Islamic finance in UK to be highlighted at WIBC

Bahrain Tribune : A high-powered delegation representing key UK banks and institutions will showcase their capabilities at the 15th Anniversary World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) to be held in Bahrain.

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.

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 November 23 to 25.

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".
Says 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 Bahrain (IBB) said, "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."

Says 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."