Taken as whole it is likely Islamic compliant financial assets exceed $2.5 trillion as Sukuk issuances in its core market recorded a 21% year on year increase. »

Mahmoud Mohieldin of the World Bank in a speech at the Islamic Banking and Investment forum in Singapore discussed the role Islamic finance can play in reduction of extreme poverty and sustainable development particularly within OIC countries. »

Fintech’s penetration into Islamic finance is still in its infancy with a relatively small number of participants. However, the potential disruptions to traditional Islamic finance should not be underestimated. The disruptions can swing both ways. »

In a contribution in the International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) Sukuk Report, 5th Edition, Ibrahim Bitar, Head of Trading, Noor Bank provides an interesting insight into GCC Sukuk market developments starting from 2015 to the present day. »

Malaysia has started marketing its upcoming 1.5 billion dollar sukuk issuance, which would be the second in two years. »

2012 and 2013 were record years for global Sukuk issuances while in 2014 the Sukuk market slowed down to just over USD100 billion issuances. 2015 witnessed a major drop in issuances when only USD60.6 billion Sukuk were issued, a massive 43% fall compared to 2014. »

The paper discusses key issues related to the conduct of monetary policy in countries that have Islamic banks. »

The growing potential in Africa is expected to create more opportunities for Islamic finance, in light of its robust economic prospects and rising consumer base. As Islamic financial industry continued to experience growth, there is a dire need in highly skilled and talented human capital workforce that can drive the future developments and innovations of the industry. »

Presenting at an Islamic Finance seminar organised by the Manchester Chamber of Commerce in association with the British Muslim Heritage Centre, Maisam Fazal of Al Rayan Bank, a fully fledged UK bank run in accordance with the principles of Sharia provided an overview of common Islamic finance transaction structures as well as outlining the banks growth plans into Europe. »

After opening its first office in Paris, NoorAssur announced it had plans to open around 20 other branches in France in 2016. Launched in 2012, NoorAssur had been offering Shariah-compliant products online. In the UK Gatehouse Bank and Cobalt Underwriting remain busy closing Sharia compliant deals. »