DEALS

Malaysian government announces inaugural issuances of MITB
Saudi Aramco in talks with banks on Sukuk program; the first for the oil company
Oman Telecommunications Company still considering pricing terms of Sukuk
Export-Import Bank of Malaysia issues US$37.3 million Sukuk due 2021 under US$1 billion multicurrency Sukuk issuance program
Iran plans to issue additional IRR60 trillion (US$2.01 billion) via Islamic T-Bills in 2016 to spur domestic debt market
Dana Gas Sukuk updates periodic profit payments for Sukuk 
Kuwait Finance House-Turkey floats US$350 million Tier 2 Sukuk to enhance capital
Dubai Islamic Bank seeking shareholders’ approval to issue up to US$750 million in Sukuk to boost capital
Indonesian government receives IDR14.82 trillion (US$1.08 billion) in bids from Sukuk auction; awards IDR5.25 trillion (US$384.3 million) 
Mohebi Logistics taps Sukuk market for the first time; issues AED400 million (US$108.88 million) Istisnah-Ijarah facility
Government of Pakistan receives PKR245.37 billion (US$2.34 billion) in bids in auction of maiden fixed rental rate Sukuk auction; accepts PKR116.25 billion (US$1.1 billion)
Qatar Islamic Bank seeks to double the size of its Sukuk program to US$3 billion
Nctm Studio Legale engages Shariyah Review Bureau to introduce mini Sukuk in Italy

NEWS

Proposed merger of Malaysia Building Society and Bank Muamalat off the table
Emaan Islamic Banking to expand network and exploit window opportunities
Economic growth in Philippines credit positive as it shows resistance to global shocks, says Moody’s
Global Halal Exchange signs agreements on Halal products and services 
Bank Tabungan Negara signs agreement with Pengurus Besar Nahdlatul Ulama to provide Shariah compliant banking facilities
Islamic banking-related bills in limbo as Filipino congress takes a break to make way for national elections campaign
Banque Centrale Populaire to launch new Islamic bank in partnership with Guidance Financial Group
Elixir Group of Companies scams over 35,000 victims under pretence of Islamic finance, report finds
Malta Stock Exchange to introduce Islamic equity index
Gatehouse Bank to launch new home finance plan

ASSET MANAGEMENT

Jadwa Investment Company obtains regulatory approval to offer new IPO fund
TA Investment Management declares income distribution for Islamic fund
Alkhabeer Capital launches Shariah compliant IPO fund
Employees Provident Fund to launch fully Shariah compliant fund by January 2017

TAKAFUL

Only 17% of local savers have Takaful, according to National Bonds Corporation’s survey

RATINGS

Fitch affirms Abu Dhabi at ‘AA’ with a stable outlook
Standard Chartered Bank Malaysia’s ratings maintained on review for downgrade
Malaysia’s ratings may be revised downwards if its fiscal consolidation path is derailed, says RAM
RAM lifts rating watch on Malaysia Building Society and Bank Muamalat Malaysia; reinstates stable outlook

MOVES

Alkhabeer Capital welcomes Muhanad Hayder Binladen and Mohammed Abdulrahman Moumena to its board of directors
Kuwait Finance House appoints Abdul-Wahab Essa Al-Roshoud as group chief treasury
CEO of Emirates NBD Capital resigns
Amer Khalil Ur Rehman named as president and CEO of Bakhtar Bank
Chung Yee Wah now leading Eastspring Al-Wara’ Investments as CEO