Mahmoud Mohieldin of the World Bank in a speech at the Islamic Banking and Investment forum in Singapore discussed the role Islamic finance can play in reduction of extreme poverty and sustainable development particularly within OIC countries. »
Fintech’s penetration into Islamic finance is still in its infancy with a relatively small number of participants. However, the potential disruptions to traditional Islamic finance should not be underestimated. The disruptions can swing both ways. »
In a contribution in the International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) Sukuk Report, 5th Edition, Ibrahim Bitar, Head of Trading, Noor Bank provides an interesting insight into GCC Sukuk market developments starting from 2015 to the present day. »
Malaysia has started marketing its upcoming 1.5 billion dollar sukuk issuance, which would be the second in two years. »
2012 and 2013 were record years for global Sukuk issuances while in 2014 the Sukuk market slowed down to just over USD100 billion issuances. 2015 witnessed a major drop in issuances when only USD60.6 billion Sukuk were issued, a massive 43% fall compared to 2014. »
The paper discusses key issues related to the conduct of monetary policy in countries that have Islamic banks. »
In an interview, Mohieddine Kronfol, CIO for Franklin Templeton Global Sukuk and MENA Fixed Income Strategies highlighted the changing nature of the sukuk market, stating “The Sukuk market continues to be characterized by a lot of innovation and a lot of growth.” »
The use of Sharia compliant loans is making in-roads with the private sector in Saudi Arabia which is favouring such products over sukuk issuances. »
A restructuring of the Chinese economy continues to weigh on import demand and hence commodity prices, with global growth expectations being revised moderately lower during the second half to 3.1%. »
It was a volatile and difficult start to 2016 for equity markets which fell sharply in the first three weeks of January on the back of renewed concerns over the growth outlook in China and the global economy, and further declines in the oil price. »
