Stéphane Ober is an internationally recognized legal strategist with over two decades of experience spanning Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Renowned for his expertise in investment funds and corporate and M&A, banking, capital markets, and cross-border regulatory compliance, Stéphane combines visionary leadership with an exceptional ability to solve complex legal and business challenges.
As a trusted advisor to sovereign wealth funds, private equity firms, and multinational corporations, Stéphane excels in guiding clients through high-value transactions.
With board-level expertise and an entrepreneurial mindset, Stéphane is a key partner for organizations seeking sustainable growth, regulatory excellence, and strategic success in Saudi Arabia and beyond.
Education and Qualifications
LL.M. in International Transactions & Comparative Law – University of San Francisco Ambassadorial Scholar, Rotary Foundation Master’s Degree in European Law – University of Nancy, France (1998) Advanced Management Program – INSEAD Independent Director Certification – ILA
Practice Areas and Industry Sectors
Practice Areas:
Investment Funds
Corporate Structuring and M&A
Banking and Financial Services
Capital Markets
Regulatory Compliance
Industry Sectors:
Financial Institutions
Sovereign Wealth Funds
Private debt
Real Estate and Infrastructure
Private Equity
High-Profile Client Representations
Swiss-Based Asset Manager: Advised on the formation of an artificial intelligence (AI) investment fund, providing legal structuring, regulatory compliance, and investor documentation.
Private Equity Feeder Funds: Assisted a UK private equity firm in launching Luxembourg feeder funds into global portfolios.
UK Real Estate Asset Manager: Assisted in the formation of a real estate-focused investment fund, ensuring compliance with European and Saudi regulatory frameworks.
UK Private Equity Asset Manager: Supported the launch of feeder funds into world-class private equity portfolios. Provided legal counsel on lending transactions, ensuring regulatory compliance and seamless cross-border execution.
UK Asset Manager: Drafted and implemented distribution agreements, enabling expansion into new markets with full regulatory adherence.
State-Owned Fund: Advised on a strategic investment into a Luxembourg fund, ensuring alignment with local and international financial regulations.
Middle East Sovereign Fund: Supported the acquisition of a luxury hotel in London, managing transaction structuring, due diligence, and regulatory compliance.
Saudi Asset Manager Structuring: Supported a multi-billion Saudi asset manager in relation to a Luxembourg-based alternative investment fund under AIFMD guidelines, facilitating international portfolio diversification.
Chinese Bank: Assisted in fund formation and joint ventures for real estate acquisitions in the GCC, providing guidance on structuring and regulatory compliance.
Middle East Investment Council: Advised on strategic investments in the Blackstone Real Estate Fund, managing legal complexities and ensuring regulatory alignment.
Professional Experience
Managing Partner – Simmons & Simmons (Luxembourg): Launched and led the Luxembourg office, directing corporate law and alternative investment management practices.
Founding Partner – Ober Law Firm (Luxembourg): Specialized in complex fund structures, cross-border M&A, and governance strategies for private equity and real estate clients.
Loyens & Loeff (Luxembourg and London):Launched and managed the Luxembourg desk in London, strengthening cross-border client services. Focused on structuring private equity and alternative investment funds for multinational clients.
Non-Executive Board Member – Regulated and Non-Regulated Luxembourg Funds: Provided governance and strategic direction for high-profile investment portfolios.
Professional Affiliations and Memberships
Bar Admissions: Luxembourg (2009); Paris (2001, resigned 2015)
