Date: 23rd & 24th April 2019

Venue: Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

Remaining: 600 Seats

Speakers: 60 Speakers

About The Forum

Anchoring big players like Malaysia and Indonesia, the Asian Islamic capital market has been leading the global industry, not only in size, but also in innovation and diversification. The sophisticated infrastructure of Malaysia is a hallmark of excellence globally, the immense potential of Indonesia’s population and its flourishing sovereign Sukuk market remains captivating to many and the phenomenal market expansion rates in Pakistan and Bangladesh are widely envied.

Together, along with various other newcomers like the Maldives and Sri Lanka – which is looking to issue a sovereign Islamic paper – the Asian continent is expected to be at the forefront of the global Shariah compliant debt and equity markets by leveraging advanced and sophisticated regulations, and attracting masses of global investors into the region to subsequently build its rapport with other regions.

IFN will return to Kuala Lumpur with its prestigious IFN Asia Forum, a two-day event with a renewed focus on issuers and investors on the 23rd -24th April 2019.

IFN Asia Forum Floor Plan

Click on image to enlarge

Forum Agenda

Day One

09:00 – 09:15
Welcome Remarks
09:15 – 09:30
Keynote Address

Adnan Zaylani, Assistant Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia

09:30 – 09:45
Keynote Interview

Dr. Bello Lawal Danbatta, Secretary-General, Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB)

09:45 – 10:30
Opening Bell: Leading Corporates Discuss Funding and Capital-Raising Options

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 Malaysian GLC sector further employ and benefit from Islamic funding options? We ask a high-level panel to share their expertise and views.

Panelists:

Faridah Bakar Ali, Chief Financial Officer, Khazanah Nasional
Mohamed Nazri Omar, Managing Director/CEO, Danajamin Nasional
Pavan Kaur, General Manager, Group Finance and Treasury, UMW Group
Simon Chen, Senior Analyst, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Investors Service

10:30 – 11:00
Coffee and Networking
11:00 – 12:00
IFN Fintech Huddle: Power Capital

What does technological innovation mean for capital raising and financing for Shariah capital issuers? We discuss Blockchain, ICOs and crowdfunding and identify what are the next big tech shifts for raising money.

Panelists:

Abdul Fattah Yatim, Chairman, Malaysia’s National Standards Technical Committee on Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies
Aznan Hasan, Deputy Chairman, Shariah Advisory Council, Securities Commission and Shariah Board Member, Wahed Invest
Basheer Ahmad, Senior Manager, Markets, Dubai Financial Services Authority

12:00 – 12:45
IFN Fintech Huddle: The Female Investor

Do men and women invest differently? What are the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs when seeking funding? Do female technopreneurs in the Muslim world face additional barriers? Why is it important to invest in women? What can be done to overcome these challenges?

12:45 – 14:00
Lunch and Networking
14:00 – 15:00
Sovereign, Multilateral and Supranational Issuers and the Islamic Market

We ask a leading panel for their views on sovereign and multi-lateral agency issuance and ask what Islamic funding facilities can offer governments, development banks and Supranational organizations. What are these issuers looking for in terms of pricing, tenor, structure and distribution?

Panelists:

Delvin Chong, Senior Vice President, Treasury and Capital Markets, Cagamas

15:00 – 15:25
An Audience With...

Interviewer: Amri Sofian, Chief Corporate and Investment Officer, Danajamin Nasional

15:25 – 15:35
Presentation: Talent Development in Islamic finance

Zaineb Sefiani, Founder, Carrera Learning

15:35 – 16:25
Green Sukuk and Finance: Renewable Energy and Sustainable Projects

With SRI regulatory frameworks in place, the rise of stewardship and responsible investment, assets available and in many cases, fully Shariah compliant, green finance has a bright future. Through recent notable transactions we analyse product structures, investor demand, rating and reporting issues and ask whether green Sukuk is the way forward for funding sustainable and environmentally responsible projects and achieving Sustainable Development Goals in Southeast Asia.

Moderator:

Azleena Idris, Head of Legal, KFH Malaysia

Panelists:

Hatini Mat Husin, Senior Director/Head Debt Markets and Advisory, Affin Hwang Capital
Lee Joo Wee, Head of Debt Markets, OCBC Malaysia
Simon Lord, Head of Sustainability, Sime Darby Plantations

16:25 – 17:00
Funding, Liquidity Issues and Supervision of Islamic Financial Institutions 

We identify and discuss operational issues and challenges faced by Islamic financial institutions, including adherence to Basel III liquidity and IFSB regulatory requirements. What other supervisory and regulatory issues do Islamic financial institutions face and what are the solutions? What can regulatory capital Sukuk issuance and the use of tools such as Commodity Murabahah offer Islamic financial institutions going forward?

Moderator:

Elias Moubarak, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Panelists:

Roslan Ahmad, Chief Representative, DDGI
Yeoh Xin Yi, Executive Director, Head of Financial Risk Management Services, KPMG Malaysia

17:00 – 17:30
Coffee and Networking
17:30 – 17:30
End of Forum

Day Two

09:10 – 09:25
Keynote Address

Zainal Izlan Zainal Abidin, Deputy Chief Executive, Securities Commission Malaysia

09:25 – 10:25
The Islamic Asset Management Industry: Challenges and Opportunities Going Forward

Where is the market today for Islamic asset management from where will growth originate? Is Shariah compliant asset management a thematic investment strategy or a viable, self-supporting industry? Does the industry need to become more aligned to ESG/SRI? What is next for the Islamic ETF market? Through an engaging panel we seek answers. We also look at key challenges facing the industry, from product innovation to improving distribution channels through technology.

Panelists:

Hakan Ozyon, Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Ethical Fund
Hurriyah El Islamy, Executive Board Member, BPKH
Michael Orzano, Senior Director of Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices

10:25 – 10:45
Keynote Interview
10:45 – 11:15
Coffee and Networking
11:15 – 11:35
Gold

Recent Shariah rulings have provided opportunities for products based around Gold. We take a detailed look at this interesting and innovative area.

Panelists:

Andrew Naylor, Director, Central Banks and Public Policy, World Gold Council
John Durham, Manager – Depository, Gold Corporation, The Perth Mint

11:35 – 12:05
IFN Fintech Huddle: Digital Invasion – Rise of the Machines

Will robo advisers take over traditional asset managers? Is the market ready for digital-only products? How is big data and AI influencing the discipline? What other technology is driving change in the asset management sector?

12:05 – 12:35
IFN Fintech Huddle: Where the money at?

What makes an ecosystem that promotes the successful integration of investors, accelerators and technology entrepreneurs?

Panelist:

Norhizam Kadir, Vice-President, Growth Ecosystem Development, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

12:35 – 12:55
Pitch Playground

An exclusive opportunity to hear technology ventures from various funding stages to pitch their businesses and ideas.

12:55 – 14:00
Luncheon
14:00 – 15:00
Environmental, Socially Responsible Investing and Islamic Investment: Opportunities for Development and Growth

We examine responsible, environmental and green finance in Asia and ask how ethical and Islamic finance can potentially become closer interlinked. We also discuss how Southeast Asia can grow its existing ESG niche among asset managers and owners and what role Islamic and ESG asset management can play towards achieving Sustainable Development Goals. Do green bonds and Sukuk offer viable long-term investments and how can the industry address the relative scarcity of credible climate related and low carbon investment opportunities? When will Asia see the launch of a socially conscious ETF?

Moderator:

Daud Vicary Abdullah, Managing Director, DVA Consulting

Panelists:

Cedric Rimaud, ASEAN Program Manager, Climate Bonds Initiative
Petra Daroczi, ESG Ambassador and Account Director Asset Management, Singapore, Refinitiv

15:00 – 15:45
Real Estate Investment and REITs in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Islamic Investors

Through an expert panel we discuss the evolution of the real estate investment and REITs market in Southeast Asia. How has the REITs market performed, what can we expect in the coming year and what is current investor sentiment and appetite? We discuss the role of regulation, asset quality and diversification. We also analyse direct real estate investment and assess the opportunities on offer for Shariah compliant investors.

Panelists:

Jana Sehnalova, CEO, La Française Forum Securities
Jeyabalan Parasingam, CEO and Executive Director, Alpha REIT

15:45 – 16:30
Innovation in Islamic Investment Management: Waqf

We discuss the growing importance of revitalizing Waqf through the development and use of innovative capital market instruments. We examine how, through innovative products and services, we can further develop Waqf assets in order to facilitate growth in the Islamic investment and asset management industry, thereby promoting financial inclusion and social development.

Panelists:

Aiza Azreen Ahmad, Director Strategic Development, Boost eWallet
Mohd Nazri Chik, Group Chief Shariah Officer, Bank Islam
Dr Ridzwan Bakar, Professional Lecturer, Multimedia Universiti, Treasurer, International Waqf Action Council (iWaqf)

16:30 – 17:30
Forum Close and Refreshment

Forum Keynotes

Adnan-Zaylani

Adnan Zaylani
Assistant Governor
Bank Negara Malaysia

bello

Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta
Secretary-General
Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB)

ZainalIzlanZainalAbidin

Zainal Izlan Zainal Abidin
Deputy Chief Executive
Securities Commission Malaysia

Forum Speakers

Abdul-Fattah-Yatim

Abdul Fattah Yatim
Chairman, Malaysia’s National Standards Technical Committee on Blockchain and Distributed Ledger Technologies

Aiza-Azreen-Ahmad

Aiza Azreen Ahmad
Director Strategic Development
Boost eWallet

spk_Amri Sofian

Amri Sofian
Chief Corporate and Investment Officer
Danajamin Nasional

spk_Andrew-Naylor

Andrew Naylor
Director, Central Banks and Public Policy, World Gold Council

spk_AzleenaIdris

Azleena Idris
Head of Legal, KFH Malaysia

Aznan-Hasan

Aznan Hasan
Deputy Chairman, Shariah Advisory Council, Securities Commission and Shariah Board Member
Wahed Invest

Basheer-Ahmad

Basheer Ahmad
Senior Manager, Markets
Dubai Financial Services Authority

Cedric-Rimaud

Cedric Rimaud
ASEAN Program Manager, Climate Bonds Initiative

Daud-Vicary-Abdullah-19

Daud Vicary Abdullah
Managing Director, DVA Consulting

Delvin-Chong

Delvin Chong
Senior Vice President, Treasury and Capital Markets, Cagamas

Elias-Moubarak

Elias Moubarak
Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

faridah

Faridah Bakar Ali
Chief Financial Officer
Khazanah Nasional

HakanOzyon-new

Hakan Ozyon
Senior Portfolio Manager
Global Ethical Fund

Hatini-Mat

Hatini Mat Husin
Senior Director/Head Debt Markets and Advisory, Affin Hwang Capital

Hurriyah El Islamy-indonesia 2017

Hurriyah El Islamy
Executive Board Member
BPKH

Jana-Sehnalova

Jana Sehnalova
CEO, La Française Forum Securities

jeyabalan-parasingam

Jeyabalan Parasingam
CEO and Executive Director, Alpha REIT

John-Durham

John Durham
Manager – Depository, Gold Corporation, The Perth Mint

speakericon-event

Lee Joo Wee
Head of Debt Markets, OCBC Malaysia

Michael-Orzano

Michael Orzano
Senior Director of Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices

MohamedNazriOmar

Mohamed Nazri Omar
Managing Director/CEO
Danajamin Nasional

Mohd-Nazri-Chik

Mohd Nazri Chik
Group Chief Shariah Officer, Bank Islam

Norhizam-Abdul-Kadir

Norhizam Kadir
Vice-President, Growth Ecosystem Development, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation

Pavan-Kaur

Pavan Kaur
General Manager, Group Finance and Treasury
UMW Group

Petra-Daroczi

Petra Daroczi
ESG Ambassador and Account Director Asset Management, Singapore, Refinitiv

Dr-Ridzwan-Bakar

Dr Ridzwan Bakar
Professional Lecturer, Multimedia Universiti, Treasurer, International Waqf Action Council (iWaqf)

Roslan-Ahmad

Roslan Ahmad
Chief Representative, DDGI

spk_simonchen

Simon Chen
Senior Analyst, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Investors Service

Simon-lord

Simon Lord
Head of Sustainability
Sime Darby Plantations

Yeoh-Xin-Yi

Yeoh Xin Yi
Executive Director, Head of Financial Risk Management Services, KPMG Malaysia

Zaineb-Sefiani

Zaineb Sefiani
Founder
Carrera Learning

Advisory Board

Angelia-Chin-Sharpe

Angelia Chin Sharpe
CEO and Country Head, Malaysia and Brunei/ICBU
BNP Paribas Asset Management

MohdAliAllawala

Ali Allawala
CEO
Standard Chartered Saadiq

ArsalaanAhmed-2019

Arsalaan Ahmed
CEO
HSBC Amanah

spk_AzleenaIdris

Azleena Idris
VP and Head of Legal
Kuwait Finance House

Eqhwan

Eqhwan Mokhzanee Muhammad
CEO
AmBank Islamic

HakanOzyon-new

Hakan Ozyon
Senior Portfolio Manager
Global Ethical Fund

MasumiHamahira

Masumi Hamahira
Advisor, Islamic Banking Window/ICBU
MUFG Bank (Malaysia)

MohamedNazriOmar

Mohamed Nazri Omar
Managing Director/CEO
Danajamin Nasional

Ramlie-Kamsari

Ramlie Kamsari
CEO
Nomura Islamic Asset Management

SyedAlwi-event-agro

Syed Alwi Mohamed Sultan
President/CEO
Agro Bank

Syed-Mashafuddin

Syed Mashafuddin Syed Badarudin
CEO
CIMB-Principal Islamic Asset Management

Forum Sponsors

LEAD PARTNER

MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNERS

STRATEGIC EXCHANGE PARTNER

PARTNERS

AN AUDIENCE WITH

MEDIA PARTNERS

Last Visit to Kuala Lumpur

IFN Asia Forum 2018

Acknowledged by the global industry as one of the most important finance gatherings in the region, IFN Asia Forum will be back in Kuala Lumpur in May 2018. Adopting a new one-day format, IFN Asia will deliver greater impact through a mix of panel sessions, onstage interviews and interactive sessions running concurrently with multiple streams dedicated to the most pertinent and talked-about segments of the industry.

Anchoring some of the most important Islamic financial markets globally, Asia continues to be a region of prime significance to the global Islamic finance community: the sophisticated infrastructure of Malaysia is a hallmark of excellence globally, the immense potential of Indonesia’s population remains captivating to many, the phenomenal expansion rates in Pakistan and Bangladesh are widely envied, relative newcomers such as the Maldives and Sri Lanka are pushing full steam ahead to make their own mark while Brunei is preparing to make a big splash in international waters.

The rollout of new regulations by the likes of Malaysia and Indonesia underscores the solid commitment governments in the region have for Islamic finance. The unabating regulatory support plus the rising affluence of the region’s favorable demographics are core to Asia’s Islamic finance success story, including being the most frequent and largest Sukuk issuer (sovereign and corporate, domestic and international) and the biggest Family Takaful market and having a vibrant Islamic asset management sector as well as a growing banking market. The story has now become even more fascinating as the region is being swept by a strong fintech undercurrent.

With fintech investment in the Asia Pacific region surging, even surpassing that of the US, Asia is the one to watch for new innovations; more significantly, Asia is scaling up to be the home of Islamic fintech revolution. Giving their Middle Eastern counterparts a run for their money, Malaysia and Indonesia are racing to become the fintech destination for Islamic finance, creating an environment conducive and attractive to Islamic fintech start-ups from around the world with new regulations and a focused approach.

Brimming with exciting activities and promising progress, IFN Asia Forum 2018 will provide a platform for international players to engage with local industry stalwarts in lively and constructive discussion about the opportunities and challenges that lie within the Asian Islamic finance market.

Full Details
Download Post Event Report

Testimonials

It was a pleasure meeting other panelists and learning from their rich experience. Look forward to staying in touch. Last but not the least, congratulations to the IFN team for organizing a very successful event.

Ali Allawala
CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq

I thought that we had a good session, which laid a good foundation for the rest of the day.

Ashraf Mohammed
Assistant General Counsel, Asian Development Bank

A quick note to thank you for the invitation to speak, and congratulations on a forum very well organized! Glad to have had the time for knowledge-sharing.

Hazwan Alif Abdul Rahman
CEO, CMC Engineering

Thank you for the invitation to speak at this event and for the very good organization and attendance.

Mohamed Damak
Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global Ratings

Thank you so much for inviting. I really enjoyed myself. The event was so well organized too. So grand. Well done!

Sharifah Bakar Ali
General Manager, Group Business Development, UEM Group

Thank you for the kind message, job made very easy with a great set of panelists. I particularly enjoyed your explanation of Gen-Y behavior, it was very insightful.

Arsalaan Ahmed
CEO, HSBC Amanah

It was my pleasure. Many thanks Andrew. I enjoyed it and felt the discussions were relevant.

Daud Vicary Abdullah
Managing Director, DVA Consulting

A big thank you to you and your team is in order for a job well done.

Ashraf Gomma Ali
Director/Regional Head, Shariah and Governance, CIMB Islamic

It’s always a pleasure to work with you and the team, Andrew, and I thank you for inviting me to moderate the session. We thought that the event was extremely good and the attendance supports this view. The sessions were all very interesting and there was a very positive vibe throughout.

Lawrence Oliver
Deputy CEO, DDCAP Group

Congratulations on yet another successful event! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to contribute to the event. We look forward to be of service at the next opportunity!

Simon Chen
Vice-President - Senior Analyst, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Investors Service

A very well-organized and attended event. Interesting times ahead for Malaysia. Likewise, looking forward to working with you and the REDmoney team soon, thanks.

Yeoh Teik Leng
Head, Structured Finance and Loan Markets, Capital Markets Group, AmInvestment Bank

Well done to REDmoney for a well-organized event.

Faridah Bakar Ali
Director and CFO, Khazanah Nasional

For any inquiries contact us

Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have about this event.