09:15 – 09:20
Welcome Remarks
09:20 – 09:25
Chairman’s Remarks
Issam Al Tawari, Founder and Managing Partner, Newbury Consulting
09:25 – 09:40
Presentation: An Assessment of Financial Sector Stability in Kuwait
Nizamuddin Arshad, Advisor to the Governor on Banking Affairs, Central Bank of Kuwait
09:40 – 10:40
Mega Trends: Domestic and Global Influencers for Kuwait
We discuss key issues relevant to the economic development of Kuwait and the growth of Islamic banking and finance. We examine the Kuwaiti financial markets with a focus on geopolitical and financial risks and financial regulation. We discuss the growth and evolution of Islamic banking in the country and analyze competition and consolidation within the industry. We also assess Kuwait Vision 2035 and the relaxation of restrictions on foreign direct investment in the Emirates, particularly in relation to infrastructure finance, real estate and financial services.
Moderator:Issam Al Tawari, Founder and Managing Partner, Newbury Consulting
Panelists:Abdullah Al-Lanqawi,Deputy General Manager – Treasury, Ahli United Bank
Hossam Abdullah, Legal Counsel and Managing Partner, Al-Hossam Legal – Al-Turqi & Partners
Nayef Alshammari, Associate Professor, Kuwait University
Nizamuddin Arshad, Advisor to the Governor on Banking Affairs, Central Bank of Kuwait
10:40 – 11:10
Coffee Break
11:10 – 12:10
Development of Islamic Capital Markets and Asset Management in Kuwait
We look at innovation in Kuwaiti capital markets and identify where Shariah compliant products can add value and what role they can play. We discuss recent regulatory developments for Sukuk and assess current market trends: will recent significant issuance by financial institutions continue? We ask what is next for the Kuwaiti asset management industry and look at recent product innovations, particularly REITs and exchange-traded funds. What will inclusion in the FTSE Russell index mean for Kuwait’s capital markets and asset management sectors?
Moderator:Tariq Alrifai, Quorum Centre for Strategic Studies
Panelists:Abdulkader Thomas, CEO, SHAPE Financial
Issam Al Tawari, Founder and Managing Partner, Newbury Consulting
Raghu Mandagolathur, Executive Vice-President – Research, Kuwait Financial Centre ‘Markaz’
Thuwaini AlThuwaini, Acting Chief Investment Banking Officer, Warba Bank
12:10 – 12:35
A Golden Opportunity
Gold has come to prominence of late, either as an underlying asset or an asset class in itself. We take a closer look at recent financial products structured on or around gold and ask if the upward trend is set to continue.
Moderator:Tariq Alrifai, Quorum Centre for Strategic Studies
Panelists:John Durham, Manager, Depository, Gold Corporation, The Perth Mint
Philip Judge, CEO, Physical Gold Fund
Robin Lee, CEO, HelloGold
12:35 – 13:05
Fintech Huddle
We discuss the role of fintech, digital platforms and tokenization in today’s financial industry in Kuwait. What do the development of smart contracts, blockchains and artificial intelligence mean for Islamic banking in the region? We assess the latest developments in fintech and analyze likely industry shifts, regulation and developments in product and delivery channels.
Moderator:Lawrence Oliver, Director and Deputy CEO, DDCAP
Panelists:Hamid Rashid, Founder, Finterra
Robin Lee, CEO, HelloGold
13:05
Refreshment and Networking