hero Future Energies: Acted as Mauritian counsel on a US$363M Senior Secured Notes issuance by Clean Renewable Power (Mauritius) for a 2GW+ renewable energy portfolio.
- Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL): Advised Cliffton Limited on a US$450M “Green” Senior Secured Notes issuance to fund sustainable infrastructure at India’s first LEED Gold-rated airport.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Private Equity
- Oracle America, Inc.: Serve as standing Seychelles counsel for the global technology giant, managing a diverse portfolio of ongoing corporate and regulatory mandates.
- Renewable Energy Finance: Acted as Seychelles counsel for responsAbility Investments AG in the financing of a global leader in floating solar PV and island clean energy specialists.
- Real Estate Finance: Advised the lender on a £1.6M acquisition financing for two business park interests via a Hamcap entity (Jersey).
- The Carlyle Group: Advised on the issuance of dollar bonds to finance the acquisition of Hexaware Technologies Ltd, involving the structuring of multiple Mauritian guarantor entities.
- Valeura Energy Inc: Acted as counsel in the US$60.4M acquisition of an upstream oil-producing portfolio from Busrakham Oil and Gas Ltd, supporting the client’s Southeast Asian growth strategy.
- WestBridge Capital: Serve as lead Mauritian counsel for one of the region’s largest investment groups, managing ongoing mandates for a portfolio of 150+ investments across South Asia.
- Fintech & Digital Assets: Advised a global tier-1 cryptocurrency exchange on the strategic acquisition of a Mauritian entity holding an Investment Dealer License.
Middle East & Strategic Mining Mandates
- Allied Gold Corp (UAE/Global): Lead Seychelles counsel on the US$80M acquisition of the Agbaou Mine (Côte d’Ivoire) from Endeavour Mining, and subsequently advised on a US$267M private placement financing and complex merger.
- Consolidated Copper Corp: Leading Mauritian and Seychelles legal mandates for this UAE-based resource firm on high-value cross-border corporate restructurings.
Sovereign & ESG Finance
- Republic of Seychelles Debt-Swap: Advised on a world-first sovereign debt-for-nature swap, facilitating a landmark environmental deal with Paris Club creditors to enhance marine conservation.
- Blue Bond Issuance: Acted as Seychelles counsel to Standard Chartered Bank and BNY Mellon on a US$15M partially guaranteed sovereign bond issuance for marine sustainability.
- SeyCCAT: Assigned counsel for the establishment of the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust; drafted the foundational 2015 Act.
Banking & Structured Finance
- Lead Counsel for Financial Institutions: Regularly advise HSBC, Standard Chartered, UBS AG, Credit Suisse, and Standard Bank on multi-jurisdictional credit facilities, including a US$300M capital commitment facility and a US$40M acquisition financing.
- Afreximbank: Act as Seychelles counsel for AFREXIM on recurring private bond issuances and business combinations.
- Premium Financing: Structured a bespoke, non-recourse premium financing program for a major financial institution involving complex trust entities and deferred annuity contracts.
- Apex Corporate Trustees (UK): Advising as Seychelles counsel on the high-profile reorganization and potential winding-up of a renowned Seychelles entity following a major loan default.
- Air Seychelles: Provided critical local law advice regarding acceleration actions and potential insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency Act 2013.
- Harvey Nash PLC: Advised DBAY Advisors Limited on their successful £98.7M takeover bid for this AIM-listed global technology recruitment firm (Jersey law).
litigation
Strategic Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Canada Life International: Successfully challenged Metraton Global Fund regarding share redemption rights; secured a US$1.5M attachment order against SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, leading to a favorable settlement.
- Winston & Strawn LLP: Partnered with the London-based global firm to serve a statutory demand on a Mauritian creditor, resulting in a successful pre-litigation settlement.
- Africa Technical Services (ATSL): Defending a high-value claim under the Employment Rights Act 2008 involving complex interpretations of an International Agreement.
- Cedar SOC & Oak Management: Acting as Attorney-at-Law on various court applications and high-value settlement negotiations alongside Senior Counsel.
MIDDLE EAST & CROSS-BORDER EXPERTISE
Karishma possesses a proven track record of acting as lead counsel for high-profile UAE-based conglomerates and private clients on complex, multi-million dollar transactional mandates. Her expertise is centered on bridging the gap between UAE-led investment strategies and offshore regulatory frameworks, specifically:
Allied Gold Corp: Acted as lead Mauritius and Seychelles counsel for this major gold producer during high-stakes capital raises and corporate restructurings, facilitating their growth as a significant player in the international mining sector (in early 2025, Allied Gold entered a landmark $500 million partnership with Ambrosia Investment Holding, a UAE-based fund).
Consolidated Copper Corp: Provided strategic legal guidance on restructuring and financing structures for this prominent UAE-based resource group, ensuring seamless integration between Middle Eastern capital and African mining assets.
Private Client Advisory: Dedicated legal advisor to prominent UAE residents on bespoke transactional matters, navigating the intricacies of Seychelles and Mauritius law to protect high-value regional interests.
Karishma’s deep familiarity with the UAE business landscape, combined with her ability to manage the offshore vehicles (SPVs) frequently utilized by Dubai and Abu Dhabi-based firms, makes her a strategic asset for firms operating at the intersection of the Middle East and international financial centers.
International Secondment – Appleby Jersey
During a nearly year-long secondment in the Corporate Department of Appleby’s Jersey office, Karishma acted as a bridge for complex cross-border transactions, delivering high-quality legal advice within a top-tier offshore financial center. She took a proactive lead in managing M&A and financing projects for blue-chip clients like HSBC and DBAY Advisors. Her role involved navigating the nuances of Jersey and Guernsey law, specifically in drafting facility agreements, security documents, and detailed legal opinions for sophisticated banking mandates. This experience solidified her ability to guide international teams through intricate governance and regulatory challenges with the precision expected in global financial hubs like the UAE.
Corporate
Capital Markets & Debt Securities
- Greenko Energy Holdings: Advised BNY Mellon (Trustee and Collateral Agent) on a US$500M Senior Notes offering by Greenko Investment Company (Mauritius).
- Renew Energy Global PLC: Acted as counsel for a US$400M Senior Secured Notes issuance by India Clean Energy Holdings to finance renewable energy projects via external commercial borrowings.
- IRB Infrastructure Developers: Advised on a US$300M structured finance deal involving Senior Secured Notes listed on the SGX-ST, facilitating the refinancing of debt for one of India’s leading highway construction firms.
- MakeMyTrip Limited: Advised the NASDAQ-listed entity on its US$200M Convertible Senior Notes offering.
- Hero Future Energies: Acted as Mauritian counsel on a US$363M Senior Secured Notes issuance by Clean Renewable Power (Mauritius) for a 2GW+ renewable energy portfolio.
- Delhi International Airport Limited (DIAL): Advised Cliffton Limited on a US$450M “Green” Senior Secured Notes issuance to fund sustainable infrastructure at India’s first LEED Gold-rated airport.
Mergers, Acquisitions & Private Equity
- Oracle America, Inc.: Serve as standing Seychelles counsel for the global technology giant, managing a diverse portfolio of ongoing corporate and regulatory mandates.
- Renewable Energy Finance: Acted as Seychelles counsel for responsAbility Investments AG in the financing of a global leader in floating solar PV and island clean energy specialists.
- Real Estate Finance: Advised the lender on a £1.6M acquisition financing for two business park interests via a Hamcap entity (Jersey).
- The Carlyle Group: Advised on the issuance of dollar bonds to finance the acquisition of Hexaware Technologies Ltd, involving the structuring of multiple Mauritian guarantor entities.
- Valeura Energy Inc: Acted as counsel in the US$60.4M acquisition of an upstream oil-producing portfolio from Busrakham Oil and Gas Ltd, supporting the client’s Southeast Asian growth strategy.
- WestBridge Capital: Serve as lead Mauritian counsel for one of the region’s largest investment groups, managing ongoing mandates for a portfolio of 150+ investments across South Asia.
- Fintech & Digital Assets: Advised a global tier-1 cryptocurrency exchange on the strategic acquisition of a Mauritian entity holding an Investment Dealer License.
Middle East & Strategic Mining Mandates
- Allied Gold Corp (UAE/Global): Lead Seychelles counsel on the US$80M acquisition of the Agbaou Mine (Côte d’Ivoire) from Endeavour Mining, and subsequently advised on a US$267M private placement financing and complex merger.
- Consolidated Copper Corp: Leading Mauritian and Seychelles legal mandates for this UAE-based resource firm on high-value cross-border corporate restructurings.
Sovereign & ESG Finance
- Republic of Seychelles Debt-Swap: Advised on a world-first sovereign debt-for-nature swap, facilitating a landmark environmental deal with Paris Club creditors to enhance marine conservation.
- Blue Bond Issuance: Acted as Seychelles counsel to Standard Chartered Bank and BNY Mellon on a US$15M partially guaranteed sovereign bond issuance for marine sustainability.
- SeyCCAT: Assigned counsel for the establishment of the Seychelles Conservation and Climate Adaptation Trust; drafted the foundational 2015 Act.
Banking & Structured Finance
- Lead Counsel for Financial Institutions: Regularly advise HSBC, Standard Chartered, UBS AG, Credit Suisse, and Standard Bank on multi-jurisdictional credit facilities, including a US$300M capital commitment facility and a US$40M acquisition financing.
- Afreximbank: Act as Seychelles counsel for AFREXIM on recurring private bond issuances and business combinations.
- Premium Financing: Structured a bespoke, non-recourse premium financing program for a major financial institution involving complex trust entities and deferred annuity contracts.
- Apex Corporate Trustees (UK): Advising as Seychelles counsel on the high-profile reorganization and potential winding-up of a renowned Seychelles entity following a major loan default.
- Air Seychelles: Provided critical local law advice regarding acceleration actions and potential insolvency proceedings under the Insolvency Act 2013.
- Harvey Nash PLC: Advised DBAY Advisors Limited on their successful £98.7M takeover bid for this AIM-listed global technology recruitment firm (Jersey law).
litigation
Strategic Litigation & Dispute Resolution
- Canada Life International: Successfully challenged Metraton Global Fund regarding share redemption rights; secured a US$1.5M attachment order against SBM Bank (Mauritius) Ltd, leading to a favorable settlement.
- Winston & Strawn LLP: Partnered with the London-based global firm to serve a statutory demand on a Mauritian creditor, resulting in a successful pre-litigation settlement.
- Africa Technical Services (ATSL): Defending a high-value claim under the Employment Rights Act 2008 involving complex interpretations of an International Agreement.
- Cedar SOC & Oak Management: Acting as Attorney-at-Law on various court applications and high-value settlement negotiations alongside Senior Counsel.
Coverage & Insights
Karishma contributed the Mauritius chapter to the Chambers and Partners’ “Fintech 2018” guide.
Karishma contributed the Mauritius chapter to the Chambers and Partners’ “Fintech 2018” guide.
Qualifications & Education
- Council of Vocational Legal Education (Mauritius): January – October 2015
- University of Mauritius: August 2009 – May 2012
- Council of Vocational Legal Education (Mauritius): January – October 2015
- University of Mauritius: August 2009 – May 2012
Memberships & Associations
- She has been a member of the Law Society of Mauritius since March 2017.
- She has been a member of the Law Society of Mauritius since March 2017.