What are key influencers for UK and European Islamic banking, asset management and capital markets in the coming year? What factors will drive the industry, what will provide opportunity and what will represent challenges? We ask a panel of industry leaders for their views.

How is the wave of technological innovation and digitization continuing to drive evolution in the UK Islamic financial services industry? Through an expert panel we look at Fintechs operating in traditional spaces such as retail banking, mortgage financing and property investment and discuss why this sector is so important in the drive for financial inclusion. What are the challenges still facing Fintechs in the UK and what can be done to help their funding and development?

We cast a critical eye over the Islamic capital markets in Europe. Where’s the supply coming from and what can we expect in the coming year? We also examine how technology - particularly AI and big data - are disrupting how money is raised and managed.

With SRI regulatory frameworks in place, the rise of stewardship, assets available – and in many cases fully Shariah compliant – responsible finance and investment has a bright future. Through an expert panel we examine responsible, humanitarian, environmental and green finance in Europe and ask how ethical and Islamic finance can become closer interlinked. We also discuss how Europe can grow its existing ESG niche among asset managers and owners and what role Islamic and ESG asset management can play towards achieving humanitarian and 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 socially responsible investment opportunities?

What is Waqf? How are Waqf typically structured, and what are the main variations? What are the challenges that Waqf face in making investments and accessing the financial markets? What solutions might be available?

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

We discuss the current environment in the UK and Western Europe for real estate investment and explore the continuing role played by Islamic finance. What are the latest trends, structures, themes and opportunities? We also assess the role technology plays and predict where disruption will be seen.

Through a short, concise interview, we step outside the comfort zone and ask the tough questions the industry wants to hear.