As the world comes to grips with slower economic growth and uncertain markets, investors, too, must seek new prospects to maximize returns. The Shariah compliant space has emerged as one of the most exciting and promising markets for new growth opportunities; and this week, we look at some options for savvy investors to put their money in.
Turkey is one market lauded for the rapid growth of its local Islamic finance industry; but the country has also attracted foreign interest as an investment destination. In our issue this week, Gökmen Başpınar and Burak Gencoglu of Baspinar & Partners Law Firm contribute a feature on recent developments in real estate acquisition by foreign nationals in Turkey.
Saudi Arabia, which has grabbed the spotlight this year due to its record level of Sukuk sales, is also seen as an appealing destination for foreign investment; although there remains plenty of room to further open up the local market. Irfan Butt, a senior legal advisor at Hogan Lovells, in association with Al-Yaqoub Attorneys & Legal Advisers, explores the opportunities in a feature on foreign investment in Saudi’s equity market.
Meanwhile, we also look at the Islamic retail banking market this week; as covered in our lead story on the growth and prospects of the segment; while Amjad Hussain of law firm K&L Gates writes on the impact of the Qatar Central Bank`s directive for conventional banks to stop offering Shariah compliant services.
Our IFN Reports cover Islamic pension schemes in Australia and Islamic private equity and fund management in the US. This week, IFN Correspondents write on developments in Iran, Maldives and the UK.
Susan Dingwall and Ffion Flockhart of Norton Rose contribute our Takaful cover story on Islamic insurance in the UK; while Insider looks at developments at Faisal Private Bank.
IFN columnist Shan Saeed contributes a report on the US economy; and Meet the Head talks to Dr Hatim El Tahir, a director at Deloitte & Touche (ME).