2nd September 2024
Mansion House, London
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About The Forum
Europe’s longest-running Islamic finance conference will once again take place in London in the majestic Mansion House under the patronage of the Lord Mayor of London.
Supported by His Majesty’s Government, TheCityUK and The City of London, IFN UK Forum is a fixture in the calendars of Islamic finance professionals in the region, attracting an international profile of bankers, investors, intermediaries and service providers.
Differentiated by its quality on-stage discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities, the IFN UK Forum continues to uphold itself as a pillar for productive Islamic finance engagement, capacity building and driver for further growth in Europe.
An Introduction to 2024
In 2023 we returned to a full in-person program, with record numbers at many of our events – a sign of normality returning to the events industry.
For 2024 we have curated a fantastic lineup consisting of our regular leading events, a return to some markets after a short hiatus, and the introduction of two intriguing Islamic investment events.
We run a mixture of Forums and Dialogues throughout the year, depending on what each market responds best to. Essentially, they’re very similar, with only the structure of the discussion being different. For a partner, there’s no difference.
Our focus remains on delivering the best experience possible for delegates, speakers and partners.
What to look out for in 2024:
- Awards Ceremonies: The IFN Awards are the most coveted in the industry and our two Awards Ceremonies in Dubai and Kuala Lumpur continue to gather the elite form the Islamic finance world.
- Investor Forums: New for 2024, these two large-scale Forums in Dubai and Kuala Lumpur coincide with the launch of our new IFN Investor platform and will provide the perfect setting to discuss and debate the rapidly developing global Islamic investment space.
- UK Forum: Europe’s largest, longest running and most influential Islamic finance event will again return to the glorious Mansion House, under the patronage of the Lord Mayor of London. A truly global event, with key focusses on investment flows, sustainable, product development and Fintech.
- Oman Forum: This is the only annual international Islamic finance event in the stunning Sultanate, and one not to miss if Oman is on your radar. Full regulatory support, and all local banks and intermediaries are in attendance.
- Qatar Dialogues: In partnership with the Qatar Financial Centre, we’ll continue the discussion on the development of Islamic finance in the State and its important role in the global markets.
- Asia Forum: Our flagship event, the IFN Asia Forum is the largest Islamic finance focused event anywhere. Covering all markets and sectors in the region, if Asia is in your plans, this event is a must.
- Indonesia Dialogues: Still the world’s largest Muslim population with massive potential, this is the only international Islamic finance event in the island nation. Opportunities are rife and we’re now witnessing seismic changes in the Islamic finance landscape.
- Turkiye Dialogues: Returning to Istanbul with a physical event for the first time since 2019, we’ve been following from afar the phenomenal growth and development of the Islamic finance industry in the Republic. There’s much to discuss and we’d be delighted if you joined us.
- Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia remains the world’s largest Islamic finance center and an important market for IFN. This marks our 12th KSA event where we'll be discussing and debating how the Kingdom can build on its dominance and the role Islamic finance will play towards Saudi Vision 2030.
- Bahrain: Rounding off the year again in beautiful Bahrain for the World Islamic Finance Dialogues, we’ll be reviewing the year just past, previewing the year ahead and discussing the global industry at large.
As always, all Forums will be recorded and posted online for all to view, and all events will be complemented by a comprehensive Post Event Review. .
We’re excited for the new year and look forward to welcoming you to our events and assisting in the continued global growth of the Islamic financial markets.
#IFNEVENTS2024
Forum Agenda
9.00 – 9.10
Welcome Address
9.10 – 9.20
Keynote Address
Lord Johnson, Minister of State, Department for Business and Trade
9.20 – 9.30
Setting the Scene: UK Islamic Finance
9.30 – 10.40
Dare to Dream: What Could the UK Islamic Financial Services Sector Achieve?
With possible impending tax changes, and a general election, the prospect for overcoming obstacles in UK Islamic finance has rarely looked better. What future events could be heralded as wins for the UK Islamic financial services sector? How has the alternative liquidity facility been utilized and what benefit has accrued to financial institutions? Can we further build bilateral relations with GCC Islamic finance centres and continue to improve the UK’s appeal as an Islamic finance destination? How does the UK leverage on its enviable position as a centre for Islamic investment management? We ask an expert panel.
Panelists:Bashar Al Natoor, Managing Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, Fitch Ratings
Sefian Kasem, Global Head of ETF and Indexing Investment Specialist, HSBC Asset Management
Dr Scott Levy, CEO, Yasaar Capital
Dr Usman Chaudry, Chief Risk Officer and Executive Director, Gatehouse Bank
10.40 – 11.30
Opportunity Knocks: the UK as an International Centre for Islamic Capital Markets & Sukuk
What does a vibrant, liquid market for Islamic capital raising and issuances in a major Western capital look like, and what more should London do? How should regulatory frameworks evolve to meet market requirements and how can the performance and impact of UK Islamic capital markets be enhanced? Has the UK capitalized on the 70+ Sukuk and three Islamic ETFs listed on LSE, as well as unparalleled expertise in areas such as export credit? Can more be done to supply the market with high-quality liquid assets, and to what extent would this contribute to building a yield curve unique to Islamic financial institutions? How can green and sustainability linked Sukuk and other innovations flourish in the UK?
Moderator:Nitish Bhojnagarwala, Senior Vice-President, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Ratings
Panelists:Ahsan Ali, Managing Director and Head, Islamic Origination, Standard Chartered Saadiq
Jonathan Grosvenor, Senior Associate, Trowers & Hamlins
Dr Mohamed Damak, Senior Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global Ratings
11.30 – 12.00
Coffee
12.00 – 13.00
Defining Islamic Investment and Asset Management in a Dynamic Market
What are notable recent developments in global Islamic investment management, including those influencing investment patterns, asset allocation and product innovation? What role is AI and machine learning playing in the evolution of Islamic asset management, and what are key challenges and opportunities? How is climate risk being measured and mitigated by asset owners and managers? How are savings and investment rates being stimulated in the UK, and are suitable Shariah compliant products being developed to meet market needs?
Moderator:Olga De Tapia, Global Head of ETFs and Indexing Sales and Global Head of Portfolio Advisory Solutions and OCIO Sales, HSBC Asset Management
Panelists:Hakan Ozyon, CEO, Hejaz Financial Services
Shahariah Shaharudin, President, Saturna Malaysia
13.00 – 13.10
Presentation
13.10 – 13.45
Luncheon
13.45 – 14.35
Fit for Purpose: Islamic Financial Services - Technology, Products, Risk Management, and Innovation
How is Islamic banking delivering tangible benefit to British consumers? What mass market Islamic finance products exist today, what structures are in use, and why? How can the growth of Islamic fintechs and the increasing influence of AI and machine learning benefit the UK Islamic banking market? What more can UK Islamic banks and financial institutions do to facilitate trade? How is climate risk being measured in the banking books of UK financial institutions? Finally, what are the current issues facing UK Islamic banks in terms of liquidity creation and liquidity risk management?
Panelists:Arshadur Rahman, Senior Manager, Bank of England
Lawrence Oliver, Executive Director, Deputy CEO, DDCAP Group
Dr Samir Alamad, Chief Adviser Islamic Banking and Finance, Ihsan Islamic Finance Solutions
Sultan Choudhury, Advisory Board Member, Islamic Finance Council UK
14.35 – 14.45
Presentation
Mohd Radzuan Mohamed, CEO, Malaysian Takaful Association
14.45 – 15.35
Private Capital, Islamic Structured Finance and Real Estate Investment
How is private capital influencing Islamic financial markets and how should regulators approach private markets? What are opportunities for Shariah compliant private equity investment in the UK and how can this market be navigated? What are opportunities for early-stage Shariah compliant venture capital, and can large global venture funds be emulated domestically? How is investment being driven by real estate and debt funds, and what opportunities are offered by Islamic REITs? How is Shariah compliant capital being invested in student accommodation, social and low-cost housing in the UK, as well as areas such as renewables and infrastructure?
Panelist:Ahmad Shahizam Mohd Shariff, General Partner, Mekar Capital
15.35 – 16.25
The Strategic Development of Islamic Social Finance in the United Kingdom
How do we enhance the role of Islamic finance in driving philanthropic initiatives in the UK? How can minorities be empowered through the application of Islamic finance and Islamic social welfare mechanisms such as Waqf, Zakat and Sadaqah? Can we better utilize Islamic financial professional services in managing social finance funds, and what do tech-enabled Islamic finance solutions offer? What is the role of regulators and industry standard setters in guiding Islamic finance towards socioeconomic development? We ask an expert panel.
Panelists:Dr Hurriyah El Islamy, CEO and Founder, HGC Firm
Dr Mohammed Kroessin, Head of Global Islamic Microfinance Unit, Islamic Relief Worldwide
Dr Sohail Hanif, CEO, National Zakat Foundation
16.25
Refreshment & Networking
Forum Keynote
Lord Johnson
Minister of State, Department for Business and TradeForum Speakers
Ahmad Shahizam Mohd Shariff
General Partner, Mekar CapitalAhsan Ali
Managing Director and Head, Islamic Origination, Standard Chartered SaadiqArshadur Rahman
Senior Manager, Bank of EnglandBashar Al-Natoor
Managing Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, Fitch RatingsHakan Ozyon
CEO, Hejaz Financial ServicesDr Hurriyah El Islamy
CEO and Founder, HGC FirmJonathan Grosvenor
Senior Associate, Trowers & HamlinsLawrence Oliver
Executive Director, Deputy CEO, DDCAP GroupDr Mohamed Damak
Senior Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global RatingsDr Mohammed Kroessin
Head of Global Islamic Microfinance Unit, Islamic Relief WorldwideMohd Radzuan Mohamed
CEO, Malaysian Takaful AssociationNitish Bhojnagarwala
Senior Vice-President, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s RatingsOlga De Tapia
Global Head of ETFs and Indexing Sales and Global Head of Portfolio Advisory Solutions and OCIO Sales, HSBC Asset ManagementDr Samir Alamad
Chief Adviser Islamic Banking and Finance, Ihsan Islamic Finance SolutionsDr Scott Levy
CEO, Yasaar CapitalSefian Kasem
Global Head of ETF and Indexing Investment Specialist, HSBC Asset ManagementShahariah Shaharudin
President, Saturna MalaysiaDr Sohail Hanif
CEO, National Zakat FoundationSultan Choudhury
Advisory Board Member, Islamic Finance Council UKDr Usman Chaudry
Chief Risk Officer and Executive Director, Gatehouse BankAdvisory Board
Bashar Al-Natoor
Managing Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, Fitch RatingsKhaled Khalifa
Senior Advisor and Representative to the Gulf Cooperation Council Countries, United Nations High Commissioner for RefugeesLawrence Oliver
Executive Director, Deputy CEO, DDCAP GroupLim Say Cheong
CEO, Saudi Venture Capital Investment CompanyDr Mohammed Kroessin
Head of Global Islamic Microfinance Unit, Islamic Relief WorldwideNasser Al-Thekair
General Manager, Trade & Business Development, International Islamic Trade Finance CorporationOmar Khaliel
CEO, Riba Free FoundationDr Samir Alamad
Chief Adviser Islamic Banking and Finance, Ihsan Islamic Finance SolutionsDr Scott Levy
CEO, Yasaar CapitalShakeel Adli
Founder and CEO, ZunikhRegistration
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UK bridging financier debuts Islamic financing facility
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The Previous IFN UK Forum
IFN UK Forum 2023
Growing from strength to strength, Europe’s longest-running Islamic finance conference will once again take place in London in the majestic Mansion House under the patronage of the Lord Mayor of London.
Supported by His Majesty’s Government, TheCityUK and The City of London, IFN UK Forum is a fixture in the calendars of Islamic finance professionals in the region, attracting an international profile of bankers, investors, intermediaries and service providers.
Differentiated by its quality on-stage discussions and unparalleled networking opportunities, the IFN UK Forum continue to uphold itself as a pillar for productive Islamic finance engagement, capacity building and driver for further growth in Europe.
About REDmoney Events
REDmoney events designs, organizes and hosts industry-leading conferences, forums, roadshows, seminars and dialogues focusing on the Islamic financial markets across a global, regional and national level. Leveraging an exceptional network of the industry’s elite and supported by the expertise of the REDmoney publishing and seminars divisions, REDmoney Events are able to provide access to a unique array of influential speakers, panelists and participants from a cross-section of the global industry to debate the most significant issues affecting the Shariah compliant financial markets.
REDmoney events are differentiated by their complimentary yet qualified attendance structure, ensuring the highest quality of both delegates and contributors. Comprehensive and cuttingedge, attendance ensures exclusive access to the leaders in their field across all sectors and markets.
The annual IFN Asia and IFN UK Forums are categorically recognized as their continent’s leading industry events since their inception in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The Dialogues series have also become an integral element of the REDmoney events series and have cemented their position as leading, must-attend, events.
In 2024, we welcome the IFN Investor Forums, which coincide with the new IFN Investor portal.
For any inquiries contact us
Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have about this event.