Governance Risk Management And Financial Product Development In Islamic Financial Institutions

Master's Thesis from the year 2010 in the subject Business economics - Investment and Finance, grade: 1,7, Maastricht University (School of Business and Economics), course: -, language: English, abstract: 1.1 General Introduction to the Topic Islamic finance is on the march. The underlying logic is simple: All investments and services are consistent with the principles of Islamic law, called Shari'ah, which literally means 'a clear path to be followed and observed' (Hourani, 2004a). This clear path is followed only if profit does not stem from interest (riba), speculation (gharrar) or sectors that are considered sinful according to the Qur'an (haraam), namely everything that involves alcohol, tobacco, entertainment, gambling or pork, just to name a few. The high potential of Islamic finance is clear for three reasons. The first reason relates to the emergence of a new consumer type, as there is increased demand for a Shari'ah-compliant way of investing that stems from increased globalization. The middle class from emerging markets rose from one third to 56 percent between the 1990s and 2006 (The Economist, 2009). Many Muslim countries can be found in the list of emerging markets, such as Egypt, Pakistan and Indonesia. With the Muslim population of the world exceeding 1.5 billion people (about 21 percent of the world population) and due to the fact that it is the fastest growing religion, it becomes clear why the general conditions for Islamic finance are so favourable (Central Intelligence Agency, 2009). The second reason relates to the global trend for sustainable investment; the fact that Islamic finance is an ethical way of investing which does not invest in harmful businesses and instead donates purified gains to charity is becoming more and more attractive among non-Muslim investors as well (Global Finance, 2007). The Shari'ah aspect makes Islamic financial products an alternative to socially responsible investments (Khan, 2009). The last reason is a matter of

Gain insight into the unique risk management challenges within the Islamic banking system Risk Management for Islamic Banks: Recent Developments from Asia and the Middle East analyzes risk management strategies in Islamic banking, presented from the perspectives of different banking institutions. Using comprehensive global case studies, the book details the risks involving various banking institutions in Indonesia, Malaysia, UAE, Bahrain, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia, pointing out the different management strategies that arise as a result of Islamic banking practices. Readers gain insight into risk management as a comprehensive system, and a process of interlinked continuous cycles that integrate into every business activity within Islamic banks. The unique processes inherent in Islamic banking bring about complex risks not experienced by traditional banks. From Shariah compliance, to equity participation contracts, to complicated sale contracts, Islamic banks face unique market risks. Risk Management for Islamic Banks covers the creation of an appropriate risk management environment, as well as a stage-based implementation strategy that includes risk identification, measurement, mitigation, monitoring, controlling, and reporting. The book begins with a discussion of the philosophy of risk management, then delves deeper into the issue with topics like: Risk management as an integrated system The history, framework, and process of risk management in Islamic banking Financing, operational, investment, and market risk Shariah compliance and associated risk The book also discusses the future potential and challenges of Islamic banking, and outlines the risk management pathway. As an examination of the wisdom, knowledge, and ideal practice of Islamic banking, Risk Management for Islamic Banks contains valuable insights for those active in the Islamic market.

Islamic finance is emerging as a rapidly growing part of the financial sector in the Islamic world and is not restricted to Islamic countries, but is spreading wherever there is a sizable Muslim community. According to some estimates, more than 250 financial institutions in over 45 countries practice some form of Islamic finance, and the industry has been growing at a rate of more than 15 percent annually for the past several years. The market's current annual turnover is estimated to be $70 billion, compared with a mere $5 billion in 1985, and is projected to hit the $100 billion mark by the turn of the century. Since the emergence of Islamic banks in the early 1970s, considerable research has been conducted, mainly focusing on the viability, design and operations of a deposit-accepting financial institution, which operates primarily on the basis of profit and loss partnerships rather than interest. This publication provides a comprehensive overview of topics related to the assessment, analysis, and management of various types of risks in the field of Islamic banking. It is an attempt to provide a high-level framework (aimed at non-specialist executives) attuned to the current realities of changing economies and Islamic financial markets. This approach emphasizes the accountability of key players in the corporate governance process in relation to the management of different dimensions of Islamic financial risk.

A detailed look at the fast-growing field of Islamic finance and banking The guiding principle of Islamic finance has existed throughout Islamic history, yet modern Islamic banking has been around for a relatively short period of time. Author Amr Mohamed El Tiby is an expert in this field, and with this new book, he reveals how you can benefit from the use of Islamic banking strategies in your financial endeavors. Engaging and accessible, Islamic Banking shows the impact this approach has made on conventional banking since the 1950s, and why it's such a big player in the current market. It offers a unique look at various aspects of this field, including the salient features of Islamic banking that distinguishes it from non-Islamic banking, the development of the regulatory bodies and supervisory agencies that support the Islamic banking system, and much more. It also explores the nature of risk in Islamic banking and the issues of capital adequacy, corporate governance, transparency, and risk associated with Islamic banking. Discusses the history and development of Islamic finance Offers straightforward strategies for implementing Islamic finance into your business activities Sheds light on the effect of the global economic crisis on Islamic banks versus conventional banks Filled with in-depth insights and expert advice, this detailed analysis of Islamic finance will help you gain a firm understanding of how effective this proven approach can be.

The provision and use of financial services and products that conform to Islamic religious principles pose special challenges for the identification, measurement, monitoring, and control of underlying risks. Effective and efficient risk management in Islamic financial institutions has assumed particular importance as they endeavor to cope with the challenges of globalization. This requires the development of not only a more suitable regulatory framework, but also new financial instruments and institutional arrangements to provide an enabling operational environment for Islamic finance. The recent establishment of the Islamic Financial Services Board, facilitated by the IMF, addresses these needs.

Deep, insightful analysis of controversial risk management issues in Islamic banking Mapping the Risks And Risk Management Practices In Islamic Banking is a comprehensive analysis of the current state of risk management practices within the Islamic banking industry, with recommendations for policy makers, bankers, and industry stakeholders. Going beyond the academic, this book presents the opinions and perceptions of industry financiers and bankers, alongside primary information and data collected by Islamic finance professionals to deconstruct and analyze the sector's current risk management practices. You'll get up to date on the latest attitudes and trends, and delve into the current issues surrounding risk management in Islamic banks. With a focus on practical applications, this authoritative guide discusses the unique risks facing Islamic banks, from the perspective of a wide range of practitioners. Risk management is one of the biggest, most controversial issues in Islamic finance, yet it remains under-researched. Many uncertainties exist for which the answers are still unclear, yet will play a large role in shaping the industry's future. This book digs deep into current ideas and practices to discover what's being done, what needs to be done, and what needs to stop happening to keep the future of Islamic finance strong. Explore both Islamic and traditional attitudes toward risk Examine current Islamic risk management practices Understand the latest industry issues and trends Consider the diverse range of risks unique to the Islamic banking sector Effective risk management in Islamic banking deserves priority attention. Unless the industry develops its own genuine risk management architecture, it cannot achieve its full potential and the viability needed for a more resilient financial system than the debunked Wall Street model. Mapping the Risks and Risk Management Practices in Islamic Banking provides a deep, authoritative analysis of where the industry is today and where it needs to develop.

A practical guide for robust sharī'ah governance of the Islamic banking industry Debate in the market on the extent of sharī'ah compliance of Islamic banks, their products, and activities has piqued stakeholders' interest. In Foundations of Sharī'ah Governance of Islamic Banks, Karim Ginena and Azhar Hamid explore the depths of sharī'ah governance to unravel its mysterious dimensions, and equip academics and practitioners with a solid understanding of the subject, which has become a serious challenge and thus deserves dedicated attention. The authors make a strong case for the need to contain the sharī'ah risk that Islamic banks experience, and present a compelling argument for how this should be done. Ginena and Hamid propose a robust sharī'ah governance model that comprehensively tackles thisrisk, and helps improve the extent of sharī'ah compliance of market players. The authors detail the internal, external, and institutional arrangements needed to promote responsible sharī'ah governance, and critically analyze current laws, regulations, and industry practices on the topic. The chapters of the book do the following: Examine the roots, characteristics and objectives of sharī'ah and its relation to financial dealings; Probe the role of regulators in sharī'ah governance, explore the different approaches adopted by banking supervisors, and provide examples of relevant legal and regulatory measures; Explain to bank directors and management the fiduciary duty they assume with respect to sharī'ah compliance, and detail how they could discharge this responsibility in line with best practices; Elaborate on the purpose of the Sharī'ah Supervisory Board (SSB), its responsibilities, competence criteria, internal regulations, and key governance guidelines; additionally, they explore different SSB models; Describe the internal sharī'ah control system including its six components, and examine the internal sharī'ah audit function as well as different stages of conducting a sharī'ah audit; Clarify the role of a sharī'ah auditor, with guidance on reporting lines, scope of duties, authority, and practical ways on fulfilling tasks, such as a sample sharī'ah risk assessment grid and audit checklists; Discuss the newly emerging external sharī'ah advisory firms that are expected to play a key role in the coming years and the services they provide. Through an effective treatment of each of these elements, and the way that they interact with one another, the book offers a fresh take on how robust sharī'ah governance of Islamic banks can be successfully accomplished. It is a comprehensive resource for academics, regulators, directors, lawyers, auditors, consultants, employees, and customers of Islamic banks interested in learning more about these challenges. This essential reading persuasively extends the discourse on the subject and addresses critical sharī'ah issues that have policy implications for decision makers in jurisdictions aiming to attract the fast-growing Islamic finance industry or increase their market share.

Master's Thesis from the year 2010 in the subject Business economics - Investment and Finance, grade: 1,7, Maastricht University (School of Business and Economics), course: -, language: English, abstract: 1.1 General Introduction to the Topic Islamic finance is on the march. The underlying logic is simple: All investments and services are consistent with the principles of Islamic law, called Shari’ah, which literally means ‘a clear path to be followed and observed’ (Hourani, 2004a). This clear path is followed only if profit does not stem from interest (riba), speculation (gharrar) or sectors that are considered sinful according to the Qur’an (haraam), namely everything that involves alcohol, tobacco, entertainment, gambling or pork, just to name a few. The high potential of Islamic finance is clear for three reasons. The first reason relates to the emergence of a new consumer type, as there is increased demand for a Shari’ah-compliant way of investing that stems from increased globalization. The middle class from emerging markets rose from one third to 56 percent between the 1990s and 2006 (The Economist, 2009). Many Muslim countries can be found in the list of emerging markets, such as Egypt, Pakistan and Indonesia. With the Muslim population of the world exceeding 1.5 billion people (about 21 percent of the world population) and due to the fact that it is the fastest growing religion, it becomes clear why the general conditions for Islamic finance are so favourable (Central Intelligence Agency, 2009). The second reason relates to the global trend for sustainable investment; the fact that Islamic finance is an ethical way of investing which does not invest in harmful businesses and instead donates purified gains to charity is becoming more and more attractive among non-Muslim investors as well (Global Finance, 2007). The Shari’ah aspect makes Islamic financial products an alternative to socially responsible investments (Khan, 2009). The last reason is a matter of trust; in the face of the financial crisis that began shattering the world in 2007, many investors lost confidence in the traditional banks and their practices (Reuters, 2008; CNN, 2009). Today even the Holy See states that ‘the ethic principles on which Islamic finance is based may bring banks closer to their clients and to the spirit which should mark every financial service’ (Bloomberg, 2009). According to recent estimates, IFIs could increase their assets under management from roundabout $700 billion to over $1.6 trillion in 2012 (Reuters, 2009). WICHTIG: Sämtliche Recherchetätigkeiten wurden bei in den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten ansässigen islamischen Banken vor Ort durchgeführt.