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Islamic Finance, Investment, Banking and Takaful in Nigeria

Nigeria is the second- largest OIC economy; nevertheless, the sustained low oil price has impacted its economy. With a growing Islamic finance sector and the stability of the gGovernment, there is immense potential for sustainable growth. Through a respected panel, we take a look at developments in regulation, banking, capital markets, investment management and Takaful and theits impact onto the Nigerian economy. In addition, we assess the success of its debut sovereign Sukuk and the opportunities for Islamic finance in the region. Moderator: Ahsan Ali, Head of Islamic Origination, Standard Chartered Bank Panelists: Abdulkadir Abbas, Deputy Director, Securities and Exchange Commission Jude Chiemeka, Divisional Head, Trading Business, Nigerian Stock Exchange Patience Oniha, Director General, Debt Management Office Umara Farouk Amina, Head, Research & Strategy Management,…

Keynote Address

Harnessing the Islamic Finance Sector for Infrastructure Development and Economic Growth: Abdulkadir Abbas, Deputy Director, Securities and Exchange Commission

Welcome Address

Jude Chiemeka, Divisional Head, Trading Business, Nigeria Stock Exchange

Structuring Real Estate Finance and Investment using Islamic Facilities in Saudi Arabia

Large, complex real estate transactions still stand out in Saudi Arabia. How can Shariah compliance be achieved on such transactions and what structures can be offered through Islamic finance? What opportunities are offered by project developments associated with Hajj and Umrah, as well as the new free zones in Saudi Arabia? We also analyse the REITs market and ask what’s needed to improve performance. Finally, what are the latest opportunities for Shariah compliant direct investment into European and US real estate markets? Moderator: Abdulkader Thomas, CEO, SHAPE Knowledge Services Panelists: Abdullah Douleh, Head of Local Real Estate, Jadwa Investment  Abdul-Rahman Hammad, Regional Director Middle East, IdealRatings

Nurturing Digitization and Financial Technology in Saudi Arabia

Through an expert panel we discuss the role of technology in the Saudi Arabian Islamic financial services industry, assessing the latest developments in platforms, products and delivery channels across a wide spectrum of financial services. What needs to be implemented for financial technology investment to thrive in Saudi Arabia? What model ensures successful integration of investors, accelerators and technology entrepreneurs and where and how will the next wave of investment opportunities in FinTech take place? Finally, can venture capital and private equity ever truly be Shariah compliant, and what role do they play in the brave new world of Islamic Fintech? Moderator: Husam Yaghi, CTO, Alhamrani Group Panelists: Maher Al Kaabi, Group Head of Islamic Banking, Emirates NBD  Mohammed Alsehli, CEO, Wethaq Peter…

Growth and Innovation of Capital Markets and Asset Management in the Kingdom: Highlights and Opportunities

We look at the development of convertible and exchangeable Sukuk, the initiation of domestic securitization programs for non-bank financial institutions, the potential for Waqf in capital markets and asset management, as well as recent investment management innovations such as trade finance funds, equity index funds, debt funds, securitization funds and REITs. We assess the diversification of funding for corporates in Saudi and the potential for syndicated finance and Sukuk issuance among medium-sized corporates, as well as recent developments and opportunities in the local equity market. We also discuss important issues such as the national privatisation program, the Shariah-compliance of tradable debt instruments, credit enhancement, ratings, and the development and deepening of domestic secondary markets. Moderator: Khalid Howladar, Managing Director and Founder,…

Using Privatization and Public-Private Partnerships to Finance Infrastructure Development in The Kingdom

We examine the privatization program in the Kingdom and address its objectives and challenges. We look at opportunities in key sectors and ask what role financial institutions can play in the PPP/BOT process – what has been done to date, what is expected from bank financing and capital markets and what can be learnt from overseas? We discuss the National Centre for Privatisation and ask what the private sector and Islamic finance can offer in the development of the Kingdom’s important infrastructure and social welfare projects and the long-term benefit of the Saudi people. Moderator: Shibeer Ahmed, Partner, Winston & Strawn Panelists: Abdulkader Thomas, CEO, SHAPE Knowledge Services  Faisal Mardam, Head of Structured Finance Division, Banque Saudi Fransi Mahmoud Abdel-Baky, Partner, Dentons

Presentation: Gold – Opportunities for Financial Innovation

Recent Shariah rulings have provided opportunities for products based around Gold. We take a detailed look at this interesting and innovative area. Andrew Naylor, Director, Central Banks and Public Policy, World Gold Council

Interview: Ethical and Sustainable Investment in the Kingdom and Beyond

Interviewer: Khalid Howladar, Managing Director and Founder, Acreditus Interviewees:  Abdulwahhab Abed, Head of Regional Business Development, SEDCO Capital Muhsin Jeena, Head of Regional Business, MENA & SEA, Old Mutual Investment Group

Interview: The Islamic Financial Institution of the Future – Digitization, Smart Contracts and Blockchain

We ask how corporate and retail banking, Takaful and payments are set to be revolutionised by the widespread adoption of digital disintermediation and distributed ledger technology. Interviewer: Khalid Howladar, Managing Director and Founder, Acreditus Interviewee: Ayman Sejiny, CEO and General Manager, Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector

Growing Mortgage Finance and Home Ownership in Saudi Arabia and Exploring the Role of Islamic Finance

We examine the financing of the Kingdom’s ambitious housing program through the growth and development of the domestic mortgage market. What needs to be done to further drive home ownership in the Kingdom and what else does the mortgage ecosystem require? What is the latest assessment of Saudi Arabian Mortgage Laws and where does Islamic finance play a role? We analyse the potential for real estate securitization and asset-backed Sukuk in Saudi and what the market needs for this to move forward including structures and regulation. Moderator: John Sandwick, General Manager, Safa Investment Services Panelists: Abdulelah Saleh Al-Shaikh, CEO, Saudi Home Loans Azizi Ali, Senior Vice-President, Business and Product Development, Cagamas (National Mortgage Corporation of Malaysia) Fabrice Susini, CEO, Saudi Real Estate Refinance Company …

Building a Nation: Funding Development in Saudi Arabia

We discuss key issues relevant to 2030 Vision and the funding of development in Saudi Arabia through Shariah compliant methods. These include the Kingdom’s housing program and the development of the mortgage finance industry, public-private partnerships and their role in privatization and infrastructure financing. We also examine the ascendancy of financial technology in Saudi Arabia, the performance of the domestic financing sector, regulatory change, FTSE/MSCI inclusion, as well as the extension of multi-lateral global trade deals and investment. Lastly, how can education and further development ensure these initiatives are sustainable and long-term? Moderator: John Sandwick, General Manager, Safa Investment Services Panelists: Abdulkader Thomas, CEO, SHAPE Knowledge Services  Asher Noor, Chief Investment Officer and CFO, AlTouq Group Ayman Sejiny, CEO and General Manager, Islamic Corporation…