Browse Archives
Pitch Playground
An exclusive opportunity to hear technology ventures from various funding stages to pitch their businesses and ideas. Umar Munshi, Founder, Ethis Group
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
Environmental, Socially Responsible Investing and Islamic Investment: Opportunities for Development and Growth
We examine responsible, environmental and green finance in Asia and ask how ethical and Islamic finance can potentially become closer interlinked. We also discuss how Southeast Asia can grow its existing ESG niche among asset managers and owners and what role Islamic and ESG asset management can play toward achieving sustainable development goals. Do green bonds and Sukuk offer viable long-term investments and how can the industry address the relative scarcity of credible climate-related and low-carbon investment opportunities? When will Asia see the launch of a socially conscious ETF? Moderator: Daud Vicary Abdullah, Managing Director, DVA Consulting Panelists: Angelia Chin Sharpe, CEO/Country Head, Malaysia and Brunei, BNP Paribas Asset Management Bilal Parvaiz, Director, Islamic Business and Product Management, Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia Cedric Rimaud, ASEAN…
Real Estate Investment and REITs in Southeast Asia: Opportunities for Islamic Investors
Through an expert panel we discuss the evolution of the real estate investment and REIT market in Southeast Asia. How has the REIT market performed, what can we expect in the coming year and what is current investor sentiment and appetite? We discuss the role of regulation, asset quality and diversification. We also analyze direct real estate investment and assess the opportunities on offer for Shariah compliant investors. Moderator: Nicholas Edmondes, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins Panelists: Abdullah Douleh, Vice-President and Head of Real Estate, Jadwa Investment Jana Sehnalova, CEO, La Française Forum Securities Jeyabalan Parasingam, Partner, Azimuth Global Partners Zulhilmy Kamaruddin, Director, Investment Banking, RHB Banking Group
Innovation in Islamic Investment Management: Waqf
We discuss the growing importance of revitalizing Waqf through the development and use of innovative capital market instruments. We examine how, through innovative products and services, we can further develop Waqf assets in order to facilitate growth in the Islamic investment and asset management industry, thereby promoting financial inclusion and social development. Moderator: Aida Othman, Director, ZICO Shariah Advisory Services Panelists: Aiza Azreen Ahmad, Director, Strategic Development, Boost eWallet Mohd Nazri Chik, Group Chief Shariah Officer, Bank Islam Dr Ridzwan Bakar, Professional Lecturer, Multimedia Universiti, Treasurer, International Waqf Action Council (iWaqf)
Sukuk, Capital Markets and Asset Management
Will the recent sovereign Sukuk enable the expansion of the Moroccan sovereign, sub-sovereign and private sector Sukuk market in support of the national development plan? What does the sovereign mean for the local market and what investment and liquidity management opportunities does it offer domestic Islamic banks? Through an expert panel we analyze product structures, the securitization regulatory framework, ratings, structuring issues and the use of SPVs in asset transfer and ownership. We also discuss the recent launch of the Moroccan Islamic Equity Index and discuss opportunities for local capital market participants and asset managers. Moderator: Zaineb Sefiani, Founder, Carrera Learning Panelists: Badr Benyoussef, Chief Business Development Officer, Casablanca Stock Exchange Monsif Ghaffouli, CIO, Wafa Gestion Noreddine Tahiri, CEO, AjarInvest Yassine Temli, Managing Partner, Maghreb…
Chairman’s Welcome
John Sandwick, General Manager, Safa Investment Service
Green Sukuk and Finance: Renewable Energy and Sustainable Projects
With SRI regulatory frameworks in place, the rise of stewardship and responsible investment, assets available and in many cases, fully Shariah compliant, green finance has a bright future. Through recent notable transactions we analyze product structures, investor demand, rating and reporting issues and ask whether green Sukuk is the way forward for funding sustainable and environmentally responsible projects and achieving sustainable development goals in Southeast Asia. Moderator: Azleena Idris, Head of Legal, KFH Malaysia Panelists: Azlin Ahmad, Senior Associate, Herbert Smith Freehills Chairil Nazri Ahmad, Head of Sector – Energy and Facilities Management, UiTM Holdings Hatini Mat Husin, Senior Director/Head Debt, Markets and Advisory, Affin Hwang Capital Lee Joo Wee, Head of Debt Markets, OCBC Malaysia Rashyid Anwarudin, Vice-President, Group Sustainability and Quality Management, Sime Darby Plantations
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…
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
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
Keynote Interview
Interviewee: Dr. Bello Lawal Danbatta, Secretary-General, Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) Interviewer: Peter Godwin, Managing Partner, Herbert Smith Freehills