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Launched in April 2015, IFN Investors Forum has been widely embraced by the industry to great success as the platform to discuss and debate all things related to Islamic investments. Welcoming a broad range of investors from all corners of the world, IFN Investors Forum will stage a comeback in 2018 in Kuala Lumpur, one of the most advanced Shariah finance capitals of the world.
Covering all aspects of Shariah investments across a variety of sectors, asset classes and markets, IFN Investors Forum 2018 will focus on the biggest opportunities, latest developments and trends as well as potential issues that may arise as far as Islamic investments are concerned. The wide-ranging program will include multiple and varied formats and sessions including issuer case studies to maximize engagement and outcome from the high-level event.
Agenda
| 09:10 – 09:25 |
Welcome Address
Mahdzir Othman – Director of Securities Market, Bursa Malaysia |
| 09:25 – 10:20 |
The 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 can the market become? Does Shariah investing require a rebrand? Does the industry need to become more aligned to ESG/SRI? Through an engaging panel, we seek answers. We also take a look at 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.
| Moderator: |
Dr Hurriyah El Islamy – Executive Board Member, Badan Pengelola Keuangan Haji (BPKH) |
| Panelists: |
Angelia Chin Sharpe – CEO and Country Head, Malaysia and Brunei, BNP Paribas Asset Management
Gerald Ambrose – CEO, Aberdeen Islamic Asset Management
Louisa Poh – Chief Representative, Malaysia Representative Office, 90 North Real Estate Partners
Shahariah Shaharudin – President, Saturna |
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| 10:20 – 10:35 |
The Malaysian Federal Budget and Implications for Investment
Laurence Todd – Director, Institute for Democracy and Economic Affairs |
| 10:35 – 10:45 |
Value Based Intermediation (VBI): The Next Phase of Islamic Banking
Eqhwan Mokhzanee Muhammad – CEO, AmBank Islamic |
| 10:45 – 11:15 |
Coffee & Networking |
| 11:15 – 11:55 |
Environmental, Socially Responsible Investing and Islamic Investment: Opportunities for Development and Growth
We examine responsible, environmental and green finance in Asia and ask how ethical and Islamic finance can potentially become closer interlinked. We also discuss how Southeast Asia can grow its existing ESG niche among asset managers and owners and what role Islamic asset management can carve for itself in this. Do green bonds and Sukuk offer viable long-term investments and how can the industry address the relative scarcity of credible climate-related and low-carbon investment opportunities? When will Asia see the launch of a socially conscious ETF?
| Moderator: |
Elias Moubarak – Partner, Trowers & Hamlins |
| Panelists: |
Ariff Sultan – Regional Director, IdealRatings
Dr Hurriyah El Islamy – Executive Board Member, Badan Pengelola Keuangan Haji (BPKH)
Masumi Hamahira – Advisor – Islamic Banking Window, MUFG Bank
Najmuddin Mohd Lutfi – CEO and Executive Director, BIMB Investment Management
Thiagarajan Nadeson – Head of Market Transformation Initiates and Education for Sustainable Development, WWF-Malaysia |
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| 11:55 – 12:20 |
Fireside Chat: The Reality of Environmental, Social and Governance Investing in Southeast Asia – Trials and Tribulations of Investing for Good
| Interviewee: |
Shireen Muhiudeen – Founder, Managing Director and Principal Fund Manager, Corston-Smith Asset Management |
| Interviewer: |
Michael Orzano – Senior Director, Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices |
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| 12:20 – 13:05 |
Products, Strategies and Styles for Islamic Asset Management
Through an expert panel we assess the market, viability and performance of the ever-expanding universe of exchange-traded funds (ETFs), as well as other passive products. We also examine the active management sector and how value for end investors is created across both styles. Finally, why do we see so few Islamic ETFs and what can be done to address this paucity? What role do exchanges play in this process?
| Moderator: |
Hasham Esmail Piperdy – CEO, Mercer |
| Panelists: |
Ahmad Fuad Alhabshi – Investment Manager, Opus Asset Management
Hakan Ozyon – Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Ethical Fund
Lim Say Cheong – Executive Director, Head of Islamic Business Development, Nomura Islamic Asset Management
Michael Orzano – Senior Director, Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices
Valentin Laiseca – Head of ASEAN Index Sales, MSCI |
|
| 13:05 – 14:15 |
Luncheon |
| 14:15 – 15:15 |
Technology Roundtable: The Rise of the Machines
What does financial technology mean for the asset management industry? Where will technology offer the most significant disruption: managing money or optimizing distribution channels, or both? We also discuss the role of blockchain, cryptocurrencies and tokenization in the asset management industry.
| Moderator: |
Yousuf Sultan – Chief Technology Officer, Ethis Ventures |
| Panelists: |
Martin Young – CEO and Chief Analyst, Farringdon Asset Management Singapore
Omar Rana – Co-Founder and Managing Director, Finalytix
Robin Lee – CEO, HelloGold
Wong Wai Ken – Country Manager – Malaysia, StashAway |
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| 15:15 – 16:05 |
Innovation in Islamic Investment Management: Waqf
We discuss the growing importance of revitalizing Waqf through the development and use of innovative capital market instruments. We examine how, through innovative products and services, we can further develop Waqf assets in order to facilitate growth in the Islamic investment and asset management industry, thereby promoting financial inclusion and social development.
| Moderator: |
Dr Aida Othman – Director, ZICO Shariah |
| Panelists: |
Farrukh Habib – Researcher, International Shari’ah Research Academy for Islamic Finance
Mazlan Ahmad – Executive Chairman, Finterra
Maznah Mahbob – Partner, Finance and Investments, Strategic Swiss Partners
Shamsiah Abdul Karim – Senior Vice-President, Shariah and Product Development Division, Bank Muamalat Malaysia |
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| 16:05 – 16:10 |
Forum Close and Refreshment |
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