The upcoming 23rd edition of the World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) in Bahrain will see a global participation with leaders from different regions across the world.

The conference held in strategic partnership with the Central Bank of Bahrain will take place in Manama, Bahrain from December 5 to 6 and will feature a groundbreaking lineup of speakers.

The World Islamic Banking Conference is the longest running Islamic finance conference that speaks of a 23 year heritage with a robust platform that comprises of leading bankers, institutional investors, asset managers, policy makers, academics and other stakeholders. This year, WIBC will engage its audience in discussions on the challenges brought by the uncertainties in the global economic environment and highlight the need for Islamic finance to stay vigilant in order to maintain the current growth rates.

For 22 years, WIBC has been welcoming high profile delegations including regulators and government officials from various regions to discuss the future direction of this rapidly growing industry. This year, WIBC 2016 will welcome 3 high profile keynote speakers from leading emerging markets.

Saudi Arabia is one of the most active and influential markets in the Islamic finance space today as it is home to a number of dedicated Islamic Banks, as well as Islamic window operations offered through conventional banks. A great demand in Islamic finance products in this region, makes it one of the biggest markets in the GCC. Dr Ahmed Al-Kholifey who heads the Saudi Arabian Monetary Agency (SAMA) and engages in research and international affairs will provide a keynote speech at WIBC relating to the opportunities available in this region.

Russia, being the latest entrant into this booming structure, is looking to use Islamic finance to further its efforts of exploring new ways of financing and develop its economy by welcoming international investors from emerging markets.

Speaking to this effect is Alexander P Torshin, State Secretary - Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Russia who will represent Russia’s initiative in collaborating with Islamic finance institutions to pave way for the industry to tap into the opportunities in the CIS region.

Bahrain, the host nation of WIBC for the past 23 years has rapidly become a global leader in Islamic finance, playing host to the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East.

In particular, the Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) continues to provide strong support to the financial industry which provides a significant percentage to the country’s GDP and economy as a whole. Rasheed Mohammed Al Maraj, Governor, Central Bank of Bahrain has been an integral part of WIBC and will continue providing his support this year in a keynote speech, to help in furthering the ecosystem for Islamic finance entities to thrive and grow in the global markets. – TradeArabia News Service