Ashar Nazim, Managing Director, Finocracy
Jawad I. Ali, Managing Partner - Middle East, King & Spalding
Keith Leach, Chief Commercial Officer, Al Rayan Bank
Khaled Al Aboodi, CEO, Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
Ijlal A Alvi, CEO, International Islamic Financial Market
Maisa J Shunnar, Head of Strategy Implementation & Transformation, Bahrain Islamic Bank
Neil D Miller, Global Head of Islamic Finance, Linklaters
Osama Abdeen, CEO, Abu Dhabi National Takaful
Oz Ahmad, CEO, HSBC Amanah Malaysia
Thuwaini AlThuwaini, Acting Chief Investment Banking Officer, Warba Bank
Yavar Moini, Financial Sector Expert, World Bank Group
Website: www.iedcdubai.ae/
The Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center (DIEDC) was established in December 2013 with the mandate of positioning Dubai as the global capital of the Islamic economy, as envisioned by Sheikh Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum, the vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai, under the supervision of Sheikh Hamdan Mohammed Rashid Al Maktoum, the crown prince of Dubai and the chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai.
Following its establishment, the DIEDC rolled out a seven-pillar strategy encompassing the sectors of Islamic finance, Halal products and services, family-friendlytourism, Islamic digital infrastructure, Islamic art, Islamic knowledge and Islamic standards. The center also developed a comprehensive framework to drive the strategy forward and create synergy among stakeholders.
In the first three years of its implementation, the DIEDC leveraged the strategy to establish an Islamic economy ecosystem based on harmonizing ethics with innovation that helps achieve actual development objectives to meet the aspirations of humanity at large. In collaboration with its stakeholders, the center rolled out more than 30 initiatives until the end of 2016.
In 2017, the DIEDC launched its refreshed Islamic economy strategy for 2017-21 with a two-pronged approach. The first part focuses on the development of the Islamic economy system and includes identifying new key performance indicators for monitoring the growth of three key sectors – Islamic finance, Halal products and Islamic lifestyle encompassing culture, art, fashion and family tourism – and measuring their contribution to the national economy. Knowledge, standards and the digital Islamic economy have been identified as cornerstones to support these core sectors.The second component of the strategy includes enhancing Dubai's status as a global reference for Islamic finance, industry, trading standards and culture, and as a prime destination for Halal trade and family tourism.
As part of the new mandate, the DIEDC is committed to strengthening strategic partnerships with local and international organizations to establish a robust framework of principles and regulations governing the Islamic economy.
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.iciec.com/
The Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) is a multilateral export credit and political risk insurer rated ‘Aa3’ with a stable outlook by Moody’s Investors Service. The ICIEC was established in 1994 by the IDB and member countries of the OIC, with an objective to encourage exports from and between member countries as well as to facilitate the flow of foreign direct investment into them by providing and encouraging the use of Shariah compliant export credit and investment insurance/reinsurance solutions.
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
Website: https://isfd.isdb.org
The Islamic Solidarity Fund for Development (ISFD) is the poverty alleviation arm of the IDB Group and was established as a special fund within the IDB to reduce poverty in its member countries by promoting pro-poor growth, emphasizing human development, especially improvements in healthcare and education, and providing financial support to enhance the productive capacity and sustainable means of income for the poor.
Headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, the fund was officially launched during the 32nd Annual Meeting of the IDB Board of Governors held on the 29th-30th May 2007 in Dakar, Senegal. The fund was established in the form of a Waqf (ie trust), with a principal target capital of US$10 billion.
All IDB member countries are expected to announce their financial contributions to the fund and extend technical and moral support to its operations. Two overarching themes, in line with the IDB Vision 1440H, define the focus of the ISFD: Improving and enhancing the income of the poor, and promoting the development of human capital.
Website: www.idbgbf.org
The IDB Group Business Forum – THIQAH – is the main window which acts as enabler and play facilitation and catalyst roles to connect private sector institutions in IDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique and innovative platform for dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. THIQAH’s vision is to position itself as the leading business platform of the IDB Group serving the private sector in member countries and maximizing the achievements of successful investment projects. The primary focus is on maximizing cross-border investments among IDB Group member countries, with the support of IDB Group’s financial products and services (www.idbgbf.org).
Website: arlcgroup.com/
The ARLC Group is a synergy of different constituent entities which are as follows: ARLC Amanah, ARLC FinTech, Abdul Rahman Law Corporation and ARLC Solutions. Together, they form a stronghold that caters to different client and industry needs, from trustee and safekeeping services, a complete boutique legal practice (including property and real estate transactions) to seminars and corporate training services. As a group, ARLC also provides expert advice to companies and individuals venturing into crowdfunding and fintech markets, which relates to its ability to cater to the trust aspects of collective investments. While maintaining a harmonious balance between the need for Shariah compliance and the state laws in Singapore, the ARLC Group strives to be the solutions provider for all things legal-related, both in Singapore and the Southeast Asian region.
ARLC Amanah is an offshore trust company that seeks to offer trust and safekeeping services for both collective investment schemes and crowdfunding specializing in the Shariah law while simultaneously abiding by the local legal system. In addition, ARLC Amanah aims to provide wealth growth and management for individuals, and serve as a reliable trustee for private family trust funds.
ARLC FinTech aims to act as a bridge for any foreign companies choosing to enter into the crowdfunding or fintech industries by providing the technical know-how and expertise in establishing the legal and corporate frameworks. Moreover, with vast experience in localized practices, ARLC FinTech endeavors to provide expertise and due diligence capabilities for fintech start-ups looking to set their footprint in Southeast Asia, mainly in countries such as Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Abdul Rahman Law Corporation (ARLC) offers a comprehensive range of legal services, from estate planning to probate and conveyancing, and even legal advice on Shariah-related matters. Whether the client is an individual or a corporate entity, ARLC promises to uphold an uncompromising standard of legal practice, to not just best serve its clients’ interests and welfare, but the community as well.
As a related entity of ARLC, ARLC Solutions offers expertise in areas such as mediation, drafting of legal documents, corporate compliance, as well as training and seminars in Islamic finance and other legal topics. In addition, ARLC Solutions also provides residency programs for individuals who are interested in setting up a business or home in Grenada, Cyprus and Slovakia.
Website: www.ddcap.co.uk/
Founded in 1998 and headquartered in London, with an office in Dubai and a presence in both Saudi Arabia and Malaysia, DDCAP is a leading provider of asset facilitation services and financial technology and system solutions across a diverse range of Shariah compliant products, asset classes and instruments in both the primary and secondary markets. DDCAP’s wholly-owned subsidiaries include DD&Co and DDGI. DDCAP has an extensive track record within the Islamic finance industry, employing over 35 professionals with broad and complementary skill sets drawn from diverse financial industry backgrounds, focused principally on providing service to Islamic financial market participants around the world. DDCAP has its own Shariah supervisory board comprising esteemed Shariah scholars from Saudi Arabia, Malaysia and Kuwait. DDCAP’s multi-award-winning Shariah compliant ETHOS Asset Facilitation Platform is a bespoke, real-time trade and post-trade services platform providing 24-hour coverage, enabling clients worldwide to purchase from a diverse asset inventory, including commodities, via a secure, web-based portal.
Website: www.dentons.com/
Dentons is the world's largest law firm, delivering quality and value to clients around the globe. Dentons is a leader on the Acritas Global Elite Brand Index, a BTI Client Service 30 Award winner and recognized by prominent business and legal publications for its innovations in client service, including founding Nextlaw Labs and the Nextlaw Global Referral Network. Dentons's polycentric approach and world-class talent challenge the status quo to advance client interests in the communities in which we live and work.
Website: https://www.eigertrading.com
Eiger Trading Advisors (Eiger) is a UK-based asset-trading and technology company founded in 2008, which specializes as an intermediary in Islamic financial products.
As a leading intermediary and technology provider within the commodity Murabahah space, Eiger has the unique capabilities to deliver Shariah compliant commodity trading solutions through the Eiger Trading Platform (ETP), a web-based trading system, that we tailor to our bank clients’ exact operational requirements.
The ETP automates the structuring and execution of Islamic banking products for wholesale and retail commodity-backed transactions, including two new enhanced modules:
Eiger is authorized and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, and is both a member of the London Metal Exchange and an associate of the London Platinum and Palladium Market.
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.nomura-am.co.jp/asia_oceania/malaysia
Nomura Islamic Asset Management (NIAM) was established in November 2008 to serve as the global Islamic hub for the Nomura Asset Management (NAM) Group internationally, to provide Shariah compliant investment solutions to our clients worldwide. In the short period since our inception, we have successfully built ourselves as one of the largest Islamic fund management boutiques in the world by assets under management size, and have been ranked among the world’s top 25 largest for the past four consecutive years by Asian Investor.
NIAM is a full-suite investment management office, with capabilities developed for portfolio management, research, and Shariah compliance monitoring for the Islamic equity and Sukuk asset classes, with regional and global coverage. We tailor our Shariah investment solutions to meet the needs of our diverse clientele, including prominent institutions globally, such as central banks, pension funds, financial institutions and corporations. Our investments are in strict adherence and accordance with Shariah principles under the guidance of our panel of Shariah advisors who are among the industry’s preeminent and most experienced Shariah experts or scholars.
In partnership with local and international industry players, we are avid participants in focused initiatives to promote Shariah investing across various markets. We have been involved in various consultations and dialogues with regulators and government bodies to promote a better understanding and support of Islamic investment solutions, not just in Malaysia, but also notably, in Brunei, Indonesia and the Middle East.
Even prior to the establishment of NIAM, we have been in the Islamic asset management space via our local conventional sister company, Nomura Asset Management Malaysia, which has been managing Shariah mandates since 2007. In addition to our adherence to Shariah standards, the NAM Group as a whole is also a signatory of the United Nation Principles for Responsible Investing, and as such we incorporate responsible investment principles into our investment approach.
Website: www.path-solutions.com
About Path Solutions
Path Solutions is a leading information technology solutions provider offering a broad, deep spectrum of Sharia-compliant, Riba-free and asset-backed integrated software solutions and services to the Islamic financial marketplace, covering the entire range of Islamic Banking, Retail and Corporate Banking, Investment and Financing, Treasury, Asset Management, Risk Management, and Regulatory Reporting in the GCC and Global Capital Markets.
Designed to meet the needs of modern Islamic banking, Path Solutions’ turnkey solutions are based on an open, flexible architecture and an established deployment methodology. They have been tested and implemented at some of the world’s most sophisticated Islamic banks, Islamic banking windows as well as conventional banks converting into Islamic banking operations.
Path Solutions’ success can be attributed to its multi-award winning Islamic core banking system iMAL that serves and supports the world’s leading Islamic financial institutions across the globe. iMAL is the only 100% Islamic banking solution available in the market. All iMAL modules adhere to the Islamic law and are in full compliance with IAS (International Accounting Standards). The system is based on the Sharia guidelines for the purpose of financing related to Murabaha, Mudaraba, Ijara, Istisnaa, Salam, project financing, real estate and others. The company provides cloud-ready and on premise software solutions with a robust set of capabilities to help Islamic financial institutions enhance their most distinctive operations.
Another flagship product of Path Solutions is iSHRAQ, a web-based solution built using Microsoft .NET platform for Financing & Investment SMEs. iSHRAQ*Microfinance which falls under iSHRAQ*Islamic Finance is a proven solution that adopts forward-thinking best practices to support Islamic microfinance institutions’ profitability and growth. It provides Islamic microfinance institutions with alternate channels such as POS and mobile banking, using the branchless banking concept for online, real time secure services, enabling them to run the mass retail services that comprise microfinance and community banking at lower cost.
Path Solutions helps its clients to manage all of their front-office and back-office software needs, cut costs, meet Sharia and regulatory requirements, exceed their customer expectations, fend off competition and increase their market share. The company’s multilingual team combines deep technical expertise with industry know-how to provide a market-leading array of professional services.
Path Solutions is headquartered in Kuwait City, with world-class R&D centers in Beirut, Cairo, and Kerala and support offices in Dubai, Karachi, Khartoum, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manama and Riyadh, while maintaining a presence through partner companies in other locations around the globe. The company enjoys a strong presence across the Middle East, GCC, Africa, Asia Pacific, South America and United Kingdom with over 120 forward-thinking Islamic financial institutions using its cutting-edge software solutions, strengthening its position as the undisputed leader in the Islamic financial services marketplace.
For more information, go to: www.path-solutions.com
Website: https://www.gold.org/
The World Gold Council is the market development organization for the gold industry. Our purpose is to stimulate and sustain demand for gold, provide industry leadership and be the global authority on the gold market.
We develop gold-backed solutions, services and products based on authoritative market insight and we work with a range of partners to put our ideas into action. As a result, we create structural shifts in demand for gold across key market sectors. We provide insights into the international gold markets, helping people to understand the wealth preservation qualities of gold and its role in meeting the social and environmental needs of society.
Based in the UK, with operations in India, the Far East, Europe and the US, the World Gold Council is an association whose members include the world’s leading and most forward-thinking gold mining companies.
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: https://www.ifnfintech.com/
Fintech is one of the most exciting new sectors of the global financial industry, breaking boundaries and challenging preconceptions in one of the shake-ups of the century. A new class of financial players is disrupting the status quo – and financial institutions must embrace this change or face being left behind as the financial landscape transforms beyond recognition.
But although fintech as a whole has been well-served by the media, the Islamic segment has so far made limited penetration on public consciousness – despite the enormous potential it represents for the industry. There is a clear chasm between the multitude of pioneering entrepreneurs, start-ups and fintech firms making waves in the Islamic space; and the interested investors, institutions and stakeholders keen to explore these opportunities.
Recognizing this information gap, IFN is delighted to introduce to you a bespoke multi-channel platform – IFN FinTech.
Comprised of four tranches, IFN FinTech is a one-stop-shop for industry knowledge, networking and communication – supported by our unrivaled global network, our strong social media platform and our trusted multimedia Islamic finance offering.
Website: www.ifncorporate.com/
IFN CORPORATE: Your door to new opportunities
Leveraging the market-leading expertise of Islamic Finance news and the unrivalled global network of REDmoney Group, IFN CORPORATE is a brand-new monthly publication aiming to revolutionize the commercial application of Islamic financial services through education, information and communication.
Designed specifically for the global corporate market, IFN CORPORATE is a simple, sensible and straight-talking summary of Islamic financial instruments, concepts, structures, products and trends that offers an easy-to-understand avenue into the compelling opportunities of Shariah compliant alternatives. Clear, concise and comprehensive, it offers invaluable insight into the Islamic industry and creates an essential platform through which the corporate world and compliant market can communicate.
Website: www.alhudacibe.com
AlHuda Center of Islamic Banking and Islamic Economics (CIBE) is a recognized name in Islamic banking and finance Market for trainings, research and advisory over the last six years. The prime goal has always been to remain stick to the commitments and provide state-of-the-art Advisory Consultancy and Education through various well recognized modes viz. Campus programs, Distance learning programs, Trainings Workshops, Awareness Programs and Islamic Microfinance Products Development all side by side through our distinguished and generally acceptable and known Publications in Islamic Banking and Finance.
We are dedicated to serve the community as a unique institution providing trainings, education and consultancy in the field of Islamic Banking & Finance not only in Pakistan but all over the world. We have so far organized more than 300 trainings, 32 successful campus programs and training courses with numerous national and international students.
Website: www.isfin.net/
Created in 2011, ISFIN (Emerging markets advisors) became in less than 6 years, the world’s leading emerging markets advisory (included Islamic Finance and Halal industry). ISFIN offers a wide range of services to companies wishing to enter these emerging markets, and deal with specific products for Muslims consumers and companies worldwide.
We collaborate closely with other firms /consultants specialized in a specific field. We also propose legal and tax advices (throughout our partners in 75 countries) and marketing packages to companies willing to develop Halal/Islamic finance products on their existing and new markets. Working collaboratively and internationally with the best consultants and financial institutions is our strength!
Each member of our team is specialized in a field:
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: global-businessmagazine.com
Global Business Magazine & News (GBMN) is committed to delivering the most relevant news, opinion, reviews, interviews, analysis and success stories. GBMN is also a rewarding marketing tool for broad range of business sectors including Finance, Business, Banking, Islamic Finance, Technology, Global Halal Industry, Trade & Commerce and Financial Markets.
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.
