Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar, CEO, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre

Dr Obaid Saif Hamad Al Zaabi, CEO, Securities and Commodities Authority

Bryan Stirewalt, Chief Executive, Dubai Financial Services Authority

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.

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.

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.

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?

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

Zaineb Sefiani, Founder, Carrera Learning

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.