• Janus Henderson secures USD 125.5M first close of its USD 300M Shariah-compliant MENA Private Credit Fund IV.
• The fund targets MENA SMEs underserved by traditional banks, providing Shariah-compliant growth, refinancing, recapitalisation, and acquisition financing solutions.
• Anchored by SIC, Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, and SVC, the fund offers investors private credit opportunities with attractive cash yields.

Janus Henderson

Janus Henderson, global active asset manager, secured its first close of its targeted USD 300 million Shariah-compliant direct lending vehicle, Janus Henderson MENA Private Credit Fund IV. The first close for the fund is valued at USD 125.5 million of investor capital commitments. 

“The successful first close of this Shariah-compliant direct lending vehicle underscores our commitment to investors in the Middle East and the growing number of companies in the region seeking access to flexible, values-driven financing. It also highlights the important role private credit plays in connecting capital with opportunity across dynamic growth markets,” says Ali Dibadj, CEO, Janus Henderson Investors. 

Private Credit Fund

The latest fund is the third fully Shariah-complaint vehicle managed by Janus Henderson Emerging Markets Private Investments. The fund’s anchors are SIDF Investment Company (SIC), Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners, and SVC. Moreover, it targets the region’s estimated USD 250 billion SME financing gap, addressing businesses underserved by traditional banks. It provides customised, non-bank Shariah-compliant financing solutions for growth capital, refinancing, recapitalisations, and acquisitions.

Up next, the second close intends to close for year-end 2025 with the final close scheduled for mid-2026. The fund provides investors with access to private credit opportunities. Furthermore, these opportunities adhere to Shariah principles while seeking to deliver attractive cash yield and total returns. 

“By combining Shariah principles with the resilience of private credit, we are opening new opportunities for businesses across the region to access long-term growth while giving investors the confidence that their capital is working responsibly and effectively,” says Sikander Ahmed, Head of MENA Private Credit and Senior Executive Officer of Janus Henderson Emerging Market Private Investments.