Ocorian & Ebdaa – Innovative Sharia Financial Services in the GCC

Feeling lost in the ever-changing world of finance? Especially for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), finding ethically sound investments can be a challenge. But what if you could blend smart financial planning with strong ethical principles? Enter Sharia Financial Services, a rapidly growing approach to wealth management. Increasingly popular in the GCC and beyond, it combines financial expertise with Islamic law (Sharia). Looking to grow your wealth and stay true to your values? Keep reading.

Recognizing this significant and growing demand, Ocorian, a global leader in providing corporate and fiduciary services, fund administration, and capital markets solutions, has strategically partnered with Ebdaa Islamic Finance Consultancy Limited (UK) to deliver cutting-edge and tailored Sharia Financial Services solutions designed specifically for the nuanced needs of HNWIs and family offices. This powerful collaboration aims to establish a new benchmark of excellence in the provision of Sharia-compliant financial services, empowering HNWIs and family offices to confidently navigate and capitalize on the burgeoning opportunities within the dynamic and increasingly important Islamic finance landscape.

Related: QIB Named Best Islamic Bank in GCC by World Union of Arab Bankers

Responding to a Growing Market Demand

The escalating demand for Sharia Financial Services is propelled by a confluence of factors, including the increasing affluence of Muslim populations worldwide, a heightened awareness and preference for ethical and socially responsible investing, and a deep-seated desire for financial solutions that resonate with personal values, religious beliefs, and a commitment to social justice. The global Islamic finance industry has experienced remarkable and sustained growth in recent years, with assets under management estimated to be in the trillions of dollars and projected to continue its upward trajectory.

This robust growth is particularly pronounced and visible within the GCC region, where Islamic finance occupies a central and integral role in the financial ecosystem, driving economic development and shaping investment trends. Furthermore, the ongoing influx of HNWIs attracted to the region’s favorable regulatory environment, political stability, world-class infrastructure, and high standard of living has further intensified the demand for sophisticated and bespoke Sharia Financial Services. This demand is also fueled by a growing understanding of the principles of Islamic finance among a wider audience, including non-Muslim investors seeking ethical and alternative investment options.

The strategic alliance between Ocorian and Ebdaa represents a powerful and synergistic combination, bringing together the complementary strengths and expertise of two recognized industry leaders. Ocorian’s extensive global reach, deep and diversified expertise in corporate and fiduciary services, fund administration, and capital markets solutions, combined with Ebdaa’s specialized and in-depth knowledge in international Islamic finance advisory and consultancy, creates a uniquely positioned and highly effective partnership. This collaboration is ideally suited to offer comprehensive, innovative, and tailored Sharia Financial Services designed specifically for the sophisticated needs of HNWIs and family offices seeking to manage their wealth by Islamic principles. This includes access to a wider range of Sharia-compliant investment opportunities, tailored wealth structuring solutions, and expert guidance on navigating the complexities of Islamic finance.

Ocorian’s Proven Expertise

Ocorian’s longstanding commitment to serving the unique needs of GCC families forms a cornerstone of this strategic partnership. As Nina Auchoybur, Managing Director at Ocorian, emphasizes, “Ocorian has long been a trusted partner for GCC families, with over two decades of experience structuring to achieve Sharia compliance. In particular, our Jersey-based trustees, supported by a globally connected team, bring a wealth of expertise to this partnership with over two decades of experience in Sharia-compliant structures.”

This extensive experience is invaluable in navigating the intricacies of structuring Sharia-compliant vehicles, ensuring adherence to the nuances of Islamic law, and guaranteeing that the tailored solutions offered meet the highest ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. This expertise extends to various aspects of wealth management, including estate planning, charitable giving, and family governance, all within a Sharia-compliant framework.

Ebdaa’s specialized and in-depth expertise in international Islamic finance advisory and consultancy provides a crucial and essential bridge between the fundamental principles of Islamic finance and global financial best practices. As Mohammed Saifullah Khan, Founder and CEO of Ebdaa IFC, notes, “As demand for Sharia-compliant wealth solutions accelerates, we bridge Islamic finance with global expertise, delivering high-impact, ethical investment strategies.”

Ebdaa’s specialized knowledge in structuring Sharia-compliant family foundations, developing innovative Sukuk solutions, and advising on Islamic wealth management, utilizing Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) prescribed companies, further strengthens the capabilities and reach of this strategic partnership. This includes expertise in Islamic investment funds, Sharia-compliant financing solutions, and Islamic insurance (Takaful).

Meeting the Evolving Needs of HNWIs

The strategic partnership between Ocorian and Ebdaa directly addresses the escalating demand for sophisticated, bespoke, and tailored Sharia Financial Services driven by several key and interconnected trends shaping the global wealth management landscape. As Leevyn Isabel, Commercial Director for the Middle East at Ocorian, observes, “By offering innovative, co-branded Islamic solutions, Ocorian and Ebdaa IFC are setting a new benchmark in the delivery of Sharia-compliant financial services.” These key trends include:

• Regional Wealth Structuring: GCC families and HNWIs are increasingly choosing to structure their wealth domestically or within the region, seeking greater control, enhanced transparency, simplified administration, and closer proximity to their assets while remaining fully compliant with Sharia principles. This partnership offers the combined expertise, robust infrastructure, and local knowledge to effectively facilitate this growing trend. This also allows for greater integration with local legal and regulatory frameworks, streamlining the wealth management process.
• UAE as a Leading Global Financial Hub: The UAE’s highly favorable regulatory environment, political stability, world-class infrastructure, strategic geographic location, and high standard of living continue to attract HNWIs, family offices, and global investors from around the globe. This significant influx of wealth further fuels the demand for sophisticated, innovative, and bespoke Sharia Financial Services. The UAE’s commitment to developing a robust Islamic finance ecosystem makes it an ideal hub for Sharia-compliant wealth management.
• Socially Responsible Investing: Beyond the Muslim community, there is a growing global interest and demand for ethical and socially responsible investing. Sharia Financial Services, with its inherent emphasis on ethical considerations, social justice, and responsible investment practices, appeals to this broader and increasingly influential audience of ethically conscious investors. This includes a focus on investments that contribute to social good and avoid industries deemed unethical or harmful.
• Wealth Transfer and Succession Planning: With significant wealth accumulation in the hands of the current generation, HNWIs are increasingly focused on intergenerational wealth transfer and succession planning. Sharia-compliant solutions for inheritance and family governance are crucial in ensuring a smooth and equitable transition of wealth while adhering to Islamic principles.
• Complexity of Global Regulations: Navigating the complex web of international tax laws, regulatory requirements, and compliance standards is a significant challenge for HNWIs. Expert guidance on Sharia-compliant structures that also meet international regulatory standards is essential.

Ocorian’s Global Reach and Proven Expertise

Ocorian’s extensive global network, managing over 17,000 structures on behalf of more than 8,000 clients, including financial institutions, large-scale international organizations, and HNWIs, provides a solid and reliable foundation for this strategic partnership. Their extensive presence in key financial hubs worldwide, including Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, Denmark, Germany, Guernsey, Finland, Hong Kong, Ireland, the Isle of Man, Jersey, Luxembourg, Mauritius, the Netherlands, Norway, Singapore, Sweden, the UAE, the UK, and the US, enables them to offer seamless, globally connected, and locally relevant Sharia Financial Services.

Ebdaa Islamic Finance Consultancy (Ebdaa IFC) is a leading Sharia advisory firm dedicated to providing innovative, value-driven, and Sharia-compliant solutions across all disciplines of Islamic finance globally. Their deep expertise in structuring Sharia-compliant investment funds, developing and advising on innovative Sukuk solutions, and providing expert counsel on Islamic wealth management, family office structuring, and estate planning makes them an invaluable and essential partner in this strategic collaboration.

A Partnership Poised for Growth and Global Impact

The strategic partnership between Ocorian and Ebdaa represents a significant and forward-thinking step in the continuing evolution and expansion of Sharia Financial Services. By seamlessly combining their respective strengths, extensive resources, and specialized expertise, they are exceptionally well-positioned to meet the growing and increasingly complex demand for innovative, tailored, and Sharia-compliant solutions in this dynamic and rapidly expanding market. This collaboration is not simply about providing financial services; it’s about empowering HNWIs and family offices to achieve their