As we enter 2009, the economic crisis will reach its peak. It will be a year that will see many changes in the international regulatory framework as many anticipate the kind of changes that have long been discussed and needed. The Davos economic summit has highlighted some of the new thinking required to tackled the epochal [...]

Malta is seeking to develop an Islamic financial structure that will be open to Muslims in Europe. In particular the Island is looking to service the 1 million Muslims in Italy who do not have direct access to Islamic finance. Leading business figures in Malta view the Island’s strategic location and financial regime as a [...]

For many of us who are familiar with Islamic finance it comes as no surprise to learn that interest in Islamic finance has soared since the credit crunch and the turmoil in global financial markets. The Times newspaper produced a supplement yesterday on Islamic finance in which it shed light on the paradigmatic influence of [...]

As the turmoil in currency markets intensifies, it is paramount that companies do not lose out as a result of fluctuating exchange rates.
Companies that trade in global markets need to ensure they have an effective foreign exchange strategy. In the past year, the value of Sterling has decreased by 20% against the major currencies. The [...]

With all the controversy surrounding hedge funds and short selling, could Islamic finance provide a more responsible approach to the philosophy and management of hedge funds? One feature that would distinguish a hedge fund built upon Islamic principles is that short selling would not be allowed because it amounts to selling an asset that isn’t owned.  
With the announcement of [...]

Despite its problems Pakistan is an emerging economy that has long-term potential. Barclays is making a significant investment in the country. It is opening three branches, one in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi, followed by 7 more and 10 sales centres by the end of 2008. The decision by Barclays to invest at this time is [...]

 
Strategy + Business, a magazine published by the global consulting firm Booz & Company has published an article on the growth of Islamic finance. Over the last few years we have seen a great deal of innovation to develop Islamic financial products, particularly in the area of commercial finance. Investors now have greater choice with [...]

While economies around the world are experiencing the credit crunch and preparing for what many perceive to be a gloomy economic overlook over the next couple of years, the Russian economy is proving to be quite resilient and business continues to grow strongly. A number of articles by the Independent highlight prospects in Russia, one [...]

The phenomenon of the ethical economy takes on a whole new dimension with the launch in January of a fund that caters for Hindus, Buddhists, Sikhs and Jains. The Dow Jones Indexes in partnership with UK-based consultants Dharma Investments have developed  indices that are built upon the concept of Dharma, an escoteric concept in Indian philosophy that is [...]

The Islamic finance industry is worth $800 billion globally and is growing by 10 to 15 per cent every year according to the Financial Times. The industry began just over 30 years ago and has grown rapidly to the extent that Prime Minister Gordon Brown wants to make London the capital of Islamic finance. Those [...]