JOIN US IN
About The Forum
Oman has one impressive Islamic finance story to tell. The last in the GCC on the Islamic finance train, Oman has chartered an enviable progress, with the regulators – the Capital Market Authority and the Central Bank of Oman – at the forefront pushing the industry forward with robust regulations, a clear vision and continuous engagement with stakeholders.
The results speak for itself: in just a decade since Islamic banking regulations were introduced, Shariah banking assets now constitute 17.2% of the total banking sector assets as at the end of June 2023. Analysts project that the sector will command approximately 20% of overall banking assets by 2025.
The Sultanate has built a holistic ecosystem with a promising Islamic asset management sector, active Sukuk market and growing Takaful segment. Oman has also taken the lead in bolstering its fintech capabilities.
We are pleased to be back in Muscat with the 9th IFN Oman Forum, again with the support of regulators and leading Islamic financial institutions.
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
9.10 – 9.20
Welcome Address
9.20 – 9.30
Keynote Address
H.E. Tahir Salim Al Amri, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman
9.30 – 9.40
Presentation: The National Programme for Fiscal Sustainability Financial Sector Development (Estidamah)
9.40 – 10.40
A New Vision: The Changing Role of Islamic Financial Services in Oman
What is a successful model for the provision and distribution of Islamic financial products in Oman, and how have the Sultanate’s Islamic banks performed? How significant are the new banking licenses and what will these institutions bring to the market? How does Oman capitalise on the development of its domestic Islamic finance market, from banking to large IPOs, to complex project finance? How can Islamic financial institutions continue to play a leadership role towards the achievement of national objectives in Oman? We seek the views of a respected panel.
Moderator:Asad Qayyum, Managing Partner, MAQ Legal
Panelists:Hakan Ozyon, CEO, Hejaz Financial Services
Thamer Al Shahry, Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution Department, SASLO
10.40 – 10.50
Case Study: OQ Gas Networks's OMR288 Million IPO
10.50 – 11.40
Riding the Wave: The Success of Islamic Banking and Takaful in Oman
How have recent corporate actions facilitated the growth of Islamic banking in Oman? How is Islamic banking and Takaful delivering tangible benefit to Omani consumers? What mass market Islamic finance products exist today, what structures are in use, and why? How is the increasing influence of Gen AI driving functions such as data management, risk assessment, compliance and UI/UX? How is climate risk being measured in the banking books of financial institutions? What issues do Islamic banks still face in terms of liquidity creation and liquidity risk management, and have Wakalah money market liquidity management tools offered respite?
Panelist:Arsalan Tariq, Partner and Head of Banking and Finance, BSA Law
11.40 – 12.05
Protecting our Future: Green Finance in Oman
How can Islamic banking and investment be applied to green finance initiatives in Oman, and how can financial institutions incorporate ESG frameworks as part of a wider Islamic banking philosophy? How can green Sukuk and other innovations be further applied to the funding of clean energy and infrastructure projects in the Sultanate? How do we continue to develop the process of measuring impact from green finance, and what role can regulators play?
12.05 – 12.15
IFN Awards
12.15 – 12.45
Coffee and Networking
12:45 – 13:25
Building on Oman's Growing Position as a Centre for Islamic Capital Markets
How will new bond and Sukuk regulations influence the Islamic capital market from an issuer’s and investor’s point of view? Will new sustainable Sukuk provisions increase the flow of Shariah compliant capital to green and sustainable uses, and how is Waqf Sukuk being incentivized? What role does the flourishing equity and IPO market play as part of a broader divestment program? Can more be done to supply the market with high-quality liquid assets, and how would this contribute to building a yield curve unique to Shariah compliant issuers? Finally, what will the new Virtual Assets Regulatory Framework mean for digital assets in Oman?
Panelist:Suad Al Balushi, AGM – Head of Treasury and FI, Oman Housing Bank
13.25 – 14.00
A Dynamic Market: Islamic Investment and Asset Management in Oman
What represents an efficient Islamic investment ecosystem in Oman, and how does the regulatory environment foster growth? How have Islamic real estate investment funds performed and what is their likely evolution? What will new private equity regulations mean, and what role can be played by private capital in Oman? What does the MSX Sharia Index offer investors? How are investors encouraging portfolio companies to manage long term climate related risk, and what approaches are institutional investors taking to sustainable investment? How can Waqf be further applied by asset managers towards the funding of green, social and impact projects?
Panelists:Mohamed Anwar Al Lawati, Head of Investments, Private Equity, TANMIA
Shahariah Shaharudin, President, Saturna Malaysia
14.00
Lunch and Networking
Forum Keynote
H.E. Tahir Salim Al Amri
Executive President, Central Bank of OmanForum Speakers
Arsalan Tariq
Partner and Head of Banking and Finance, BSA LawHakan Ozyon
CEO, Hejaz Financial ServicesMohamed Anwar Al Lawati
Head of Investments, Private Equity, TANMIAShahariah Shaharudin
President, Saturna MalaysiaSuad Al Balushi
AGM – Head of Treasury and FI, Oman Housing BankThamer Al Shahry
Partner and Head of the Dispute Resolution Department, SASLOAdvisory Board
Asad Qayyum
Managing Partner, MAQ LegalDebopam Dutta
Senior Associate, Trowers & HamlinsHassan Ali Ansari
CFO, Takaful OmanKemal Rizadi Arbi
Expert/Advisor, Financial Services Authority, Sultanate of OmanKhalid Howladar
Chairman, MRHB DeFiMohsin Shaik Sehu Mohamed
Head of Investment Banking and Capital Markets, Maisarah Islamic Banking ServicesSalman Kabani
Sr. Head of Enterprise Risk and Strategy, Bank NizwaSuad Al Balushi
AGM – Head of Treasury and FI, Oman Housing BankRegistration
In The News
Oman: New regulations further support Islamic finance
Oman has a relatively younger Islamic finance and banking industry compared with its GCC neighbors…
Oman: Progressive decade, promising future
Oman has a joyous song to sing when it comes to Islamic finance. But, as experts at IFN Oman Forum 2023 highlighted…
Oman: Different colors of progress
In this second part of our IFN Oman Forum 2023 coverage, we learn how industry players think of the availability…
The Previous IFN Oman Forum
IFN Oman Forum 2023
Oman’s Islamic banking and finance industry may be the youngest in the GCC, but it has exhibited tremendous growth potential and an impressive track record.
By the end of the first half of 2022, Islamic banking assets commanded a market share of almost 16%, following a 9.6% year-on-year growth to OMR6.2 billion (US$16.06 billion). The Islamic capital market too has grown in leaps and bounds – the government has tapped the sovereign Sukuk space several times with instruments for both the institutional and retail markets, all of which were heavily subscribed, demonstrating strong demand. New avenues of growth are also being cultivated such as fintech.
The Capital Market Authority and the Central Bank of Oman have been instrumental in Oman’s growth story. They continue to shape the narrative with effective policies and measures as well as continuous engagement with stakeholders.
With the support of the regulators and leading Islamic financial institutions, the 8th IFN Forum will take place in Muscat to host industry-led engagements to facilitate further expansion of the sector.
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.