AIG Enaya scoops Best Takaful Company at the International Takaful Awards

The eleven awards were announced by Mr Mohaned Abdullah, Managing Director of the Middle East Business Forum and presented by Lord Mohammed Sheikh.

Winners of the awards were drawn from a pool of nominees by a panel of expert judges, including, Journalists, Lawyers and Takaful practitioners from top corporations.

This event was unprecedented, and enjoyed by all for its distinctiveness and originality.

'This market is largely unrepresented and unappreciated. Our aim with these awards was simply to give due credit to those who are responsible for putting Islamic Insurance on the map. Takaful awards have been given out in the past as sub-categories, but never has an event been modelled exclusively around this industry. Every category in this ceremony was meant to celebrate the various unique points surrounding takaful,' commented Mohaned Abdullah of the Middle East Business Forum.

The highlight of the evening was the acceptance of the Best Takaful Company award by Mr Ayman Al Ajmi, General Manager of AIG Takaful Enaya, who dedicated the award to the company's late Chairman, Mr Charles Bouloux, responsible for the establishment of AIG Takaful.

The recipient of the Best Re-Takaful award was Hanover Re; followed by Shuaa Asset Management Group, which was the beneficiary of the Best Asset Management House award.

Norton Rose picked up the Best Law Firm award, graciously thanking their clients for their success; followed by Standard & Poor's which benefited from the Best Ratings Company award.

The award for Best Advisory Company was, unsurprisingly, granted to Mohammed Khan of PWC, who jestingly compared the evening to the Oscars. The Services to Takaful Re-Insurance award was presented to AON.

Awards for Best Product, Technology and Marketing were suitably accepted by FWU, 3i Infotech and Etiqa.

Mr Fouad Abdulla appreciatively accepted the most prestigious award of the evening, on behalf of the Central Bank of Bahrain commenting that the central bank was 'prepared to work within the industry and beyond to enhance the working knowledge and availability of Takaful products.'

The Awards ceremony was a true testament to the hard work and varied mix of companies and individuals who have inducted Islamic Insurance into mainstream finance.

It may be said with great confidence that the Takaful Industry is no longer an alternative form of finance; evidenced by the event's large turnout.