EnterpriseAM · 22 Sep, 00:00 · Finance briefing

GCC sukuk issuance falls 23% in 1H, but Moody’s sees 2H recovery on the horizon

Sukuk issuance in the Gulf Cooperation Council region has declined by twenty-three per cent during the first half of the year, according to recent market data.

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The briefing

The story
in brief.

What happened, who it affects, and why it landed on our intelligence desk — in plain English, sixty seconds or less.

Sukuk issuance in the Gulf Cooperation Council region has declined by twenty-three per cent during the first half of the year, according to recent market data. Despite this contraction, credit rating agency Moody’s anticipates a recovery in the second half, driven by stabilising market conditions and renewed investor confidence. This shift highlights the cyclical nature of Islamic finance markets and suggests that current liquidity constraints may ease soon. Professionals should note that while immediate deal flow has slowed, the forecasted rebound indicates potential upcoming opportunities in structured finance and capital markets within the region.

Employer demand for Finance and Accounting skills — indexed growth since 2019
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Your move

What this means
for your career.

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This market shift signals a critical juncture for finance professionals. As issuance slows, your focus must pivot from volume to precision. Deepen your expertise in Islamic finance structures and regulatory compliance, as these skills become premium assets when deals resume. Analysts should refine their financial modelling capabilities to accurately forecast recovery scenarios, while relationship managers must maintain robust investor networks to capitalise on the anticipated 2H rebound. Do not wait for the market to recover; use this lull to upskill in risk assessment and sukuk structuring. Position yourself as a specialist who understands both the technical nuances of Shariah-compliant instruments and the broader macroeconomic drivers influencing GCC capital markets.

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Indicative salary uplift in the fields matched to this story
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