Islamic Finance Securitization: Sukuk Structures From Luxembourg.

Islamic finance securitization structures Sharia-compliant transactions as tradeable instruments. MTCM can place the underlying asset in a ring-fenced compartment of a Luxembourg SPV it operates, with the instrument built on ownership of tangible assets rather than on interest. Sharia certification is issued by an independent board, not by MTCM.

Sharia-compliant finance rests on ownership of real assets and on sharing risk, which is close to how a securitization compartment already works. The asset can be placed in one ring-fenced compartment of MTCM’s six Luxembourg SPVs, and the instrument is built around that ownership rather than around interest. MTCM structures the transaction; the Sharia certification is issued by an independent board appointed for that purpose. The compartment is bankruptcy remote in both directions, and the asset is off-balance sheet for the originator. GSK Stockmann acts as the platform’s legal counsel, with PwC and Atwell as auditors.

Own ISIN

Held in custody, transferred or listed like any other security.

Ring-fenced

Segregated by law from every other transaction on the platform.

Bankruptcy remote

Protection runs in both directions.

Off-balance sheet

The exposure leaves the originator’s balance sheet.

Structures We Can Work With?

Sukuk

Certificates representing ownership in tangible assets or services rather than debt.

Ijara

Structures built on the lease of an identified asset and the rent it produces.

Murabaha

Cost-plus sale structures with a disclosed margin agreed at the outset.

Musharaka

Partnership structures where the parties share the outcome of a venture.

Mudaraba

Structures where one party provides capital and another provides expertise.

Istisna

Manufacturing and construction structures funding an asset yet to be built.

Salam

Structures based on advance payment for goods to be delivered later.

Wakala

Agency structures where an appointed agent acts within a defined mandate.

Hybrid Sukuk

Structures combining more than one of the above within a single transaction.

Asset-Backed Real Estate

Property structures adapted to Sharia requirements on ownership and use.

Frequently Asked Questions.

What is Islamic finance securitization?

It structures Sharia-compliant transactions as tradeable instruments. The underlying asset is held inside one ring-fenced compartment, and the instrument is built on ownership of it rather than on interest, in line with the certified structure.

A sukuk is a certificate representing ownership in tangible assets or in the outcome of an identified venture, rather than a debt paying interest. The holder’s entitlement derives from the asset itself, which is why the structure begins with what the compartment owns.

No. MTCM structures and administers the compartment. Sharia certification is issued by an independent board appointed for the transaction. The board’s scope is agreed before the compartment is structured, and its requirements shape the structure.

Because the Luxembourg Securitization Law provides a flexible framework for holding a tangible asset in a ring-fenced compartment and issuing against it, and because the framework is familiar to European investors, custodians and counterparties.

Ijara, murabaha, istisna, salam, musharaka, mudaraba and wakala structures, alone or combined, depending on the asset and on what the appointed Sharia board requires.

Institutions and family offices with a Sharia-compliant mandate, sponsors raising capital from investors with that requirement, and intermediaries needing a European-domiciled structure their counterparties recognise.

From Idea to Redemption.

  1. Idea. We map the asset, the parties and the Sharia requirements the transaction has to satisfy.
  2. Structuring. The compartment is designed around ownership of the tangible asset, with the appointed board consulted on structure.
  3. ISIN. The instrument is issued from the compartment and receives its own ISIN.
  4. Audits. The compartment is audited by both PwC and Atwell, and the independent Sharia board issues its certification.
  5. Reporting. Periodic reporting to holders, covering both the asset and continued compliance with the certified structure.
  6. Payments. Amounts arising from the asset are administered through the compartment and passed through.
  7. Redemption. The instrument is redeemed at the end of its term, and the compartment is closed.
Geometric faceted dome above a radial interior — securitization in Islamic finance

Which Structure Fits Which Transaction?

StructureBuilt onTypical use
IjaraLease of an identified assetReal estate and equipment
MurabahaSale at a disclosed marginTrade and working capital
IstisnaManufacture or construction of an assetProjects under construction
SalamAdvance payment for future deliveryAgricultural and commodity output
MusharakaShared participation in a ventureJoint ventures and development
MudarabaCapital from one party, expertise from anotherManaged ventures
WakalaAn agent acting under a defined mandatePortfolios and multi-asset structures

Who Certifies What?

  • MTCM structures the compartment and administers it. MTCM does not issue Sharia certification.
  • An independent Sharia board reviews the structure and issues the certification.
  • The board is appointed for the transaction, and its scope is agreed before the compartment is structured.
  • Ongoing compliance is reported alongside financial reporting, on the basis the board sets.
  • Where the board requires a change to the structure, the compartment is adapted before issuance.

Why Structure Islamic Finance Through a Compartment?

  • Built on asset ownership. The compartment holds a tangible asset, which is what the structure requires.
  • Ring-fenced by law. Each transaction has a compartment of its own, and Luxembourg law keeps the compartments apart.
  • A recognised European framework. The Luxembourg Securitization Law of 22 March 2004 is familiar to European investors and counterparties.
  • Independent certification. Sharia compliance is certified by an independent board, not asserted by the structurer.
  • Custody-eligible. The instrument carries an ISIN, so it can be held through conventional custody arrangements.

Talk to our structuring team.

80+ active compartments · €2.5 bn+ assets structured. Indicative platform figures.