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. »
The growing potential in Africa is expected to create more opportunities for Islamic finance, in light of its robust economic prospects and rising consumer base. As Islamic financial industry continued to experience growth, there is a dire need in highly skilled and talented human capital workforce that can drive the future developments and innovations of the industry. »
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. »
Indonesia, the world’s most populous Muslim nation, is currently taking action, at both the local and international levels, to distinguish the country in the global Islamic finance markets. »
Large multi-billion dollar Islamic funding deals have been announced by Saudi Electricity Company (SEC), and China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. »
Thousands of Pakistani households are turning to microfinance institutions which provide loans based on Islamic law, or Sharia. The following video courtesy of the Wall Street Journal looks at micro financing solutions in Pakistan. »
Malaysia continues to lead in the innovation of Islamic financial products with the recent launch of an Investment Account Platform (IAP) which is envisaged to become a cross border multi-currency channel linking into regional and global economies. »
