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Qatar To Emerge As The World’s Leading Islamic Finance Hub

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With a fast-growing Islamic finance industry, Doha has all the potential to emerge as the ‘Capital of Islamic Finance”, industry experts stated yesterday.

”Doha is the most qualified financial center to transform into the world capital of Islamic finance, based on a package of indicators, the most prominent of which is the rapid growth of the financial sector, which listed Qatar among the top five Islamic finance centers in the world. The volume of Islamic finance assets in Qatar currently stands at $129bn, ” Dr. Khalid bin Ibrahim Al Sualiti, Deputy Chairman of Bait Al-Mashura said.

Addressing the media, while announcing the hosting of the 6th Islamic Finance Conference in Doha on February 25, Dr. Khalid, who is also the Chairman of the Organising Committee, said Qatar has an ideal legislative framework, an operational environment and a distinct organizational structure in the Islamic finance industry.

‘Al Rayan Qatar ETF” is the largest Islamic ETF listed in a single country. ”Qatar plays a major role in developing the Sukuk industry globally. Moreover, Qatari companies operating by the provisions of Islamic Sharia are expanding in most of the world”s markets to lead the sector’s growth path internationally, he said.

Dr. Osama Qais Al Derai”ei, Vice-chairman of the Organising Committee and Managing Director and CEO of Bait Al Mashura Financial Consultations noted the Islamic finance industry is fast growing as the total number of Islamic financial institutions operating in the world reached the level of 1389, with a total asset of $2.4trillion. These institutions achieve a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6 percent, while Islamic banking services hold a share of 71 percent or the equivalent of $1.7 trillion of the total volume of Islamic financial industry assets at a CAGR of 5 percent. It is estimated that the Islamic finance industry’s assets are expected to reach $3.2 trillion in 2020, he added.

QFC Chief Executive Officer Yousuf Mohamed Al Jaida said: ”Qatar is poised to be one of the world”s leading Islamic Finance hubs, growing at CAGR of 8 percent since 2015, and characterized by its competitive and flexible regulatory environment that continues to attract Islamic finance institutions and products.

Originally published on www.menafn.com

ICD signs three MoUs to Strengthen Collaboration

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JEDDAH — THE Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD), the private sector arm of Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group signed three a Memorandum of Understanding in quick succession to strengthen collaboration.

The first one was with the City Bank, Bangladesh in order to boost cooperation for fostering private sector development in the country. ICD CEO Khaled Al Aboodi and Sheikh Mohammed Maroof, deputy managing director, and Mohammad Mahbubur Rahman, chief financial officer of City Bank, signed the MOU on behalf of their respective institutions.

The joint collaboration will encompass the areas of Term Finance, Public Private Partnership transactions, Lines of Finance and any other areas of mutual interest.

During the signing ceremony, Al Aboodi stated, “City Bank is one of our most valued partners and signing of this MOU will take our relationship to a new level which will benefit the people of Bangladesh the most.”

City Bank’s Maroof said, “City Bank has achieved significant growth over the years by leveraging strong relationships with partners and providing innovative solutions to meet growing financial needs. I’m sure this partnership with ICD will improve the bank’s performance capacities and better serve our customers’ banking needs.”

The signing ceremony was also attended by Farid Masmoudi, director of ICD, Mahbub Jamil, head of structured finance of City Bank and other high officials of both the institutions.

City Bank is one of the oldest private Commercial Banks operating in Bangladesh. It is a top bank among the oldest five Commercial Banks in the country, which started their operations in 1983. The Bank started its journey on March 27, 1983 through opening its first branch at B. B. Avenue Branch in the capital, Dhaka city.

City Bank is among the very few local banks which do not follow the traditional, decentralized, geographically managed, branch based business or profit model. The bank currently has total 120 branches which includes 99 online branches, 1 full-fledged Islamic Banking branch, 1 SME service center and 11 SME/Agri branches spread across the length & breadth of the country.

ICD and FINOKO cooperation pact

Then the ICD and FINOKO entered into a Joint Strategic Collaboration to establish an Islamic Microfinance Window. ICD CEO Al Aboodi and FINOKO  CEO Turan Ismayilov signed the agreement during IDB 42nd annual meeting at hotel Hilton in Jeddah.

Al Aboodi said, “ICD has always been interested about financial inclusion and measurable development impacts. This program will help cater the most vulnerable and target the most vulnerable and entrepreneurial class of clients. With the help of our partner ICD can become a pioneer promoter of Islamic Microfinance”

Ismayilov said, “We are happy to be the first MFI to receive advisory services from ICD on establishing an Islamic microfinance window and we are looking forward to more co-projects with ICD to assist FINOKO reach its target clients and strengthen our capabilities and resources.”

ICD, Amana Bank PLC’s strategic alliance

The ICD being the lead sponsor and manager of IB Growth Fund (Labuan) LLP (IBGF) and Amana Bank PLC (ABL), the first and the only full-fledged Islamic Bank in Sri Lanka, have entered into a its strategic investment partnership by signing the Investment Term Sheet (ITS), reflecting the agreed key terms and conditions of the proposed investment. With this landmark transaction, ICD via IBGF is expected to infuse growth capital of maximum USD15 million through subscription in the capital of Amana Bank PLC.

ICD CEO Al Aboodi and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Amana Bank PLC  Osman Kassim signed the ITS.

Al Aboodi stated that this strategic initiative reflects ICD’s continuous effort to play a catalyst role in the promotion of Islamic finance, private sector development and regional cooperation in South Asia region. The proposed collaboration with Amana Bank exhibits ICD’s mandate and strategic vision to bring not only good corporate governance and international best management practice but also to secure the long-term stability of the Bank as well as boost the confidence of the market and different stakeholders in the growing Islamic finance industry in Sri Lanka.

Kassim said, “Amana Bank is truly honored to have the confidence of ICD, resulting in this strategic partnership. This collaboration would further strengthen bank’s journey towards much wider and extended network both at regional and international level.”

Kassim further stressed that Sri Lanka being a non-member country the IDB had earlier made an exception in investing in Amana Bank at its inception in 2011, and now ICD too is making this investment and this is sincerely appreciated and the Board and Management of the Bank that is committed to achieve mutual goals for the growth of Islamic finance industry and private sector development. —SG

Originally published on www.saudigazette.com.sa

 

AMAF Calls the Public to Support Food Aid for Refugees

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The campaign, lined up to run until after Eid Al Fitr, will set up a podium, featuring the replica of a refugee camp and an interactive screen projecting a tent city with a line of children waiting for food, at The Dubai Mall.

 The Awqaf and Minors Affairs Foundation (AMAF) has urged the public to contribute toward its annual Ramadan campaign for the Salma humanitarian relief programme which provides halal food to victims of wars and natural disasters worldwide.

The campaign, lined up to run until after Eid Al Fitr, will set up a podium, featuring the replica of a refugee camp and an interactive screen projecting a tent city with a line of children waiting for food, at The Dubai Mall.

The Salma team will circulate donation boxes and flyers among visitors and professionals working in TECOM Group’s communities including Dubai Media City, Dubai Internet City, Dubai Sports City, Dubai Design District, Dubai Knowledge Park and Dubai Science Park.

Tayyeb Al Rais, secretary-general of AMAF, said the campaign will help promote the Salma programme and collect donations. “The Salma programme closely monitors the impact of wars and disasters worldwide.”

Unfortunately, the number of refugees globally continues to surge, with children constituting 51 per cent of the total, he said. “From 2015 to 2016, more than 73,000 people have become victims of conflicts and natural disasters in the Islamic world.”

The UN’s latest data shows that more than 700 million people currently live in areas prone to disasters, with the number expected to reach one billion by 2030. These statistics drive us to expand our aid coverage to new countries, he disclosed.

“Supporting the displaced people across the globe through providing food aid, the Salma programme clearly testifies that the endowment model is a viable solution to the world’s humanitarian relief needs.

“In the past three years, the programme helped save thousands of lives through supplying more than 455,000 halal meals and distributing 50 tons of meat to people in Palestine, Yemen, Jordan, Sudan, Tajikistan, the Philippines, and countries of West Africa.”

According to latest UN reports, 65.3 million people across the globe are currently displaced due to wars and natural disasters, including 21.3 million who are classified as refugees. The conflicts are forcing 34,000 people to flee their homes every day, Al Rais elaborated.

“The initiative is executed in collaboration with Emirates Red Crescent, UN’s World Food Programme, Dubai Charity Association, Dar Al Ber and Dubai International Humanitarian City.”

The government and private sector entities, as well as individual donors, help ensure the continuation and expansion of the programme through securing sustainable financial resources, he said. “Donations to the Salma Humanitarian Relief Programme can be made through the website www.salmaaid.com or via text message.”

Originally published on www.khaleejtimes.com

Ithmaar Honours Staff Over Islamic Finance Training

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Ithmaar Bank, a Bahrain-based Islamic retail bank, recently honoured 10 employees who earned professional certificates in Islamic finance from the Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF).

The employees, from various departments including Commercial and Financial Institutions, Retail Banking, Product Development and Management, and Compliance & Anti Money Laundering had successfully completed professional training programme at the BIBF and earned the Advanced Diploma in Islamic Finance.

Abdul Rahim, assistant general manager, congratulated the employees on their achievements which, he said, helped contribute directly to developing the Islamic banking and finance industry both in Bahrain and abroad.

“Banking is all about people,” said Abdul Rahim. “At Ithmaar Bank, we have long recognised our people as our greatest asset and we have repeatedly stressed that our continued success is, ultimately, dependent on our people.”

“As a pioneered Islamic Bank, Ithmaar is committed to playing a key role in the development of the Islamic banking industry. One way we try to do so is by focusing on improving the qualifications and skills of our employees. This, in return, will reflect on the Bank’s performance, particularly in terms of delivering on our customers’ expectations and will in turn enhance the skill set in Islamic banking sector in the Kingdom,” he added.

“At Ithmaar Bank, we are working continuously to develop our employees who are the pillars for our success,” said Ithmaar Bank head of Human Resources, Enas Rahimi. “We always look for training programmes that will help our workforce gain new professional skills and knowledge in Islamic banking.”

“We also try to encourage our employees to join professional training programmes such as the Advanced Diploma in Islamic Finance,” said Rahimi. “These will help enhance their experience and add to their qualification which, in turn, will help their careers,” she said.

Originally published on www.tradearabia.com

Islamic Banking Gains Significant Market Share in Oman

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Dubai: Islamic banking in Oman is growing at a faster rate than conventional banking segment, with Islamic banking assets up more than 62 per cent year on year, according to a recent report issued by the Central Bank of Oman (CBO).

Total assets held by Islamic banks and the Islamic banking windows of conventional lenders in February 2017 amounted to 3.27 billion Omani riyals (Dh31.2 billion), compared to 2.43 billion riyals a year earlier. This took the Islamic banking’s market share from 5.1 per cent of the banking system’s overall assets in 2015 to 10.8 per cent by February 2017.

Banking sector analysts say teething problems of newly established Islamic banks appear to be over and they are on a strong growth trajectory.

“We expect both Bank Nizwa (BKNZ) and 14 per cent Alizz Islamic Bank (BKIZ) to curtail any upward pressure on their costs in a tight operating environment, especially now that their initial investments in infrastructure an human resource development appear to be over,” said Hettish Karmani, Head of Research of U Capital.

Analysts expect these banks to be able to sequentially bring their operating cost-to-income ratio down to the likes of other Omani banks to about 40 per cent, resulting in operating profits to increase at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10 per cent for BKNZ and 14 per cent ABKIZ during the forecast period (2017-2021).

Originally published on www.gulfnews.com

NBF Islamic Recognised as the Best “Shari’a-Compliant Window of the Year”

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National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) PJSC announced today that NBF Islamic has been recognised as the “Shari’a-compliant Window of the year” at The Banker’s Islamic Bank of the Year Awards 2017. This prestigious accolade is a clear indication of NBF’s position as the leading provider of comprehensive suite of Shari’a-compliant banking solutions.

In 2014, NBF launched its Islamic window with retail banking services in its home emirate Fujairah in response to growing customer demand for Shari’a-compliant services. In 2015, the bank broadened its offering and launched its Shari’a-compliant corporate banking services to cater to businesses looking for a reliable and trusted banking partner in the UAE. Since its launch, NBF Islamic has grown at a phenomenal pace, recording an operating income of AED 60.4 million in 2016. Indicative of its success, in 2017 to date, it has registered an asset base of AED 3.5 billion and have also seen its total Islamic financing receivables and Islamic customer deposits reaching AED 2.1 billion and AED 3.2 billion respectively.

NBF’s segmented financing approach has seen it cement its position as the “Bank for Business” in the UAE. Over the years, the bank has endeavoured to create bespoke financing solutions for clients by combining its expertise across areas like trade finance and treasury, with its specialised focus on niche areas like energy and marine, precious metals and diamonds, equipment finance and Emirati businesswomen.

 NBF’s CEO Vince Cook said: “We are very proud to receive this coveted industry recognition only three years after NBF Islamic’s inception. The proposition’s success to date is a testament to the positive feedback we have been receiving from customers. The UAE market has witnessed an increasing demand for Shari’a-compliant banking services as Muslims and non-Muslims begin to appreciate this model as a viable alternative to conventional banking. The UAE government’s efforts to position itself as a global hub for Islamic finance will spur more demand for these services.”“At NBF, we have continuously focused on providing innovative solutions commensurate to clients’ needs in the niche space we operate in. Today, the bank’s priority is to continue developing NBF Islamic into a full-fledged proposition encompassing a comprehensive range of solutions for both retail and corporate banking segments while adhering to the best practice governance standards and Shari’a principles. Given the success we have achieved so far, we are eager to grow our portfolio even further and continue to grow our market share while adding value to our clientele.”

This is not NBF Islamic’s first feat; it was awarded the “Best New Islamic Window – UAE” at the Islamic Business and Finance Awards 2016, only two years since its launch. The latest award reflects the bank’s dedication to supporting the government’s aspirations to transform itself into the global capital of Islamic economy.

Originally published on www.albawaba.com

Emirates Islamic is First Islamic Bank to Integrate Blockchain Technology into Cheques

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Emirates Islamic has announced that it will introduce blockchain technology into its cheques as a fraud prevention measure.

Termed ‘Cheque Chain’, Emirates Islamic is the first Islamic bank in UAE to undertake this initiative to enhance security in the popular payment method. Emirates Islamic will issue new cheque books carrying a unique QR (Quick Response) code on every leaf, along with a string of 20 random characters.

“Blockchain has the potential to significantly increase security and protection in banking transactions and we are delighted to be among the first in the UAE to utilise this new technology,” said Suhail Bin Tarraf, Chief Operating Officer, Emirates Islamic. “We anticipate that Cheque Chain will dramatically reduce cheque frauds in this market helping us provide our customers greater peace of mind and security.”

Continued Bin Tarraf, “Emirates Islamic is making deeper investments in digital technologies to enhance and improve the banking experience, as part of our commitment to support the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai in making Dubai the global capital of Islamic economy. We are confident that our efforts will be well received by our customers and partners.”

In the next phase of the Cheque Chain project, the bank will have each cheque leaf registered on the Bank’s block chain platform enabling it to validate the authenticity of the cheque at source.

Originally published on www.cpifinancial.net

Halal Sector Key Topic at International Economic Summit

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The ninth International Economic Summit between Russia and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) member countries started on Friday in Kazan, Tatarstan, with the UAE represented by a senior delegation chaired by Dr Rashid bin Ahmed bin Fahad, Minister of State.

The summit, which concludes today, began with a session entitled ‘Halal Industry’, which addressed the growing international demand for halal products and services. In his speech, Dr Bin Fahad stated that the Islamic economic sector is among the fastest-developing sectors in the world and has become an integral part of the international economy, especially after the world financial crisis and the desire for safe investments and economic activities with the added value of social development, which are the foundations of the Islamic economic structure.

He clarified that the halal industry is one of the most important parts of this vital sector, as the international demand for halal products has witnessed rapid growth after reaching a value of more than $2.3 trillion in 2015, according to OIC reports. He added that the food and beverage industry has the largest share of this industry, dominating with 67 per cent of total trade in halal products with a value of $1.4 trillion. This number is expected to rise to around $1.6 trillion at the beginning of 2020.

He then highlighted the UAE’s leading experience in the field of the Islamic economy and the halal industry, while clarifying that the country has succeeded, under directives of its wise leadership, in establishing a healthy and integrated system for the Islamic economy.

He stated that the UAE has taken the lead by launching initiatives to promote qualitative developments in the Islamic economy, including the ‘Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy’ initiative and establishing the Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre and many other major projects and programmes, which represent an engine for achieving international prosperity in this field.

He added that with regards to the halal industry, the country is proud of its initiatives, which are unique internationally, represented in the International Halal Accreditation Forum, which was launched last year as an independent non-government network that provides an international umbrella for the consistent application of unified mechanisms for standardising the specifications of halal products from the Standards and Metrology Institute for Islamic Countries, a subsidiary of the OIC.

Despite being recently formed, the forum included the participation of accreditation authorities from over 21 countries, which is expected to expand to more than 40 countries during the coming years, who contributed to facilitating international trade in halal products, elevating its industries, protecting its consumers from around the world and supporting and encouraging developing countries to establish developed systems of halal accreditation.

Dr Bin Fahad stressed that the increasing interest in the halal sector in the country comes from its strong connection with the field of industry and the trading of food products, considered the most attractive investments with a share of 31 per cent of overall industrial investments in the country, adding that the value of the UAE’s trade in food products in 2015 reached around $25.3 billion, and $18 billion in the first nine months of 2016.

He further added that the country has led the Arab world in the export of food products in 2015, with a percentage of close to 30 per cent of the total exports of Arab countries, and second place in imports with a percentage of 18 per cent. This gives a clear indication that the UAE is one of the most important regional destinations in the trading and investments in the halal food sector, opening wider fields of co-operation with various trading partners, especially in this important international event.

Originally published on http://www.khaleejtimes.com

FTZ Contributions to Islamic Economy to Reach $117bn

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The contribution of free trade zones to the Islamic economy globally is set to double to $117 billion by 2021, according to a recent report by researchers Salaam Gateway.

The UAE’s free trade zones are using advanced information management tools to drive the doubling of the global free trade zone GDP, said experts.

The UAE hosts four of the world’s top 10 free trade zone cities for the Islamic economy.

Industry-watchers agree the new Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone is showing global best practices in using digital transformation to support its more than 13,000 companies.

Andrew Calthorpe, CEO at the free trade zone consultancy Condo Protego, said: “Digital transformation is vital for UAE free trade zones to drive the country’s economic growth.”

“Using the latest information management solutions, trade zones can deliver digital services to boost the business competitiveness of small businesses,” he said.

In the UAE, Condo Protego has seen strong success on driving digital transformation for one of the region’s largest free trade zones. By replacing legacy infrastructure with automated software-defined and scale-out infrastructure, the free trade zone can publish its own business applications and move closer to cloud and mobile app delivery.

Calthorpe added: “Using cloud and mobility information management solutions, free trade zone businesses can gain a level playing field with large enterprises.”

“Businesses can incorporate faster and more easily, better manage sales and supply chain, and enhance their ability to better meet customer needs,” he added.

Among UAE free trade zones, Condo Protego is seeing strong demand for solutions such as Dell EMC hyper-converged infrastructure, and Dell EMC software-defined storage such as ScaleIO, ECS scale-out storage, and Isilon network attached storage, it stated. 

Originally published on www.tradearabia.com

Alizz Islamic Bank Shows keen Interest in Merger With United Finance

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Muscat: Alizz Islamic Bank has expressed an interest in a merger with the United Finance Company, which is subject to due diligence of the latter institution.
United Finance Company has forwarded the proposal from Alizz Islamic Bank to its board, the company said in a disclosure statement posted on the Muscat Securities Market (MSM) website.
The merger proposal by Alizz Islamic Bank was mooted after two years of dropping similar proposals by three financial institutions—Al Omaniya Financial Services, National Bank of Oman and Bank Nizwa. All these institutions were looking at consolidating their leadership position in 2015 by acquiring United Finance, which could be a way to achieve inorganic growth.
“No legally binding commitment has been made and the transaction remains subject to approval by the regulators and other stakeholders,” Alizz Islamic Bank said in a separate disclosure statement.
There has been a strong case for merger within the leasing sector in the last two years. “The emergence of Islamic banks has created a situation where the leasing companies have to compete with Islamic banks and window operations of conventional banks. Leasing companies are under pressure and Islamic banks also need assets for growth. So, there is a strong case for a merger,” said a senior market analyst, who did not want to be named.
Consolidation is the best way when there is a slowdown in growth. Also, the majority of assets of leasing firms might be converted into Islamic products since these are all asset-backed.
United Finance’s net profit declined by 34 per cent to OMR757,000 for the first quarter of 2017, against OMR1.15 million for the same period of last year. Total assets of United Finance also dropped by 6 per cent to OMR117.82 million, from OMR125.07 million during the period under review.
Total equity of the company was pegged at OMR43.61 million by the end of March this year, up by 4 per cent, compared with OMR42.11 million for the same period of last year.
Meanwhile, Alizz Islamic Bank shares surged by 2.3 per cent to 89 baisas amidst 1.31 million shares changing hands on MSM.

Originally published on www.timesofoman.com