Islamic Finance News


Gamuda debuts first-of-its-kind Islamic ESG-linked financing with OCBC Malaysia

Gamuda Bhd has partnered with OCBC Bank (Malaysia) Bhd and OCBC Al-Amin Bank Bhd (collectively OCBC Malaysia) for its inaugural shariah-compliant sustainability-linked financing facility with an embedded sustainable derivative solution.

The Edge Market

9 January 2023

The ups and downs of the OPR

The anticipation of a further increase in overnight policy rate (OPR) by the central bank at the end of the month has triggered concern among many who fear for the state of their household finances.

Malaysia Now

9 January 2023

PNB's Islamic finance experiment, wakaf ASNB hits RM30mil in funds

Permodalan Nasional Bhd’s (PNB) newly launched Wakaf ASNB has hit RM30 million in funds and is slated for its maiden dividend distribution in the first half of 2023, said president and chief executive Ahmad Zulqarnain Onn.

The Star

27 December 2022

Value of Shariah-Compliant Products in Nigerian Capital Market to Reach NGN 5 Trillion by 2025

Nigeria is anticipating the listing of 50 Shariah-compliant products with a market value of NGN 5 trillion (USD 2.2 billion) between now and 2025, as per a statement made by Lamido Yuguda, the Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), on the 7th of December 2022.

IM Insight

15 December 2022

Al Kawthar Leasing Company selects ICS BANKS Islamic Finance Leasing Software

Al Kawthar Leasing Company – a private shareholding company owned by Arab Jordan Investment Bank – AJIB, selected ICS BANKS Finance Leasing Solution from ICS Financial Systems – ICSFS, the global software and services provider for banks and financial institutions.

IBS intelligence

12 December 2022

US SEC issues new guidance on disclosing crypto risk

The US securities regulator on Thursday (Dec 8) advised public companies to examine whether they need to disclose to investors any potential impacts from turmoil in the cryptocurrency industry.

The Sun Daily

9 December 2022

Emirates Islamic named ‘Best Islamic Bank for SMEs’ at MEA Finance Awards 2022

Emirates Islamic Business Banking was recognised for its innovative proposition for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and its status as a preferred bank for entrepreneurs seeking Shariah-compliant products and services for their businesses

Zawya

6 December 2022

LOLC Al-Falaah wins multiple golds at Sri Lanka Islamic Banking and Financial Institution Awards

LOLC Al-Falaah was felicitated with two prominent awards within the Islamic Banking and Finance services sector in Sri Lanka, at the 11th edition of the SLIBFI (Sri Lanka Islamic Banking and Financial Institution) awards. Securing the Gold award for ‘Leasing Company of the Year’ and Gold award for ‘Window of the Year’ were significant, as LOLC Al-Falaah have won these awards consecutively over the years.

Daily Mirror

6 December 2022

Bank Nizwa receives two prestigious awards at Alam Al-Iktisaad's Islamic Banking and Finance Summit 2022

Bank Nizwa, the leading and fastest-growing Islamic Bank has recently been awarded the 'Islamic Bank of the Year' title and 'Best Sustainable Banking Products Innovation' accolade at the Alam Al Iktisaad's Islamic Banking and Finance Summit (IBFS) 2022. Held under the patronage of His Highness Sayyid Fehr Bin Fatik Al Said, His Excellency Tahir Al Amri, Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman, was the Guest of Honour and keynote speaker. Bank Nizwa was the event's Presenting Sponsor, which was organised on the 29th of November at the Crowne Plaza, Qurum.

Zawya

5 December 2022

Islamic Coin wins ESG Crypto at The Middle East Blockchain Awards

In acknowledgment of its commitment to sustainability, Islamic Coin, ethics-first digital money that complies with Shariah law, has won Most Promising ESG Crypto at the MEBA awards.

Khaleej Times

30 November 2022

2022 Islamic Finance Recap: As the space continues to evolve, Blockchain stands to play a big part

Despite the global economy being ravaged by turmoil induced by the Covid-19 pandemic over the last couple of years, the Islamic finance industry has emerged relatively unscathed

Finance Feeds

29 November 2022

QIIB sponsors Islamic Finance conference

Within the framework of QIIB’s role in spreading the principles of Islamic banking and economics, QIIB provided a sponsorship for the Islamic Finance Conference, that was recently held at Harvard University under the theme “Waqf and Philanthropic Foundations: Shared Values for Socio-Economic Development”.

The Peninsula

29 November 2022

Islamic finance growing in Bangladesh: Fitch Ratings

Islamic finance is likely to continue growing over the medium term in Bangladesh – driven by rising public demand, new branch openings, and supportive government policies, said a report by US-based credit rating agency Fitch Ratings.

Pakistan Observer

25 November 2022

11th Global Islamic Microfinance Forum successfully concluded in Dubai – UAE

11th Global Islamic Microfinance Forum was successfully concluded at Metropolitan Hotel Dubai, UAE under the patronage of AAOIFI Bahrain. The purpose of that forum was to promote, strengthen and unite the organizations of Islamic microfinance (IsMF) with the theme of financial Inclusion, outreach strategies & innovations.

Zawya

24 November 2022

Dubai Islamic Bank hosts 2022 Trade Club Alliance General Assembly in Dubai

Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB), the largest Islamic bank in the UAE and a leading powerhouse in the world of Islamic Finance, hosted the 2022 Trade Club Alliance (TCA) General Assembly at an exclusive event, held on the 14th and 15th of November 2022 at the Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk.

Zawya

21 November 2022

Ahli islamic sponsors the Al Roya Omani Islamic Banking Conference

Furthering its objective to be a key player in Oman’s Islamic financing industry, ahli islamic sponsored the recently concluded first-of-its-kind Al Roya Islamic Banking Conference, as a key contributor to the success of the event.

Zawya

21 November 2022

Islamic Party Wins in Malaysia Lead to Alcohol, Gambling Stocks Plunge

Stocks related to gaming and alcohol slumped in Malaysia after an Islamic party garnered the most seats at the country’s elections on Saturday, paving the way for an alliance it’s a part of to form the next government.

Yahoo Finance

21 November 2022

Azentio Software wins Excellence in Islamic Banking Solutions Award at Finnovex Saudi Arabia 2022

Azentio Software ("Azentio"), a Singapore-headquartered technology firm owned by funds advised by Apax Partners, announced today that it has won the 'Excellence in Islamic Banking Solutions' award at Finnovex Saudi Arabia 2022, for the Azentio ONEBanking Islamic Software Suite, an industry-leading technology and best-selling Islamic core banking suite globally.

Yahoo Finance

21 November 2022

BAYC Instagram and Discord Hacked: Over $13 Million in NFTs Stolen

The Bored Ape Yacht Club (BAYC) community didn’t have a pleasant start to the week, as some of the users have fallen prey to a hack. Some of the users seem to have lost their NFTs through a fake mint link that was sent out to the followers.

Watcher News

26 April 2022

Al Rajhi Bank selects Moneythor to boost personal finance features

Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia (ARBM), a subsidiary of Al Rajhi Bank of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, has selected Moneythor, a digital banking solution provider to implement innovative personal financial management (PFM) features in its upcoming digital bank in Malaysia.

Digital News Asia

26 April 2022

Ghana: Provide Financial Support for Establishment of Islamic Bank - Alhassan Andani

A former Chief Executive Officer of Stanbic Bank, Naa Alhassan Andani, has appealed to stakeholders in the Muslim communities to provide financial support for the establishment of an Islamic Bank to address the financial needs of all Muslims.

Allafrica.com

19 April 2022

Islamic Finance Deals Have the Best Start Ever With Oil Up 40%

Global offerings of sukuk are off to their busiest start on record this year, with bankers at HSBC Holdings Plc and Deutsche Bank AG citing the high price of oil as a driver of the vibrant issuance.

Bloomberg

31 March 2022

Islamic finance remains niche in Luxembourg: report

Luxembourg remains the European leader in the domiciliation of Islamic funds. But the sector has changed little since 2016 and is now facing competition from other financial hubs. The market is less buoyant than expected, due to the lack of local roots.

Delano

29 March 2022

Deloitte Lead Financial Advisor on Over USD 650 Million in Project Financing for Independent Sewage Treatment Plants in Saudi Arabia

Deloitte Middle East was the lead financial adviser to the consortium of Acciona Agua, Tawzea and Tamasuk on three Independent Sewage Treatment Plants (ISTPs) procured by the Saudi Water Partnership Company.

Albawaba

27 March 2022

Malaysia Seeks Sustainable Lead to Drive Islamic Finance Growth

Islamic finance pioneer Malaysia is looking for new drivers to reignite growth for its $286 million industry. Sustainable finance and digitization of services will lead the way, with lenders expected to adopt technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data to break into under-served markets, said Bank Negara Malaysia Assistant Governor Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid.

Bloomberg

24 March 2022

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank Provides $61 million in Financing for Green-Certified Projects in Saudi Arabia

The Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has revealed the provision of $61 million in financing for green-certified projects in Saudi Arabia.

Arabian Business

23 March 2022

Lack of Data, Information Stagnate Research on Islamic Finance

LACK OF research, data and insufficient information in Islamic finance industry are seen as the key challenges that stagnate the industry, says Islamic Development Bank VP finance and CFO Dr Zamir Iqbal.

The Malaysian Reserve

23-March-2022

Indonesia raises $195mil from Islamic Bond Auction

JAKARTA - Indonesia sold 2.8 trillion rupiah ($195.04 million) worth of Islamic bonds in a biweekly auction on Tuesday, the finance ministry said, below a 9 trillion rupiah target.

Zawya

22 March 2022

Abundant Opportunities in Islamic Fintech

PETALING JAYA: Islamic financial technology (fintech) holds immense potential to serve consumers that are unbanked, uninvested and uninsured, according to Malayan Banking Bhd (Maybank) chairman Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa.

The Star

22 March 2022

Slow Adoption of ESG due to Data Scarcity

KUALA LUMPUR (March 21): The lack of data is one of the main reasons for the slow adoption of environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles among Islamic finance institutions. Responsible Finance and Investment Foundation (RFI) chief executive officer Blake Goud said there is a need for players to take the first step.

The Edge Markets

21 March 2022

Afghanistan Dispatch: The Taliban Want to Replace The Conventional Banking System with Islamic Banking

Law students and lawyers in Afghanistan are filing reports with JURIST on the situation there after the Taliban takeover. Here, a Staff Correspondent for JURIST in Kabul reports on recent changes to laws affecting the banking and financial sector of Afghanistan.

Jurist

20 March 2022

Speakers Call for Wider Outreach of Islamic Finance and Its Literacy

Speakers of an Islamic Financial Literacy summit hosted by International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) here on Thursday, opined that there is a sheer need of promoting the Islamic finance with an increased outreach to a wider segment of society. They recommended that instead of long term finance to the new entrepreneurs and SMEs equity must be promoted.

Pakistan Observer

18 March 2022

DIB Gets Students #ReadyforTomorrow

Dubai: From being a pioneer Islamic financial institution, the first in the world to today, the largest Islamic bank in the UAE and the second largest the world over, Dubai Islamic Bank (DIB) has been rapidly transforming itself to keep up with the ever-evolving world.

Zawya

17 March 2022

Indian Muslims See Appeal of Sharia-Compliant Stocks on The Local Bourse

Muslims are changing their perspectives on halal and haram stocks following online education courses.

Salaam Gateway

17 March 2022

Saudi Arabia Issues $2.75bln Sukuk in March, Kingdom's Debt Offices Reports

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia's National Debt Management Center has closed the March 2022 issuance of Saudi riyal-denominated sukuk, valued at SR10.3 billion ($2.75 billion).

Zawya

16 March 2022

KLK Issues RM2b Worth of Islamic Bonds

Palm oil producer Kuala Lumpur Kepong Bhd (KLK) has issued RM2 billion worth of Islamic bonds or sukuk through two tranches under its Islamic Medium-Term Notes (IMTN) programme of up to RM2 billion.

The Edge Market

16 March 2022

MoF to Raise Up to RM50b to Fund MRT3

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) has committed up to RM50 billion in financing for the Mass Rapid Transit 3 (MRT3) Circle Line project, whose initial estimated construction cost is RM31 billion plus land acquisition of RM8 billion.

The Edge Market

15 March 2022

Long-term sukuk remains well placed to face global headwinds, says Franklin Templeton CIO

An important financial instrument in Islamic and non-Islamic countries alike, the sukuk market has been marginally affected by global uncertainty so far.

Zawya

15 March 2022

Spain’s Acciona inks $480m green loans for Saudi sewage treatment plants

Acciona, the Spanish conglomerate, together with its local partners Tawzea and Tamasuk, has closed green loans totaling $480 million for three independent sewage treatment plants (ISTPs) in Saudi Arabia.

Arabian Business

13 March 2022

Islamic finance and lived religion in Denmark and Norway

Studies of lived religion among Muslims in Europe increasingly analyse how Muslims’ everyday practices are informed by religious beliefs, norms and values. This includes studies about food preparation, hijab fashion and shopping. Yet, religious influence on the economic aspects of Muslims’ everyday lives remains largely unexplored.

PRIO

14 March 2022

Saudi's Alkhabeer Capital kick-starts IPO of Islamic fund

Alkhabeer Capital, a Saudi-listed Islamic investment and advisory firm, has kick-started the initial public offering (IPO) of its Shariah-compliant fund.

Zawya

14 March 2022

Tech-based lenders bet on syariah banking in Indonesia

JAKARTA, March 13 (The Straits Times/ANN): Newly established tech-based lenders are enthusiastically tapping into syariah banking in Indonesia, betting on an underpenetrated market with a potential customer base of 45 million in a country with the world's largest Muslim population.

The Star

13 March 2022

Will Maldives Develop Offshore Islamic Finance Sector from Growth in Local Services?

The Indian Ocean archipelago Maldives is developing an Islamic finance sector, although it may need to strengthen legislation and local turnover to attract sufficient international players to develop an offshore hub.

Salaam Gateway

10 Mar 2022

Agrobank Introduces Takaful Plan Worth RM10 mil for Women Micro-Agropreneurs

KUALA LUMPUR (March 8): Agrobank has launched a special campaign aimed at empowering women agropreneurs, offering takaful coverage worth RM10 million in conjunction with the International Women's Day 2022.

The Edge Market

8 March 2022

Islamic Banking in Egypt Amounts to EGP 429bn in 2021: Eifa

The volume of Islamic banking in Egypt amounted to about EGP 429bn in 2021, representing about 5% of the total size of the Egyptian banking market, an increase of EGP 63.6bn from 2020, with a growth rate of 17.4%, according to a report from the Egyptian Islamic Finance Association (Eifa).

Daily News Egypt

6 March 2022

Malaysian Firms Ready to Enter Global Islamic FinTech Market

MALAYSIA is gearing up to be the global leader in Islamic FinTech, with these companies paving the way forward. According to Dinar Standard's Global Islamic FinTech Report 2021, the Islamic FinTechmarket is projected to grow to US$128 billion (RM536 billion) by 2025.

New Straits Times

5 January 2022

Wahed Debuts First Shariah-Compliant and ESG-Aware ETF on Nasdaq

Wahed, a financial investment company that aims to advance financial inclusion through accessible, affordable, and values-based investing, will debut the Nasdaq's first Shariah-compliant and ESG-aware ETF today.

Business Wire

7 January 2022

Murabaha, Tawarruq Gain in Importance as Financing Tools at Saudi Islamic Banks

Murabaha and Tawarruq contracts prompted a 19 percent annual rise in total financing provided by Saudi Islamic banks as of Sep. 30 2021.

Arab News

30 December 2021

Warba Bank Celebrates Listing of $250mln Tier-1 Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai

Shaheen H. Al-Ghanem, CEO of Warba Bank, a leading Kuwaiti Islamic Bank, Tuesday rang the market-opening bell to celebrate the listing of the Bank's US$250 million perpetual Tier-1 Sukuk on Nasdaq Dubai, in the presence of Hamed Ali, CEO of Nasdaq Dubai and Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

Zawya

28 December 2021

Islamic Finance Industry Growing

The global Islamic capital market's growth next year is hinged on the pace of policy revisions by major central banks and stable Sukuk issuances, says Standard and Poor's Global Ratings Islamic Finance global head Mohamad Damak.

The Star

9 December 2021

IsDBI and IFE Lab Announce Award Winners for Best Application of Agent-based Simulation in Islamic Finance

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) (www.IsDBInstitute.org) and the Islamic Financial Engineering Laboratory (IFE Lab) have announced winners of the second edition of the International Award for the Best Application of Agent-Based Simulation (ABS) in Islamic Economics and Finance.

African Business

29 December 2021

Sharlife Launches in Malaysia

Sharlife, an Islamic Finance comparison website has been launched in Malaysia. The platform aims to provide information on Shariah Compliant financial products by Islamic banks and Takaful operators.

Islamic Finance News

26 November 2021