Riyadh - Sharikat Mubasher: The global active asset manager Janus Henderson secured $125.2 million in the first close of its Shariah-compliant MENA Private Credit Fund IV, with the support of major entities, including SIDF Investment Company, Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC), and Abu Dhabi Catalyst Partners.

With a target size of $300 million, the fund aims to meet the region’s $250 billion SME financing gap, addressing businesses underserved by traditional banks, the company announced in a recent statement.

It is designed to provide tailored and flexible debt solutions that enable businesses often overlooked by traditional lenders to grow and expand, focusing primarily on industrial, healthcare, education, consumer staples, and infrastructure-related sectors that align with national priorities and long-term economic goals in the region.

Commenting on this milestone, Ali Dibadj, CEO of Janus Henderson Investors, said: “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.”

Janus Henderson Investors is expected to complete the second close of the fund by the end of 2025, with plans to complete the final close by mid-2026.