Banking on the ummah

Over the years, Malaysia has become a leader in Islamic finance and the world’s most important Islamic-finance centre. A little more than a fifth of the country’s banking system in terms of assets is compliant to the principles of Sharia. Compared to that, in Muslim countries the average percentage is about 12% or even a lot less. On the global sukuk market, Malaysia occupies a dominating position. In the first three quarters of last year, the country was responsible for almost three-quarters of total global issuance. In addition, an international standard-setting body - the Islamic Financial Services Board - is situated in Malaysia.