Yearly Archives: 2019
The Big Picture: Formalizing the Islamic Finance, Banking and Takaful Ecosystem in Morocco
We assess the steps the Kingdom has taken to facilitate the Islamic finance ecosystem over the past year and ask how successful these measures have been. We discuss the introduction of the benchmark Sukuk in 2018, the initiation of the local Takaful market as well as the introduction of REITs and other investment management structures. We also discuss opportunities and challenges facing domestic Islamic banks, including successfully growing deposit bases and effectively managing liquidity. Moderator: Said Amaghdir, Chairman, Moroccan Association for Participative Finance Professionals – Shariah Compliant (AMFP) and Director of Takaful projects, SAHAM Assurance Panelists: Hounaida Boukhari, Managing Director, Dar Al Amane Ghizlane Rabhi, Moroccan Capital Market Authority Ikhlas Mettioui, Head of Asset Management, Moroccan Capital Market Authority Mohamed Maarouf, General Manager, BTI Bank …
Drive and Disrupt: Digital Banking and Financial Technology in Oman and the GCC Region
We assess the latest developments in digital banking and fintech and analyze likely industry shifts, regulation and developments in product and delivery channels across a range of product areas. What does the advancement of technology and in particular, blockchain, mean for Islamic financial institutions in Oman and the Gulf region? Moderator: Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor, Islamic Finance news Panelists: Ahmet Salim Bilgin, Founder, FinBrain Technologies Muhammad Kashif Zafar, Head of Islamic Banking Finance, Sohar Islamic Mughees Shaukat, Head, Islamic Finance, College of Banking and Financial Studies Salman Kabani, Head of Market Risk, Operational Risk and Strategy
Presentation: Talent Development in Islamic finance
Zaineb Sefiani, Founder, Carrera Learning
Learning from Financial Institutions, Issuers and Projects in Oman
What rationale do issuers, corporates and sponsors use for evaluating the offerings of Islamic capital markets and facilities? What lessons can be learned from recent transactions in Oman? We examine factors for success including structures, pricing, ratings, distribution, market conditions and credit enhancement. Moderator: Alex Roussos, Partner, Dentons Panelists: Girish Koli, CFO, Al Madina Real Estate Company Mohammed Sajari, Head of Shariah Structuring, Bank Nizwa Mohsin Shaik, Head of Investment Banking and Capital Markets, Maisarah Islamic Banking Services Richard Phelan, Legal Director, Oman Gas Company Sheikh Muadh Salim Ahmed Al-Ghazali, Director, Golden Group of Companies Thamer Al-Shahry, Head of Corporate Commercial Department, Said Al Shahry & Partners
Gold — Opportunities for Financial Innovation
John Durham, Manager – Depository, Gold Corporation, The Perth Mint
REITs and Islamic Investment Funds in Oman
An expert panel discusses the launch and development of the REIT market in Oman. With REITs being recently established in the Sultanate and with more in the pipeline, what can we expect in the coming year and what is current investor sentiment and appetite? We also assess the role of regulation, asset quality and diversification. Moderator: Salman Ahmed, Partner, Financial Institutions and Capital Markets, Trowers & Hamlins Panelists: Abdul Samad Al Maskari, CEO, Thara Global Business Asad Qayyum, Partner, Al Busaidy, Mansoor Jamal & Co Kemal Rizadi Arbi, Expert/Advisor, Capital Market Authority, Sultanate of Oman Saifuddin Ahmed, Head of Asset Management, Almadina Investment Sylvain Vieujot, CEO, Emirates REIT Yasser Al Tooqi, Head, Corporate Planning Team, ISFU (Implementation Support and Follow-Up Unit)
Opportunities for Oman: The Next Stage of Development for Islamic Banking, Capital Markets and Takaful
Through a select group of senior market participants, we review recent developments in Omani Islamic banking, finance, Takaful and investment and ask if expectations have been matched, exceeded or otherwise. We examine industry consolidation and assess the efficacy of various operational models for Islamic banks — stand-alone and windows — while at the same time examining pressing issues such as liquidity management as part of the Sultanate’s Islamic Banking Regulatory Framework. We also discuss what a deposit insurance scheme would look like in Oman and assess what can be learned from other Islamic finance centers that have successfully implemented such schemes. Moderator: Jawad Ali, Managing Partner – ME Offices, King & Spalding Panelists: Ahmed Al Mamari, Vice-President, Insurance Sector, Capital Market Authority, Sultanate…
Keynote Address
HE Tahir Salim Al Amri, Executive President, Central Bank of Oman
Keynote Address
HE Abdullah Salim Al-Salmi, Executive President, Capital Market Authority, Sultanate of Oman
The Global Islamic Asset Management Industry: Challenges and Opportunities Going Forward
What is the real proposition for the Islamic asset management industry? Is it a thematic investment strategy or a viable, self-supporting industry? How large potentially is the market and should it become more aligned to ESG/SRI? Do passive products —largely ETFs — offer superior performance over active management, and if so, why? We also discuss key challenges facing the industry today, from reversing redemptions and outflows, to building investor confidence and trust, to alleviating fee pressure and improving distribution channels through technology. Through an engaging panel we seek answers. Moderator: Emilio Escartin, Professor of Islamic Finance, IE Business School Panelists: Anita Yadav, Head of Fixed Income Research, Senior Director, Wholesale Banking, Emirates NBD Hakan Ozyon, Senior Portfolio Manager, Global Ethical Fund Omar Rana, Co-Founder and…
Presentation: Talent Development in Islamic finance
Zaineb Sefiani, Founder, Carrera Learning
What’s Next for Gold and Gold-Based Products
Recent Shariah rulings have provided opportunities for products based around gold. We take a detailed look at this interesting and innovative area. Panelists: John Durham, Manager – Depository, Gold Corporation, The Perth Mint Philip Judge, CEO, Physical Gold Fund