Islamic finance industry stunted by lack of expertise

Dubai Financial Services Authority Consults on Islamic Finance Rules in the DIFC
October 14, 2009
Consultation on the legislative framework for the regulation of alternative finance investment bonds (sukuk): Summary of Responses
October 19, 2009
Dubai Financial Services Authority Consults on Islamic Finance Rules in the DIFC
October 14, 2009
Consultation on the legislative framework for the regulation of alternative finance investment bonds (sukuk): Summary of Responses
October 19, 2009
Show all

Islamic finance industry stunted by lack of expertise

Available at: http://www.ftadviser.com/FTAdviser/Investments/Region/News/article/20091015/961309e4-b979-11de-8529-00144f2af8e8/Islamic-finance-industry-has-lack-of-expertise.jsp

A shortage of expertise in the Islamic finance industry and the lack of regulatory harmonisation are the biggest obstacles facing the sector’s growth, according to Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). Dr Mohamed Nedal Alchaar, the secretary general of the AAOIFI, said the Islamic finance industry would grow by 10 to 20 per cent in the next three years but there were some obstacles to this growth have been identified.

In a speech on Islamic finance, entitled Saviour in the downturn?”, Dr Alchaar said a real concern was the lack of expertise within the industry. However he also added 600 people have already graduated through a training scheme set up by the AAOIFI, to help combat this void. Meanwhile, a global survey conducted by BDO Stoy Hayward among 150 financial services, found many felt there was also a significant lack of demand among Muslims for Islamic finance, “which could reflect both scepticism on religious grounds, a lack of awareness and concerns about cost-competitiveness.”

The BDO survey concluded however there was still strong growth potential for the market and with people looking for a new system after the financial crisis, perhaps Islamic finance could be the answer. There has been more attention paid to the sector since the crisis, however Dr Alchaar does not believe Islamic finance should be considered a “saviour” rising from the downturn. He said an Islamic system would never completely replace the conventional system, it will only ever exist as an alternative option.

He said: “We will see growth in the sector for one simple reason. There are 1.6m Muslims in the world and that number will grow. We breed and we breed well.” Dr Alchaar was more concerned that harmony could be achieved between the two systems. He said: “It is not ethical or appropriate for us to say as a result of the recent breakdown, Islamic finance should rise over other ailing bodies. “The system has its own merits and lots to offer. The system should rise on its own and not as a result of the demise of something else.”

Dr Alchaar added that by embracing Islamic finance, the world could make strides to ending violence in the Middle East and extremism around the world. He said that a lot of the problems, for example in Palestine and Lebanon, were simply down to economics, and he was looking to strike harmony between these different economies. Islamic finance is there to fulfil the needs of people, and is built on a model of financial inclusion, social responsibility and ethics. He said that for those with no alternative to grow their money an Islamic financial system would offer people the opportunity to get a higher return, buy that book for their child, or put dinner on the table.

He said: “It is easy to convince someone with no dinner on the table to turn to extremism and violence, whereas you would not expect someone happily driving a bentley to blow themselves up. “The system strives for harmony, communication between peoples, and the ability for them to connect and accept each other. “By helping us grow you will be helping yourself and helping the world.”

Best Regards
ZULKIFLI HASAN
DURHAM, UK

  • 28022009374
  • Dubai Creek.

    0 Comments

    1. salam,

      hope you’re doing well. my name is shazli from leeds uni. we met during the fresher’s camp in notts forest recently.

      now i remember why it’s kinda deja vu when i saw you the other day. it’s because of your website, i gathered priceless knowledge and info for my research during the internship in the SC last summer.

      i’m sorry for being unable to express my gratitude while meeting you in person.

      well, insyaAllah, if possible, i’ll be looking forward to visit you in Durham somewhere next year and learn more about your expertise.

      anyway, thanks a lot for your info and wish you all the best!

      salam,

      best wishes.
      mohd shazli mohd zaini
      3rd year, LLB Law and Accounting,
      Leeds Uni, UK

      • ZULKIFLI HASAN says:

        Salam Shazli,

        I trust you are well. Do keep in touch. Do not hesitate to contact me if you plan to visit Durham.

        Best Regards
        ZULKIFLI HASAN

        • Thair says:

          السلام عليكم
          Hello Sir i read some of your articles they are great , i am a student at the V.U.B university in Brussels , Belgium . I am going to write a PhD thesis about Islamic Finance Litigation and your articles was so helpful thanks again

          my E-Mail is down there i will be happy to read from you
          السلام عليكم

    Leave a Reply

    SUBSCRIBE

    Get the latest posts delivered to your mailbox:

    Page Reader Press Enter to Read Page Content Out Loud Press Enter to Pause or Restart Reading Page Content Out Loud Press Enter to Stop Reading Page Content Out Loud Screen Reader Support