25th November 2024
DoubleTree by Hilton Riyadh
Financial District Hotel
in operation
at this event
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About The Dialogues
With its deep Islamic roots and continuous Shariah finance focus, Saudi Arabia remains the world’s largest Islamic finance centers, housing over SAR3.1 trillion (US$825.99 billion) in Islamic finance assets and accounting for about one-third of global Shariah banking assets.
The Kingdom’s international repertoire is backed by an illustrious track record across the different segments of Islamic finance. It is the most prolific sovereign Sukuk issuer globally, responsible for 31.2% of total issuances in 2022; it has nurtured the world’s fastest-growing Shariah cooperative insurance industry, registering a year-on-year growth rate of 27% in 2022; and it has built one of the largest Islamic asset management sectors, holding 27.5% of the world’s Islamic assets under management, according to the IFSB.
The prospects are even brighter with Saudi Vision 2030 in the driving seat. The government expects investment activities to inject at least US$3 trillion into the national economy by 2030. It anticipates spending some US$2.6 trillion to fund its ambitious projects, while private consumption spending would hit US$1.3 trillion, resulting in a total injection of US$7.1 trillion in the next decade.
By 2030, investment contribution to GDP would likely increase from 22% in 2019 to 30%, catapulting Saudi Arabia to become one of the 15 largest economies in the world, further cementing its global Islamic finance hub aspirations.
It is in this vibrant backdrop, IFN is returning to Saudi Arabia with the highly successful IFN Dialogues series, exploring opportunities and challenges in one of the most influential Islamic finance markets globally, with market leaders in a conducive and highly curated Chatham House Rules setting.
Hosting extended panel discussions is an excellent idea. Topics can be discussed fully, often with panelists asking questions of each other, allowing deeper insights to emerge from the discussion.
The IFN Dialogues are a great opportunity to bring together key players in the industry to discuss critical topics for the development of the financial markets and the economy.
It was a very insightful session with practical issues faced by issuers, regulators and masters being discussed beyond academic discussion. It was thought provoking and insightful.
IFN has done it again. Getting together Islamic finance influencers to assure the free flow of ideas and information. This is how innovations in our field are born. Bringing in the financiers from GCC, Europe and Southeast Asia is a great recipe for the effective distribution of intellectual products. Kudos to the organizers for a perfectly assembled event
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
Dialogues Agenda
9.10 – 9.20
Welcome Address
9.20 – 9.30
Keynote Address
9.30 – 9.40
Presentation: Key Recent Developments in Shariah Compliant Financial Services in Saudi Arabia
9.40 – 11.40
Dialogue One: Driving Growth – Saudi Arabia’s Islamic Financial Markets
- How is Vision 2023 influencing the development and transition of Saudi Arabia financial markets and what role will Shariah compliant capital play?
- What progress have Shariah compliant financial markets made in Saudi Arabia since we last met?
- How is the recently introduced Civil Transactions Law influencing Islamic capital markets?
- How will interest rates influence domestic and regional Sukuk markets in 2025, and what opportunities will be on offer for investors?
- What other factors continue to influence the development of the domestic Sukuk and Islamic capital market?
- Can more be done to supply the local market with high-quality liquid assets, and to what extent would this contribute to building a yield curve unique to Saudi Arabian Sukuk issuances?
- What benchmarks do landmark issuances such as those by Aramco and PIF set for today’s Sukuk market?
- How significant is the use of Islamic finance products such as Murabahah and perpetual Sukuk in restructurings under the Saudi Insolvency Law?
- Compared to regional peers, is the local regulatory environment supportive of the development of Islamic financial markets, and could amendments be made?
- How can Shariah compliant transition, sustainable and sustainability linked financing products be further incorporated into the Saudi market?
- How can green Sukuk and other innovations be further applied to the funding of clean energy projects and infrastructure in the Kingdom?
- Will Saudi Arabia see significant diversification of asset classes in coming years, or indeed, the addition of new asset classes? If so, what form will this take?
Hakan Ozyon, CEO, Hejaz Financial Services
Husain Alkhaja, GCC Regional Director, DDCAP
Sabir Ahmed, Executive Director Islamic Origination, Standard Chartered Bank
11.40 – 12.10
Coffee
12.10 – 14.10
Dialogue Two: Shariah Compliant Investment in Saudi Arabia
- What are latest trends, investment types, asset classes and opportunities in Saudi Arabian bilateral Shariah compliant investment?
- How has the domestic Islamic asset management industry managed to differentiate itself from its conventional peer?
- How is private capital influencing Islamic financing in Saudi Arabia and how will the introduction of direct financing investment funds benefit the local market?
- What are potential targets for private equity investment in Saudi Arabia, and how are privatization and divestment influencing the domestic market?
- What are opportunities for Shariah compliant investment in the Kingdom through Public-Private Partnerships, and how are mega projects driving the market?
- What are the latest opportunities and demands for bilateral Shariah compliant direct investment into real estate?
- How do we assess the growth, development and performance of Saudi Arabian real estate investment trusts, and what role is played by regional real estate funds?
- What roles do insurance for investment and export credit and other forms of guarantees play?
- How do we effectively balance climate and investment risk and where do ESG considerations play a role in investment decisions?
- What represent viable investment opportunities in the Shariah compliant financing of low-carbon technologies and renewable energy in the Kingdom?
- How is Waqf being applied to investment activities in the Kingdom?
- How do we assess the growing prominence of Islamic P2P and equity crowdfunding in the Kingdom, and what opportunities are on offer?
Abdul-Rahman Hammad, Regional Director – Middle East, IdealRatings
Dr John Sandwick, General Manager, Safa Investment Services
Mohammad Afzal, Senior Risk Associate Corporate Development, Vision Invest
Dr Mohammed Ishaq Ali, Head of Asset Management, Yaqeen Capital
14.10
Luncheon
Dialogues Speakers
Abdul-Rahman Hammad
Regional Director - Middle East, IdealRatingsAbdul-Rahman Hammad joined IdealRatings in 2012 and is based in Saudi Arabia. He has extensive experience as a sales executive serving the financial sector across the Middle East region with a proven track record among top tier institutions. Prior to IdealRatings, He was a sales manager at Advanced Operations Technology, where he was responsible for identifying and developing new solution sales and converting them into profitable new businesses. He also worked for KnowledgeNet as a sales manager where he was responsible for setting sales strategies to penetrate the market and introducing the company’s order management system for the financial sector in the GCC region. Abdul-Rahman holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer engineering from Applied Science University in Jordan and an MBA from Manchester Business School.
Hakan Ozyon
CEO, Hejaz Financial ServicesHakan Ozyon is a seasoned business expert known for leading innovative strategies and nurturing talent. His dedication to excellence has enabled him to optimize all aspects of business management. He is adept at unlocking potential, promoting growth and increasing revenue. Hakan has deep ties in both the Islamic and broader Australian communities, enhancing business operations and setting corporate goals. With over 30 years of experience in business, he is a strategic visionary with a knack for building relationships, particularly in competitive areas. His role as CEO involves setting strategic paths and forming financial alliances. Notably, he has spent a decade transforming visions into pioneering Islamic financial services. He is respected globally for his business acumen.
Husain Alkhaja
GCC Regional Director, DDCAPHusain Abdulwahed Alkhaja is the GCC regional director and director of DDCAP.
Husain is a vastly experienced banker who has been working within the Islamic financial marketplace for the past 30 years for various highly regarded regional and international financial institutions. Most recently, he held senior executive positions within MFAI (Jersey), a wholly-owned subsidiary of DMI Group. This followed his tenure as COO of CMA-licensed investment company Gulf Investors Asset Management Company.
Having started his career in banking in Bahrain, Husain was appointed the regional director and head of GCC and Islamic banking at Societe Generale where he was based in Dubai. Prior to returning to Bahrain as CEO of Investment Dar Bank, Husain was the general manager of ADNIF, the Islamic subsidiary of National Bank of Abu Dhabi.
Dr John Sandwick
General Manager, Safa Investment ServicesDr John A. Sandwick is a recognized pioneer in Islamic finance. He created the first application of the Modern Portfolio Theory in the context of global portfolio allocations with Shariah certification. He is also noted for organizing innovative domestic and international Sukuk (Islamic bonds), the world’s first global Sukuk fund, a Sukuk participation certificate and the first-ever mid-market Sukuk facility in Saudi Arabia. Dr John served as a visiting professor of finance at Al Yamamah University in Riyadh, and a former instructor in the Graduate School of Finance at University Paris-Dauphine. He frequently taught Master Classes on Islamic finance for groups including central banks, pension funds, family offices and treasuries.
Dr John’s most recent publications on Islamic finance include a popular article in the Journal of Asset Management. He has a Master’s degree in development banking from American University in Washington DC, and a doctorate in business administration from Grenoble Ecole de Management in France. He previously worked at the private banking units of Deutsche Bank (Suisse), Credit Suisse and Encore Management (in association with UBS). He is currently a corporate finance and asset management consultant for Saudi families and businesses.
Mohammad Afzal
Senior Risk Associate Corporate Development, Vision InvestMohamed Afzal is a seasoned Risk Management expert with 15 years of progressive experience in banking and finance. He had multiple engagements with various financial institutions in Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka and has transformed the risk management landscape by improving the risk maturity framework with his expertise. Since 2020, as an active correspondent for the worlds leading Islamic Finance News channel IFN Malaysia, he has contributed for 50+ articles in Risk Management covering the global Islamic Finance Industry. In 2024, he was commended as the Enterprise Risk Leader of the Year 2024 for his immense contribution in Enterprise Risk Management. He is also the founder of a Tech start up named “mymech” based in Sri Lanka which is digitally shaping the auto care industry which drives his passion towards digital transformation and entrepreneurship.
He holds an MBA from the University of West London, he is a Certified Member of the Institute of Risk Management UK, a Chartered Management Accountant (ACMA-UK), Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA – AICPA), Certified Practising Accountant (CPA-Australia) and Certified Islamic Finance Expert (CIFE). During 2009-2014 as an active lecturer, he has coached many students pursuing studies in CIMA, ACCA, CA and AAT.
Dr Mohammed Ishaq Ali
Head of Asset Management & Advisory Services, WinVeston CapitalDr Ishaq’s career journey spans over 25+ years, stands as a testament to dedication and continuously evolving expertise in the field of capital markets. His proficiency lies in managing asset management business, advisory services and arranging functions. He specializes in research-driven investment management of funds and discretionary mandates across diverse asset classes and regions for institutional, governmental and high net worth clients. His career is characterized by the development and nurturing of robust relationships with clients, regulators, financial institutions, and other stakeholders. Dr Ishaq is currently working as Head of Asset Management & Advisory Services at WinVeston Capital, Saudi Arabia. Prior to this role, he held pivotal leadership roles at prominent institutions such as Al Rajhi Capital, ANB Capital, and Yaqeen Capital, among others showcasing his extensive expertise and capabilities. Furthermore, he is an accomplished author and speaker, sharing insights on topics related to the capital markets. He also serves as an Advisory Committee Member at the University of Business & Technology in Saudi Arabia. He holds a Ph.D. in Business Management, MBA in Finance & International Business, and B. Com from Osmania University, India. He also possesses several global investment management certifications.
Sabir Ahmed
Executive Director Islamic Origination, Standard Chartered BankSabir Ahmed is responsible for the structuring and execution of Shariah compliant capital markets, syndications, corporate finance and financial markets transactions in the GCC, the Southeast Asian region (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore), the UK and Turkey. Sabir has arranged 100-plus sovereign, quasi-sovereign, corporate and financial institution Islamic syndications and debt capital market transactions across multiple geographies, including a number of debut and award-winning deals. Sabir joined Standard Chartered in 2005 and has over 23 years of experience in the financial services industry of which 19 years were in Islamic banking. Sabir holds an MBA degree from the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi.
Dialogues Partners
MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNERS
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution and is part of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group.
The ICD was established in November 1999 to support the economic development of its member countries through the provision of finance for private sector projects, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, providing advisory services to governments and private companies and encouraging cross-border investments.
The ICD has an authorized capital of US$4 billion. Currently, the shareholders of the ICD are the IDB (50%), 53 Islamic countries (30%) and five public financial institutions (20%).
ICD mandate and objectives
The ICD fosters sustainable economic growth in its 53 member countries by:
- Financing private sector investment
- Mobilizing capital in the international financial markets, and
- Providing advisory services to business and governments.
The ICD selects the financing projects based on their contribution to economic development considering factors such as job creation, Islamic finance development, contribution to exports, etc. The ICD also provides advisory services to governments and private sector groups on policies designed to encourage the establishment, expansion and modernization of private enterprises, the development of capital markets, best management practices and to enhance the role of the market economy. The ICD operates to complement the activities of the IDB in member countries.
The ICD is rated ‘AA/FQ’ by Fitch Ratings, ‘Aa3/P-1’ by Moody’s Investors Service and ‘A+’ by Standard & Poor’s.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tel: (966-12) 6361400; (966-12) 6441644
Fax: (966-12) 644 4427
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.icd-ps.org
The Islamic Corporation for The Insurance Of Investment And Export Credit (ICIEC)
Established 26 years ago in 1994 as a multilateral institution and a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) was tasked to promote cross-border trade and foreign direct investments in its member countries.
The ICIEC’s mission is to make trade and investment between member countries and the world more secure through the Shariah compliant risk mitigation tool. Its vision is to be recognized as the preferred enabler of trade and investment for sustainable economic development in member countries.
The ICIEC is the only multilateral export credit and investment insurance corporation in the world that provides Shariah-compliant insurance and reinsurance solutions.
Today, the ICIEC supports trade and investment flows in 47 member countries spanning across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Its target clients are corporates (both exporters and investors), banks and financial institutions as well as export credit agencies and insurers.
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the IDB Group. It was established with the purpose of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. The ITFC commenced operations in January 2008 and has since consolidated all trade finance businesses that used to be handled by various windows within the IDB Group. Earning an ‘A1’ rating from Moody’s Investors Service reflects the ITFC’s efficiency in service delivery by responding swiftly to customer needs in a market-driven business environment.
Since 2008, the ITFC has provided more than US$40.2 billion of trade financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for the needs of OIC member countries. With a mission of being a catalyst for trade development among OIC member countries and beyond, the ITFC helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
Contact us at:
Twitter: @ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ITFCCORP
Linkedin: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.itfc-idb.org/en
IsDB Group Business Forum (THIQAH)
The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitates contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging the IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group’s financial products and services. (www.idbgbf.org)
PARTNERS
Hassan Radhi & Associates (“HRA”)
Hassan Radhi and Associates (HRA) is a prominent Bahraini law firm founded in 1974 by Dr Hassan Ali Radhi. With 50 years of experience, HRA has emerged as a leading legal consultancy firm, delivering comprehensive legal solutions to clients in Bahrain and beyond. HRA boasts a team of eight partners and 16 professionals, including associates and an administrative team, who possess extensive proficiency in Bahraini laws. They offer consultations in both Arabic and English languages.
HRA is the exclusive member firm in Bahrain for Lex Mundi, the world’s leading network of independent law firms with in-depth experience in 125-plus countries worldwide. HRA can provide clients with preferred access to more than 22,000 lawyers around the world — all from a single point of contact.
HRA has received numerous awards and accolades. The firm remains dedicated to providing exceptional legal services and upholding professional standards. With a solid reputation, extensive expertise and memberships in prestigious organizations, HRA continues to be a trusted partner for legal solutions in Bahrain and beyond.
Hejaz
Hejaz is a leading financial institution that delivers a broad range of Islamic financial services across investment management, superannuation services, financial advice and lending to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals.
Founded in 2014, the firm is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and maintains a presence all around the world.
IdealRatings
IdealRatings was incorporated in 2006 in San Francisco with a corporate objective to provide SRI/ESG and Shariah compliant solutions to ethical investors and enable them to identify such instruments across different asset classes in the global market. IdealRatings serves clients in over 30 countries with a range of capital market solutions including:
- Equities – A web-based platform covering over 40,000 stocks, where fund managers can screen equities using different, custom-built ESG/SRI/Responsible Investments and Shariah rulebooks or guidelines. This solution caters to different purification calculation methodologies with a comprehensive set of reports for fund managers to manage their portfolio.
- REITs – Global coverage of all listed REITs that could be screened in accordance with different standard Shariah rulebooks or guidelines.
- Indexes – Co-branded and jointly marketed by FTSE-Russell Indexes and a separate series with Thomson Reuters for the global markets, designed for fund management and investment benchmarking. In addition, IdealRatings is able to provide custom-built indexes for the fund management industry.
- Sukuk – A unique solution which includes the global Sukuk and a pioneering Sukuk-screening solution that enables fund managers to customize their Sukuk selection in accordance to their Shariah rulebook, guidelines or investment preference, and
- Brokerage – The solution provides broking houses the ability to screen global equity markets, a technical analysis of the markets and equities, buy/sell/hold recommendations and purification amounts.
STANDARDS AND KNOWLEDGE PARTNER
LEAD MEDIA PARTNERS
Islamic Finance news
Islamic Finance news (IFN) is the company’s principal publication. IFN is a digital, subscription-based publication available online and through smartphone and tablet applications. Published weekly, the journal provides exclusive and comprehensive coverage of the global Islamic financial markets through in-house analysis and expert external contributions; in addition to a daily news service, additional quarterly supplements and a variety of special annual issues.
Differentiated by trusted relationships across the industry since 2004, IFN is able to leverage an unrivalled network of contacts and connections to provide unparalleled insight into the issues affecting global Shariah compliant markets: along with in-house analysis, news, interviews, reports, industry and sector data, and much more.
With an archived website containing over 80,000 exclusive reports, the IFN portfolio also hosts a suite of proprietary tools including the industry’s largest interactive terminology glossary, a directory of over 9,000 global Islamic financial institutions and a portal to Islamic Banking Intelligence, the most comprehensive source of segmented Islamic banking financial data.
IFN Fintech
Fintech is one of the most exciting sectors of the global financial industry, breaking boundaries and challenging preconceptions in one of the shake-ups of the century. A new class of financial players is disrupting the status quo – and financial institutions must embrace this change or face being left behind as the financial landscape transforms beyond recognition.
But although fintech as a whole has been well-served by the media, the Islamic segment has so far made limited penetration on public consciousness – despite the enormous potential it represents for the industry. There is a clear chasm between the multitude of pioneering entrepreneurs, start-ups and fintech firms making waves in the Islamic space; and the interested investors, institutions and stakeholders keen to explore these opportunities.
Recognizing this information gap, IFN is delighted to introduce to you a bespoke multi-channel platform – IFN FinTech.
Comprised of four tranches, IFN FinTech is a one-stop-shop for industry knowledge, networking and communication – supported by our unrivaled global network, our strong social media platform and our trusted multimedia Islamic finance offering.
IFN Sustainable
IFN Sustainable, comprises a dedicated portal, weekly news alert, audio and video podcasts, interviews, data, exclusive reports, case studies, research, virtual roundtables, and hybrid forums. With a focus on the latest news and developments, IFN Sustainable is also be a pivotal platform for thought leadership and the launch of new products and services within the industry. IFN Sustainable also partners with some of the leading organizations associated with the Islamic and sustainable finance industry, providing holistic coverage.
IFN Investor
The Islamic investment industry is a fastgrowing and dynamic sector within the Islamic finance space, with a ballooning pool of assets under management, reflecting a rapidly increasing demand for Islamic investment products.
Yet this increased demand has not been matched by increased activity in the media space.
And, although IFN has been reporting on the Islamic investment market for almost 20-years, we noticed we could do more and decided to rectify this imbalance.
After extensive research and surveying of the global Islamic investor industry on what they would like to see, we have designed and built a one stop portal for all those involved or interested in the local, regional, and global Shariah compliant investment market.
MEDIA PARTNER
Registration
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The Previous IFN KSA Dialogues
IFN KSA Dialogues 2023
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, whose Vision 2030 objectives prominently feature the advancement of Islamic finance, maintains its position as the world’s largest holder of Islamic financial assets. The Kingdom continues to prioritize Islamic finance with initiatives that incentivize the sector and recognize innovation. In the past year, the Saudi government has reaffirmed its aim to become a global Islamic finance hub by 2030.
The domestic Islamic banking sector has seen significant change in recent years, with bank mergers creating large, well-capitalized financial institutions with regional ambitions. The Kingdom has a thriving Islamic fintech scene, with nine fintech companies licensed by the central bank, all of which provide Islamic solutions. After four years of detailed planning, one of the three digital bank licensees plan to launch operations shortly.
The Saudi Arabian Islamic capital market continues to burn bright. Since overtaking Malaysia as the world’s biggest Sukuk issuer, Saudi Arabia has completed numerous significant Sukuk issuances, including the US$6 billion debut deal from Saudi Aramco and a US$750 million sustainable Sukuk facility from the newly merged SNB. The Kingdom is home to the largest number of Islamic funds worldwide, holding 34% of total Islamic fund assets under management. The Saudi Exchange lists 252 mutual funds and 17 Islamic REITs, and the Kingdom is featured in the MSCI and FTSE Russell indices.
IFN returns to Saudi Arabia for the ninth time, with the second edition of our unique IFN Dialogues format, exploring opportunities and challenges in one of the most influential Islamic finance markets globally.
IFN KSA Dialogues are a series of extended conversations featuring leading industry players, identifying and analyzing key issues facing Islamic finance in Saudi Arabia. The two Dialogues focus on the growing influence of Islamic banking, finance and capital markets; and the role of private equity and direct investment in the development of strategic projects and infrastructure in the Kingdom.
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.