Arif Baharudin, Assistant of Minister for Financial Services and Capital Market Policy and Regulation, Ministry of Finance, Republic of Indonesia

Rifki Ismal, Deputy Director, Head of Islamic Economic Cooperation Division, Department of Islamic Economics, Bank Indonesia

The Islamic finance industry needs innovation and differentiation from its conventional counterparts to further their market share. Markets around the world have started acknowledging the importance of the financial sector in promoting sustainable growth particularly the Islamic finance industry. The initiative by the Indonesian government by issuing the world’s first sovereign green Sukuk is a testament to the commitment of sustainable financing. Islamic finance is pivoting toward not only catering on Shariah compliant products and services but also aligning them with the UN 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. 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 in Islamic finance.

Interviewer: Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor, Islamic Finance News
Interviewee: Dr Sutan Emir Hidayat, Director of Islamic Financial Education and Research, Komite Nasional Keuangan Syariah (National Committee of Islamic Finance)

We examine funding in key sectors, projects and industries and ask what represents effective corporate finance and capital-raising strategies across multiproduct 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.

How is technological innovation and digitization driving evolution in the Indonesian financial services industry? In what ways is technology disrupting how money is raised and managed? What opportunities do technologies such as blockchain and smart contracts offer financial institutions? Finally, how can technology drive and promote financial inclusion in Southeast Asia?

Sheikh Bilal Khan, Chief Islamic Finance Officer, Astana International Financial Centre

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.