With the support of local Qatari regulators and an already strong following amongst the country’s Islamic bankers the IFN Qatar Forum will explore the opportunities, regulatory advancements and investment options available to Qatari investors.
Opening Panel Session: Outlook for Islamic Finance in Qatar
What role can Qatar play in the development of Islamic finance in the GCC?
Will Islamic finance move towards standardization of products, structures and fatwas in the future? Or should multiple interpretations remain as a point of competition?
Growth opportunities for syndicated finance, trade and infrastructure finance in the country
Investment trends, strategies and risks for global Shariah compliant real estate market
Qatar’s developing real estate market and the opportunities they present to Islamic investors
Qatar is now officially the first regional RMB clearing center in the Middle East: What needs to be done to help develop the RMB market in the region?
Challenges for Islamic finance in continuing the growth of the industry and how it relates to Qatar
Moderator:
Jawad Ali – Managing Partner, Middle East Offices, King & Spalding
Panelists:
Hani Othman Baothman – Chief Executive Officer, Sidra Capital, Saudi Arabia Ijlal Ahmed Alvi – Chief Executive Officer, International Islamic Financial Market Mahmoud Fahad Awada – Corporate Research & Analysis Director, Ezdan Holding Group Dr Mohammed Ghiyath Sheikhah – Head of Investments, General Manager of Dirssat, Qatar International Islamic Bank
10:15 - 10:30
Presentation: Islamic Finance Regulation in Qatar: Experiences and Challenges Martin Brown – Partner, Addleshaw Goddard
10:30 - 11:00
Coffee & Networking
11:00 - 11:45
The Investment Landscape for Islamic Investors in Qatar and the Gulf: Trends and Strategies for 2015
What will 2015 hold for Islamic investors and fund managers
Qatar Vision 2030: Opportunities presented in the pursuit of the Vision
Assessing other key investment markets in Europe, Africa and the Gulf: What do emerging markets have to offer Islamic investors?
Which asset classes and markets are expected to outperform and why
Risk vs. opportunity: Understanding the risks and impact on the Islamic asset management industry
The changing face of the institutional investment market: Discussing investment strategies and product trends for 2015
Outlook for i-ETFs, Shariah compliant mutual funds
Moderator:
Dr Ataf Ahmed – Head of Asset Management, QInvest
Panelist:
Akber Khan – Director, Asset Management Group, Al Rayan Investment Brian J. Luck – Director, Investment Advisory, Asiya Investments, UAE Magdy Eissa – Vice President, Business Development, IdealRatings Mohsin Mujtaba– Director, Product and Market Development, Qatar Stock Exchange
11:45 - 12:00
Presentation: Standardization in Islamic Finance and IIFM’s Role Ijlal Ahmed Alvi – Chief Executive Officer, International Islamic Financial Market
12:00 - 12:10
Luncheon Address Abdulbasit Ahmed A Al-Shaibei - Chief Executive Officer & Board Director, Qatar International Islamic Bank (QIIB)
12:10 - 13:30
Luncheon
13:30 - 14:15
Meeting Qatar’s and the GCC’s Infrastructure and Project Financing Needs Through Islamic Finance The drive by many Gulf countries to improve on infrastructure is set to create opportunities for market players to fund infrastructure and power projects through Shariah compliant project financing. This session will cover the trends, structures and opportunities available
Infrastructure and project finance in Qatar and the rest of the GCC: What’s in the pipeline?
Trends and outlook for syndicated financing of infrastructure projects and how will Basel 3 affect syndicated financing?
Opportunities in cross border Sukuk through project and infrastructure financing
How has utilizing Islamic infrastructure financing in public private partnership ventures grown?
Assessing the potential of alternative assets and its suitability to Shariah compliant financing: Key considerations for issuers
Moderator:
Qasim Aslam – Partner & Head of Islamic Finance – Middle East, Dentons
Panelists:
Ahmad Anani – Partner & Co-chair Global Islamic Finance Practice, Latham & Watkins Arsalaan Ahmed – Head of Capital Financing, Barwa Bank Hani Ibrahim – Managing Director & Head of Debt Capital Markets, QInvest
14:15 - 15:00
Sector Investment Opportunities for Qatari Investors
Oil & gas sector: A change in investment strategy in light of recent events?
Will we see a significant shift towards the use of renewable energy, environmental assets and other intangible?
Investing in aviation and other transportation modes as an asset class
Investment trends, strategies and risks for the global real estate market
Exploring education and health care as emerging asset classes
Anouar Adham – Group Chief Executive Officer, Elite International Assets Jean Philippe Besse – Founder, Parisian Real Estate Advisor Nick Witty – Director & Head of Real Estate Advisory, Deloitte
