Incorporating the latest reported details, the IFN Investor Funds Database recorded 2,660 public Islamic funds managed by 499 asset management firms, with a combined total of US$718.94 billion in AuM as at the 9th February 2026.
A key insight from this database revealed that Islamic investors are seeking stability amid market volatility in the crypto and commodity spaces – with a stark contrast of fund performances in Asia as compared to the Middle East giant Saudi Arabia.
Islamic funds in the Asia Pacific region recorded strong AuM growth in Q4 2025, rising 22.13% to a total of US$71 billion from US$58.14 billion in Q3 2025 – with the top performance in absolute value seen in equities, rising 34.11% from US$18.99 billion to US$25.46 billion.
But it was the reverse in Saudi Arabia, where a preference for short-term, liquidity-focused strategies saw money market funds, the largest of such an asset class, record a 10.8% rise in AuM for Q4 2025 to US$24.44 billion from US$22.06 billion in the preceding quarter.
Market trends
Following an US$80 billion capital market rout triggered by an MSCI interim review freeze, Indonesia unveiled new draft market regulations aimed at creating more transparency in stock holdings and trades.
Consumer cyclicals could be the surprise outperformer for Halal portfolios in 2026 as Shariah investment funds add to sector favorites like healthcare, technology and communication services.
Charities and Waqf entities are increasingly turning to professional Islamic asset management services, as a growing share of faith-based capital moves beyond value preservation toward longer-term investment strategies.
Egypt’s capital markets are undergoing a quiet but meaningful reset, where macroeconomic stabilization, regulatory reform and a growing role for the private sector are reshaping the investment landscape.
Offerings and partnerships
Shariah-focused Shorooq launched a US$200 million Late-Stage Growth Fund to invest in the GCC region’s underserved late-stage and pre-IPO capital opportunities. The fund is backed by Qatar Investment Authority with other sovereign and institutional investors from the GCC and Asia.
Somaliland’s Bilow Capital launched RISE Investment Africa – a Shariah compliant, evergreen investment fund that will invest in start-ups and SMEs across the Horn of Africa.
Yaqeen Capital will leverage on ViewTrade’s global brokerage to offer its clients access to US and other major international markets and, in turn, will provide ViewTrade access to the Saudi capital market, Tadawul.
Nuwa Capital, which applies Shariah investment structures, led a US$1.77 million seed round in Mantas. The funding round was joined by Suhail Ventures, Plus VC and the OQAL Angel Syndicate.
GFH Financial Group acquired a majority stake in Byrne Equipment Rental, a UAE-founded industrial services and equipment rental provider operating across the GCC.
Fintech deals
Fintech OGold launched Silver Wakalah, its latest Shariah compliant offering established in partnership with Monetary Metals & Co.
A US$45 million seed round was completed for GoCab – which buys, then leases vehicles to cab drivers and delivery couriers in the African nations of the Ivory Coast, Senegal and Morocco. Among the investors are Shariah asset manager Cur8 Capital, with E3 Capital and Janngo.africa plus participation from KawiSafi Ventures.
Significant developments
Gulf Islamic Investments appointed Anand Periwal as COO – financial services. First Abu Dhabi Bank Asset Management appointed Gareth Nicholson as chief investment officer and head of investments. Absa Group appointed Zaid Moola as its new chief executive for corporate and investment banking.
