Contemporary Issues In Islamic Finance

The development of Islamic banking and finance (IBF) previously centred around three regions of the world: the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. However, in recent years, this has expanded, as interest in IBF has gained momentum in Australia, the USA, and Europe, especially in the UK. Several Western market players have established their own Islamic window or subsidiaries to cater to the need of growing Muslim populations in these regions. This book examines the recent developments in IBF, particularly in the context of Islamic social finance instruments, such as Islamic microfinance, halal education, takaful, mutual funds, and waqf. It covers the religiosity, spirituality, and tawhid index, which promotes social well-being and empowerment. The book is interdisciplinary, and theories, practice, and key issues are presented simultaneously, introducing new ideas and techniques to the IBF community. Moreover, the book examines topics such as innovation in Islamic social finance instruments, advanced techniques of risk mitigation in Islamic capital markets, marketing and the halal industry, and shari’ah-compliant instruments, which are critical to Islamic finance. The book is an essential reference text for academics and research students at the master’s and doctorate levels in IBF.

Islamic finance is one of the fastest growing segments in the global financial market. However, while the principles and concepts of Islamic finance date since the founding of Islam, it is only recently that widespread application and practice has developed. Further, while predominately Muslim countries obviously fuel the growth of Islamic finance world-wide, both Islamic and conventional financial institutions in countries with smaller Muslim populations, including the UK, the US, and in Europe, are increasingly providing Shariah-compliant financial products and services. The recent global financial crisis especially has encouraged customers and regulators in many countries to consider Islamic finance as an alternative to conventional financial systems. This book compiles recent and cutting edge research in Islamic finance, including Islamic banking, and provides a useful starting point for discussion and policy formulation for academic, industry and government researchers, practitioners, policymakers, and students alike throughout the world. Contributors to the volume include academics with Islamic finance expertise and practitioners and policymakers with a long history of involvement in the sector from across four countries. This mix ensures that the book has comprehensive coverage of many of the issues involved, is highly accessible to the professional and non-professional reader alike, and that it will serve as an authoritative source of information on Islamic finance for years to come.

Islamic finance with social responsibility (IFSR) is the new theme of this book. It has been introduced to the general public and is now being promoted by the author through his own writing on Islamic Finance News. I am thankful to its chairman who encourages me to continue writing so those in power in Islamic finance institutions can benefit from my expertise and knowledge in this field. I hope some of my innovative business ideas that I promote in this book will be implemented in order to give hopes to young generation that IFSR is the new vehicle for change for the betterment of mankind in this universe. The main purpose behind introducing the new concept (IFSR) is the food crisis that hurts the poor and needy badly and has now started to adversely affect a wider segment of societies in Asia, Africa, and Middle East due to soaring food costs and the rise of inflation that may trigger civil unrest in many parts of the Muslim world (MW). The cause’s of the surge in food crisis is the massive production of biofuels, which is “a crime against humanity” according to a UN official because of its impact on global food prices that has completely ruined agriculture and will starve millions of people.

This book explores how Islam can impact the structures and performance of firms, financial institutions and capital markets across a range of countries and industries. The Islamic finance industry represents an important reality not only because of the oil wealth of the Gulf states, which have fueled demand for such financial services, but also for an increased demand from a growing Muslim population in the West that aspires to express a full and all-inclusive religious identity. The increased demand for Muslim financial institutions has prompted Western non-Islamic firms to begin providing these services in an interesting effort of acculturation to the new plural scenario. By adopting a multidisciplinary approach, which also takes into account the theological, legal and geopolitical framework, the book offers a comprehensive picture of Islamic financial tools, contracts and business opportunities. Drawing on different fields of expertise, it deals with various themes, such as the theological roots of Islamic economics and finance and its geopolitical impact; the EU policy of cooperation with MENA and GCC countries; the instruments of Islamic finance, its legal principle and ability to become an instrument for enhancing business opportunities; the functioning of Islamic banks; the development of capital markets within a financial model influenced by religious constraints and, finally, the new relationships of this religious financial system with Western legal systems. The book thus provides a complete and extensive overview of the practice of Islamic finance through the lenses offered by studies of economics and management. Providing a careful analysis and an integrated framework of geo-economic and political issues, the book will be a valuable resource for academics, researchers and professionals in International Business, Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management, Law and Religion and Intercultural Studies.

This book presents contemporary issues in financial reporting of Islamic financial institutions. Two key areas are covered namely, accounting for Islamic financial transactions and shariah governance. The main motivation to publish this book is to share our understanding on the unique nature of Islamic finance industry and the approach to be taken in accounting and reporting of Islamic financial transactions. Also, the book illustrate the importance of shariah governance in ensuring end-to-end shariah compliance. This book is to provide a practical guidance to researchers, industry practitioners and the others stakeholders.

The phenomenal worldwide development over the past decade of Islamic banking and finance is drawing much attention to South East Asia, which, on the platform of its own economic growth success, is also proving to be the gateway for Middle Eastern petrodollar investments into the two great emerging markets of India and China. This book provides a timely examination of the issues confronting this US$300-US$500 billion market growing at 15 per cent - 20 per cent per annum, with reviews of the different financial markets, be they capital (sukuk), retail or wealth management.It further includes reviews from the various jurisdictions including Malaysia (the front-runner), Singapore (the regional financial hub), Brunei (an offshore Islamic market player) and the sleeping giant, Indonesia, as well as newly emerging participants such as Japan and the United States. Contributors, all well-known leading practitioners in their fields, range from lawyers, accountants, bankers and educators to policy advisors, and come from institutions like CIMB, Kuwait Finance House, OCBC Bank and PricewaterhouseCoopers, among others.This book, the first of its kind, will be of great benefit to those seeking to better understand current developments and issues affecting Islamic banking in South East Asia, from both global and regional perspectives.

This book explores contemporary issues and trends facing Islamic banks, businesses and economies as presented at the International Conference of Islamic Economics, Banking and Finance. The authors leverage current empirical research and statistics to provide unique and fresh perspectives on the changing world of Islamic finance. They focus specifically on to the implementation of Islamic financial instruments and services in global capital markets and how their success can be evaluated. Chapters feature case studies from all over the world including examples from Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and the United Kingdom, to name a few. The breadth and immediacy of the research presented by the authors will appeal to practitioners and scholars alike. The global outlook and rich data-based approach adopted in this book guarantee that it is a timely and valuable addition to the field of Islamic finance.