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Wednesday, 16 February 2022

New green, Islamic microfinance products on the menu for 2022

The Financial Regulatory Authority (FRA) could soon issue licenses for green and Islamic microfinance products, FRA’s Deputy Chairman Islam Azzam told Daily News Egypt. Azzam added added that the regulator is currently working on developing new financial products, with a particular focus on microfinance. An FRA spokesman confirmed the substance of the story when we asked yesterday.

What else the FRA has planned for 2022: The FRA is in the process of developing micro and macro digital finance products and a product to serve the agricultural sector in addition to the microfinance offerings, Azzam told the newspaper. The regulator is also reportedly looking into direct financing products for SMEs.

At least two green bond issuances expected this year: The authority is currently looking into two green bond issuances that should go to market some time this year, Azzam said, without providing further details.

One sukuk issuance wrapping up: The FRA is currently finalizing one sukuk issuance, according to Azzam, and expects four more this year for a total of EGP 8 bn in 2021 issuances. Azzam didn’t disclose any company names.

What we do know: State-owned Banque Misr’s investment arm, Misr Capital, is working on sukuk issuances for three EGX-listed companies this year, with the first expected in 2Q2022. Palm Hills Developments is expected to close a EGP 3 bn issuance later this quarter, while Wadi Degla Developments EGP 2 bn sale and Amer Group’s EGP 1.1 bn issuance are in the pipeline for the first half of the year.

The futures exchange will launch within the next six months, says Azzam. The FRA has completed the feasibility study for the planned futures exchange, according to the deputy chairman.

More investment funds coming: A fund administrator has reportedly sent the FRA a request to establish a fund to finance non-banking financial activities, according to Azzam. The regulator is currently looking into several requests for more funds, including “two funds to invest in precious metals (gold), a private equity fund aiming to invest in SMEs, a stock fund, and finally a private equity fund to engage in venture capital activity to support companies operating in the field of non-Egyptian financial services,” he said.

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