Khalid Howladar
Head of Credit and Sukuk Advisory, R.J. Fleming & Co.
Date: 8th March 2020
Venue: Ritz Carlton DIFC, Dubai
Attendees:
Speakers: 30 Speakers
ABOUT THE FORUM
The World Leaders Summit has become one of Redmoney’s annual seminal events. This one-day event is tailored to provide an opportunity for the industry’s most influential figures to congregate and openly debate the most pressing issues facing the GCC Islamic finance block with a focus on the UAE.
The GCC is expected to be one of the key drivers in the expansion of Islamic finance with the governments of this coalition driving the growth of Islamic bonds with Sukuk — which is becoming a global instrument — issuance expected to reach US$120–130 billion.
FORUM AGENDA
09:00
Opening Address
09:10
Keynote Address
09:25
Vision 2020: A Macro Outlook on Policies, Events and Islamic Finance
A leading panel identify and assess the political, economic, social, regulatory & technological issues and trends currently influencing international and regional Islamic finance and investment. What is the global outlook for Islamic capital-raising and Shariah compliant asset management in 2020 and what do mega projects such as Expo 2020 offer? What are the latest views on global trade and where are the key opportunities for regional Islamic finance and investment in the coming year? How can we effectively finance the local, regional and international Halal industry and should Shariah compliant financing be mandatory for this sector? What role does technology continue to play as a disruptor and an enabler of financial inclusion and how can Islamic finance further contribute to the achievement of UN Sustainable Development Goals? Lastly, if we identify the most promising frontier Islamic finance markets, which countries would top the list of potential new market entrants?
10:45
Coffee
11:15
Growth in Regional Capital Markets, Corporate and Investment Banking
What specific factors will affect fixed income spreads in 2020 and what role will Sukuk and syndicated deals play in the regional capital market? What do new Sovereign Sukuk issuers bring to the Gulf region; what structures, opportunities and risk tolerance will satisfy investors in the coming year, and how will issuers meet these requirements? What will we see with regional project and infrastructure finance and what liquidity is available for large scale projects? What has inclusion in significant global indices offered the capital markets of key gulf countries? Does Waqf offer new and innovative structures and opportunities? Finally, how do listings such as Saudi Aramco help build regional liquidity, market capacity and depth?
Panelist:
Khalid Howladar, Head of Credit and Sukuk Advisory, R.J. Fleming & Co.
12:15
Green and Sustainable Finance: Capitalizing on New Opportunities
What role does Islamic finance and investment play in the funding of green, sustainable, social and responsible initiatives? Through an expert panel we analyse project uses, product structures, risk and reporting issues, and ask how Islamic financial products can provide effective funding for sustainable, humanitarian and environmentally responsible projects and initiatives in the Gulf and further afield. What of other important strategic sectors: healthcare, housing and education? Finally, how can responsible finance and investment help achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals and what is the mandate of the recently introduced Dubai Sustainable Finance Working Group?
Panelist:
Sohail Zubairi, Senior Advisor, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
13:15
Close of World Leaders Summit & Lunch
FORUM SPEAKERS
Sohail Zubairi
Senior Advisor, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
ADVISORY BOARD
Cheong Say Lim
CEO, Lootah Capital
Khalid Howladar
Head of Credit and Sukuk Advisory, R.J. Fleming & Co.
Sohail Zubairi
Senior Advisor, Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre
Simon Eedle
Managing Director, Regional Head Middle East, Natixis DIFC branch
FORUM SPONSORS
MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNER
PARTNER
LANYARD SPONSOR
Last Visit to Dubai
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.
IFN World Leaders Summit 2019 was an ideal gathering for specialists to interact openly with other experts from around the world and look for solutions together that will make Islamic finance a more transparent and investor-friendly world while always putting client’s rights first.
William Tohmé
CFA , Regional Head – MENA
It was a well-organized event as always. In addition, I was impressed with the diverse set of co-panelists.
Sandeep Singh
Senior Director and Regional Head, Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Franklin Templeton Investments
The event was very well organized and panel speakers were engaging.
Esam El-Makkawy
and Interim Company Secretary, Souq Extra
IFN World Leaders Summit 2019 organized in Dubai has provided me with an exceptional opportunity to network with major stakeholders of the Islamic finance world and to get insightful and valuable views on the market, its key challenges and major evolution. All attendees were highly knowledgeable and experienced. Finally the organization was flawless. An event worth penciling in one’s agenda if willing to get an overview of the Islamic finance market going forward.
Fabrice Susini
CEO, Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company
Last Visit to Dubai
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
IFN World Leaders Summit 2019 was an ideal gathering for specialists to interact openly with other experts from around the world and look for solutions together that will make Islamic finance a more transparent and investor-friendly world while always putting client’s rights first.
William Tohmé
CFA , Regional Head – MENA
It was a well-organized event as always. In addition, I was impressed with the diverse set of co-panelists.
Sandeep Singh
Senior Director and Regional Head, Central Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa, Franklin Templeton Investments
The event was very well organized and panel speakers were engaging.
Esam El-Makkawy
and Interim Company Secretary, Souq Extra
IFN World Leaders Summit 2019 organized in Dubai has provided me with an exceptional opportunity to network with major stakeholders of the Islamic finance world and to get insightful and valuable views on the market, its key challenges and major evolution. All attendees were highly knowledgeable and experienced. Finally the organization was flawless. An event worth penciling in one’s agenda if willing to get an overview of the Islamic finance market going forward.
Fabrice Susini
CEO, Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company
For any inquiries contact us
Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have about this event.
