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Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has launched new capital-protected silver notes to allow customers to invest in a metal that analysts believe may soon see a price rebound. The Shari’a-compliant notes, which mature in two years, provide 100 percent capital protection at maturity to minimize risk. The notes are currently open for subscription with a minimum amount of US$30,000. This latest offering is part of ADIB’s wealth management approach to provide customers a diversified suite of investment solutions. ADIB’s structured notes have been well received by investors, particularly three capital-protected gold notes and two capital-protected oil notes that matured at the beginning of this year.

Fitch Ratings has affirmed UAE-based Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank 's (ADIB) Long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'A+' with a Stable Outlook, and Viability Rating (VR) at 'bb'. The bank's IDRs, Support Rating and Support Rating Floor reflect
Fitch's opinion that there would be an extremely high probability that support would be provided by the UAE authorities if needed. In addition, Fitch believes that support would be forthcoming from the Abu Dhabi government (AA/Stable/F1+). Although Fitch expects the overall asset quality issues and exposure to a seasoning financing book to continue to present challenges in the short term, these are manageable. Fitch believes that the VR remains sensitive to any deterioration in asset quality, capital or profitability.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has arranged a £20 million (Dh118.02 million) structured Islamic financing transaction to fund the development of Westbourne House, a prime 1980s commercial property in central London, combining office and retail space. ADIB’s financing package for Westbourne House was specifically tailored to meet the investors’ aims of acquiring, refurbishing and reselling high-value luxury properties to overseas buyers. The deal marks ADIB’s debut in London’s real estate market at a time when the British government is promoting the city as a centre for Islamic finance.

The Bank of Karthoum will add 12 new retail branches and cash points, mainly in eastern and central Sudan, bringing the total number to 75 by next year and has steadily expanded its business in Africa. Its main shareholders, Dubai Islamic Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, are more than tripling the capital. In a second expansion step, the bank will launch several dedicated funds for private firms to finance the export of livestock and agricultural products such as sesame seeds to Gulf Arab countries, Jordan and Egypt. Faced with the loss of most oil reserves to South Sudan, Sudan is trying to boost exports of gold and farming exports such as cotton, cash crops or gum arabic from its vast farmlands.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) plans to expand in North Africa as the lender seeks to access more-populous markets. The bank applied for licenses in Algeria and Libya and is considering Tunisia and Morocco, Chief Executive Officer Tirad Mahmoud said. Interest in Shariah-compliant banking has increased since 2011, when revolts in North Africa catapulted Islamists to power. Moreover, the bank wants to be better placed to serve companies, such as Dubai-based mall operator Majid Al Futtaim, which operate across the Middle East and North Africa and rely on global lenders such as HSBC Holdings Plc (HSBA) and Citigroup Inc. Mahmoud said MENA expansion is essential to capture market share from foreign lenders.

The founders of Bosna Bank International (BBI), the first bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina to do business based on Islamic principles, are to inject an additional 15 million euros to its capital stock to ensure business growth, according to the bank's director Amer Bukvic. The Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the Dubai Islamic Bank and the Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank had decided to inject fresh capital into BBI to the amount of 30 million convertible marks (EUR 15.3m). The fresh capital will be used to reinforce the bank's position in the medium-sized banking segment on the Bosnian banking market. BBI's assets will amount to 500 million convertible marks (EUR 255.7m) after the capital increase. Moreover, Bukvic announced that the bank would be releasing loans to the value of 300 million convertible marks (EUR 153.4m).

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank plans to branch out in North Africa as the UAE-based lender seeks to reach a larger population. The bank applied for licenses in Algeria and Libya and is considering new operations in Tunisia and Morocco. Chief executive Tirad Mahmoud said the bank is seeking to expand in nations with a critical mass in terms of population and economic activity. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank has also moved into countries including Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Sudan, Mahmoud said. The bank wants to be better placed to serve companies, such as Dubai-based mall operator Majid al-Futtaim, which operate across the Middle East and North Africa. Banks that comply with Islam’s ban on interest have become increasing popular after the revolts implemented Islamists into power in some North African countries.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) opens its annual Ramadan exhibition this year at the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. The Road from Jerusalem to Mecca and Medina follows last year's exhibition Discovering Ka'aba withtwo more replicas of central landmarks in Islamic history. The exhibition portrays a historical journey through three holy sites of historical and religious significance. The Road from Jerusalem to Mecca and Medina includes a replica of the Ka'aba which illustrates both the Ka'aba's outer façade and its inner structure. Rare photographs of the Ka'aba that depict its various architectural and design elements will also be on display. In addition, the exhibition showcases the Al-Nabawi Mosque and a model of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The exhibition is open to the public every day from 08:30am to 12:00 midnight throughout the whole month of Ramadan.

On July 1, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) launched BusinessPulse, a portal aimed at providing advice and support to small and medium-sized businesses in the UAE. www.businesspulse.ae has three main sections: ‘Ignite’ is all about seeding the idea and kick starting the business plan; ‘Enrich’ is about funding the plan and ‘Grow’ deals with facilitating growth and future expansion. A key feature of the portal is a comprehensive library of case studies and videos from successful entrepreneurs. It also features a networking section that will enable SMEs to find the right business partners and contacts. Moreover, visitors can apply for a financing facility of up to AED 2 million through the portal and receive funding advice through interactions with ADIB’s Business banking team. BusinessPulse will be supported by a series of events and seminars, offering SMEs an opportunity to showcase their success stories and learn from others.

The shift in global banking is not a trend, and the challenge for all of us is to bridge the gap in financial practice and seize the opportunities that lie ahead, bringing ethics back into finance.

Thomson Reuters and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) are partnering to launch the world’s first Ethical Finance Innovation Challenge and Awards (EFICA). In the dawn of a new economic world, these awards are designed to inspire and recognise a fresh way of thinking by promoting some of the most dynamic, innovative ideas and solutions around integrity and growth.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB), in partnership with Thomson Reuters, have launched global awards to recognize and reward innovation in ethical and Islamic finance. Presented in three categories: Islamic Finance Industry Development Award, Ethical Finance Initiative Award, and Lifetime achievement award; these awards are designed to inspire real change in the financial services industry by recognizing and rewarding innovation that can be put into practice. Entries will be accepted from any institution, research centre, group of individuals or individual interested in shaping the financial industry within an ethical framework, with prizes of up to US$100,000 offered. A short-list of nominees for three award categories will be announced in November this year.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has closed a AED 1.32 billion (US$360 million) Syndicated Islamic Facility for Abu Dhabi-based Gulf Marine Services (GMS). ADIB acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, Sole Underwriter, Sole Bookrunner, Investment and Security Agent for the facility. The deal was tailored by ADIB to meet GMS’ specific financing needs, including re-financing existing facilities and providing finance for the acquisition of 2 additional vessels. The financing will also help GMS achieve its plan to further improve and expand its fleet. The facility was very well received, as evidenced by the strong demand from local and regional banks which resulted in it being 2 times oversubscribed by 10 local and regional banks. White & Case acted as the legal counsel to the financiers, while Gibson Dunn acted on behalf of GMS.

Abu Dhabi University, the Zakat Fund and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank have launched a Dh15 million Ramadan fund-raising campaign to support 300 needy students. Dr Nabil Ibrahim, Chancellor of Abu Dhabi University said that generosity is a life lesson that teaches the community that today's contributions impact tomorrow's innovators. Moreover, the Ramadan campaign gives donors the chance to 'shape the future', he added.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has closed a Dhs1.32bn ($360m) Syndicated Islamic Facility for Abu Dhabi-based Gulf Marine Services (GMS), the largest provider of self-propelled self-elevating jackup barges in the world. ADIB acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, Sole Underwriter, Sole Bookrunner, Investment and Security Agent for the facility. The deal was tailored by ADIB to meet GMS' financing needs, including re-financing existing facilities and providing finance for the acquisition of 2 additional vessels. The financing will also help GMS achieve its plan to further improve and expand its fleet. The facility evidenced strong demand from local and regional banks which resulted in it being 2 times oversubscribed by 10 local and regional banks.

Stuart Crocker, global head of private banking and wealth management at Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank and Merrill Lynch veteran, has left the bank. Regional private banks were supposed to be making a challenge to the dominance of big international players and Crocker was one of the landmark hires to bolster the case for the local Banks. Crocker joined Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) in May 2011 as global head of private banking and wealth management. Apparently, there is no replacement lined up and Crocker's exit comes amid a change of strategy at the bank. ADIB didn't respond to requests for comment.

HSBC reported profits before tax of US$8.4 billion for its global business during the first quarter, a 95 per cent increase on the amount generated during the corresponding period a year earlier. HSBC Middle East, the bank's regional arm, reported profits before tax of $524 million for the first quarter, a 57.8 per cent increase compared with a year earlier, as it released provisions earlier made for bad debts. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank reported net profit at group level of Dh340.1m for the first quarter, an increase of 10.6 per cent compared with a year earlier. ADIB reported 5.4 per cent growth in net customer financing assets during the quarter to Dh54bn. At the same time, the bank's provisions and charges for bad debts were flat compared with a year ago at Dh185.5m.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has closed an Dhs302m ($82m) syndicated Islamic financing deal for Emirates National Factory for Plastic Industries L.L.C. (ENPI). This financing will be used in conjunction with ENPI's recent acquisition of 100% share of ENPI Packaging Division by Saudi Printing & Packaging Company. ADIB acted as the Mandated Lead Arranger, Sole Bookrunner, Investment and Security Agent Bank for the deal. Other banks that participated in the financing deal included Al Hilal Bank, Mashreq Al Islami as Mandated Lead Arrangers, ADCB, Ajman Bank and FGB as Lead Arrangers.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) is providing Dhs600m financing facility to Manazel Real Estate to fund the Abu Dhabi-based company's financial obligations and capital expenditure. The financing agreement was signed by Mr. Mohamed M. Al Qubaisi, Chairman of Manazel Real Estate PJSC and Mr. Arif Usmani, Global Head of Wholesale Banking in ADIB. Manazel Real Estate PJSC, a real estate developer in Abu Dhabi, recognizes and appreciates ADIB's support to real estate developers in Abu Dhabi along with other sectors and local businesses, which contributes to the growth and development of Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has signed an agreement to provide financing facilities for AED 500 million to Dubai Airport Freezone (DAFZA). The financing will be used to expand DAFZA's key offices buildings, business centre and food court which are due to be completed in 2015. The agreement was signed at DAFZA's headquarters by Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Director General of DAFZA and Tirad- Al Mahmoud, CEO of ADIB. The project is in line with HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed Al Maktoum's initiative to make Dubai the Global Capital of Islamic economy.

Dubai Islamic Bank, Sharjah Islamic Bank and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank are more than tripling Bank of Khartoum’s capital to around $225 million after it gained a short-term ‘A-1’ rating from The Islamic International Rating Agency last week. Bank of Khartoum’s General Manager Fadi Faqih said its bank wants to boost its agricultural finance business by preparing a fund to attract direct investment from mainly Gulf banks to invest into Sudan's agricultural sector. Bank of Khartoum also plans to arrange Sukuk for corporate clients in the infrastructure and utility sector for some 150 million pounds this year.