As Gulf economies continue to diversify and expand, private credit is rapidly emerging as a preferred alternative to traditional bank lending. Janus Henderson recently announced a major milestone for its MENA Private Credit Fund IV, which has secured $191 million in its second funding round. With backing from key institutional investors and family offices across the UAE and Saudi Arabia, the fund is well on its way to hitting its $300 million target. This surge in interest underscores a growing appetite for tailored, flexible financing solutions that traditional banks often cannot provide to mid-sized enterprises.

The fund is specifically designed to support profitable businesses throughout the Middle East and North Africa, offering Shariah-compliant capital for strategic initiatives like acquisitions, refinancing, and corporate growth. Managed by a team with over 15 years of regional experience, the strategy is expected to facilitate 10 to 12 investments, with deal sizes ranging from $15 million to $50 million. By filling the gap left by conventional lenders, Janus Henderson is tapping into a sophisticated market shift where regional businesses and investors alike are increasingly embracing private credit as a vital component of a resilient and diversified financial ecosystem.