Bryan Stirewalt
Chief Executive
Dubai Financial Services Authority
Date: 10th March 2019
Venue: Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai
Attendees: 352
Speakers: 30 Speakers
Returning in 2019, IFN will bring the World Leaders Summit, a one-day event designed to celebrate the latest developments and biggest achievements in the Islamic financial market space, to Dubai. The Islamic debt capital market space has gone from strength to strength to become a sought-after asset class not only for diversification but for performance and return, with global Sukuk issuance expected to reach US$90-100 billion by the end of this year.
09:00 – 09:10
Opening Address
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
09:10 – 09:25
Keynote Address
Dr Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, CEO, Securities and Commodities Authority
09:25 – 09:40
Keynote Address
Bryan Stirewalt, Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority
09:40 – 10:20
The World in 2019: Global Events and Islamic Finance and Investment
We discuss key ideas, issues and themes influencing Islamic finance and investment. From the growth of the Halal economy, to commodity prices, to product innovation and regulation, to global trade and protectionism, to the ascendancy of technology — what will offer opportunity and what will disrupt? Finally, we ask what role Islamic finance will play in the development of social inclusion and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the coming year.
Moderator:Qasim Aslam, Partner, Dentons
Panelists:Arsalaan Ahmed, CEO, HSBC Amanah Malaysia
Bryan Stirewalt, Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority
Salman Bajwa, Head of Asset Management, Emirates NBD Asset Management
Shamzani Hussain, Managing Director and Head of Global Islamic Banking, FAB Siraj
Shibeer Ahmed, Partner, Winston & Strawn
10:20 – 11:00
Co-Interview: Building Regulatory Frameworks in Islamic Finance and Fintech
We ask a panel of senior representatives of regulators, standard-setting bodies and exchanges for their views on the evolution of regulatory frameworks for Islamic finance and discuss successful approaches to regulating financial technology.
Moderator:Abdulkader Thomas, CEO, SHAPE Knowledge Services
Panelists:Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta, Secretary-General, IFSB
Ijlal Alvi, CEO, International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM)
11:00 – 11:50
Liquidity, Fixed Income and Sukuk in Global Capital Markets
We ask leading market professionals to discuss the prospects for regional and global capital and Sukuk markets in the coming months. What structures and asset classes will find favor with issuers and investors in a more volatile investment environment? We also examine distribution, ratings and credit enhancement measures, and identify other factors facing issuers in the Sukuk market.
Moderator:Yavar Moini, Financial Sector Expert, World Bank Group
Panelists:Debashis Dey, Partner, White & Case
Esam El-Makkawy, CFO and Interim Company Secretary, Souq Extra
Fabrice Susini, CEO, Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company
Issam Al Tawari, Founder and Managing Partner, Newbury Consulting
Roshan Shah, Executive Director – Corporate Advisory Services, Al Mal Capital
11:50 – 12:10
Coffee & Networking
12:10 – 12:40
Building Successful Fintech Ecosystems and Assessing the Evolving Role of Technology in Finance
Through an expert panel we identify what constitutes a successful fintech ecosystem and ask what measures are necessary to attract start-ups and spur and support innovation. We also analyze where technology, through platforms such as blockchain, will offer the most significant disruption: managing money, optimizing distribution channels, or both?
Moderator:Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor, Islamic Finance news
Panelists:Mohammed Alsehli, CEO, Wethaq
Mohamed Damak, Senior Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global Ratings
Mohammed Kateeb, Group Chairman and CEO, Path Solutions
Peter Tavener, CFO, Beehive
Raheel Iqbal, Managing Director, Technology Investments, Finocracy
12:40 – 13:00
What’s Next for Gold and Gold-Based Products
Recent Shariah rulings have provided opportunities for products based around gold. We take a detailed look at this interesting and innovative area.
Panelists:John Durham, Manager – Depository, Gold Corporation, The Perth Mint
Philip Judge, CEO, Physical Gold Fund
13:00 – 13:10
Presentation: Talent Development in Islamic finance
Zaineb Sefiani, Founder, Carrera Learning
13:10 – 13:40
The Global Islamic Asset Management Industry: Challenges and Opportunities Going Forward
What is the real proposition for the Islamic asset management industry? Is it a thematic investment strategy or a viable, self-supporting industry? How large potentially is the market and should it become more aligned to ESG/SRI? Do passive products —largely ETFs — offer superior performance over active management, and if so, why? We also discuss key challenges facing the industry today, from reversing redemptions and outflows, to building investor confidence and trust, to alleviating fee pressure and improving distribution channels through technology. Through an engaging panel we seek answers.
Moderator:Emilio Escartin, Professor of Islamic Finance, IE Business School
Panelists:Anita Yadav, Head of Fixed Income Research, Senior Director, Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD
Hakan Ozyon, Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Ethical Fund
Omar Rana, Co-Founder and Director, Finalytix
Sandeep Singh, Senior Director and Regional Head, Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Franklin Templeton Investments
William Tohmé, Regional Head – MENA, CFA Institute
13:40
Forum Close
Dr Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi
CEO
Securities and Commodities Authority
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar
CEO
Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
Abdulkader Thomas
CEO
SHAPE Knowledge Services
Anita Yadav
Head of Fixed Income Research, Senior Director, Wholesale Banking
Emirates NBD
Arsalaan Ahmed
CEO, HSBC Amanah Malaysia
Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta
Secretary-General
IFSB
Debashis Dey
Partner
White & Case
Emilio Escartin
Professor of Islamic Finance
IE Business School
Esam El-Makkawy
CFO and Interim Company Secretary
Souq Extra
Fabrice Susini
CEO
Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company
Hakan Ozyon
Senior Portfolio Manager
Global Ethical Fund
Ijlal Alvi
CEO
International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM)
Issam Al Tawari
Founder and Managing Partner
Newbury Consulting
John Durham
Manager – Depository, Gold Corporation
The Perth Mint
Mohammed Alsehli
CEO
Wethaq
Mohamed Damak
Senior Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance
S&P Global Ratings
Mohammed Kateeb
Group Chairman and CEO
Path Solutions
Omar Rana
Co-Founder and Director, Finalytix
Peter Tavener
CFO, Beehive
Philip Judge
CEO
Physical Gold Fund
Qasim Aslam
Partner
Dentons
Raheel Iqbal
Managing Director, Technology Investments
Finocracy
Roshan Shah
Executive Director- Corporate Advisory Services, Al Mal Capital
Salman Bajwa
Head of Asset Management
Emirates NBD Asset Management
Sandeep Singh
Senior Director and Regional Head, Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa
Franklin Templeton Investments
Shamzani Hussain
Managing Director and Head of Global Islamic Banking
FAB Siraj
Shibeer Ahmed
Partner
Winston & Strawn
William Tohmé
Regional Head – MENA
CFA Institute
Vineeta Tan
Managing Editor
Islamic Finance news
Yavar Moini
Financial Sector Expert
World Bank Group
Zaineb Sefiani
Founder
Carrera Learning
Issam Al Tawari
Founder and Managing Partner
Newbury Consulting
Khalid Howladar
Managing Director and Founder
Acreditus
Lawrence Oliver
Director and Deputy CEO
DDCAP
Mian Nazir
CEO
Dar Al Sharia
Mohamed Redzuan Abdul Hanif
Acting Head, Structured Finance
Al Hilal Bank
Nabil Issa
Partner
King & Spalding
Samer Hijazi
Partner, Head of Abu Dhabi Office
Grant Thornton
Sohail Zubairi
Projects Advisor
Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
Yavar Moini
Financial Sector Expert
World Bank Group
Vince Cook
CEO
National Bank of Fujairah PJSC
FORUM SPONSORS
MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNERS
PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
Returning in 2019, IFN will bring the World Leaders Summit, a one-day event designed to celebrate the latest developments and biggest achievements in the Islamic financial market space, to Dubai. The Islamic debt capital market space has gone from strength to strength to become a sought-after asset class not only for diversification but for performance and return, with global Sukuk issuance expected to reach US$90-100 billion by the end of this year.
09:00 – 09:10
Opening Address
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
09:10 – 09:25
Keynote Address
Dr Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, CEO, Securities and Commodities Authority
09:25 – 09:40
Keynote Address
Bryan Stirewalt, Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority
09:40 – 10:20
The World in 2019: Global Events and Islamic Finance and Investment
We discuss key ideas, issues and themes influencing Islamic finance and investment. From the growth of the Halal economy, to commodity prices, to product innovation and regulation, to global trade and protectionism, to the ascendancy of technology — what will offer opportunity and what will disrupt? Finally, we ask what role Islamic finance will play in the development of social inclusion and the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the coming year.
Moderator:Qasim Aslam, Partner, Dentons
Panelists:Arsalaan Ahmed, CEO, HSBC Amanah Malaysia
Bryan Stirewalt, Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority
Salman Bajwa, Head of Asset Management, Emirates NBD Asset Management
Shamzani Hussain, Managing Director and Head of Global Islamic Banking, FAB Siraj
Shibeer Ahmed, Partner, Winston & Strawn
10:20 – 11:00
Co-Interview: Building Regulatory Frameworks in Islamic Finance and Fintech
We ask a panel of senior representatives of regulators, standard-setting bodies and exchanges for their views on the evolution of regulatory frameworks for Islamic finance and discuss successful approaches to regulating financial technology.
Moderator:Abdulkader Thomas, CEO, SHAPE Knowledge Services
Panelists:Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta, Secretary-General, IFSB
Ijlal Alvi, CEO, International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM)
11:00 – 11:50
Liquidity, Fixed Income and Sukuk in Global Capital Markets
We ask leading market professionals to discuss the prospects for regional and global capital and Sukuk markets in the coming months. What structures and asset classes will find favor with issuers and investors in a more volatile investment environment? We also examine distribution, ratings and credit enhancement measures, and identify other factors facing issuers in the Sukuk market.
Moderator:Yavar Moini, Financial Sector Expert, World Bank Group
Panelists:Debashis Dey, Partner, White & Case
Esam El-Makkawy, CFO and Interim Company Secretary, Souq Extra
Fabrice Susini, CEO, Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company
Issam Al Tawari, Founder and Managing Partner, Newbury Consulting
Roshan Shah, Executive Director – Corporate Advisory Services, Al Mal Capital
11:50 – 12:10
Coffee & Networking
12:10 – 12:40
Building Successful Fintech Ecosystems and Assessing the Evolving Role of Technology in Finance
Through an expert panel we identify what constitutes a successful fintech ecosystem and ask what measures are necessary to attract start-ups and spur and support innovation. We also analyze where technology, through platforms such as blockchain, will offer the most significant disruption: managing money, optimizing distribution channels, or both?
Moderator:Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor, Islamic Finance news
Panelists:Mohammed Alsehli, CEO, Wethaq
Mohamed Damak, Senior Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global Ratings
Mohammed Kateeb, Group Chairman and CEO, Path Solutions
Peter Tavener, CFO, Beehive
Raheel Iqbal, Managing Director, Technology Investments, Finocracy
12:40 – 13:00
What’s Next for Gold and Gold-Based Products
Recent Shariah rulings have provided opportunities for products based around gold. We take a detailed look at this interesting and innovative area.
Panelists:John Durham, Manager – Depository, Gold Corporation, The Perth Mint
Philip Judge, CEO, Physical Gold Fund
13:00 – 13:10
Presentation: Talent Development in Islamic finance
Zaineb Sefiani, Founder, Carrera Learning
13:10 – 13:40
The Global Islamic Asset Management Industry: Challenges and Opportunities Going Forward
What is the real proposition for the Islamic asset management industry? Is it a thematic investment strategy or a viable, self-supporting industry? How large potentially is the market and should it become more aligned to ESG/SRI? Do passive products —largely ETFs — offer superior performance over active management, and if so, why? We also discuss key challenges facing the industry today, from reversing redemptions and outflows, to building investor confidence and trust, to alleviating fee pressure and improving distribution channels through technology. Through an engaging panel we seek answers.
Moderator:Emilio Escartin, Professor of Islamic Finance, IE Business School
Panelists:Anita Yadav, Head of Fixed Income Research, Senior Director, Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD
Hakan Ozyon, Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Ethical Fund
Omar Rana, Co-Founder and Director, Finalytix
Sandeep Singh, Senior Director and Regional Head, Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Franklin Templeton Investments
William Tohmé, Regional Head – MENA, CFA Institute
13:40
Forum Close
Bryan Stirewalt
Chief Executive
Dubai Financial Services Authority
Dr Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi
CEO
Securities and Commodities Authority
Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar
CEO
Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
Abdulkader Thomas
CEO
SHAPE Knowledge Services
Anita Yadav
Head of Fixed Income Research, Senior Director, Wholesale Banking
Emirates NBD
Arsalaan Ahmed
CEO, HSBC Amanah Malaysia
Dr Bello Lawal Danbatta
Secretary-General
IFSB
Debashis Dey
Partner
White & Case
Emilio Escartin
Professor of Islamic Finance
IE Business School
Esam El-Makkawy
CFO and Interim Company Secretary
Souq Extra
Fabrice Susini
CEO
Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company
Hakan Ozyon
Senior Portfolio Manager
Global Ethical Fund
Ijlal Alvi
CEO
International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM)
Issam Al Tawari
Founder and Managing Partner
Newbury Consulting
John Durham
Manager – Depository, Gold Corporation
The Perth Mint
Mohammed Alsehli
CEO
Wethaq
Mohamed Damak
Senior Director, Global Head of Islamic Finance
S&P Global Ratings
Mohammed Kateeb
Group Chairman and CEO
Path Solutions
Omar Rana
Co-Founder and Director, Finalytix
Peter Tavener
CFO, Beehive
Philip Judge
CEO
Physical Gold Fund
Qasim Aslam
Partner
Dentons
Raheel Iqbal
Managing Director, Technology Investments
Finocracy
Roshan Shah
Executive Director- Corporate Advisory Services, Al Mal Capital
Salman Bajwa
Head of Asset Management
Emirates NBD Asset Management
Sandeep Singh
Senior Director and Regional Head, Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa
Franklin Templeton Investments
Shamzani Hussain
Managing Director and Head of Global Islamic Banking
FAB Siraj
Shibeer Ahmed
Partner
Winston & Strawn
William Tohmé
Regional Head – MENA
CFA Institute
Vineeta Tan
Managing Editor
Islamic Finance news
Yavar Moini
Financial Sector Expert
World Bank Group
Zaineb Sefiani
Founder
Carrera Learning
Issam Al Tawari
Founder and Managing Partner
Newbury Consulting
Khalid Howladar
Managing Director and Founder
Acreditus
Lawrence Oliver
Director and Deputy CEO
DDCAP
Mian Nazir
CEO
Dar Al Sharia
Mohamed Redzuan Abdul Hanif
Acting Head, Structured Finance
Al Hilal Bank
Nabil Issa
Partner
King & Spalding
Samer Hijazi
Partner, Head of Abu Dhabi Office
Grant Thornton
Sohail Zubairi
Projects Advisor
Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
Yavar Moini
Financial Sector Expert
World Bank Group
Vince Cook
CEO
National Bank of Fujairah PJSC
MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNERS
PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
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FORUM PHOTOS
Last Visit to Dubai
The IFN World Leaders Summit is a unique invite-only annual meeting gathering CEOs of Islamic financial institutions, top business leaders, policymakers, legal experts, economists and thought leaders from key Shariah finance markets to critically discuss and debate the most pressing issues facing the Islamic finance industry.
The one-day summit is a rare opportunity for the industry’s most influential figures to congregate and openly address some of the biggest and most crucial topics in a conducive environment, providing invaluable international insights on the biggest challenges and opportunities for the posterity of the Islamic financial industry.
CEOs of some of the biggest names in Islamic finance and industry captains will share their expectations for the coming year, their thoughts on subjects rarely discussed in other public forums and their insights into some of the most controversial issues hitting the industry. Market pundits will discuss how unfolding international and regional geopolitical events are influencing Shariah finance performance and corporates will tell their side of their capital-raising story on the difficulties (and benefits) of choosing the Islamic route. Fintech experts will also share the stage speaking on real issues in fintegration.
Convening on the 11th March in Dubai, the inaugural IFN World Leaders Summit will coincide with the industry’s leading gathering of market practitioners and issuers – the IFN Awards Ceremony – making this a truly global networking event for like-minded market elites.
For any inquiries contact us
Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have about this event.