Zamanat Fund CEIC Limited has launched a $100 million tokenised private-credit vehicle based in the Dubai International Financial Centre. the fund aims to provide essential growth capital to small and medium enterprises across the Gulf Cooperation Council using blockchain technology.
Closing the $250 billion GCC SME financing gap
The launch of Zamanat Fund CEIC Limited targets a massive structural deficiency in the Gulf region's economy. according to the source, there is an estimated $250 billion financing gap for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). While these businesses are critical to regional stability—contributing more than half of the United Arab Emirates' GDP and employing most of its private-sector workforce—they remain chronically underserved by traditional financial institutions.
The disparity in lending is stark.. As reported in the announcement, only 11 percent of SMEs in the region receive credit from traditional banks, and in the UAE specifically, these enterprises secure less than ten percent of total bank lending. By establishing a regulated conduit for institutional capital, Zamanat Fund CEIC Limited seeks to bypass these traditional bottlenecks and funnel liquidity directly into high-potential local companies.
How ZM1 tokens on ZIGChain bypass traditional banks
To achieve this, the fund utilizes a blockchain-native layer of ownership through the issuance of ZM1 Investment Tokens on the ZIGChain platform. This structure does not change the underlying credit profile of the securities but allows for more efficient settlement and ownership tracking . The vehicle is structured as a closed-ended, exempt credit fund regulated by the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA).
The operational framework involves a partnership of specialized entities to ensure institutional grade governance. Truleum Venture Partners, a DFSA-licensed fund manager, handles regulatory and management duties, while the Apex Group serves as the fund administrator. This combination of digital delivery and traditional oversight is designed to attract professional investors who meet the DFSA's strict eligibility criteria.
The push toward $9.7 trillion in Islamic finance assets by 2029
This initiative is part of a broader shift toward digitizing Shariah-compliant assets. The 2025 Islamic Finance Development Indicator Report projects that global Islamic-finance assets will reach $9.7 trillion by 2029, suggesting a massive appetite for products that combine ethical finance with modern technology.. Zamanat is positioning itself to lead this trend by expanding its pipeline into receivables and real estate.
Furthermore, the fund's goals align with state-level economic blueprints, specifically Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the UAE Centennial 2071. Both national strategies emphasize the need for expanded private-sector participation and the creation of alternative financing pathways to reduce reliance on government spending and traditional banking.
Who are the first institutional investors for Zamanat Fund?
Despite the clear regulatory framework provided by the DFSA and the involvement of the Apex Group, several details remain opaque. the source mentions that the fund is open to "institutional and professional clients," but it does not name any specific firms or funds that have already committed capital to the $100 million target. additionally, while the fund targets "high-potential" SMEs, the specific sectors or geographic priorities within the GCC have not been detailed.
It remains to be seen how the ZM1 tokens will be traded or if there will be a secondary market for these credits. the current announcement serves as an informational piece for eligible professional investors rather than a general solicitation, leaving the actual composition of the investor base a mystery for now.
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