CEO Insights Magazine

The Arabian Peninsula is riding a transformational curve, altering its course from an oil-based economy to a diversified one. The business climate in the UAE is rapidly developing; hence, the corporate law landscape should become as dynamic as the markets in which it operates. The need of the hour is legal leadership with a grasp of commercial realities and lawyers who can translate them into actionable legal strategies that complement the business goals. Iaroslav V. Cheker, Managing Partner of CMBS Partners in the UAE, brings precisely this blend of experience to the table, having 12 years of experience with the top law firms. Through CMBS Partners, a dynamic and results-oriented corporate law firm with a key focus on Corporate, Tax and Investment structuring, Iaroslav offers commercially centred legal solutions with a firm foundation of adaptability, and regional legal expertise and experience.

Iaroslav’s career has been marked by a dynamic blend of legal mastery and strategic foresight, shaped across top-tier global entities, including a Big Four consultancy, top law firm, Head of Legal at IT firms and one of the largest Canadian-UAE investment funds. As Managing Partner, he advocates a paradigm that focuses on flexibility, commerciality and a far-sighted outlook on the UAE's evolving legal landscape. CEO Insights Asia recently conducted an exclusive interview with Iaroslav. He walks us through his experience, leadership strategies and future vision.

What would you define as the key challenges in your career, and how do you use those lessons to guide the company’s strategic direction?

My previous experience has provided me with a deeper understanding of market dynamics, client competitors, and the internal workings of client organizations. This comprehensive insight enables us to deliver tailored legal and tax strategies that effectively address our clients’ needs and expectations, ensuring we provide well-rounded and practical advice.

On the other hand, these experiences have enabled me to build a team that not only understands legal theory but also excels in structuring deals, mitigating risks, and enhancing operational efficiency across jurisdictions. My background in both advisory and in-house roles allows us to effectively bridge legal, financial, and strategic gaps for our clients, an essential capability in sectors such as M&A, infrastructure, and energy. This strategic mindset guides CMBS Partners' growth as we expand geographically, diversify our services, and consistently deliver high-quality, businessoriented advice.

How are you helping the firm adopt innovation and emerging technologies?

At CMBS Partners, we view technology as a strategic tool to enhance precision, compliance, and client satisfaction. Under my leadership, we’ve adopted digital solutions for contract lifecycle management, due diligence, tax advisory workflows, and document and invoice management. We also support AI-assisted legal research and automation to improve efficiency and consistency. Additionally, we are actively involved in structuring complex tech deals, particularly in the UAE, while leveraging the region’s favourable tax regime.

How do you help your team adopt an integrated client-centric approach?

We operate across a wide range of legal systems, from the United Arab Emirates to Latin America, and from Europe to Asia, making cultural awareness and contextual understanding essential. We emphasize client-specific strategies and provide continuous cross-jurisdictional training to our team. We also recruit lawyers with diverse legal backgrounds to ensure a blend of local insight and international standards. I guide the team to deeply listen, analyze each client’s context, and tailor our advocacy with both precision and cultural sensitivity, recognizing  that what works in one region may not be suitable in another.

How do you create an inclusive and diverse workplace where all team members have equal chances to grow professionally?

Inclusion and diversity are integral to the culture at CMBS Partners. Our team comprises professionals from over six nationalities, bringing diverse legal backgrounds and multilingual capabilities. We ensure that every voice is heard, whether it’s an associate in Beijing or a senior associate in Buenos Aires, reflecting the global nature of our clientele. This diversity enhances our problem-solving capacity and promotes a collaborative environment. We also maintain open lines of communication, encouraging team members to raise concerns and ensuring they receive the support needed to perform at their best.

What initiatives has your company undertaken to contribute to environmental and societal welfare?

We have integrated environmental and sustainability considerations into both our client engagements and internal operations. In project structuring, particularly in sectors such as mining and energy, we advise clients on adopting sustainable practices, ensuring environmental compliance, mitigating social risks, and upholding ethical standards across their supply chains. Internally, we prioritize digital operations to minimize paper use, promote remote work to reduce travel-related emissions, and are actively working toward green office certifications. For us, sustainability is not a checkbox; it is a shared responsibility with our clients and the communities we serve.'

What key priorities or future vision do you aim to achieve in the coming years?

My vision is to position CMBS Partners as a leading cross-border legal and tax advisory firm in highgrowth markets such as the UAE, Latin America, and Southeast Asia. Our strategic priorities include expanding into emerging sectors like technology, energy transition, and infrastructure; strengthening our tax and compliance services; investing in talent and technology; and further developing our international commercial arbitration practice. As the legal landscape evolves, our goal is not only to stay ahead of the curve but to actively help shape it.

Iaroslav V. Cheker, Managing Partner, CMBS Partners

Iaroslav's expertise and experience in correlating legal strategy and business goals have made CMBS Partners one of the most trusted advisors to businesses operating within the UAE's highly complex and fast-evolving corporate legal landscape.

Awards & Recognition:

• Twice nominated for Junior Lawyer of the Year for KPMG worldwide contest

• Noted by Legal 500 in corporate and M&A practice and in Energy as well as Banking and Finance

• Chevening (FCO) and Cambridge Trust Fund scholar

• Participant of Canada-Ukraine Parliamentary program, September-November 2012, Ottawa, Canada

Personal Information:

• Hobbies: Traveling and swimming

• Favorite Cuisine: Eastern European and Ukrainian

• Favorite Book: From Third World to First by Lee Kuan Yew

• Favorite Travel Destination: Austria