Maldives sukuk falls to all-time low

Apr 13, 2025, 10:53 AM
Artwork: Ismail Imdhad/ Adhadhu

Artwork: Ismail Imdhad/ Adhadhu

The value of the USD 500 million sukuk sold by the Maldives has fallen to an all-time low due to global economic uncertainties.

On April 7, sukuk was trading at 46 cents per dollar. Its value has been rising since then, but remains below the normal rates.

This is likely due to uncertainties in the global economy after US President Donald Trump's list of 60 countries with higher tariffs.

Source: Frankfurt Stock Exchange
Source: Frankfurt Stock Exchange

Source: Frankfurt Stock Exchange

The US has postponed tariffs on countries other than China for 90 days. China has also announced retaliatory tariffs on US goods.

After Fitch downgraded the Maldives' credit rating last year, sukuk fell to 66 cents per dollar.

Fitch downgraded the credit rating due to the risk of debt default because of low foreign exchange reserves and looming repayment deadlines.

A large portion of the Maldives' debt is owed to China and India.

Comments

Read More

Latest News

Star Medical to host free pre-pregnancy session for couples

Star Medical will host a free pre-pregnancy awareness session for couples on September 24 at 8:45 pm. Led by experienced nurses, the event offers guidance on healthy conception and a Q&A segment. Interested couples can register by contacting the clinic directly.

Businesses face challenges in securing dollar support from BML

Bank of Maldives has notified businesses that dollar support for transfers is now strictly subject to availability. Importers face automatic cancellations if accounts lack full invoice amounts, as the bank struggles with a severe foreign exchange shortage. Business owners report receiving zero support and no prior notice of these changes.

Dollar transfers will return to normal within next week: BML

Bank of Maldives expects dollar transfer services to return to normal next week following recent delays caused by a surge in demand. The bank implemented measures to manage unsustainable outflows from Rufiyaa accounts, noting that the issue is a temporary supply imbalance and not a reflection of its overall financial health.

BML denies funding $50 million debt repayment to SBI

Bank of Maldives denied claims that it provided $50 million to the government for debt repayment to the State Bank of India. The bank clarified that no customer deposits or internal resources were used for the payment. BML maintained its financial stability despite ongoing dollar liquidity challenges and warned against spreading misinformation.

Exclusive: Maldives sought extension on $50M India debt

The Maldives government requested a further extension to repay a final $50 million debt installment to India, but the request was denied. Despite the refusal, the Maldives settled the payment last week using its Sovereign Development Fund. This follows previous rollovers and a $50 million grant provided by India earlier this year.

Businesses allege BML is blocking USD transfers

Business owners are accusing the Bank of Maldives of blocking USD transfers to other banks amid a liquidity crisis. Despite having sufficient funds, traders report significant delays in processing payments and transfers via the MRTGS system. BML cited a backlog, reportedly prioritizing essential imports like food and medicine.

Government settles final $50 million debt to SBI

The government has fully repaid a $150 million debt to the State Bank of India, settling the final $50 million installment this month. The debt, originally incurred in 2019, was cleared in three stages under the current administration. This payment is part of a broader $2.3 billion effort to service foreign debt over the last two years.

Newsletter

Get the latest news delivered straight to your inbox