Middle East Global Advisors (MEGA) WIBC Islamic Banker to be awarded

Landmark deals, international expansion, the launch of major new institutions, and IPOs from significant players have ensured that 2006 has again been an exceptional year for the global Islamic banking and finance industry.

As David McLean, Executive Director of The World Islamic Banking Conference highlights: "For more than a decade the Islamic Banker of the Year Award has recognised ground-breaking achievements by executive leaders of the international industry. Now more than ever the award has attained increasing significance as the industry reaches its next phase of development and the leaders of major banks are tackling head-on the challenges of sustainable and profitable growth, escalating competitive pressures and international aspirations."

This internationally acclaimed Award, one of the oldest and most prestigious in the industry anywhere in the world, will be presented to an established Islamic banker who has contributed significantly during 2006 to the Islamic financial services industry. Key criteria include leading the launch of a major new institution; bringing to market innovative products or services thereby substantially growing their organisation; or putting together a substantial wholesale Islamic financial transaction that stands out either due to its size, international involvement and /or complexity.

The Islamic Banker of the Year Award is conferred under the auspices of the World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) annually. The award uses a unique peer-based voting system to identify the winner each year, with voting forms already having been sent out to renowned figures from within the industry, and completed votes are then sent directly to Ernst & Young, the official award auditors.

"The Islamic Banker of the Year award recognises the exceptional efforts of a special individual in helping to grow the Islamic Financial Services Industry. We are indeed proud and honoured to be associated with this prestigious award since its inception more than a decade ago" said Sameer Abdi, Executive Manager, Islamic Financial Services Group of Ernst & Young, the award auditors.

Islamic Financial Services Group (IFSG) is positioned as a specialist group within Ernst & Young (Bahrain) that caters to the specific needs of both Islamic and conventional financial institutions requiring Islamic financial advisory services by offering 'turn-key' solutions.

Shamil Bank of Bahrain B.S.C., a leading regional Islamic bank in Bahrain, will be the host for Gala Dinner and Awards Ceremony.

Shamil Bank's Chief Executive, Mohamed Hussain, praised the success of WIBC over the years. He said: "The Conference provides a unique and high profile platform for the advancement of the global Islamic banking industry. The exchange of ideas at WIBC does not only contribute to the growth of our knowledge, but will inspire excellence in our work. WIBC is one of the few international Islamic finance forums where we can present our learning and experience to others and at the same time learn from their experiences. Moreover, nothing can replace the benefits of face-to-face meetings with key decision makers in an informal environment provided by this conference. It greatly helps in establishing personal relationships and lays the foundation for future collaboration."

Hussain further added: "Shamil Bank has long been supporting this important event as a sponsor, this time for the sixth year in a row. It is highly encouraging to see that WIBC is getting bigger and better every year. I am confident that it is now becoming the largest gathering of Islamic banking leaders in the world."

Additionally three prestigious awards, The Institutional Excellence Award, The Industry Leadership Award & The WIBC Achievement Award will also be presented at the World Islamic Banking Conference.