As an initial step to develop its domestic capital market, Brunei Darussalam launched its first Short Term Government Sukuk Al-Ijara program on 6 April 2006. The program includes the offering of a BND 150 million (USD 92 million) 91-day commercial paper, which was the first of a series of planned offerings from the government.

Spearheaded by the Ministry of Finance, the program is expected to set off similar initiatives aimed at deepening the domestic capital market. Alternative investment instruments that similarly satisfy Shari'ah requirements are also expected to be developed through the program. In September 2002, Brunei made the first venture in the international debt markets by undertaking a USD 250 million syndicated loan.

In 2002, Brunei launched the country’s first Securities Exchange. It was open briefly but currently is not operating. When re-established, the Exchange will enable international dealers to trade in conventional equity and derivative products and Shari’ah compliant financial instruments.