IslamicFinance.de

In the process of Arcapita Bank's asset liquidation aiming to raise money for its creditors, the bank has sold its interests in five retirement homes outside London. According to a statement, Arcapita and its investors have sold their ownership of 80% in the property to Health Care REIT. The investment in the US-based publicly traded property investment trust was carried out in 2003 through a joint venture with Sunrise Senior Living. At the time Arcaoita sought Chapter 11 protection on March 19, 2011, the bank had assets of US$3.06 billion (Dh11.24bn) and liabilities of $2.5bn.

The merger between three Islamic banks based in Bahrain - Elaf Bank, Capital Management House and Capivest - has been successfully closed by Kuwait Finance House-Bahrain (KFH-Bahrain). The merger will enable a strengthened financial institution with a total equity reaching approximately $340 million. The total assets in excess will be $400m spanning the Middle East and North Africa (Mena), Europe and Asia. KFH-Bahrain played the role of transaction and lead adviser. The discussions and procedures started in late 2011 leading now to the creation of a robust merged entity which is more competitive in the field of global Islamic banking and investment industry.

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.

Genghis Capital plans to launch Shariah-compliant unit trust in February aiming to raise stakes in the nascent market mainly tailored for Muslim investors. The unit trust is named Iman Fund and is part of a money markets, equity, diversified and bond unit trusts which the company intend to launch in the very near future. According to the Genghis Capital unit trust consultant, there are many Kenyan investors willing to invest in ventures considered socially responsible. However, so far their options have been limited because religious beliefs forbid most of what is on offer.

CIMB Group Holdings Bhd received its underwriting for global and local sukuk issuance fall in 2012. Meanwhile, the market share of HSBC Bank plc grew significantly during the same period. The total issuance for global sukuk of CIMB fell from US$7.77 billion in 2011 to US$6.21 billion (RM18.82 billion). As a result, its ranking dropped to second place and its market share eased to 12% from 17.7% in 2012. HSBC reached first place with total global issuance increasing to US$11.35 billion from US$4.88 billion in 2011. Its market share rosealmost double to 21.9% from 11.1% in 2011.

Yesterday Qatar Exchange (QE) and Al Rayan Investment made an announcement about the launch of the QE Al Rayan Islamic index. The new index relies on QE listed stocks of minimum free float size and liquidity that are Shariah compliant. Its debut date is set on January 7th 2013. The goal of the index is to support the creation of Shariah-compliant exchange traded fund (ETF) by Al Rayan Investment. The issuance was carried out with a fatwa by its Shariah Board.

In 2012, Qatar’s banking sector was buttressed by high oil and gas prices and a large-scale infrastructure programme. The banking sector continuously benefits from substantial GDP growth in the economy of the country. Real GDP reached 19% in 2011. This increase was caused by strength in oil prices and the substantial increase in LNG production to 75mnt (from 55mnt). The latter was able to drive hydrocarbon sector GDP up by more than 30%. The output of the non-hydrocarbon sector continued its growth as well, sustaining a 9% rate due to ongoing capital expenditure on infrastructure development.

2013 is the 38th year for the global Islamic banking industry in its contemporary phase. The start of the new year is filled with invigorated optimism, partly due to its continued proliferation in new markets, particularly in Oman and Arab Spring countries. Another reason for the optimistic attitude is the impressive momentum of the sukuk market. However, the Islamic finance industry tends to be beguiled by its own relative success largely because of the absence of independent evaluation of its performance and policy and architectural development.

According to a report by Kuwait Finance House (KFH), over a period of five years Hong Kong managed to establish Islamic Shariah compliant organizations, authorities, products and services. There is high potential for Islamic banking in Hong Kong due to Hong Kong's high liquidity, free economy, strong presence of foreign banks and simple taxes' system. Thus, it is a great candidate to become a major Islamic financial hub.

2012 is considered to be a turning point for banking in compliance with Islamic principles. New markets and new regulations in the Middle East contributed very much to the flourishing of the sector. According to data from Ernst and Young, globally assets managed in line with Shari'ah will reach in 2013 record heights, amounting to 1. 8 trillion U.S. dollars, up from 1.2 trillion U.S. dollars in 2012. The ongoing turmoil in the Middle East and the Euro zone debt crisis were not able to stop Islamic banks in the Middle East from expanding their markets and business.

Islamic Bank of Britain reported an increase of 63% in home financing and an increase of 43% in long-term savings deposits for the first three quarters of 2012. Key factors in stimulating the growth and demand were the launch and development of new savings products, the IBB Home Purchase Plan (HPP, the Sharia compliant mortgage alternative) and Buy to Let Purchase Plans, which were strongly supported by effective sales and marketing strategies. Currently, IBB is the leading provider of retail Islamic financial products in the UK and is searching for ways to increase the number of Islamic Banking products it offers to the market.

Recently, United Arab Bank (UAB) held its year-end Board Meeting at the new regional office in Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi. Including its network of 20 branches across the UAE, the bank reported net profit of Dh298 million and operating profit of Dh382 million for the first nine months of 2012. The meeting was called to order by the founder and chairman of UAB - His Highness Sheikh Faisal bin Sultan Salem Al Qassimi. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss and review the performance in 2012 and the outlook for 2013. According to His Highness Sheikh Faisal, The opening of our new and up-market regional office in Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi will enable UAB to offer their discerning customers a superior banking experience.

The Saudi British Bank (SABB) held three seminars on the topic of Islamic Banking Services. THe seminars took place in Riyadh, Jeddah and Alkhobar, and were organized by the Commercial Banking Services Department. A large group of SABB 's prominent corporate customers attended the events. Some of the specific topics discussed at the seminars were opportunities and challenges facing Islamic Banking as well as the promising future of Islamic Banking in light of how it differs from conventional banking, particularly in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Just in time for the beginning of 2013, Bank Indonesia (BI) introduced several new regulations serving to improve banks’ competitive and operating efficiencies, maintain stability via capital enhancement and ensure long-term sustainable growth among other things. Some of the rulings are higher CAR for higher-risk profiled banks, limitation in banking activities based on banks’ tier I capital, and productive loans with minimum MSME to limit credit risk.

Meezan Bank has become the first bank in Pakistan which offers Shariah-compliant agricultural financing by extending a Shariah-compliant financing facility to the agriculture industry of Pakistan. Adhering to the financial arrangement, the bank will sell DAP, urea, pesticides and seeds to its clients on a Murabaha basis. Expansion of the scope of this facility to other geographical areas is planned. Furthermore, a comprehensive Agricultural Financing Policy and detailed procedural manuals for this initiative has been developed.

Dear Reader,

Islamic finance had another great year. Many of its market segments progressed, like for example the Sukuk market gaining more maturity. Despite the ongoing debt crisis a good sign of hope and happiness.

Nevertheless we are - as an industry - still not satisfied with the achievements. Islamic finance shall grow stronger in terms of social impact and in terms of substance:

Hence, please allow me to re-iterate my call for participating in international initiatives beyond just our own industry to learn and spread knowledge and experience:

Calling Islamic financial institutions to become member of the United Nations Finance Initiative
http://www.islamicfinance.de/?q=node/811

Inshallah we see more Islamic financial institutions taking a lead in SRI, Social Impact Investing and other approaches while contributing with Islamic finance knowdledge to the conventional industry. The time is now; and there are signs that Malaysia aims for a lead:
http://www.islamicfinance.de/?q=node/4151

Islamic finance in Malaysia prepares to compete more aggressively in the global financial market in order to continue its growth on a new level. In spite of the expected challenging year ahead and the slowdown in global economy, the continuation of the country's growth trajectory is very likely. The main reasons for the industry to remain favourable are the robust achievement recorded throughout the year combined with the “safe-haven investment” sentiment among investors.

The central bank of Oman decided upon a strict approach to regulating Islamic banking in rules for the sector. The rules released on December 19th will set higher standards for the industry than many other countries. Last year, the Sultanate announced the introduction of Islamic finance, thus becoming the last GCC country to make this step. According to expectations, business activity will start at the beginning of 2013.

Banks in Syria are experiencing additional cull at board level which combines with the already difficult conditions facing a sector hit by sanctions, losses and robberies amid a deepening civil war. The changes are in the form of reported resignations, some of which deemed too close to the regime, are being asked to step down, thus helping to ease the pressure on financial institutions. Other directors have made a different decision and shed their holdings in a bid in order to ensure they are not marked in the future.

Mauritania is working on the development of an Islamic interbank market. The initiative has already begun with the establishment of several Islamic banks. Recently, the Central Bank of Mauritania (BCM) conducted a study on the potential development of a local Shari'ah-compliant securities market. The study was made possible with technical help and expertise of IFAAS (Islamic Finance Advisory & Assurance Services).