12th December 2023
Wyndham Grand Manama
Brought to you by
#WIFD2023
WE ARE GOING LIVE IN
LIMITED / EXCLUSIVE SEATING
About The Dialogues
One of the most respected Islamic finance leaders in the world, Bahrain is widely recognized for its pioneering role in deepening Islamic finance knowledge capital for the industry as well as it continuous influence in promoting innovation.
Home to some of the most consequential global Islamic standard-setting bodies – AAOIFI, International Islamic Financial Market and the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions – Bahrain in recent years has taken the lead to spearhead developments in Islamic fintech and digital transformations. It was one of the first in the region to regulate digital investment management, crowdfunding and cryptocurrencies while taking into consideration the unique requirements of Shariah. It has also graduated several Islamic fintech companies from its regulatory sandbox. Amid the digital wave, the Kingdom has also taken significant steps toward promoting ESG and Islamic finance.
WHAT THEY SAID
This prestigious event carried out interesting discussions on the Islamic finance landscape in Saudi Arabia and provided business networking opportunities for industry stakeholders. The analytical insights shared by the panelists into the development, growth and challenges of its constituent sectors, including Islamic banking, Islamic capital markets, Waqf and Islamic fintech are thought-provoking. I congratulate the organizers for successfully hosting this event in the globally largest Islamic finance industry by asset size.
We enjoyed participation from lawyers, bankers, regulators and clients at IFN Dialogue Riyadh. The quality was impressive, thanks to the good reputation and skills of the organizers. Over time, these events make a difference; our industry adapts and changes because our professional community stays more coherent because of these events.
IFN has done it again. Getting together Islamic finance influencers to assure the free flow of ideas and information. This is how innovations in our field are born. Bringing in the financiers from GCC, Europe and Southeast Asia is a great recipe for the effective distribution of intellectual products. Kudos to the organizers for a perfectly assembled event
IFN Dialogues – An introduction
An Overview
Since REDmoney events’s inception in 2006, we have always been at the cutting edge, delivering timely events in a format suited best to each market and sector.
IFN Dialogues were first introduced in Luxembourg in 2014. Since then, we have developed the concept and are delighted to bring this format to the more mature and developed markets, which prefer in-depth discussion and debate over the more traditional forum format.
IFN Dialogues offer an independent and impartial platform for the identification and resolution of specific issues, challenges and opportunities facing the industry through a high-level discussion designed to determine the potential development of a particular country, sector or asset class.
Format
IFN Dialogues are all about the high-level discussions among the extended expert panel, which is why they are seated around a table facing each other.
With the carefully curated discussion points, the aim is to cover as much as possible in the two hours allotted.
Each Dialogue begins with an introduction, reviewing what has changed since the last event, the current state of the market and key areas of interest, bringing everyone up to speed.
The Program
For each Dialogue, an advisory board comprising industry-leading practitioners and regulators is assembled to offer advice on content, speakers, flow and format.
Dialogue panelists are then invited to contribute toward the final program, ensuring we cover the most pertinent topics.
Chatham House Rules
To ensure openness among panelists, IFN Dialogues are run strictly under Chatham House Rules, meaning no video recordings, no media presence and no attribution in the Post-Event Report.
Panelists
Considering the program, a diverse expert panel is built, including industry regulators and associations, ensuring a truly holistic discussion.
Observers
Senior industry participants are invited to observe the Dialogues, on the condition they register first and meet our strict attendance criteria. There is no fee to attend.
Observer Participation
With a carefully curated discussion program; an expert panel in place to identify, discuss and resolve specific issues facing the industry; and limited time, we do not have time for audience participation.
Those attending can post questions when registering, complete a question card during the Dialogue, or seek time with the panelists during one of the networking sessions during the day.
Post-Event Report
Each IFN Dialogue will be complemented by an exclusive follow-up Post-Event Report, published in conjunction with all supporting partners and distributed to the global IFN database, ensuring event partners reach not just those in attendance, but tens of thousands around the world.
However, with Chatham House rules in place, no comments or quotes will be attributed.
#IFNDIALOGUES2023
Dialogues Agenda
9.15 – 9.20
Welcome Address
9.20 – 9.30
Keynote Address
Khalid Hamad Al-Hamad, Executive Director – Banking Supervision, Central Bank of Bahrain
9.30 – 11.30
Dialogue One: Building Momentum through the Growth of Islamic Financial Markets
- What are the notable achievements and milestones of Shariah compliant financial and capital markets over the past year?
- How do regulatory environments influence the growth and development of the Islamic markets?
- Could amendments be made to market regulations, or could more be done by regulators? If so, what form would this evolution take?
- Developing the Islamic capital market: increasing market depth and liquidity, driving product innovation, and widening the investor base.
- Funding routes for corporates: Islamic capital markets versus bank funding.
- Ongoing innovation within Islamic finance markets: the scope for hybrid, perpetual, restructuring and syndicated transactions.
- How can Shariah compliant structures be further applied to the funding of clean energy projects and infrastructure?
- In the shift away from hydrocarbons, how can Islamic financial markets play a role?
- How can Shariah compliant transition, sustainable and sustainability linked finance and investment products be further incorporated?
- How do we continue to measure impact from green and sustainable issuance? What tools are available for issuers and investors for this purpose?
- What regulatory measures would adequately address and mitigate challenges such as greenwashing and reporting?
- Assessing the increasing influence of Waqf in fund and capital market structures.
- The growing prominence of Islamic P2P and equity crowdfunding, and the opportunities these activities offer.
Bilal Kahlon, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins
Elina Mohamed, Group General Counsel, Bapco Energies
Ijlal Ahmed Alvi, CEO, International Islamic Financial Market
Mughees Shaukat, Senior Manager, AAOIFI
Dr Rizwan Malik, Head, Islamic Finance Centre, Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance
Sabir Ahmed, Executive Director, Islamic Origination, Standard Chartered Bank
11.30 – 12.00
Coffee
12.00 – 14.00
Dialogue Two: Reaching New Heights - Innovation, Transformation and Digitalization of Islamic Financial Services
- What are notable milestones and key developments within Islamic banking over the past year, and what is the current outlook for the sector?
- How do prudential regulatory environments allow for the growth of Islamic banking?
- Could amendments be made to banking regulations, or could more be done by regulators? If so, what form would this evolution take?
- Do Tier-1 and Tier-2 Sukuk still offer Islamic financial institutions the most flexible and efficient way of satisfying regulatory capital requirements?
- Do we feel the same about AT1 issuances as we did before?
- What other funding options are open to Islamic financial institutions, and what liquidity management tools are available?
- The digitalization of Islamic financial services: what is working, what is not, and what this means for the evolution and transformation of Islamic financial services.
- Does the digitalization of Islamic financial services allow us to better address issues such as sustainability and product authenticity, and we are leveraging on this sufficiently?
- Are we sufficiently capitalizing on the powerful synergies between sustainable finance and Islamic banking, and how do we effectively position the sector?
- Is it feasible to require Islamic banks to incorporate ESG frameworks as part of a wider Islamic banking philosophy?
- How can Islamic banking be further applied to social impact initiatives through the advancement of education, housing, health, culture and well-being?
- Are Islamic financial institutions doing enough in the development of sustainable retail, corporate and commercial products?
- How do we continue to increase the market penetration of Takaful products?
Dr Gulnar Mulla, Head of the Finance Department, University of Technology, Bahrain
Hakan Ozyon, CEO, Hejaz Financial Services
Luma Saqqaf, CEO, Ajyal Sustainability Consulting
14.00
Luncheon
Dialogues Keynote
Khalid Hamad Al-Hamad
Executive Director - Banking Supervision, Central Bank of BahrainKhalid Hamad Al-Hamad has held several senior posts at the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB). His current responsibilities include supervision of all banking institutions, including Islamic banks, licensed by the CBB, as well as inspection of all financial institutions, comprising banks, insurance firms, investment companies and capital market players.
Al-Hamad began his career in 1987 with the Bahrain Monetary Agency, the predecessor of the CBB. From 1990 till 2003, he served as Acting Director, Inspection and then as Director, Banking Supervision. In 2003, he joined Ernst & Young in Bahrain, serving as Senior Consultant on Risk Management & Regulatory Services. He rejoined the CBB in his current post in February 2006.
Al-Hamad is Chairman of the International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM), Chairman of the Waqf Fund for Research, Education and Training in Islamic Finance and Board member of the Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance (BIBF). He has also served on a number of national, regional and International committees, including the GCC Banking Supervision Committees, Arab Banking Supervision Committee and Offshore Group of Banking Supervisors.
Al-Hamad has a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from the University of Portland, USA and a Strategic Leadership and Executive Management Program certificate from the University of Columbia, New York.
Dialogues Speakers
Bilal Kahlon
Partner &Head of Finance - Saudi Arabia, Trowers & HamlinsBilal is a partner in the firm’s Bahrain office.
Bilal has over 10 years of experience in banking and finance matters in the Gulf region with a particular expertise in project finance, Islamic finance and debt capital markets.
Bilal leads our Saudi finance practice and has consistently been recognised as a leading lawyer in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain by international legal directories including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 and IFLR. Having grown up in Bahrain, Bilal has strong ties with Bahrain and the Gulf region as a whole. Bilal is admitted to practice in England.
Elina Mohamed
Group General Counsel, Bapco Energies
Dr Gulnar Mulla
Head of the Finance Department, University of Technology, BahrainDr Gulnar Mulla is one of the most distinguished academicians with vast experience in academia, the private sector and the banking industry. She is the head of the Finance Department and also a specialist in Islamic banking at the University of Technology, Bahrain. She has almost more than 10 years of extensive experience at the university disseminating the knowledge of Shariah and Islamic finance at the graduate and postgraduate levels through teaching, publishing innovative research, examining doctoral dissertations, editing refereed journals, participating in fixing standards on Shariah issues for Islamic financial institutions and counseling Muslim communities.
Dr Gulnar is a dynamic and motivated professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects she was assigned from concept to completion, designing educational strategies and coaching individuals to success. She possesses the required expertise in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills and making critical decisions during challenges. Dr Gulnar is an adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently. She is a highly passionate, competitive and creative individual and her goal is to add value to the spaces where she thrives in.
Hakan Ozyon
CEO, Hejaz Financial ServicesHakan is a seasoned business expert known for leading innovative strategies and nurturing talent. His dedication to excellence has enabled him to optimize all aspects of business management. He’s adept at unlocking potential, promoting growth, and increasing revenue. Hakan has deep ties in both the Islamic and broader Australian communities, enhancing business operations and setting corporate goals. With over 30 years in business, he is a strategic visionary with a knack for building relationships, particularly in competitive areas. His role as CEO involves setting strategic paths and forming financial alliances. Notably, he has spent a decade transforming visions into pioneering Islamic financial services. Respected globally for his business acumen, Hakan is also a Director at the Islamic Bank Australia.
Ijlal Alvi
CEO, International Islamic Financial MarketIjlal Ahmed Alvi has wide-ranging experience in financial services industry with regional and international financial institutions spanning over three decades.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) for the last 18 years, Mr. Alvi has been devoted to the goal of bringing about unification and harmonization in the Islamic finance industry globally and has overseen the development and publication of universal Shari’ah-compliant financial documentation and product confirmation standards as well as related guidance notes.
In addition to his responsibilities as the CEO, Secretary to the Board and spokesperson of IIFM, Mr. Alvi also manages IIFM’s comprehensive standards development process and leads the project specific market consultation exercise, global working groups, legal documentation drafting process and is actively involved in IIFM Shari’ah Board’s guidance and approval process.
He also supervises IIFM’s industry awareness seminars, training workshops as well as the publication of white papers and IIFM’s flagship annual Sukuk Report.
Mr. Alvi has been influential in IIFM collaborating with various international standard-setting bodies and trade associations. Some of these collaborations have resulted in the development and publication of a number of joint standards.
Mr. Alvi has also been part of a number of international steering committees, task-forces and working groups of various multilateral development organizations focused on the advancement of the Islamic finance industry globally.
He is a regular speaker at international conferences and also contributes articles in various international and Islamic finance publications.
Luma Saqqaf
CEO, Ajyal Sustainability ConsultingLuma Saqqaf is a recognized sustainable finance consultant in the MENA region and is called upon by corporates, financial institutions, funds and asset managers to advise on aspects of sustainable value creation, sustainable and ESG strategy and its integration into their business. She also counsels regulators and financial markets in MENA on sustainable finance regulations and the development of the capital markets in MENA.
Luma has been at the forefront of finance, Islamic finance, sustainability and entrepreneurship in MENA and Europe for three decades. A former partner and global head of Islamic finance at ‘Magic Circle’ law firm Linklaters, she has more than 20 years of experience in legal practice. She led teams across Europe, the Middle East and Asia on groundbreaking transactions covering finance and capital markets including Shariah compliant Sukuk, loans and securitization, among others.
Luma is now CEO of Ajyal Sustainability Consulting and is also a regular speaker at conferences and a contributor to articles on the topics of sustainable finance in MENA. She holds a Master’s in Law degree from the University of Bristol, UK, and a Bachelor of Laws degree from the University of Jordan.
Mughees Shaukat
Senior Manager, AAOIFI
Dr Rizwan Malik
Head, Islamic Finance Centre, Bahrain Institute of Banking & Finance
Sabir Ahmed
Executive Director Islamic Origination, Standard Chartered BankSabir Ahmed is responsible for the structuring and execution of Shariah compliant capital markets, syndications, corporate finance and financial markets transactions in the GCC, the Southeast Asian region (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei and Singapore), the UK and Turkey.
Sabir has arranged 100-plus sovereign, quasi-sovereign, corporate and financial institution Islamic syndications and debt capital market transactions across multiple geographies, including a number of debut and award-winning deals.
Sabir joined Standard Chartered in 2005 and has over 21 years of experience in the financial services industry of which 17 years were in Islamic banking.
Sabir holds an MBA degree from the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi.
Advisory Board
Al Sayed Jaffer Mohammed
Partner and CEO, Hassan Radhi and Associates.Sayed Jaffer Mohamed holds the position of Partner and CEO at Hassan Radhi and Associates since joining the firm in 2011, where he spearheads the development and execution of the firm’s long-term strategy. He is accountable for making all day-to-day management decisions and implementing the firm’s long and short-term plans. Sayed is also responsible for creating a positive and productive work environment and building and maintaining relationships with clients and other stakeholders.
Sayed possesses vast experience in handling various transactions pertaining to corporate matters. He also provides guidance to financial institutions on regulated financial services and the development of banking products and services in Bahrain. With his extensive financing background, Sayed is well-equipped to offer advice on conventional and Islamic financing, restructuring finance facilities, and collateralization of finance. Sayed is well-versed in commercial matters such as banking and finance, employment law, and litigation.
Sayed has an impressive background in accounting and auditing from 1991 to 2006, during which he held various positions in different organizations, including Cooper & Lybrand, High Council for Vocational Training, BAPCO, Bahrain Training Institute (BTI), and Ministry of Health. He has a thorough understanding of complex accounting methods and has gained experience in both internal and external environments.
From 2006 to 2009, Sayed worked as a consultant at the Ministry of Health. He then served as the Assistant Undersecretary for Financial and Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Health from 2009 to 2011. During his tenure, he managed various directorates in the Ministry, including Finance, Medical Equipment, and Engineering & Maintenance. Sayed played a critical role in the Ministry and was responsible for preparing and managing the annual budget of the ministry, setting financial objectives and policies, developing and implementing financial plans, and evaluating financial policies, programs, systems, and strategies.
Sayed’s educational background includes a Bachelor in Law from Bahrain University in 2006, a Certified Public Accountant from the American Institute of CPAs, USA in 2000, a Bachelor in Accounting from Bahrain University in 1990.
Gregory Man
Partner - Global Head of Islamic Finance, BIRD & BIRDDr Gulnar Mulla
Head of the Finance Department, University of Technology, BahrainDr Gulnar Mulla is one of the most distinguished academicians with vast experience in academia, the private sector and the banking industry. She is the head of the Finance Department and also a specialist in Islamic banking at the University of Technology, Bahrain. She has almost more than 10 years of extensive experience at the university disseminating the knowledge of Shariah and Islamic finance at the graduate and postgraduate levels through teaching, publishing innovative research, examining doctoral dissertations, editing refereed journals, participating in fixing standards on Shariah issues for Islamic financial institutions and counseling Muslim communities.
Dr Gulnar is a dynamic and motivated professional with a proven record of generating and building relationships, managing projects she was assigned from concept to completion, designing educational strategies and coaching individuals to success. She possesses the required expertise in building cross-functional teams, demonstrating exceptional communication skills and making critical decisions during challenges. Dr Gulnar is an adaptable and transformational leader with an ability to work independently. She is a highly passionate, competitive and creative individual and her goal is to add value to the spaces where she thrives in.
Ijlal Alvi
CEO, International Islamic Financial MarketIjlal Ahmed Alvi has wide-ranging experience in financial services industry with regional and international financial institutions spanning over three decades.
As the Chief Executive Officer of the International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) for the last 18 years, Mr. Alvi has been devoted to the goal of bringing about unification and harmonization in the Islamic finance industry globally and has overseen the development and publication of universal Shari’ah-compliant financial documentation and product confirmation standards as well as related guidance notes.
In addition to his responsibilities as the CEO, Secretary to the Board and spokesperson of IIFM, Mr. Alvi also manages IIFM’s comprehensive standards development process and leads the project specific market consultation exercise, global working groups, legal documentation drafting process and is actively involved in IIFM Shari’ah Board’s guidance and approval process.
He also supervises IIFM’s industry awareness seminars, training workshops as well as the publication of white papers and IIFM’s flagship annual Sukuk Report.
Mr. Alvi has been influential in IIFM collaborating with various international standard-setting bodies and trade associations. Some of these collaborations have resulted in the development and publication of a number of joint standards.
Mr. Alvi has also been part of a number of international steering committees, task-forces and working groups of various multilateral development organizations focused on the advancement of the Islamic finance industry globally.
He is a regular speaker at international conferences and also contributes articles in various international and Islamic finance publications.
Lilian Le Falher
Executive Manager, Head of Treasury and Capital Markets, Kuwait Finance House (Bahrain)Lilian Le Falher has 26 years of experience in investment banking. He is an executive manager of Kuwait Finance House, Bahrain, heading treasury, financial institutions and capital markets. As a representative of KFH, he is a board member of the International Islamic Financial Market and the chairman of its executive committee. He has contributed to the development of various Shariah compliant structured products and investment schemes.
Prior to joining KFH in 2005, Lilian spent eight years with BNP Paribas in Europe and the Middle East. He ended his duty at BNP Paribas as the head of investment products for the Middle East region, dealing extensively in equity, bonds and structured products.
Lilian Le Falher holds a Master’s degree in banking and finance from Toulouse Business School (France) and he is a CFA charterholder.
Magdy Eissa
Vice-President, Business Development, IdealRatingsMagdy Eissa took on the role of global business development when he joined IdealRatings in 2010 and he has over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, working closely with global investment firms, research houses and financial institutions. Prior to IdealRatings, Magdy’s latest role was as the regional manager for a group of Euromoney institutional investor companies, responsible for the Middle East and Africa where he spent several years growing the business in the region and enhancing the products offered to include macroeconomic indicators, company information and Islamic finance data. Magdy holds a Bachelor’s degree in business administration from Egypt along with postgraduate qualifications in information technology from the UK.
Sabeen Saleem
CEO, Islamic International Rating AgencySabeen Saleem, CFA is the Chief Executive Officer of Islamic International Rating Agency. Ms. Sabeen has 25 years of multifaceted experience in financial risk assessments spanning banks and non-financial entities, fund managers and insurance companies, with specialized focus on Islamic finance in all of these areas. She has been associated with the credit ratings industry for over two decades and has pioneered ratings in the social sector of Pakistan, while also being actively involved in research endeavours of significance in Islamic finance. She is a Chartered Financial Analyst and has a master’s degree in business administration.
Dialogues Partners
MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNERS
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)
The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution and is part of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group.
The ICD was established in November 1999 to support the economic development of its member countries through the provision of finance for private sector projects, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, providing advisory services to governments and private companies and encouraging cross-border investments.
The ICD has an authorized capital of US$4 billion. Currently, the shareholders of the ICD are the IDB (50%), 53 Islamic countries (30%) and five public financial institutions (20%).
ICD mandate and objectives
The ICD fosters sustainable economic growth in its 53 member countries by:
- Financing private sector investment
- Mobilizing capital in the international financial markets, and
- Providing advisory services to business and governments.
The ICD selects the financing projects based on their contribution to economic development considering factors such as job creation, Islamic finance development, contribution to exports, etc. The ICD also provides advisory services to governments and private sector groups on policies designed to encourage the establishment, expansion and modernization of private enterprises, the development of capital markets, best management practices and to enhance the role of the market economy. The ICD operates to complement the activities of the IDB in member countries.
The ICD is rated ‘AA/FQ’ by Fitch Ratings, ‘Aa3/P-1’ by Moody’s Investors Service and ‘A+’ by Standard & Poor’s.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Tel: (966-12) 6361400; (966-12) 6441644
Fax: (966-12) 644 4427
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.icd-ps.org
The Islamic Corporation for The Insurance Of Investment And Export Credit (ICIEC)
Established 26 years ago in 1994 as a multilateral institution and a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) was tasked to promote cross-border trade and foreign direct investments in its member countries.
The ICIEC’s mission is to make trade and investment between member countries and the world more secure through the Shariah compliant risk mitigation tool. Its vision is to be recognized as the preferred enabler of trade and investment for sustainable economic development in member countries.
The ICIEC is the only multilateral export credit and investment insurance corporation in the world that provides Shariah-compliant insurance and reinsurance solutions.
Today, the ICIEC supports trade and investment flows in 47 member countries spanning across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Its target clients are corporates (both exporters and investors), banks and financial institutions as well as export credit agencies and insurers.
International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation
The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the IDB Group. It was established with the purpose of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. The ITFC commenced operations in January 2008 and has since consolidated all trade finance businesses that used to be handled by various windows within the IDB Group. Earning an ‘A1’ rating from Moody’s Investors Service reflects the ITFC’s efficiency in service delivery by responding swiftly to customer needs in a market-driven business environment.
Since 2008, the ITFC has provided more than US$40.2 billion of trade financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for the needs of OIC member countries. With a mission of being a catalyst for trade development among OIC member countries and beyond, the ITFC helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.
Contact us at:
Twitter: @ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ITFCCORP
Linkedin: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)
Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.itfc-idb.org/en
IsDB Group Business Forum (THIQAH)
The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitates contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging the IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group’s financial products and services. (www.idbgbf.org)
KNOWLEDGE PARTNER
PARTNERS
Eiger
Eiger Trading Advisors (Eiger) is a UK-based asset-trading and technology company founded in 2008, which specializes as an intermediary in Islamic financial products.
As a leading intermediary and technology provider within the commodity Murabahah space, Eiger has the unique capabilities to deliver Shariah compliant commodity trading solutions through the Eiger Trading Platform (ETP), a web-based trading system, that we tailor to our bank clients’ exact operational requirements.
The ETP automates the structuring and execution of Islamic banking products for wholesale and retail commodity-backed transactions, including two new enhanced modules:
- ETP Retail – A 24/7 STP platform designed to automate the end-to-end commodity Murabahah transactions underpinning retail banking products such as deposits, loans, CASA, credit cards
- ETP Client Reach – A bespoke middle and back office module designed to streamline Islamic treasury and derivative transactions, including execution and documentation with our clients’ clients.
Eiger is authorized and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, and is both a member of the London Metal Exchange and an associate of the London Platinum and Palladium Market.
Hassan Radhi & Associates (“HRA”)
Hassan Radhi & Associates (HRA) is a highly respected and renowned law firm in Bahrain, with a rich history spanning over 49 years. The firm was founded in 1974 by Dr Hassan Ali Radhi, a senior partner with extensive experience in banking, finance and corporate law. Since then, the firm has established a reputation for exceptional legal services and professionalism.
The firm boasts a team of eight partners and eight associates, supported by a dedicated and professional administrative team. All the team members provide their services locally and internationally in both Arabic and English. As an exclusive member firm of the Lex Mundi global network, HRA has access to a vast pool of expertise, with more than 22,000 lawyers across 150-plus countries worldwide.
HRA has received several prestigious awards in recognition of its outstanding work. Recently, the firm won the ‘Bahrain Dispute Resolution Law Firm of The Year 2023’ and ‘National Firm of The Year 2022’ awarded by Chambers and Partners. The firm also won two prestigious awards in 2023 from IFN for ‘Bahrain Deal of the Year US$2.2 billion acquisition’ and ‘Hybrid Deal of the Year US$900 million green Sukuk’.
The firm has consistently been ranked among the top law firms in the region by prominent legal referral guides such as Chambers & Partners, IFLR1000, Legal500 and IFN.
IdealRatings
IdealRatings was incorporated in 2006 in San Francisco with a corporate objective to provide SRI/ESG and Shariah compliant solutions to ethical investors and enable them to identify such instruments across different asset classes in the global market. IdealRatings serves clients in over 30 countries with a range of capital market solutions including:
- Equities – A web-based platform covering over 40,000 stocks, where fund managers can screen equities using different, custom-built ESG/SRI/Responsible Investments and Shariah rulebooks or guidelines. This solution caters to different purification calculation methodologies with a comprehensive set of reports for fund managers to manage their portfolio.
- REITs – Global coverage of all listed REITs that could be screened in accordance with different standard Shariah rulebooks or guidelines.
- Indexes – Co-branded and jointly marketed by FTSE-Russell Indexes and a separate series with Thomson Reuters for the global markets, designed for fund management and investment benchmarking. In addition, IdealRatings is able to provide custom-built indexes for the fund management industry.
- Sukuk – A unique solution which includes the global Sukuk and a pioneering Sukuk-screening solution that enables fund managers to customize their Sukuk selection in accordance to their Shariah rulebook, guidelines or investment preference, and
- Brokerage – The solution provides broking houses the ability to screen global equity markets, a technical analysis of the markets and equities, buy/sell/hold recommendations and purification amounts.
Hejaz
Hejaz is a leading financial institution that delivers a broad range of Islamic financial services across investment management, superannuation services, financial advice and lending to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals.
Founded in 2014, the firm is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and maintains a presence all around the world.
Trowers & Hamlins
Trowers & Hamlins is an international law firm with over 150 partners and more than 900 people located across the UK, the Middle East and the Far East providing a full-service integrated offering to clients with local knowledge and expertise at its core.
Our distinguishing feature is that with 25 years of experience in the UK and the Middle East, we have a depth of knowledge of the Islamic finance industry that covers the entire spectrum from regulatory and corporate governance to capital market issuances and real estate investment. Our international team of multidisciplinary specialists will guide you on structuring your Shariah compliant activities to help you achieve a successful outcome.
With our growing office in Kuala Lumpur, our team now advises on Islamic investments, financings and products across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.
CONSULTANCY PARTNER
Redmoney Consulting
Launched in April 2021, Redmoney Consulting is a new and highly focused advisory firm focusing on global Islamic, Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Finance. Redmoney Consulting is a logical extension of REDmoney Group, the Islamic finance industry’s leading media house with a truly global audience. In addition to Islamic finance, the Group has steadily increased its coverage of the green and sustainable finance sector as the two markets continue to converge. Redmoney Consulting provides an expansive service allowing its consultants to provide advisory and consulting services at the highest level for the most discerning of clients.
LEAD MEDIA PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNER
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The Previous World Islamic Finance Dialogues
World Islamic Finance Dialogues 2022
Islamic finance is deeply rooted in the Middle East, a region that continues to shape the modern Islamic finance industry globally. Commanding the lion’s share of global Islamic banking and finance assets and wielding enormous influence in the industry, the Middle East has always been an integral part of IFN.
Covering the region since 2004 and organizing industry-leading events in the Middle East since 2008, IFN returns to the region in 2022 with a series of high-level, closed-door, unique events combining its globally recognized gatherings with the much sought-after and acclaimed Dialogues.
Taking on a new design and following the hugely successful IFN Thought Leadership Dialogues in Dubai and the IFN KSA Dialogues in Riyadh, both in June 2022, both of which received overwhelmingly positive feedback from speakers and delegates, we now bring you the World Islamic Finance Dialogues.
- The World Islamic Finance Dialogues will feature three 2-hour exclusive and intriguing discussions among some of the industry's leading luminaries. The core themes in focus will be:
- Global Islamic Capital Markets, Infrastructure Finance & Private Equity;
- Islamic Sustainable Finance and Investment;
- Digital Assets, Digitalization and the Evolution of Islamic Financial Services
The World Islamic Finance Dialogues is a series of extended discussions among leading regulators and the industry’s elite, gathered to discuss and identify the sector’s most pressing issues as well as emerging opportunities.
Seated around a round table, with selected observers, each 10-person Dialogue will run for approximately 2 hours.
About REDmoney Events
REDmoney events designs, organizes and hosts industry-leading conferences, forums, roadshows, seminars and dialogues focusing on the Islamic financial markets across a global, regional and national level. Leveraging an exceptional network of the industry’s elite and supported by the expertise of the REDmoney publishing and seminars divisions, REDmoney Events are able to provide access to a unique array of influential speakers, panellists and participants from a cross-section of the global industry to debate the most significant issues affecting the Shariah compliant financial markets.
REDmoney events are differentiated by their complimentary yet qualified attendance structure, ensuring the highest quality of both delegates and contributors. Comprehensive and cutting-edge, attendance ensures exclusive access to the leaders in their field across all sectors and markets.
The annual IFN Asia Forum has been the biggest event in the industry since its inception in 2006, attracting over 1,000 delegates annually. An annual line-up of Forums are also conducted across emerging markets and key jurisdictions. Included under REDmoney Events are the IFN Awards Ceremonies, which take place annually in Dubai and Kuala Lumpur, and attract more than 800 industry leaders.
For any inquiries contact us
Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have about this event.