The Financial Institutions Directors Education programme in Islamic Finance, and Shariah Leaders Education Programme seeks to broaden the perspective of directors and shariah scholars on emerging opportunities in Islamic Finance. »

The Bloomberg Sukuk Market Return Index (BMSSUTR) fell by 0.09% W-o-W (vs. +0.17% in week prior) to 120.06, bringing YTD returns to 1.58% (vs. 1.67% in week prior). »

Emirates Airline sukuk was priced lower at 2.471% as compared to Noor Bank 2.788%. »

It was interesting to observe Middle East buyers taking up only 2% of the 30 year sovereign Sukuk issued by Malaysia (the 10 year issuance allocation consisted of 24% Middle East buyers). »

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) observer member Russia continues to make inroads in developing its Islamic finance industry. »

Islamic finance in the United States A report released by the Malaysia Islamic Finance Centre (MIFC) presents an overview and the potential of Islamic finance in the United States. The report states, “The sole issuer from the US was Goldman Sachs, a major investment bank that had issued a USD500mln Wakalah sukuk in September 2014 – the issuance attracted an order book of USD1.5bln. In additi... »

An Islamic finance seminar jointly organized by the Turkish G20 Presidency and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will be held at George Washington University on April 16. »

The second quarter may offer new Sukuk issuances as tensions rise in Middle East. Malaysia this week kicked off roadshows whilst a preliminary A- rating by S&P was assigned. »

The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) will strengthen economic and developmental cooperation with the Republic of Gambia as Islamic finance grows in Africa. »

The United Kingdom and Hong Kong push ahead with Islamic Finance ambitions. »