Unicorn is the Founder and Promoter of an innovative US$1 billion fund, the Strategic Acquisition Fund, which seeks to mobilize capital to seize M&A opportunities arising from the current fragmented nature of the Islamic financial services industry. The goal is to build a large and globally recognized international Islamic financial services group, while providing investors with access to new markets and distribution channels as well as attractive returns.
The Islamic financial services industry has witnessed phenomenal growth in recent years and continues to grow unabated. There are now over 300 Islamic finance institutions operating in 75 countries around the world. Total Islamic banking assets have grown by an average of 15% per annum to reach approximately US$250 billion, but despite this rapid growth, this still represents less than 1% of the world’s total. Furthermore, the industry remains largely fragmented, and no Islamic bank has been able to build a brand that is globally recognized.
The Strategic Acquisition Fund seeks to capitalize on the opportunities resulting from the current industry landscape by mobilizing capital to make immediate, meaningful and lucrative value-unlocking acquisitions and to seize Islamisation opportunities within the financial services industry. The Fund has a specific focus on retail banking institutions.
The first round of the fundraising for the Fund has already been completed and acquisition targets have been identified.
