Aafaq Islamic Finance, a leading provider of Islamic finance products and services in the UAE, has signed a deal with the University of Bolton’s Centre for Islamic Finance.

The initiative has been designed to facilitate research and promote the understanding of Islamic finance through lectures, conferences and a joint professional certificate in Islamic banking, said a statement.

Under the terms of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), both parties will collaborate on a series of projects and initiatives that includes conducting and commissioning joint research in the field of Islamic Finance; develop and promote a new Islamic Banking Professional Certification programme and host and organise an annual Islamic Finance-based event.

Sheikh Faisal Bin Saoud Al Qassimi, board member of aafaq Islamic Finance, said the signing of the new MoU proves to be both timely and strategic as global financial experts continue to laud Islamic Finance's continuing growth.

The new alliance between aafaq Islamic Finance and the University of Bolton’s Centre for Islamic Finance represent a cooperative framework that looks towards encouraging more development in Islamic Finance on regional and international levels, particularly in the fields of education, research, capacity building and consultancy, he said.

The chairman of the Centre for Islamic Finance and the first Chancellor of the University of Bolton, The Baroness Morris of Bolton, said: “I am delighted we have signed this MoU and look forward to working with aafaq in encouraging more development in Islamic Finance.

“This collaboration will help to strengthen the University's close ties to the UAE and builds on our core strength of working together with leading and innovative industry practitioners.” - TradeArabia News Service