Islamic Finance news Saudi Arabia Forum 2012

The IFN Saudi Arabia Forum 2012 is the first of its kind in the Kingdom, focusing on the Islamic Issuers and Investors in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East.

The event is set to bring together industry experts and market movers from the global Islamic finance industry.

This two-day event held at the Four Seasons Hotel in Riyadh on the 12th & 13th November will feature an Issuers Day and an Investors Day, and will address key issues pertinent to Saudi Arabia and the Gulf's current economic climate and follow up on the latest developments within the region's Islamic financial market; including recent governmental efforts, issuer and investor interest, potential capital market issuances, as well as tax and regulatory updates.

Rife with potential, the Saudi Arabian capital market has opened up at an unprecedented speed over the last year, with major capital market issuances dominating the Kingdom's bond market.

The single largest Sukuk issue ever originated from Saudi Arabia in January 2012, worth US$4 billion, by the General Authority of Civil Aviation. The Kingdom's Sukuk market is now considered the third largest in the world, after Malaysia and the UAE, and is expected to continue to climb up the issuance ladder moving forward.

The Kingdom is also expected to play a major role in the utilization of Islamic bond issuances for the purpose of project and infrastructure financing, with major developments in the pipeline.

The Forum will feature prominent players from around the world, market experts and regulators to share their knowledge and expertise with the Saudi Arabian and Gulf market. It will explore the opportunities within the region for Islamic issuers, investors, corporate and financial institutions.

Amongst the topics to be discussed include:
• The continuous rise of the Islamic capital markets in the Gulf and beyond.
• A global perspective on Sukuk structures and transactions - Latest Developments, Applications & Challenges.
• Key considerations facing issuers in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
• Case Study: SATORP Sukuk.
• Project & infrastructure financing challenges and opportunities in Saudi Arabia.
• Pivotal Islamic investment & wealth management developments in Saudi Arabia.
• Developing Islamic private equity and venture capital in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
• Key issues facing investors in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf.
• Gaining Traction: Islamic Treasury, Derivative and Hedging Products in Saudi Arabia.

Amongst the confirmed speakers include:
• Sheikh Dr Mohamed Ali Elgari, Shariah Scholar, Saudi Arabia.
• Emad Al Monayea, Vice Chairman, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Liquidity Management House, Kuwait.
• Humphrey Percy, Chief Executive Officer, Bank of London and Middle East • Kamal Mian, Head of Asset Finance, Saudi Hollandi Bank.
• Muhammad Farhan, Head of Islamic Finance, HSBC Saudi Arabia.
• Ayham Al Yousef, Chief Executive Officer, AlBilad Investment Company.
• Mohammad Kamran Wajid, Chief Executive Officer, Emirates NBD Capital.
• Salman Akbar, Assistant General Manager - Islamic Structuring, Samba Financial Group.
• Lilian Le Falher, Executive Manager, Head of Treasury, Financial Institutions & Capital Markets, Kuwait Finance House, Bahrain.
• Raed G. Al-Barakati, Senior Vice President-Investment Banking Department, Riyad Capital.
• Jawad Ali, Managing Partner - Middle East Offices & Deputy Global Head of Islamic Finance, King & Spalding.
• Craig Nethercott, Partner and Co-Chair of Islamic Finance Practice, Latham & Watkins.

Less than a month away, it's not too late to participate in the Gulf's largest gathering of Islamic finance experts and major players from across the globe. With over 600 delegates confirmed, and supported by major players in the Islamic finance industry, the IFN Saudi Arabia Forum 2012 is a must-attend event for issuers and investors looking to tap the booming Gulf market.