As we end the third quarter, the markets recover from the summer lull and Ramadan recedes into the distance, we are seeing a spate of new deals and renewed activity: including an increasing number of benchmark issues and landmark transactions that demonstrate the evolving innovation and sophistication of the Islamic finance industry.

None of this would be possible however, without the exceptional platform of support from the service providers that assist the sector in its onward march. From standard-setting bodies to index providers, ratings agencies to research firms, advisories and consultancies: these are the players that shape the industry and sustain its momentum through their tireless search for success. In our third supplement of the year, IFN celebrates the best in class of these stalwarts with our 10^th annual Service Providers Poll, giving an overview of the industry and awarding recognition to the key players that are driving it forward. In the same issue we also bring you the results of the IFN Law Awards 2014, showcasing the illustrious winners of the sixth edition of these prestigious industry accolades.

We move on to take a look Takaful innovation in Africa with the new livestock scheme from Takaful Insurance Africa, and talk to CEO Hassan Bashir about its potential impact; while Rosie Kmeid of Path Solutions talks us through the challenges facing the Islamic finance industry and how new technologies can play a role in surmounting these. We also bring you features on the new digital age for Islamic banking; the human capital emergency; and the growth in the global Takaful and re-Takaful industry.

In another rich and varied supplement to our annual schedule, we hope you enjoy the issue and wish all our readers a profitable third quarter.

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