Bond AT1 CoCo Sukuk Islamic Bank Capital Trigger 2026

Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Bond AT1 CoCo Sukuk Islamic Bank Capital Trigger 2026

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Written by Robert Gultig

3 January 2026

Introduction

The global market for contingent convertible bonds (CoCos), particularly in the Islamic finance sector, is witnessing significant growth. As of 2023, the Islamic finance market is valued at approximately $3 trillion, with a notable surge in demand for Sharia-compliant investment instruments. The introduction of Additional Tier 1 (AT1) CoCos and Sukuk structures provides banks with essential capital while adhering to Islamic principles. Notably, the total issuance of Islamic bonds (Sukuk) reached $170 billion in 2022, reflecting a growing appetite for innovative financial solutions in the Islamic banking sector.

Top 20 Bond AT1 CoCo Sukuk Islamic Bank Capital Trigger 2026

1. Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia is a leading issuer of Sukuk, with a market share of about 45% in the GCC region. The country’s Ministry of Finance issued over $30 billion in Sukuk in 2022, enhancing liquidity and funding infrastructure projects.

2. UAE

The UAE has seen a robust Sukuk market with over $12 billion issued in 2022. Major banks like Emirates NBD have issued AT1 CoCos, indicating strong growth in capital-raising activities.

3. Malaysia

Malaysia remains a powerhouse in the Sukuk market, accounting for approximately 60% of global Sukuk issuance. In 2022, the country issued about $50 billion in Sukuk, facilitated by domestic banks like Maybank and CIMB.

4. Qatar

Qatar’s Islamic banks, such as Qatar Islamic Bank, issued over $5 billion in Sukuk in 2022. The country’s regulatory framework supports the growth of CoCo bonds, enhancing bank capitalization.

5. Indonesia

Indonesia has emerged as a significant player in the Sukuk market, with approximately $15 billion issued in 2022. The government’s efforts to expand Sharia-compliant financing have led to increased issuance from banks like Bank Syariah Indonesia.

6. Bahrain

Bahrain’s Islamic banks are active in issuing CoCos, with over $1 billion in Sukuk issued in 2022. The Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK) is a notable issuer, bolstering its capital position.

7. Turkey

Turkey’s Sukuk issuance reached $3 billion in 2022, with a growing interest in AT1 CoCos among local banks. The Turkish Islamic bank, Albaraka Türk, is a key contributor to this growth.

8. Pakistan

Pakistan’s Sukuk market is expanding, with approximately $2 billion issued in 2022. The State Bank of Pakistan has been supportive of Islamic finance, encouraging local banks to explore CoCo structures.

9. Egypt

Egypt has seen a rise in Sukuk issuance, with about $1 billion in 2022. The National Bank of Egypt is among the pioneering institutions exploring AT1 CoCos to bolster capital.

10. Oman

Oman’s Islamic banking sector is growing, with nearly $1 billion in Sukuk issued in 2022. Bank Muscat’s initiatives in CoCos have positioned it strategically in the market.

11. Kuwait

Kuwait’s market for Sukuk reached approximately $2 billion in 2022, with the Kuwait Finance House leading the issuance of AT1 CoCos, reflecting strong investor interest.

12. Jordan

Jordan has issued around $500 million in Sukuk in 2022, with the Jordan Islamic Bank actively exploring AT1 CoCo structures to enhance its capital base in line with regulatory requirements.

13. Bangladesh

Bangladesh’s Islamic finance market is growing, with Sukuk issuances nearing $300 million in 2022. The country’s Islamic banks are beginning to adopt CoCo structures for capital management.

14. South Africa

South Africa’s Islamic finance sector is emerging, with Sukuk issuance around $1 billion in 2022. Banks like Al Baraka Bank are exploring CoCos to diversify funding sources.

15. Nigeria

Nigeria’s Sukuk market saw over $1 billion in 2022, with significant participation from banks like Jaiz Bank, which are looking to innovate with AT1 CoCos to attract more investors.

16. Morocco

Morocco’s Islamic banking sector is developing, with Sukuk issuance nearing $500 million in 2022. The introduction of CoCos is being considered to enhance capital adequacy among local banks.

17. Tunisia

Tunisia’s Sukuk market is nascent but growing, with $200 million issued in 2022. Local banks are beginning to explore AT1 CoCos as a means to strengthen their financial positions.

18. Senegal

Senegal has issued approximately $100 million in Sukuk in 2022, and the country is looking to expand its Islamic finance sector. AT1 CoCos could play a pivotal role in this growth.

19. Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Islamic banking sector is in its infancy, with Sukuk issuance around $50 million in 2022. The potential for AT1 CoCos remains largely untapped but presents opportunities for future growth.

20. Afghanistan

Afghanistan’s Islamic banking sector is in its infancy, with Sukuk issuance around $50 million in 2022. The potential for AT1 CoCos remains largely untapped but presents opportunities for future growth.

Insights

The landscape for Bond AT1 CoCo Sukuk in Islamic banking is evolving rapidly, driven by increasing demand for Sharia-compliant financial instruments and regulatory support across various countries. The total Sukuk market is projected to grow by 8% annually, reaching an estimated $300 billion by 2026, reflecting the expanding acceptance of innovative capital-raising structures. As banks continue to explore AT1 CoCos, the integration of these instruments into their capital frameworks will likely become more prevalent, particularly in regions like the GCC and Southeast Asia. The adaptability of Islamic finance to meet modern banking needs positions it well for sustained growth in the coming years.

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Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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