There has been a spike in the number of sukuk issued outside the Muslim world. But while demand is up, there remains a significant number of regulatory and operational obstacles in issuing these sharia-compliant bonds.
Latest articles from Michael Watt
New CEOs face tough investment banking decisions
October 26, 2015It is a tough time to be the head of an investment bank, as new regulations and the need to cut costs take their toll.
BNP Paribas begins mass production
October 1, 2015Investment banking is in an extreme state of flux, and BNP Paribas is undergoing a deep reorganisation of its global markets division. Michael Watt talks to its head of global markets about mass production, cost pressures and the future of the industry.
KFW opens up UK green bonds market
September 1, 2015German bank KfW's transparency and impact-measurement programme when it comes to green bonds have set it apart in the euro, US dollar and Australian dollar markets. Given this success, it extended its remit to the quieter sterling market in July, with impressive results.
Sierra Leone minister of foreign affairs looks to post-Ebola recovery
September 1, 2015In 2014, the Ebola crisis and a collapse in iron ore prices shattered the steady economic improvements made by Sierra Leone in the years since its civil war ended. Its minister of foreign affairs, Dr Samura Kamara, describes how the country is recovering from these blows and is looking to a more positive future.
HSBC sustainable finance chief leads efforts to expand ethical investment market
September 1, 2015The global head of public sector and sustainable financing at HSBC, Ulrik Ross, has helped to oversee the recently launched appendix to the Green Bonds Principles. He speaks to Michael Watt about the impact of this development and the health of the GSS bonds market in general.
Prevention or prosecution – what now for the FCA?
September 1, 2015Under Martin Wheatley, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority has earned a reputation as a strict taskmaster, ready to deal out significant fines for misbehaviour in the City of London. But with Mr Wheatley departing, what changes should be on the menu for the regulator?
Home comforts: why Africans are increasingly investing in Africa
August 1, 2015Investment into Africa has usually been the preserve of developed world firms seeking extra yield for their portfolios. However, in the past few years more and more money has been poured into African projects by local investors as African wealth increases.
Structured products market wary of TLAC threat
July 1, 2015After a tough few years during and after the financial crisis, the structured products market has pulled itself back together and is in reasonably good shape. However, dealers say new capital rules from the FSB could kill off the business altogether, just as it has begun a shift towards more automation and greater execution efficiency.
Leverage ratio could deal fatal blow to client clearing
July 1, 2015Regulators have looked to central clearing as a solution for many ills in the derivatives market, but banks are now saying that they may be unable to offer a clearing house connection to clients because of costs imposed by another new regulatory measure: the leverage ratio.
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