Sohar Islamic successfully completes the issuance of Oman's first ever perpetual Sukuk by Takaful Oman

Muscat. Reiterating its strong market position and investor confidence, Sohar Islamic – Sohar International’s Islamic Window, has successfully completed the issuance of OMR 6Mn Perpetual Sukuk al Mudaraba Trust Certificate, by Takaful Oman Insurance SAOG - a leading Takaful company in Oman. The Perpetual Sukuk has an initial yearly profit rate of 8.5%, payable semiannually through Takaful Sukuk Specialized Purpose Company (SPC) established by Takaful Oman for this specific Programme.

As the issue managers and financial advisor, Sohar Islamic played a pivotal role in ensuring the successful issuance and completion of the entire activity. The placement of the issue was done through a private placement to select investors whilst receiving a strong interest from institutions, fund managers, and wealth management clients of the bank.

On the successful completion of the issue, Mr. Ahmed Al Musalmi, Chief Executive Officer, Sohar International, said “With a strong purpose that puts winning at the heart of everything done, we continue to deliver superior banking services showcasing our aspiration to bring the best of international to Oman. As part of our agile growth strategy, we have been pursuing more opportunities ultimately contributing positively to Oman’s economy. The Bank strives to bring more value to the market and the current issuance is a testament to the same despite the challenging economic headwinds.”

The transaction represents a first-of-its-kind perpetual Sukuk programme established by a Takaful company. Unfamiliarity with Mudaraba structures in the Oman Sukuk market and the way the deferment of profit payments is structured under the programme added significant complexity to the transaction. Together with the support of Capital Market Authority (CMA) and Trowers & Hamlins as legal advisors, the issue was initiated and completed with immense success on all fronts. This transaction will boost CMA’s strategy to upgrade various sectors and maximize domestic and foreign investors' confidence in the local market.

Representing Takaful Oman, Sayyida Rawan Ahmed Al Said, Chief Executive Officer, said “The success of this issue illustrates investors' strong confidence in Takaful Oman’s strategy and growth potential. It also underpins the large untapped growth potential in the Oman insurance sector in both traditional as well as the Takaful space. The proceeds of the issue will be used to support growth in underwriting new business thereby contributing positively to the economy as a whole.”

The net proceeds of the Certificates shall be used by Takaful Oman to strengthen the quality of its capital and for general corporate purposes. The securities are listed and admitted to trading on the Muscat Securities Markets (MSM). Sohar International steadily and confidently moves forward in its strategy as a pivotal player and advocate for growth and prosperity for stakeholders and the nation.

- Ends–

About Sohar International

With the vision to become a world-class Omani services company that helps customers, community and people to prosper and grow, Sohar International operates with a view to help people 'win' by delivering responsive banking for their ever-changing world, complementing their growth and prosperity with international standard service delivery. The Bank seeks to redefine banking in Oman through transformational developments centered on the principles of More Velocity, making everything simple and fast; More Value, ensuring relevance and connectivity to customers’ world; and More Vision, liberating stakeholders through talented leadership.

For media queries
Hameeda Al Balushi
United Media Services
hameeda@umsoman.com 

© Press Release 2021