SICO, the leading regional investment bank and asset manager, has secured three major accolades at the Financial Times (FT) Asset Management Excellence Awards Middle East 2026.
At a prestigious ceremony held in Dubai, SICO was named Best Overall Asset Manager, while also picking up awards for Sharia-Compliant Strategy of the Year and Outstanding Female Leadership in Asset Management. The bank, which manages $8.1 billion in assets, was recognised for its disciplined investment processes and consistent outperformance across regional equity and fixed-income markets.
Despite a dynamic investment landscape in 2025, SICO’s primary funds delivered robust results compared to their regional peers. The SICO Gulf Equity Fund recorded a 13.1 per cent return, ranking it among the top-performing funds in the GCC/MENA region. Simultaneously, the SICO Fixed Income Fund generated a 9.3pc return, successfully maintaining its leading position within its peer group.
SICO’s Islamic investment strategies also demonstrated significant resilience throughout the year. The SICO Capital MENA Equity Fund rose 2.3pc, significantly outperforming the S&P GCC Sharia Index, which declined by 3.5pc over the same period. Additionally, the Elzaad Sukuk Fund, which was launched in December 2023, has achieved a strong cumulative return of 13.3pc to date.
In Saudi Arabia, the SICO Capital Kingdom Equity Fund defied a challenging market to finish 2025 as one of the top-ranked Saudi equity funds, bolstered by the flexibility of its investment strategy and effective risk management.
Group CEO Najla Al Shirawi, who received the leadership accolade, stated that the awards highlight SICO’s ongoing commitment to delivering meaningful results for clients. She noted that the achievement is a testament to the dedication of the bank’s talented team and the continued trust placed in the institution as it navigates a dynamic investment landscape.
Deputy Group CEO Ali Marshad added that the bank’s asset management performance is underpinned by rigorous in-house research and international GIPS standards. He emphasised that SICO’s strategies have consistently outperformed benchmark indices, reflecting the depth of expertise within the portfolio management and research teams.
With a direct presence in Bahrain, the UAE and Saudi Arabia, SICO continues to play a pivotal role in advancing investment standards and contributing to the development of regional capital markets.
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