- First listing by a Bahraini financial group of a Sukuk ETF expands investor access to Shari’a-compliant fixed-income opportunities.
- Listed on the London Stock Exchange (LSE), the launched ETF will democratize access to Sukuk for global investors.
- Bell ringing ceremony held at the LSE to mark the official launch on 4 November 2025.
- XASB offers easy and diversified access to more than 150 Sukuk exposures.
Kingdom of Bahrain – 10 November 2025: Al Salam Bank has announced the successful listing of the XASB Sukuk ETF on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) from ASB Capital, the asset management and investment banking arm of the Group with AUM of USD 5.8 billion, and Xtrackers by DWS, one of the largest European-headquartered providers of ETFs globally. The milestone marks the first Sukuk ETF listed by a Bahraini financial group, reinforcing Al Salam Bank’s role as a regional leader in Islamic finance and innovation.
Over time, the Sukuk market has demonstrated strong stability and consistent performance, reinforcing investor confidence and distinguishing themselves from comparable fixed-income assets. This strength is supported by its asset-backed nature and further enhanced by issuances from sovereigns and corporates globally. Historically, however, the Sukuk market has been difficult to access, with high minimum investment requirements, and the absence of innovative, transparent products.
The ETF removes these barriers by offering diversified, liquid and cost-efficient exposure to more than 150 Sukuk through a single investment instrument. Investors can now participate seamlessly directly via Al Salam Bank’s app through Al Salam Invest, the Bank’s digital trading platform that provides clients with instant digital access to global equities, exchange traded funds (ETFs), sukuk and mutual funds, all under a Shari’a compliant umbrella.
Speaking on the occasion, Rafik Nayed, Al Salam Bank Group CEO and ASB Capital Managing Director, said: “The launch of XASB Sukuk ETF reflects our continued commitment to place Bahrain at the forefront of financial innovation. Through our partnership with ASB Capital and Xtrackers by DWS, we are connecting the region with global markets, creating new pathways for investors to participate in the Sukuk market. This milestone demonstrates Al Salam Bank’s leadership in advancing Bahrain’s vision as a center for financial excellence.”
Hichem Djouhri, Senior Executive Officer at ASB Capital commented: “ASB Capital was established with a clear purpose: to introduce innovative, efficient, and accessible investment solutions that create new opportunities for global investors”. Sukuk currently account for 45% of the USD 2.5 trillion USD-denominated debt market (bonds and Sukuk combined), making Sukuk increasingly difficult for mainstream investors to ignore. Going forward, the Sukuk market is forecasted to exceed USD 2 trillion by 2030, reflecting its continued expansion and growing investor demand.”
Houda Ennebati, Head of Xtrackers ETF Sales – France & MENA, DWS Xtrackers said: “By combining the transparency of ETFs with the growth and resilience of the global Sukuk market, we are opening the door to a broader investor base, from institutions to individuals – who can now participate in an asset class central to economic development.”
