Pioneering private investments in emerging markets
Janus Henderson’s Emerging Markets Private Capital team is based in Abu Dhabi.
The team was acquired in 2024 from NBK Wealth, where they achieved one of the most successful track records in the MENA region through investments in 40 companies and 27 portfolio exits. Their proven track record is the result of strong deal origination capabilities and hands-on, operational approaches to portfolio management.
The Emerging Markets Private Capital team currently manage four private credit and private equity strategies, investing in emerging markets including the Middle East and North Africa.
Past performance does not predict future returns. The value of an investment may go down as well as up and you may loose the amount originally invested.
Emerging Markets Private Capital team at a glance
2006
Foundation year
USD $1.1 billion to date for investors like you
Capital commitments
18 years of performance and growth
Track record
Advised on 40 companies with 27 successful exits
Investment milestones
Initiated the MENA region's first dedicated private credit vehicle
Innovation
Source: Janus Henderson Investors. As of 6/30/25.
Our Competitive Advantage
A history of growth and innovation
A tradition of innovation
Innovation is at the core of what Janus Henderson offers. As part of NBK Wealth, our Emerging Markets Private Capital team introduced the first private credit vehicle in the Middle East fifteen years ago. This vehicle ranked among the top-performing mezzanine debt funds globally in its vintage year.
Investing in a brighter future together
With the emerging markets arena still largely untapped by private capital, our Emerging Markets Private Capital Team aims to tap the evolving opportunities in emerging economies and bring differentiated private investments to clients.
Embracing a long-term trend
Acquiring a private investments capability means we can better serve clients who are increasingly seeking differentiated investments in private credit including evolving opportunities in emerging economies and positions us as pioneers in anticipating and embracing this long-term trend.
Ali Dibadj
CEO, Janus Henderson Investors
In combination with Janus Henderson, we aim to solidify our role as the premier destination for institutional capital investing in private alternatives in emerging markets.
Yaser Moustafa
CEO, NBK Capital Partners
Private Equity
Since inception of our private equity strategy in 2006, we have advised on three funds focusing on middle-market companies headquartered in MENA and Turkey. We have advised on 19 investments, 2 bolt-on acquisitions and 16 realisations. We have advised on fund investments, supporting various types of investments, including buyouts or partnerships with family-owned businesses, growth capital for organic growth initiatives and equity capital for industry consolidation.
Real Estate
Our regional real estate fund was launched in 2016 with an objective to provide stable rental yield to investors seeking exposure to regional commercial real estate. Our inaugural real estate fund was structured to comply with the Shari’ah principles through sale-leaseback transactions focused on core defensive sectors.
Emerging Markets Private Credit Strategy
The Emerging Markets Private Credit strategy provides privately negotiated secured debt to middle market corporate borrowers across various sectors. The proceeds of private credit financing can be applied towards growth capital, acquisition financing and buyouts, balance sheet refinancing or dividend recapitalization. We have the flexibility to invest across the capital structure through conventional or Shari'ah-compliant debt structures or hybrid securities.
The Private Credit team employs a disciplined cash flow lending approach that has been honed over 15 years of credit investing. Our objective is to generate attractive risk-adjusted returns, with a focus on current income, downside protection and equity upside potential.
We bring together distinctive characteristics of international education and deal experience, combined with deep credit skills, restructuring experience, proprietary deal flow, and intimate local knowledge of the GCC market necessary to successfully deliver the Fund’s investment strategy. Our proven-track record and longstanding reputation in the market make it a capital source for various mid-market companies.
Emerging Markets Private Capital team
With over a decade of investing experience in the region, we have been successful at driving value for our investors and portfolio companies by combining cultural understanding with our deep knowledge of regional business dynamics and regulatory frameworks.
Head of Emerging Market Private Investments
Executive Director
Principal
Executive Director
Principal
Our Private Credit Investments
References above do not constitute a recommendation and should not be assumed to be profitable.