Islamic banks tap a rich new business

In little more than a decade, Islamic banking has grown into a $200 billion a year industry. With top global banks entering the market, it is deepening its professionalism and broadening out with sophisticated and ingenious new products, including private equity, mortgages and even some securitization. Regulators are striving to impose stricter regimes. But individual Sharia courts can still be at odds over what is deemed compliant with Islamic law.

Egyptian Coptic Christian community banks like the high quality of service. In Malaysia, the good rates of return appeal to Chinese businessmen. And in Europe the socially aware may find the ethical credentials attractive. Islamic banking’s appeal is indeed as broad, if not broader, than that of secular commercial banking. Atif Abdulmalik is typical of the new breed of dynamic, innovative manager that is transforming Islamic banking. Abdulmalik, chief executive of First Islamic investment Bank, jets between such cities as Houston and the bank’s modern headquarters in Bahrain’s capital selling the bank aggressively.

Access intelligence that drives action

To unlock this research, enter your email to log in or enquire about access

Islamic banks tap a rich new business

Access intelligence that drives action

Euromoney acquired by Triple Private Equity

Doing well by doing good: Tackling Asia’s climate and ageing megatrends

Transaction banking in MEA

From Vision to Ambition: Evolving ESG Strategies in GCC banking