iHilal sponsors first International Islamic Finance Forum

The first International Islamic Finance Forum - organized by the Institute for International Research (IIR), in association with iHilal Financial Services, Dow Jones Indexes, and Saudi Economic Development Company (SEDCO) - will discuss important issues relevant to the Islamic investment industry both globally and locally.

"As they are competing with a monolithic, conventional banking industry, professionals in the Islamic financing arena must streamline procedures, develop innovative products, and maintain state-of-the-art technology to stay ahead and thrive," said Ramzi Abu Khadra, CEO of iHilal Financial Services.

"Islamic finance is a global industry, and IIR, in association with iHilal, Dow Jones Indexes and Sedco, has organized a distinguished forum of pioneering international policy makers and business leaders to discuss ways of coping with the myriad and complex challenges facing this industry," added Abu Khadra.

A panel of experts and scholars in the Islamic financial industry will exchange views on challenging topics in Islamic finance, including: capital markets, equity funds, takaful, retail and commercial banking, regulatory frameworks, virtual finance, liquidity and risk security, and private equity.

In addition, a special initiative in the Forum will be the call for 'New Voices' from all over the globe to participate in what they see as important new additions to the Islamic financial arena. Islamic finance research papers from students at all levels of study - undergraduate, masters, doctoral - are invited to be submitted to the organizing/ selection committee (please see www.iHilal.com, for details). A $5000 USD award, co-sponsored by iHilal Financial Services and First Islamic Investment Bank, will be given to the best paper at a gala dinner on the 17th of March.

Requested topics for competing research papers include:

Marketing Islamic Finance to Muslim Demographics in Western Nations.

New or Unique Islamic Finance Distribution Methods in Western Nations.

Developing Trade Between Islamic Countries.

Issues and Case Studies on the Development of Islamic Capital Markets Around the World.

Developing the Islamic Venture Capital and Private Equity Industry.

"The International Islamic Finance Forum presents an ideal opportunity for iHilal Financial Services to meet with the main players in the Islamic financial industry worldwide, as well as the Middle East's regional leaders," continued Abu Khadra, who will address the event's attendees about online trading and fund supermarket.