Adnan Al Faraj to Lead ZCG Arabia's SME Lending
Investor - People | Jul 29, 2025 | Z Capital Group LLC
Z Capital Group (ZCG), a prominent global private equity firm, has appointed Adnan Al Faraj as the Head of SME Direct Lending for ZCG Arabia. This move is part of ZCG's effort to expand their direct lending services for small- and medium-sized enterprises in Saudi Arabia. By targeting high-growth businesses with capable management teams, ZCG Arabia aligns itself with the Kingdom's Vision 2030 economic goals. Al Faraj, bringing decades of banking experience, will lead sourcing, underwriting, and management of the lending portfolio. ZCG Arabia aims to provide a variety of financing solutions, including secured loans, revolving credit, and mezzanine finance, to stimulate SME growth in the region. Furthermore, ZCG plans to leverage its private equity, credit, and infrastructure investment strategies across the MENA region, supported by its consulting and technology arms. This initiative underscores ZCG's commitment to enhancing economic growth in Saudi Arabia.
Sectors
- Finance
- Private Equity
- Consulting
Geography
- Saudi Arabia – The focus is on ZCG's expansion and investment strategies in Saudi Arabia, specifically targeting SME growth in alignment with Vision 2030.
- Middle East and North Africa (MENA) – ZCG is establishing a regional hub for its investments and operations in Riyadh, targeting broader geographical expansion within the MENA region.
- United States – Z Capital Group is headquartered in New York, indicating its international operations and influence.
Industry
- Finance – The article discusses SME direct lending and broader financial strategies in Saudi Arabia, highlighting ZCG's financial services.
- Private Equity – ZCG is a private equity firm expanding its footprint in the MENA region, enhancing investment opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
- Consulting – ZCG's expansion strategy includes consulting services via its affiliate ZCG Consulting, supporting its investment initiatives.
Financials
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Z Capital Group LLC | Private Equity Firm | Company | A leading global private equity firm expanding its SME direct lending operations in Saudi Arabia. |
| Adnan Al Faraj | Head of SME Direct Lending | Person | Appointed to lead ZCG Arabia's direct lending platform for SMEs, with extensive experience in corporate banking in Saudi Arabia. |
| ZCG Arabia | Regional Hub | Company | ZCG's regional hub for SME lending and broader investment strategies in the MENA region, headquartered in Riyadh. |
| Banque Saudi Fransi | Previous Employer | Company | Adnan Al Faraj's earlier workplace, where he significantly grew the SME portfolio. |
| Saudi Awwal Bank | Previous Employer | Company | Part of Al Faraj's career history where he managed corporate client portfolios. |
| ZCG Consulting, LLC | Business Consulting Affiliation | Company | Provides consulting services supporting ZCG's investment and growth strategies. |
| Haptiq | Technology Affiliate | Company | A subsidiary involved in technology, enhancing ZCG's operations in the region. |