World’s largest forum to build decade of success

For more than 10 years, the annual World Islamic Funds and Financial Markets Conference (WIFFMC) has been at the forefront of the global Islamic investments industry, firmly establishing its reputation as the flagship event for Shari’ah-compliant asset management and Sukuk markets.

Under the official patronage of the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB), WIFFMC 2015 is set to continue its tradition of supporting growth, excellence and innovation in the global Islamic financial markets.

The conference will be a high profile gathering that will chart a new road map for the dynamic Islamic funds and investments industry. The line of speakers includes powerhouses such as Dr. Sayd Farook (Head of Islamic Capital Markets, Thomson Reuters), Sylvain Vieujot (Executive Deputy Chairman, Emirates REIT), Kamran Butt (Managing Director within SEDCO Capital) and Ijlal Ahmed Alvi (CEO, International Financial Market (IIFM)).

The two-day event will open with a Keynote Address by Abdul Rahman Mohammed Al Baker (Executive Director – Financial Institutions Supervision, CBB). Speaking ahead of the event, Al Baker said, “as with other forms of Islamic finance, the Islamic funds industry has grown to become an increasingly substantial segment within the global financial markets and has gained significant interest as a viable and efficient alternative model of financial intermediation.” He echoed the sentiment shared by other market leaders in that the growing awareness and increasing demand for investing as per Shari’ah principles globally have catalysed the growth of the Islamic financial services industry.

Speaking on his optimism, Al Baker reaffirmed that there are opportunities for more effective and efficient channelling of the significant surplus funds “towards the vast productive investment opportunities within and across various key markets for Islamic investment.”

Thomson Reuters has chosen WIFFMC as the platform to launch its renowned Global Islamic Asset Management Report which will provide an insight on trends and the future trajectory, as well as country-specific analysis, with regards to the industry.

WIFFMC will take place on the 18th and 19th of May at the Gulf Hotel in Manama, Bahrain.