Islamic Finance: A Growing Global Phenomenon
Islamic finance, once considered a niche segment, has emerged as a major player in the global financial system. By 2025, global Shariah-compliant assets are expected to reach $4.94 trillion, according to a joint report by the United Nations and the Islamic Development Bank. This growth is driven by the rise of responsible investments and increased demand for ethical financial instruments.
Sukuk: A Key Player in Islamic Finance
Sukuk, the Islamic equivalent of bonds, play a central role in this growth. The global sukuk market is expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2025, with a notable increase in sustainable sukuk, which reached $9.3 billion in the first half of the year, representing a 27% increase compared to 2024.
Regional Dominance and Global Interest
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region remains dominant, accounting for approximately 50% of global Islamic finance assets, thanks to countries such as Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait. However, non-Muslim countries like Australia, Canada, and Mexico are showing increasing interest, illustrating the global appeal of these instruments. Forecasts indicate that global assets could reach $7.5 trillion by 2028, reinforcing the trend of sustained growth.
Emerging Initiatives
Concrete initiatives are emerging in this context. For example, BlueFive Capital, recently launched by Hazem Ben Gacem and his partner Yasser Bajsair, starts with $3.6 billion in assets under management. The Singapore-based company has acquired a stake in Sidra Capital, a Saudi-based manager specializing in Shariah-compliant products, while Sidra's parent company takes an equivalent stake in BlueFive786. This strategic partnership illustrates the growth of Islamic finance on an international scale and the willingness to structure products adapted to Muslim savers and investors worldwide, from the Gulf to Southeast Asia.
A Global Trend
The news about BlueFive Capital highlights a strong trend: Islamic finance is no longer limited to traditional markets but is expanding to provide global solutions capable of meeting the needs of investors and savers at all stages of their lives.
