Zaif leads the legal division of QVL Advisory. Zaif has been a practicing lawyer in the Maldives since his admission to the bar in 2020. His practice primarily focuses on corporate and commercial law, tax law, and foreign investments. His extensive experience enables him to assist clients in various areas, including resort and hotel acquisitions, project management consultancy, lease agreements, and foreign investments.

Prior to joining QVL Advisory, Zaif draws from his work experience from full-service practice firms in London & Guildford in the UK as well as Perth, Australia. Zaif has also worked at SHC Law & Tax assisting with various clients in the resort industry. Furthermore, he is a Partner at a resort acquisitions advisory & project management firm in the Maldives, AWG Pvt Ltd.

Area of Focus:

• Tax Law
• Corporate & Commercial Law
• Foreign Investments
• Project Management Consultancy
• Lease Agreements and Due Diligence
• Legal Research

Experience:

• Partner at AWG Pvt Ltd
• Co-Founder, Sales & Legal Director at Bright Minds Education Pvt Ltd
• Attorney-at-Law at SHC Law & Tax

Research Publications 

His research in the field of taxation law pertaining to the Maldives, China, and Australia has been published by Oxford University Press, the IBFD, and the Journal of Australian Taxation:

• The Myopic GST Update in the Maldives – IBFD, International VAT Monitor (4th May 2023)
• Taxation of Offshore Trusts and the Rule of Law: The Case of Australia and China – Oxford University Press, Trusts & Trustees Journal (18th August 2022) 
• The GST Reforms that Can No Longer Be Delayed in the Maldives – IBFD, International VAT Monitor (11th November 2021) 
• Tax Competition – A Blessing in Disguise for Small Countries– Journal of Australian Taxation (20th November 2020) 

Qualifications:

• Masters Degree in Taxation Law – University of Western Australia, Australia
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice – University of Western Australia, Australia
• Bachelor of Laws, LLB (Hons) – University of Surrey, UK