IslamicFinance.de

Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is leaning toward allowing local lenders to set up Islamic banking subsidiaries, as it steps up efforts to promote Shariah-compliant finance in the country. According to the central bank's Deputy Governor Chuchi Fonacier, the BSP is pushing for an open approach where conventional banks can operate Islamic banking windows or to establish subsidiary Islamic banks. Operating fully fledged subsidiaries would allow lenders to offer a wider range of Shariah-compliant services than through a window, which remains part of the parent bank. Fonacier added that foreign Shariah-compliant banks would also be allowed to operate locally. The BSP wants to issue the implementing rules for the new law before the end of the year.