IslamicFinance.de

Press Release

Saudi Arabia-Based Al Rajhi Bank Upgraded To 'A+' On Strengthened Financial Profile;
Outlook Stable

*We consider that Al Rajhi Bank's strong market position in the Saudi retail market,
superior profitability, growth strategy with solid capital ratios, and improved risk
management have strengthened the bank's financial profile. *We are raising our
long-term rating on Al Rajhi Bank to 'A+' from 'A' and affirming our 'A-1'
short-term rating. *The stable outlook reflects our view that Al Rajhi Bank should
continue to benefit from its comparative advantage as a leading and well-entrenched
Islamic bank in Saudi Arabia and maintain superior financial performance and capital
adequacy.

PARIS (Standard & Poor's) May 31, 2010--Standard & Poor's Ratings Services said
today that it has raised to 'A+' from 'A' its long-term counterparty credit rating
on Saudi Arabia-based Al Rajhi Bank (ARB) and affirmed its 'A-1' short-term
counterparty credit rating. The outlook is stable.

"The rating action reflects our view that ARB's stand-alone credit profile has
strengthened in the recent past, thanks to its unique market position in the Saudi

Dear Reader,

Greece has a substantial impact on the ever nervous markets these days.

Interestingly, the help offered to the country is based on interest-bearing loans, which likely will go along with cost cuttings to service the debts causing all kinds of social hardships. This is the standard recipe.

How help would need to look according to Islamic law and morals?

1. Interest-bearing loans are a clear no go. Interest-free loans could be an option, even for the whole European Union for mutual support situations.
2. Fostering investments based on profit-/loss sharing. Greece could undertake a capital raise for state owned companies and infrastructure - the other EU countries could become investors rather than creditors.

Islamic banking and finance (IBF) is about to become part of the banking and finance landscape of Nigeria.

The 4th executive summmary now focusses on over 220 Shariah scholars with exposure to the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC), including their international board memberships with 1050+ board positions in almost 300
institutions and 24 countries.

It is the single most detailed analysis on Sharia Boards and their scholars published.