Sukuk and capital markets

Investment trustee (sukuk)

The intermediary that protects sukuk holders' interests, supervises the issue manager and keeps documents and guarantees safe.

An investment trustee is the intermediary institution charged with protecting the interests of sukuk holders, supervising the performance of the issue manager and keeping documents and guarantees in safe custody. AAOIFI's investment sukuk standard defines the role and says it is performed for a consideration set out in the prospectus, on the basis of an agency contract. Because the trustee acts for the holders, its mandate, its fee and the information it receives are central to how holders can enforce their rights.

Sources

AAOIFI Shari'ah Standards, English edition (full text, PDF): Shari'ah Standard No. 17, Investment Sukuk, Appendix C, investment trustee

This entry explains a term; it is not a Shariah ruling. Approving a product is for each institution's own Shariah board and regulator.

Related terms

SukukCertificates of equal value representing undivided shares in the ownership of assets, usufruct, services or a project.Special purpose vehicle (SPV)A legal entity set up only for a specific transaction, such as holding sukuk assets for the holders, and kept apart from the originator.WakalahAgency: one party appoints another to act on its behalf, with or without a fee.Paid agency (wakalah bil ujrah)An agency in which the agent is paid a fee; the fee must be known, and the arrangement follows the rules of ijarah.