The London-based leader has been listed among Britain’s most powerful Muslim women
Norton Rose Fulbright (NRF) has named London capital markets and Islamic finance partner Farmida Bi as its new global chair.
Bi ascends to the role with remarkable accolades under her belt, having been listed among the top five most powerful Muslim women in Britain by The Times. She was awarded the distinction of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire last year by Queen Elizabeth II as part of the 2020 Birthday Honours, in recognition of Bi’s charity and legal work.
Bi also chairs NRF’s EMEA arm – she was re-appointed to the position this year following a successful three-year run that commenced in 2018. The firm said that in this role, Bi was “instrumental in building a culture of inclusive leadership, social responsibility, global connectivity and sustainability.”
As global chair, Bi will focus on “supporting Norton Rose Fulbright’s vision of providing exceptional client service and fostering a culture of inclusivity and connectivity across the firm’s 50+ offices worldwide,” the firm explained.
“We are facing unprecedented changes, both as a firm and as a society, as we emerge from the global pandemic and respond to the climate crisis. I want us to be bold in taking advantage of the opportunities that have been created and be recognized as the world’s leading truly global law firm,” Bi said. “I look forward to working with my amazing colleagues around the world to nurture a culture of inclusivity and innovation.”
As a lawyer, she has taken a special interest in the area of Islamic finance, which as a form of ethical finance could play a role in “unlocking funding for ESG initiatives designed to promote the UN Social Development Goals,” NRF said.
Bi will begin leading the firm on 1 January.
“Farmida Bi has distinguished herself as a leader at our firm and an award-winning lawyer in the global business community. I would like to thank Shauna Clark, our outgoing global chair, for her contributions in this role, and I look forward to working with Farmida to further enhance our firm for our clients and our people,” global chief executive Gerry Pecht said.
