Malaysia is providing the world with a model for Islamic finance that is worth emulating. So why has it not become a significant global player? Farhan Bokhari finds out what is holding it back.

As demand for Islamic banking grows and investors flush with liquidity seek to invest in Pakistan, big mainstream banks are strengthening their sharia-compliant offerings and opening dedicated branches.Farhan Bokharireports from Islamabad.
Syed Ali Raza, president of the National Bank of Pakistan, is reminded of his bank’s increasing involvement in Islamic banking as he drives in to his office premises every morning.

As Islamic banks expand and become more mainstream, the demand for Islamic scholars with banking knowledge is skyrocketing, reports Will McSheehy in Dubai.

The Islamic banking and finance industry is growing fast and, despite the relatively small players, big deals are being done, not least in project finance.Will McSheehy reports from Dubai.

Bankers are already on the case of how China’s and the Gulf States’ huge reserves of foreign exchange can be put to best use.Stephen Timewell reports.

When the creation of the DIFX was first mooted, sceptics questioned the need for it – and if it would ever make it off the drawing board. Elizabeth Jackson-Moore explains why her doubts have been replaced with hopes.

The Dubai International Financial Exchange, part of an ambitious plan for a rival to the great financial centres of the world, must now prove its market model will work in practice.Mark Fisher reports.

The Dubai International Financial Exchange plans to become the foremost exchange in the Gulf, based on globally recognised standards.Will McSheehy reports.

Bahrain-based Ahli United Bank (AUB) has strengthened its role as a major player in the Gulf by acquiring a majority stake in the Bank of Kuwait & the Middle East (BKME), the seventh largest bank in Kuwait.