Islamic Finance News

Supplements

One of the biggest and most influential markets in the Islamic financial industry, Asia is a constantly evolving market, with a prudent regulatory environment and the birthplace of innovation. This annual supplement will chart its furious growth and provide up-to-date coverage on the latest in the Asian Islamic financial markets via features, the Islamic Investor reports and features. View interactive book View PDF Edition

CONTENTS COVER STORY Equities Vs. Commodities Traditionally at opposite ends of the trading spectrum, the question of whether to invest in equities or commodities is an age-old conundrum for investors. Current market conditions have been favorable towards commodities, whilst Islamic investors are showing increasing interest in the equities space.? FEATURES Exciting prospects Real estate is as tangible as it gets. So why aren�t Islamic issuers and investors clamoring to invest in REITs? Islamic ETFs: More supply than demand? Industry players are optimistic about the prospects of Islamic ETFs in the market; demonstrated by the steady stream of new products since 2007. However, there currently exists some disparity between introduction and uptake 2011 Key Trends in Islamic Funds Over the last 10 years Shariah compliant funds have posted significant growth, both in terms of number of funds as well as assets under management. SPONSORED CHAPTERS Islamic hedging & risk management solutions The Islamic banking and finance industry continues to cross one milestone after another. The case for Shariah compliant hedging solutions has become obvious and strong especially in recent years as Islamic institutions have made deep inroads in both retail and corporate segments and across diverse geographies, thus developing a global perspective for the industry An initial public offering (IPO) advised by an Islamic commercial bank: A case study by Bank Islam Malaysia Bank Islam achieved another fi rst in the corporate finance industry on the 18th March 2011 when it successfully listed flight training academy APFT on the Main Market of Bursa Malaysia Interfacing Shariah investing with socially responsible investments and environmental, social & governance In June 2006, legendary investor Warren Buffet, announced he was giving most of his wealth to the foundation set up by Bill Gates and his wife. The total assets of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation are expected to reach US$100 billion before the end of the decade. RESULTS Cr�me de la cr�m� The inaugural Islamic Investor Poll drew a strong response from many of the Islamic finance industry�s leading investors. Institutional investors, high net worth individuals, sovereign wealth funds and insurance companies amongst others were invited to vote in 11 categories during the month of July.