• IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Date: 7th March 2017 Venue: Grand Millennium Muscat

Sponsors & Partners

SUPPORTED BY

Capital Market Authority

Website: https://www.cma.gov.om

LEAD PARTNER

Bank Nizwa

Website: www.banknizwa.om/

Bank Nizwa started operations in January 2013 to offer the people of Oman a unique banking experience that combines Shariah compliant products and services with today’s dynamic financial requirements. Over the past three years, the bank has witnessed steady growth in its customer base as more people seek an alternative solution to conventional banking. With the concept of Islamic banking gaining momentum in Oman, Bank Nizwa continues to offer reliable competitive propositions for customers looking to lead financially secure lifestyles.

In tandem with its ongoing strategy to bring Islamic banking to customers’ doorsteps and fingertips, the bank currently offers a suite of financing, savings and investment products for individual customers. The bank is also in the process of expanding its services to cater to corporate and commercial customers, while providing tailored products for the segments of investment banking and global markets. With innovation at the forefront of its successful operations, Bank Nizwa has been consistently introducing forward-thinking products and services such as the in-house electronic cheque-clearing system.

To date, Bank Nizwa has expanded its reach, opening 11 branches across Oman in Muscat, Ghoubra, Al Khoud, Barka, Nizwa, Samail, Sohar, Ibra, Sur, Al Buraymi and Salalah.

Since its inception, Bank Nizwa has won various awards including four awards in 2015 alone. In addition to recently being named the ‘Best Performing Islamic Bank in Oman’ at the 2015 World Islamic Banking Conference, the bank also received the ‘Best Islamic Bank in Oman’ title at the 6th annual Islamic Finance Awards, the ‘Best Employee Retention and Motivation Program’ award at the annual Middle East Call Center Awards and was recently honored with the ‘Strongest Islamic Retail Bank in Oman’ title at the 7th World Islamic Retail Banking Conference. These accolades reflect the bank’s commitment to become the Islamic bank of choice in the Sultanate.

MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNERS

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)

Website: www.icd-ps.org

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution and is part of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group.

The ICD was established in November 1999 to support the economic development of its member countries through the provision of finance for private sector projects, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, providing advisory services to governments and private companies and encouraging cross-border investments.

The ICD has an authorized capital of US$4 billion. Currently, the shareholders of the ICD are the IDB (50%), 53 Islamic countries (30%) and five public financial institutions (20%).

ICD mandate and objectives

The ICD fosters sustainable economic growth in its 53 member countries by:

  • Financing private sector investment
  • Mobilizing capital in the international financial markets, and
  • Providing advisory services to business and governments. 

The ICD selects the financing projects based on their contribution to economic development considering factors such as job creation, Islamic finance development, contribution to exports, etc. The ICD also provides advisory services to governments and private sector groups on policies designed to encourage the establishment, expansion and modernization of private enterprises, the development of capital markets, best management practices and to enhance the role of the market economy. The ICD operates to complement the activities of the IDB in member countries.

The ICD is rated ‘AA/FQ’ by Fitch Ratings, ‘Aa3/P-1’ by Moody’s Investors Service and ‘A+’ by Standard & Poor’s.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tel: (966-12) 6361400; (966-12) 6441644

Fax: (966-12) 644 4427

Email: icd@isdb.org

Website: www.icd-ps.org

International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation

Website: www.itfc-idb.org

The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the IDB Group. It was established with the purpose of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. The ITFC commenced operations in January 2008 and has since consolidated all trade finance businesses that used to be handled by various windows within the IDB Group. Earning an ‘A1’ rating from Moody’s Investors Service reflects the ITFC’s efficiency in service delivery by responding swiftly to customer needs in a market-driven business environment.

Since 2008, the ITFC has provided more than US$40.2 billion of trade financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for the needs of OIC member countries. With a mission of being a catalyst for trade development among OIC member countries and beyond, the ITFC helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

 

Contact us at: 

Twitter: @ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ITFCCORP
Linkedin: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)


Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: ITFC@itfc-idb.org
Website: http://www.itfc-idb.org/en

STRATEGIC PARTNER

The RFI Foundation

Website: www.rfi-foundation.org

The RFI Foundation - the industry body for the responsible finance sector

The RFI Foundation has been established with the aim of bringing together various forms of responsible finance practices, encouraging consensus as the basis for convergence between standards, practices and regulations. To do so in an effective manner, financial services must find and share a guiding principle for financial services which is most beneficial when the best ideas are incorporated from various forms of responsible finance, including Islamic finance.

After the financial crisis, it was apparent that the link between risk and reward had been broken and needed to be rebuilt with ethics and morals at its heart. The financial crisis illustrated in stark fashion that ethics and business are not adversaries and that ultimately they need each other.

It is within this context that responsible finance practices can play a powerful role in shaping the future of the global economy. There are various definitions and practices encapsulating the responsible finance sector. These include sustainable, responsible and impact investing (SRI), environmental, social and governance and Islamic finance, which is a form of financial intermediation in which funds are raised and applied using asset-based methods or partnerships in accordance with Islamic law instead of lending and borrowing.

The guiding principle that is shared among all forms of responsible finance is an appreciation that financial services can be a force, and indeed are necessary for sustainable development.

A major opportunity for the RFI is to expand responsible finance by incorporating the positive screening strengths of the SRI industry with the governance and regulatory advances of Islamic finance, and thereby engage asset owners and institutional investors who drive financial services development in a more coherent and unified approach.

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

Al Busaidy Mansoor Jamal & Co (AMJ)

Website: www.amjoman.com/

AMJ’s award-winning Islamic finance practice provides clients with advice and representation on a broad spectrum of Islamic finance transactions, regulatory frameworks and products.

The dedicated Islamic finance team comprises international lawyers who have advised high-profile and innovative transactions in Asia, the Middle East and Europe. They combine technical expertise in conventional financing with a deep understanding and commitment to the principles and mechanics of Shariah compliant instruments and transactions. They have the experience and know-how to structure and implement complex investment, finance and debt capital market transactions which meet both Shariah and conventional banking requirements and also satisfy regulatory conditions. The practice is fully integrated with our internationally-ranked finance and capital market practices, giving it unrivaled depth in the market.

The team has advised governments, corporates, Islamic and conventional financial institutions, banks and funds on Sukuk, funds, structured products and securitization and project financing using all the Shariah compliant instruments.

EXECUTIVE PARTNERS

Alizz Islamic Bank

Website: alizzislamic.com/

Alizz Islamic Bank is one of the first dedicated Islamic banks in Oman. With an aim to offer customers an enriching banking experience designed for today’s modern world, the bank has focused its investments on human capital and the best of technology to ensure the delivery of exceptional, responsive customer service. Transparent processes and innovative products and solutions that are inspired by Islamic Shariah cater to the diverse needs of both commercial and corporate customers. The bank was established in accordance to Royal Decree No. 69/2012 which amended the banking law to include Islamic banking at licensed banks through either specialized banks or independent entities at existing commercial banks. Alizz Islamic Bank delivers exceptional and sustainable results to our stakeholders by providing superior Shariah compliant financial solutions.

Founded in November 2012, Alizz Islamic Bank provides Shariah compliant financial solutions. We serve customers through both retail banking and wholesale banking businesses. Our network covers four governorates including Muscat, Dhakhilia, Batinah and Dhofar. The network includes five branches located in the Central Business District: Al Khoudh, Nizwa, Sohar, Wattaya and Salalah. The bank also offers e-banking solutions through online banking at www.alizzislamic.com and a mobile application.

Alizz Islamic Bank continues to work hard to recruit talented and ambitious young Omani nationals, and by the end of 2014, the bank had employed 141 Omani nationals working across all divisions, representing an Omanization rate of over 88.7%, exceeding the percentage fixed by regulatory bodies for a newly established bank. The total head count for the bank including expatriate professionals to date stands at 159. The total paid-up capital is OMR100 million (US$258.83 million) of which 40% was raised by public investors during the IPO. About 60% was contributed by the bank's promoters who come from diverse yet complementary backgrounds, and share extensive experience in leadership roles, all of which contribute to establishing a solid foundation from which Alizz Islamic Bank can flourish.

Dentons

Website: www.dentons.com/

Dentons is a global law firm driven to provide clients with a competitive edge in an increasingly complex and interconnected world. Our Middle East network is one of the largest and longest established of any international law firm in the region – we have been on the ground for half a century. With more than 110 legal professionals, many of them bilingual in Arabic and English, our team delivers a comprehensive understanding of local laws, customs and practices.

Dentons's Islamic finance team is a leader in its field. We are at the forefront of innovation in Islamic finance and work closely with key industry stakeholders. Clients use us for our unrivalled Shariah local knowledge and international expertise across the Middle East, Europe and Asia. We offer a full range of services in domestic and international Islamic finance law advice. Our Shariah solutions are world class, offering practical experience and expertise across a wide range of industry sectors.

Finance Accreditation Agency

Website: www.faa.org.my/

The Finance Accreditation Agency (FAA) is responsible for raising the standards and quality of professional learning and development in the financial services industry. As an advocate for the highest quality in internationally benchmarked standards for learning programs, FAA aims to create highly skilled and internationally mobile professionals for the global financial services industry.

FAA is an independent quality assurance and accreditation body supported by Bank Negara Malaysia (Central Bank of Malaysia) and Securities Commission Malaysia. The process of quality assurance practiced by FAA is underpinned by the FAA Technical Committee which comprises a world-class panel of experts and practitioners from the financial services industry and leading academics.

Linklaters

Website: www.linklaters.com/

Linklaters is a leading global law firm, supporting clients in achieving their strategies wherever they do business.

We specialize in advising the world’s leading companies, financial institutions and governments on their most important and challenging transactions and assignments. Our focus is on consistently delivering integrated, global solutions, built on our strong local capability.

We use our expertise and resources to help clients pursue opportunities and manage risk across emerging and developed markets. With offices in major business and financial centers, we deliver outstanding service to our clients anywhere in the world.

Maisarah

Website: www.maisarah-oman.com

Maisarah Islamic Banking Services – Making life easy.

The Islamic banking window of Bank Dhofar, Maisarah Islamic Banking Services was launched in 2013 offering superior Islamic banking experience and a wide range of Shariah compliant products and services. Maisarah achieved a significant milestone of OMR450.71 million (US$1.17 billion) in assets at the end of the 2016 financial year. It also won many accolades for its recognition as a leading Islamic banking institution including the ‘Best Islamic Bank in Oman’.

Sharia Supervisory Board

Maisarah’s Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) is the highest authority in Maisarah to decide on Shariah-related matters. SSB upholds the highest Shariah standards and reviews and approves all new and existing products, services, policies, procedures, manuals and amendments to ensure ongoing Shariah compliance and supervisory guidance. SSB has been fulfilling its responsibility of playing an important role in ensuring Shariah governance in line with the Central Bank of Oman’s Islamic Banking Regulatory Framework (IBRF) and industry best practices with the help of the Shariah Compliance and the Audit Department.

The Wholesale Banking Group (WSBG)

The Wholesale Banking Group (WSBG) of Maisarah offers a variety of innovative products and services addressing, in a Shariah compliant manner, the financial needs of clients operating in different sectors. Products are designed and managed by a dedicated team, with both local and international experience and expertise, giving the products a competitive edge and offering solutions to clients that are second to none in this sector. Maisarah’s clients include public and private sector companies, governments and quasi-governmental entities as well as personal banking customers from all parts of Oman.

Retail Banking Services

Enriching customers’ experience has been the forte of Maisarah. What sets Maisarah apart from the competition is the professional expertise and ability to offer professional advice and guidance for our customers.

During 2016 in the span of one month, Maisarah Retail rolled out five branches taking the total number of branches to 10 with a presence in all the major regions of Oman. In addition to the branches at Azaiba, Salalah, Sohar, Birkat Al Mouz and Al Hail, new branches were opened in New Salalah, Araqi, Sur, Greater Muttrah and Al Khuwair. New retail products offered during the year include Maisarah Gold Card and Qibla Card, Travel Finance, Prize Account and Education Finance, all very innovative and well accepted by customers.

Treasury Services

Maisarah’s treasury has been growing from strength to strength on both the corporate and interbank fronts. Despite the challenge posed by the recent decline in global oil prices, Maisarah’s treasury managed both long and short-term liquidity positions efficiently to ensure the continued funding of corporate and retail assets including treasury investments at lower costs. The increase in the overall trade finance business helped Maisarah’s treasury to effectively manage its cash flows and funding requirements by adhering to internal and regulatory limits with the overall objective of achieving the growth numbers. Another remarkable achievement for Maisarah’s treasury was its active participation in the debut sovereign Sukuk issuance of the Sultanate of Oman, thereby diversifying its asset base across treasury investments and enhancing its position in high-quality liquid assets. It also expanded its interbank relationships with local and offshore banks by signing bilateral Wakalah and Waad agreements, further strengthening Maisarah treasury’s position and enhancing its visibility in the region. This will also add new sources of finance to its asset books and help it meet foreign currency requirements from time to time.

Investment Banking & Capital Markets (IBCM)

Due to the increase demand and request from the market in regards to non – traditional funding requirement, Maisarah has started the offerings of investment banking and capital markets solutions to their clients. This covers from the structuring of Sukuk, Funds, Corporate Finance and Advisory services in line with the Shariah principles. The financial solutions are designed and custom made to cater each Client’s needs and request. With a dedicated and established team, Maisarah is able to offer innovative solutions to cater the Oman market.

 

Trowers & Hamlins

Website: www.trowers.com/

Trowers & Hamlins is an international law firm, headquartered in the city of London, providing full-service integrated offerings. Today, the firm has over 130 partners and over 800 personnel working across the UK, Middle East and Southeast Asia.

With specialist lawyers in the UK, the Middle East and ASEAN, Trowers & Hamlins has been a market leader in the field of Islamic finance for over 20 years. Ranked in the top 10 UK law firms for Islamic finance, our clients include Islamic finance institutions as well as public and private sector organizations.

The ASEAN region is an area of continuing growth for the firm and in response to our expanding client base, we opened a representative regional office in Kuala Lumpur in July 2012 and were granted a branch license in 2015. We are the first and only international law firm to be licensed in Malaysia.

Our defining characteristics are that we are a friendly and accessible firm which has a commitment to excellence, and which provides a supportive working environment to a wide diversity of individuals.

LEAD MEDIA PARTNER

Islamic Finance news

Website: www.islamicfinancenews.com

Islamic Finance news is the industry's leading, capital markets focused, e-newsletter bringing you unrivalled editorial coverage every week on the global Islamic financial market.

This weekly newsletter provides insightful and intelligent editorial coverage from around the world helping you keep ahead. In addition to a comprehensive weekly review of all the stories from around the globe, interviews, forums, market statistics and data, key industry practitioners contribute via non-biased, educational and up-to-date country and sector reports, giving you a firsthand knowledge and understanding of the Islamic finance markets and instruments from an experts' point of view.

For a trial subscription, please contact +603 2162 7800 or email subs@IslamicFinancenews.com

INFORMATION PARTNER

College of Banking and Financial Studies

Website: www.cbfs.edu.om/

The College of Banking and Financial Studies (CBFS) is a government organization established by a Royal Decree in 1983 with the objectives of educating and training bankers and encouraging research in Banking and Financial subjects. It is under the juristic supervision of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) and is supported by the commercial banks operating in the Sultanate.

Over three decades, the College has been helping the financial services industry to meet its human resource development needs by offering academic and training courses that are tailor-made for the emerging needs of Oman. It is an active partner in the Omanization of the banking sector.

Having redefined its Vision and Mission, the College is committed to becoming a leading Higher Education Institution in Banking and Finance in the region. It proposes to do so by adding further to its portfolio of internationally accredited educational programs and by ensuring that capacity building matches with the dynamics of the market place.

 

RESEARCH PARTNER

Oxford Business Group

Website: www.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/

Oxford Business Group (OBG) is a global publishing, research and consultancy firm, which publishes economic intelligence on the markets of Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Latin America.

OBG offers a comprehensive analysis of macroeconomic and sectoral developments, including banking, capital markets, energy, infrastructure, industry and insurance.

The group’s acclaimed economic and business reports are the leading source of local and regional intelligence, while its online economic briefings provide an up-to-date in-depth analysis. OBG’s consultancy arm offers tailor-made market intelligence and advice to firms operating in these markets and those looking to enter them.

MEDIA PARTNERS

Al Roya

Website: https://alroya.om/

Al Roya Press & Publishing is the Sultanate of Oman’s leading independent publishing house. Along with Oman’s best daily newspaper and magazines, ie Al Roya, Automan, Crème de la crème, Car Guide and Pride, we also publish books, guides and maps that focus on communicating Oman to the world in a range of languages.

Al Roya was founded to promote Oman’s unique identity in the global sense. The company’s titles reflect that initiative, having allowed the company to grow multifold to its leadership position in the Oman media.

Al Roya Daily was launched in 2009 with a vision to promote Oman’s unique identity in the global sense and it has set the standards of independent reporting by being a decidedly Oman-focused editorial and for becoming Oman’s second-largest read newspaper in its first two years.

In addition, new-age media platforms keep Al Roya at the head of the media revolution, with award-winning media portals, social media and apps.

The company also gives back to society in equal measure, having instituted the Al Roya Economic Award, the Al Roya Youth Award and the Al Roya Economic Forum, the Al Roya CSR Forum & Award, the Al Roya Environment Forum, the Diabetic Campaign and the No To Drugs Campaign in addition to sponsoring the unique Sindbad Children’s Mobile Library that takes books to every corner of Oman.

 

Business Islamica

Website: businessislamica.com/

Launched in November 2006, Business Islamica is the first monthly magazine of its kind in the UAE, specifically covering all aspects of Islamic business and finance, both regionally and internationally.

The magazine’s objective is to spearhead awareness initiatives, heighten knowledge of its core principles and practices, as well as to feature the latest developments in this industry.

Our editorial covers interviews with key industry leaders, case studies, and includes features on a wide range of topics such as; Islamic Banking, Wealth Management, Takaful (Islamic Insurance), Islamic Retail Finance, Marketing and Branding of Shari’ah-Compliant products, Regulatory Issues, Islamic Business Challenges and Risk Management.

Capital Business

Website: www.capitalbusiness.me

Capital Business Magazine is a B2B English monthly publication focusing on business best practices and is a publication accredited by the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). It enjoys a sizable footprint in the Middle East on the strength of feature articles contributed by certified financial and business experts, as well as coverage of a broad spectrum of topics including banking, IT, oil & gas, real estate and construction, human capital, risk management, corporate finance and cash management, corporate governance, investments, IPOs, tools of trade and more.

Executive Women

Website: www.executive-women.com

Executive Women magazine is a memoir portraying inspiring and flourishing women entrepreneurs who are changing the face of business and giving an added value to their social life, as well as daring to pursue their educational dreams and reach new career horizons. Moreover, Executive Women offers managerial ‘coaching’ articles, inspirational experiences, leadership drill, as well as a palette of culture and luxury.

Lexis Middle East Law

Website: www.lexismiddleeast.com/

Morocco World News

Website: https://www.moroccoworldnews.com

Morocco World News is dedicated to bringing the news of Morocco and the MENA region to a wide audience without bias or a political agenda.  MWN’s vision is to be a champion of free speech and a protagonist for thoughtful dialogue on diverse subjects to do with the Middle East and Morocco. Speaking the truth, disseminating the truth, and raising questions about the truth are the main principles guiding the work of Morocco World News.

In seeking to fulfill its mission, MWN strives to maintain the highest standards of journalistic ethics and journalistic excellence. MWN strives to ensure that MWN’s content is independent, free from bias, and executed with the utmost integrity in accordance with the following Core Values.

The Business Year

Website: www.thebusinessyear.com/

The Business Year (TBY) is a global media group specializing in economic news, research on national economies, and business intelligence across emerging markets. With operations in over 35 countries, we bring first-hand insights to investors, businesses, and governments worldwide.