Islamic finance is not only robust and resilient, but versatile. It has weathered the recent economic adversities with style, and the industry continues to grow not only in size but in depth, innovation, ability and of course, in interest to the wider markets – as the principles of Shariah prove to be of consistent benefit to an ever-widening array. This week we take a look at the sector from the other side of the fence, exploring the growing competition in the Sukuk sector from the perspective of the arranging banks and asking what advantages and compelling interest the transactions offer them in terms of wider industry access.
Continuing the theme of versatility and adaptability, our IFN reports this week look at emerging markets, the new liquidity measure from the Central Bank of Bahrain and Islamic ETFs, while our analyses cover Bangladesh and retail banking. Our correspondents write on Brazil, the UAE, Qatar, private equity and venture capital and provide you a global economic outlook. Special reports are brought to you by Ishrat Hussain of State Bank of Pakistan on differentiating Islamic banking through customer service; Mezbah Uddin Ahmed, a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants, on IFRS for Islamic finance as well as a controversial piece by Hussain Kureshi on Islamic finance and Madoff. Features come from Farouk Alwyni of Alwyni International Capital on Indonesia and Tim Sinclair from Al Rayan Bank on opportunities in the UK, and we also have a piece on retail banking from Chowdhury Shahed Akbar. We also bring you a Takaful feature from Erwin Noekman of Indonesia Takaful Association.
It’s a packed issue this week with plenty to sink your teeth into. As more and more guests join the party, the feast may be moveable but it’s also mouthwatering – and the selection is only getting bigger. Bon appétit!