Boasting one of the world’s most sophisticated financial markets rooted in transparency and a sound legal framework, and bolstered by a stable and open economy, Singapore has all the characteristics of a potentially successful global Islamic financial market. Although it still has to face tough competition with neighboring Malaysia if it aspires to be the Shariah finance stronghold of the region, the Lion City has the advantage as an international financial center, acting as the gateway to China and the wider east. Captivated by its world-class financial infrastructure, over 200 international banks have made Singapore their home and springboard into the region, and an increasing number of these banks are recognizing the growing demand for dollar Shariah compliant services leading them to set up Islamic finance desks as a strategic move to capture international Shariah dollars from clients across Asia and the Middle East looking to access the global markets.