15th anniversary WIBC brings UK Government delegation to the region

The Islamic banking industry has increased in profile internationally since the inaugural hosting of the UK Pavilion at last year's WIBC, seen with the hugely successful launch of the WIBC brand in London at the 1st Annual World Islamic Banking Conference (European Summit) in July of this year,

Hosted by UK Trade and Investment (UKTI), the trade and investment arm of the British government, the UK Pavilion will be a dynamic and interactive space where delegates can meet the leaders who are currently forging the UK's role in Islamic banking.

Recognising the tremendous opportunities Islamic Financial Services have to offer, Andrew Cahn, the Chief Executive Officer of UKTI, said:

"with an annual growth estimated at 15% over the next few years, Islamic finance's role in the global market is becoming increasingly important. The World Islamic Banking Conference in Bahrain provides an excellent opportunity for UK and Islamic finance representatives to continue building strong partnerships that will create genuine, global opportunities for the long term development of this growing and increasingly important sector. Our ultimate goal is to make Islamic finance in Britain a global success."

Comments from leading members of the UK delegation further build on the exciting prospects for Islamic finance on the international stage:

Stella Cox, Managing Director, DDCAP: "The UK Pavilion offers British firms engaged in Islamic financial services a unique platform to promote their products at an event that encompasses the widest audience of any Islamic financial services gathering globally."

Sultan Choudhury, Commercial Director, Islamic Bank of Britain (IBB): "IBB is seen as the flagship of Islamic finance in Britain. We are delighted to be part of the UKTI pavilion at WIBC, proudly showcasing the excellence that the UK has achieved in Islamic Finance. We remain committed to creating further opportunities for both IBB and the UK through this event."

Muneer Khan, Head of Islamic Finance, Simmons and Simmons: "Being involved with the UKTI at the WIBC conference provides Simmons & Simmons with the opportunity to showcase our unique Islamic finance team whilst promoting UK interests internationally. The UKTI is leading the way in the UK's Islamic finance strategy and Simmons & Simmons are pleased to be playing a prominent role in implementing this strategy."

Yacer Qureshi, Head of Islamic Financial Services, Braxxon: "The UK Pavilion at the WIBC is the perfect way for us to showcase our Islamic Financial Services at the pre-eminent annual global gathering of Islamic finance experts."

The 15th Anniversary of the WIBC has already secured five powerhouse Platinum Strategic Partners: Samba Financial, Unicorn Investment Bank, Kuwait Finance House Bahrain, Allianz Global Investors, and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank. The conference also enjoys the support of the Central Bank of Bahrain, and the Bahrain Economic Development Board. Additionally, a record-breaking number of partners, sponsors, and exhibitors from Islamic and non-Islamic financial institutions, legal firms, IT companies, and major global rating agencies have already confirmed their participation in the special 15th Anniversary of the conference.

This year's conference will feature a host of new and value-added highlights that will set it apart from all other conferences - and also include the launch of the 5th edition of the WIBC McKinsey Competitiveness Report, the world's only original research into the performance and key trends of Islamic banking worldwide.

More than 1,000 international delegates from 45 countries are expected to attend the special 15th Anniversary edition of the World Islamic Banking Conference in Bahrain from the 23rd to the 25th November 2008.