Companies
Zamanat Launches $100 Million Tokenized Private Credit Fund to Address GCC SME Financing Gap
On September 10, 2026, Zamanat Fund CEIC Limited announced its sponsorship of a new tokenized private credit fund, targeting the significant financing gap faced by SMEs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The fund, domiciled in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), aims to raise up to USD 100 million to support local businesses that struggle to access traditional financing.
The GCC region has an estimated $250 billion SME financing gap, with only 11 percent of SMEs having access to credit. Despite their critical role in economic growth, SMEs in the UAE generate over half of the GDP yet receive less than 10 percent of total bank lending.
Umair Tariq, Founder and CEO of Zamanat, emphasized the need for a credible route for strong businesses to connect with institutional capital. The fund will invest in private credit across the region, directing resources towards homegrown companies whose financing needs are unmet by conventional lending avenues. This initiative aligns with national goals to enhance SME participation and private-sector growth, as outlined in Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the UAE Centennial 2071.
The fund is structured as a closed-ended, DFSA-regulated Exempt Fund, managed by Truleum Venture Partners Limited and administered by Apex Group. Fund interests will be issued as ZM1 Investment Tokens on ZIGChain, allowing qualified investors to participate alongside institutional investors.
As part of its broader mission, Zamanat is also focused on building the global market for Digital Shariah Assets, which are projected to reach $9.7 trillion by 2029. The company aims to connect asset originators with global capital through regulated partner routes and digital distribution.
Peter Hughes, CEO of Apex Group, remarked on the significance of this fund in establishing a new category in Digital Assets, highlighting the importance of institutional structure and digital distribution within a regulated framework.
FAQ
What is the purpose of the Zamanat tokenized private credit fund?
The fund aims to address the significant financing gap faced by SMEs in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) by raising up to $100 million to support local businesses that struggle to access traditional financing.
Where is the Zamanat fund domiciled?
The fund is domiciled in the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).
Who manages the Zamanat fund?
The fund is managed by Truleum Venture Partners Limited and administered by Apex Group.
How will investors participate in the fund?
Fund interests will be issued as ZM1 Investment Tokens on ZIGChain, allowing qualified investors to participate alongside institutional investors.
What is the broader mission of Zamanat beyond the private credit fund?
Zamanat is focused on building the global market for Digital Shariah Assets, aiming to connect asset originators with global capital through regulated partner routes and digital distribution.