Ahmad Anani – Partner & Co-chair Global Islamic Finance Practice, Latham & Watkins
Akber Khan – Director, Asset Management Group, Al Rayan Investment
Alex Armstrong – Managing Director, Head of Financial Institutions & Structured Finance, Qinvest
Amjad Hussain – Partner, K&L Gates
Anouar Adham – CFA, Group Chief Executive Officer, Elite International Assets
Ashley Freeman – Senior Counsel, Charles Russell Speechlys LLP
Ben Moylan – Partner, Eversheds
Edward Wong – Chief Financial Officer, Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB)
Eslah Assem – Chief Executive Officer, First Finance Company
Hussein al-Damirji – Managing Partner, Addleshaw Goddard
Khalid F Howladar – Global Head of Islamic Finance, GCC Financial Institutions, Moody's Investors Service
Mohamed Abbas Mahmood Al-Rayes – Advisor to the CEO, Qatar Islamic Insurance Company (QIIC)
Omar Mahmood – Partner, Head of MESA Financial Services, KPMG
Steve Troop – Adviser to the Chairman & Board of Directors, Barwa Bank
Website: www.ezdanholding.qa/
Ezdan Holding Group is regarded as one of the leading entities in the world of business and investment in the Qatari market. Its long experience goes back to 1960, when the group began investing in real estate, then expanded its investment portfolio to include diverse operations and projects in Islamic finance, insurance, health and others.
Thanks to its tireless efforts and its outstanding performance, the group succeeded in becoming one of the prominent players in the various achievements of the State of Qatar. To this, the group contributed to the reduction of inflation rates in the State, in accordance with its policy in providing housing units at reasonable and reduced prices, in addition to the group’s strategy based on diversification of its investments and risk prevention as well as achieving higher profit rates.
Based on this, the group’s vision towards the Islamic banking and insurance sector came as part of the elementary vital sectors supporting the country's economy. Ezdan Holding Group is keen to pump huge investments in Islamic banking and the Takaful insurance sector in order to contribute in achieving the State of Qatar Development Vision 2030.
Website: www.qiib.com.qa
QIIB has come a long way since it was established on the 1st January 1991 as a full-service bank committed to Shariah principles. QIIB is well-placed to provide a full array of retail and corporate banking services to its growing customer base.
Strategic alliances
QIIB is rapidly growing as one of the prominent Islamic banks in the Middle East region and beyond and continues to explore new markets for strategic alliances.
Guiding principle
QIIB’s guiding principle is to provide modern Shariah compliant financial services to meet its customers' expectations and satisfy their needs in an efficient, user-friendly manner. QIIB is guided by its commitment to deliver value to its customers, shareholders, and employees in line with their aspirations.
Corporate banking
QIIB offers a wide variety of financing and deposit services to large corporations in all segments of the economy. The bank’s relationship managers are seasoned bankers with the depth and understanding of the complex needs of larger corporations. Syndications and financing agreements with other major banks have allowed QIIB to provide seamless service to its corporate customers.
Investment services and correspondent banking
QIIB’s network of global correspondent banks ensures a timely delivery to facilitate money transfers and facilitate foreign trade services to its customers. The bank’s global access permits a seamless flow of service and the availability of different investment alternatives to meet customers’ needs.
Website: www.kslaw.com
King & Spalding is an international law firm with more than 30 years experience advising clients globally on Islamic finance. Consistently ranked among the best in the world, the firms global Islamic finance and investment practice includes nearly 30 lawyers and professionals in offices across Europe, the US and the Middle East.
In Europe, the firm is recognized as a leader in structuring and advising on Shariah compliant real estate financing and investments, as well as advising various international investment banks in their capacities as arrangers in debt capital market transactions, particularly Sukuk issuances. In the US, the firm is widely acknowledged as the firm of choice for Shariah compliant investment and financing transactions. In the Middle East, the firm leads in the formation of investment funds across a range of asset sectors, and the innovative fund structures it has developed to deal with local ownership and financing restrictions are now precedents followed by the industry. The firm maintains a leading role in handling debt capital markets work, in particular Sukuk issuances for issuers and lead arrangers across the Middle East and Turkey.
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:
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
Website: www.qiib.com.qa
QIIB has come a long way since it was established on the 1st January 1991 as a full-service bank committed to Shariah principles. QIIB is well-placed to provide a full array of retail and corporate banking services to its growing customer base.
Strategic alliances
QIIB is rapidly growing as one of the prominent Islamic banks in the Middle East region and beyond and continues to explore new markets for strategic alliances.
Guiding principle
QIIB’s guiding principle is to provide modern Shariah compliant financial services to meet its customers' expectations and satisfy their needs in an efficient, user-friendly manner. QIIB is guided by its commitment to deliver value to its customers, shareholders, and employees in line with their aspirations.
Corporate banking
QIIB offers a wide variety of financing and deposit services to large corporations in all segments of the economy. The bank’s relationship managers are seasoned bankers with the depth and understanding of the complex needs of larger corporations. Syndications and financing agreements with other major banks have allowed QIIB to provide seamless service to its corporate customers.
Investment services and correspondent banking
QIIB’s network of global correspondent banks ensures a timely delivery to facilitate money transfers and facilitate foreign trade services to its customers. The bank’s global access permits a seamless flow of service and the availability of different investment alternatives to meet customers’ needs.
Website: www.addleshawgoddard.com/view.asp?content_id=1180&parent_id=664
Website: www.idealratings.com/
IdealRatings was incorporated in 2006 in San Francisco with a corporate objective to provide SRI/ESG and Shariah compliant solutions to ethical investors and enable them to identify such instruments across different asset classes in the global market. IdealRatings serves clients in over 30 countries with a range of capital market solutions including:
Website: www.parisian-advisor.com
Parisian Real Estate Advisor (Parisian Advisor)’s ambition is to be the leading French real estate advisor for Middle Eastern investors. Parisian Advisor is an entrepreneurial firm with a capital of EUR1 million (US$1.06 million). In addition, the company is affiliated to the French asset management firm La Française AM belonging to the French bank group, Crédit Mutuel. La Française Group holds 35% of Parisian Advisor and has been a key French player in securities and real estate asset management for over 40 years. The group currently manages over EUR48 billion (US$51.03 billion) including EUR10 billion (US$10.63 billion) in real estate assets.
Based on a tailor-made approach, Parisian Advisor offers a full range of services covering the entire investment chain, from pre-acquisition to post-acquisition stages including sourcing, fund structuring, financing, asset management and property management.
Our track record with La Française includes successfully forming the first French-regulated OPCI, or French-regulated non-listed REITs, that respect Islamic finance rules, on behalf of the first Islamic bank of Kuwait.
Website: www.saturna.com.my/
As an asset management firm, we tailor investment programs to our clients’ objectives. We are primarily long-term investors, seeking to preserve and grow clients’ capital over time. With more than two decades of Shariah compliant investing experience, the Saturna group is committed to providing high-value services at low cost.
Their expertise covers US equities & fixed income, global equities & fixed income and ASEAN equities.
Website: www.swsc.com.cn/xnsecu/index.html
Established in 1999, SWSC is the only national securities corporation registered in Chongqing (one of five national central cities in China, and one of China's four direct-controlled municipalities), and Chongqing’s first listed financial institution. SWSC,with more than 2,000 employees has been granted the top credit rating of ‘AA’ by the Chinese Security Regulation Committee in the A-Tier of the security industry in the country.
SWSC’s businesses include securities brokerage, securities investment advisory, financial advisory related to securities transaction and investment activities, securities underwriting and sponsoring, proprietary trading, securities asset management, securities margin trading and short-selling business, commission sales of securities investment funds and financial products, and business referral for futures companies as an intermediate.
As of the 30th January 2015, SWSC’s total assets hit US$8.8 billion, with net assets of US$2.7 billion. As of the 31st March 2015, the market capitalization of SWSC is US$10 billion.
Website: www.jardinehc.com
Website: www.wvb.com
World Vest Base provides a broad range of informational products directed at institutional investors, universities, bankers, analysts, tax and audit practitioners, government agencies and asset managers, M&A, private capital, equity and fixed income markets.
The company’s latest offering includes the WVB Shariah Compliance Ratings which is a relational database of financial, statistical and market information on active and inactive global companies.
The database covers 153 countries with over 44,600 active listed companies and 30,000 inactive companies. This covers approximately 99% of all listed companies and a global market capitalization of almost 100%.
WVB data is based on the country of incorporation. It describes a company as a legal entity, not individual issues or listings and offers complete documents with indexed financial transparency to the data.
For more information, visit www.wvb.com
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
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.
Website: www.capitalbusiness.me
Website: www.fundsglobalmena.com
Funds global MENA is a leading publication is directed at institutions, fund buyers, distributors and fund managers in the Middle East and Africa, with editorial focusing on industry developments such as sales trends, new asset classes, fund launches, economic outlook and regulatory changes. The magazine is circulated to a worldwide readership of over 14,000.
As well as in-depth editorial features, content includes regular C-suite executive interviews and profiles, ‘talking head’ viewpoints, academic contributions and industry roundtables for fund management and asset servicing.
Funds global MENA forms part of the funds global series of publications looking at the Asia-Pacific, Latin America and MENA regions. Reports are published by the owners of funds europe magazine, which has been reporting on the institutional and retail fund management markets in the UK and Europe since 2002. To request sample copies of funds global MENA and associated publications, please contact Michael Fennessy at Michael.fennessy@fundsglobalmena.com
Website: www.lexismiddleeastlaw.ae
Lexis Middle East Law is the definitive research tool for lawyers working in the Middle East. It provides a single point of online access to the laws and cases of the United Arab Emirates in English and Arabic, as well as the commercial laws of Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait and Qatar. In partnership with SADER Legal Publishers, the Lexis Middle East Law service is supported by dedicated research and translation teams in Dubai, Beirut and London. A bilingual editorial team reviews over 300 regional newspapers, magazines and websites (including regulatory bodies and government agencies) on a daily basis to ensure lawyers are kept informed of the latest legal news and developments, including draft laws in the pipeline. The Lexis Middle East Law service provides access to fully consolidated legislation in English and Arabic, while offering the broadest range of legal commentary and practical guidance across a range of practice areas including arbitration, restructuring, project finance and energy. Visit www.lexismiddleeastlaw.ae
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.
Website: www.premium-me.com/taameenqatar
Being a quarterly English-Arabic title, ta’ameen Qatar provides an overview of the evolving insurance market in the State of Qatar. Considering the high value build-up of insurable assets and the number of infrastructure projects, which are either under development or in the pipeline, ta’ameen Qatar keeps you abreast of the latest in the ‘world of risks’ across all verticals.
Not only that, it also addresses burgeoning needs for risk management protocols and asserts to raise the profile for insurance in Qatar. Being collated and edited in Qatar, ta’ameen Qatar is your guide to Qatar’s insurance industry for industry-specific and data-rich insight, unbiased commentaries, market reports, dynamics and trends from senior insurance and reinsurance industry professionals, insurance intermediaries and key stakeholders of the corporate sector.
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.
Website: www.theoath-me.com
the Oath, is the only monthly legal magazine edited in the UAE that dedicates its coverage to this vibrant industry sector across the Middle East.
In its fifth year now, every issue of the Oath acts as the voice of the industry and reaches out to lawyers, legal counsels, C-level business executives and those wishing to keep updated on legal developments in the Middle East region.
The magazine is dominated by news that affects the legal profession, the legislation that affects the wider business community, and the activities that are driving the legislature.
