International Holdings, the holding company for a diverse group of businesses, projects and investments, announced today, in line with their aim to support socially responsible investments and projects, that it will co-sponsor the Islamic Finance and Trade Conference 2008 (IFTC 08), which will be held in London, United Kingdom on the 28th and 29th of October this year. This year's Islamic Finance and Trade Conference is set to bring together key investors and industry professionals to discuss the potential and opportunities presented by Islamic Finance in the current financial crisis. IFCT 2008 will focus on 'Islamic Finance in the Face of a Global Recession' and will include well respected guest speakers in the field from both governmental and esteemed financial institutions.
"I am very pleased to support The Muslim Council of Britain in their efforts in promoting Islamic Finance on a global stage through the IFTC" Yaqub Yousuf, CEO of International Holdings said. "With the credit crunch and adverse developments in financial markets, we need to acknowledge Islamic finance and the opportunities it offers acknowledging its commitment towards asset backed transactions."
"International Holdings realizes the importance of innovative finance products such as Sukuk bonds and their opportunities" said Sher Khan, Project Director for Islamic Finance and Trade. "The conference will seek to explore how Islamic Finance and Trade can play a role in accessing the exceptional liquidity in Muslim countries in Asia and the Middle East".
The IFTC will offer Islamic countries and their financial institutions a gateway to Europe as it brings together financial and trade institutions from Britain, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the United Arab Emirates, India, and Malaysia. The Conference offers opportunities to interact with leading Islamic financial and trade bodies and serves as a window to over 500 banks based in London from around the world.
One practical measure the conference will be taking is to invite businesses who are looking for investments, especially if they have ambitions to float in the near future, to make presentations at the event. Various investors from the Islamic finance industry will be asked to listen and consider the investment proposals put forward.
Speakers expected at the conference will include:
- Lord Chancellor Secretary of State for Justice Rt. Hon. Jack Straw MP
- Rt. Hon. Stephen Timms MP, Financial Secretary, HM Treasury
- Rt. Hon. Ian Pearson MP, Economic Secretary, HM Treasury
- Tan Sri Dato'Azman Hj. Mokhtar, Managing Director Khazanah Nasional Berdad, Malaysia
- Iqbal Khan, founding board member and CEO Fajr Capital
- Phelan Hill, Head of Islamic Finance, HM Treasury
- Eric Myer, President, CEO and Executive Chairman, Shariah Capital, Inc.
