Anwar Bashori, Head of Islamic Economic and Finance Department, Bank Indonesia
Islamic finance industry is in need of innovation and differentiation from its conventional counterparts to further their market share. Markets around the world have started acknowledging the importance of financial sector in promoting sustainable growth particularly the Islamic finance industry. The initiative by the Indonesian Government by issuing World’s first sovereign Green Sukuk is a testament to the commitment of sustainable financing. Islamic finance is pivoting towards not only catering on Shariah compliant products and services but also aligning them with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. In addition, the rise of fintech and techfin companies is disrupting the business of existing financial institutions. We ask a high-level panel to share their views on how to unlock the future of Islamic finance.
Indonesia is one of the world’s largest emitters of greenhouse gases (GHG) that cause global warming. In an effort to curb that, Indonesia laid out the Low Carbon Development Framework (LCDF) last year to promote climate resilient economic growth. We analyze the challenges in financing low carbon developments, the examples of innovative projects in Indonesia, Green Sukuk and Waqf-linked Sukuk for funding sustainable and environmentally responsible projects and explore the opportunities available to Islamic finance.
We examine funding in key sectors and industries and ask what represents effective corporate finance and capital-raising strategies across multi-product areas and markets. What do corporates want and what can Islamic finance offer? How can the Indonesian GLC sector further employ and benefit from Islamic funding options? We ask a high-level panel to share their expertise and views.
Where is the market today for Islamic investments? Which sectors will growth originate? Does the industry need to become more aligned to ESG/SRI? How are institutional investors tackling ESG risks in their portfolios? Through an engaging panel we seek answers.