This content is from: Local Insights
Good news for Islamic finance in the UAE
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Mian Muhammad Nazir |
The proposed initiatives will entail industry specific and robust legal, judicial and regulatory reforms, which will provide a level playing field for the Islamic finance industry, to which it has been aspiring since its inception. What Islamic finance industry would certainly welcome is the review of Federal Law number 6 of 1985 regarding Islamic banks, financial institutions and investment companies.
The review of Islamic banking law will allow the integration of Islamic finance into the mainstream financial system. In addition, it will ensure the compatibility of Islamic finance products and services with local laws, and the enforceability of Islamic finance structures, contracts and instruments.
Other areas that deserve urgent attention are: (i) adopting a uniform set of standards for Islamic finance products and services; (ii) corporate governance structure; (iii) accounting and auditing standards; and (iv) steps towards integrating Islamic economics and finance into the national curriculum, to ensure the availability of qualified and trained professionals to lead the industry on a regional and global level.
Considering the UAE's very successful history in achieving some landmark projects, and its well-deserved position as an innovative and business-friendly country, the Islamic finance industry is confident that after receiving the attention of His Highness, it will have a promising future.
Mian Muhammad Nazir
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