More firms turn to Islamic finance for development projects

A growing number of non-regional (GCC) organisations are turning to Islamic finance, and in particular to sukuk instruments, to raise funds for their infrastructure and development projects, affirms a leading UAE-based investment banking expert.

The comments from Zahid Aslam, managing director of investment banking at Dalma Capital Management Limited, come as the firm reports an almost one-third jump in enquiries regarding Sharia-compliant bond issuances from corporations outside of the GCC.

The news follows S&P Global Ratings predicting in January the global issuance of Sharia-compliant foreign and local currency bonds is expected to reach as much as US$115bn (Dh422.1bn) this year.

“It is our experience that sukuk-based solutions are establishing themselves as an increasingly attractive alternative for the funding of infrastructure and development projects,” observes Mr Aslam. “For example, we are currently working with clients on a variety of ‘off the beaten path’ projects, including a refinery initiative in the CIS region and a scheme to help develop eco-tourism and sustainable farming in several African nations. We are also seeing interest from Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan.”

He continues: “I would suggest that there are five main drivers for this significant upward trend for sukuk-issuance to continue this year and beyond.

– Lower oil prices – despite recent gains – have created a funding shortfall for many.
– There is notable and mounting pressure on global liquidity.
– The US Federal Reserve’s ongoing plans to slowly raise interest rates, making borrowing more expensive.
– Global regulation is enhancing and becoming more Islamic finance-friendly.
– General awareness outside the GCC of the uses and benefits are becoming ever-more understood and valued.

Dalma Capital, being a licensed and regulated asset manager and investment boutique with a network of institutions and accredited partners, provides all the necessary solutions for sukuk issuers and investors.”

Zachary Cefaratti, CEO at Dalma Capital concluded: “There is growing evidence that potential borrowers who had never considered Islamic finance are better understanding the clear benefits of such solutions.

“This is cemented by the fact that deals can be structured to be project based, not centred solely on the credit standing of the borrower. Numerous virtuous aspects of the nature of Sukuk will continue to bolster their prevalence in capital markets globally.”