Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
On behalf of MEGA, it is with great pleasure that we introduce the 3rd annual edition of the Ernst & Young Islamic Funds & Investments Report (IFIR 2009),
which has rapidly established itself as an indispensable reference source for decision-makers in the industry.
Launched at the 5th Annual World Islamic Funds & Capital Markets Conference (WIFCMC 2009) held in Bahrain on the 25th and 26th of May 2009, this year’s Report
could not come at a more critical time as the global financial markets undergo a seismic shift. IFIR 2009 reflects the measures that the leading industry players are
taking as they seek to strengthen their market positions and renew growth strategies against the backdrop of the ongoing fall-out from the global economic crisis.
Notwithstanding the effects of the crisis in the international financial markets, major opportunities continue to exist for Islamic investments. This year’s Report will
probe how the Shari’ah-compliant funds industry can catalyse the next phase of growth, providing industry leaders with new insights as they seek to renew their
business strategies in a challenging global economic climate.
Our gratitude goes to leading audit and business advisory firm, Ernst & Young and their Islamic Financial Services Group led by Sameer Abdi, who have invested their
considerable international talent and resources in leading the research project and in developing the insights contained in this Report.
We hope that the content of this third annual edition of the Ernst & Young Islamic Funds & Investments Report will be useful in your own strategic planning activities
and will assist your organisation in its quest for success in this dynamic industry.
Yours sincerely,
David McLean
Managing Director
The 5th Annual World Islamic Funds & Capital Markets Conference
A MEGA Brand
1
Islamic Funds and Investments
Report 2009
Surviving and adapting in a downturn
Disclaimer
The contents of the Islamic Funds and Investments Report 2009 are based on qualitative comments and hence provide a subjective assessment of
the current market. All quantitative comments are based on published information wherever possible. Where published reliable data was not
available, qualitative comments were made which may or may not reflect the true state of affairs. Information has been assimilated from secondary
sources, including published country, industry and institutional information, and primary sources, in the form of interviews with industry executives.
We are not expressing any assurance on the accuracy or completeness of the information obtained. Although this report has been documented
based on our understanding of Islamic financing activities to include only those activities that are deemed Shari’a compliant, no Shari’a opinion
whatsoever has been taken on this report. Hence, the contents of this report, in terms of the activities to be carried out, might not necessarily be
consistent with Shari’a in all cases, and the opinion of at least one Shari’a scholar should be taken before any further steps are made to implement
suggestions made in the report.
Whilst every care has been taken in the preparation of this report, no responsibility is taken by Ernst & Young as to the accuracy or completeness
of the data used or consequent conclusions based on that data, due to the respective uncertainties associated with any assumptions that have
been made.
This report was documented for the Islamic Funds and Capital Markets Conference 2009. No part of this document may be republished,
distributed, retransmitted, cited or quoted to anyone without prior written permission from MEGA Events and Ernst & Young.
3
Contents
1. Introduction 6
2. Macroeconomic Conditions 11
3. Asset Classes and Products 20
4. Key Investment Segments 30
5. Competition and Business Models 50
6. Key Business Risks 58
7. Conclusions 68
4 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Introduction to the Islamic Funds and Investment Report 2009
On behalf of Ernst & Young, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to the Ernst & Young Islamic Funds and
Investments Report 2009.
The financial crisis over the past year has seen unprecedented turmoil in global financial markets. Panic and volatility
within global equity markets have pushed equity values to historical lows. Coupled with a correction in real estate prices,
this has forced investors to reconsider their choice of Islamic asset manager as well as asset allocation strategy.
IFIR 2008 highlighted the phenomenal rate of growth experienced in the Islamic asset management industry. The
landscape has changed significantly as the global economic crisis has taken hold. IFIR 2009 seeks to revisit the findings
of IFIR 2008, address the changes, and provide explanations.
Despite this setback, the fundamentals of the Islamic fund industry remain strong. With almost US$50 billion in fund assets
under management and a large, expanding and untapped Muslim population, there are likely to be considerable
opportunities in the future.
This is a time when strategic choices have to be made and market participants have to adapt to survive. I hope that this
report will serve as a catalyst by helping market participants formulate both ideas and the means to meet the challenges
that are prevalent in the current economic climate.
Sameer Abdi
Advisory Partner
Ernst & Young
5
1. Introduction
6 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Over the past year, there has been considerable activity in the Islamic funds market,
including unique fund launches and regulatory changes
November
March May June August October IFSB approves two January
Jadwa Indonesia launches exposure drafts:
Dubai Financial Market Saudi Arabia’s CMA CIMB Islamic Bank Scottish Widows
Investment the International Capital Adequacy
issues first Islamic allows foreign launches FXOP-I, Investment
Requirements for
standards on trading of launches Center for investors to buy which allows Partnership and Manar March
Africa’s first Development in Sukuk Securitizations
shares on DFM listed shares customers to Financial Investment Nasdaq Dubai begins
Shari’a Islamic Finance, a and Real Estate
through swap hedge their foreign agree to set up SWIP listing Dubai Gold
compliant regulatory body Investments and
agreements exchange risk Saudi Asset Securities, an Islamic
investment, the Guiding Principles on
Management exchange-traded
Africa Fund July Governance of Islamic
October Collective Investments commodity
First Islamic venture Schemes
capital fund is International January
launched by Islamic Financial
Malaysia Venture Market launches Fairfax Middle East
Capital Management first standardized launches an Islamic
master agreement Russian property fund
for treasury worth US$500m
placement in
Islamic finance
Source: Islamic Finance News, Ernst & Young analysis Note: This timeline is not exhaustive and intends to provide only a summary of major events
7
However, growth has stalled from historical highs
50 800
43 44
45 41 700
40
34 600
35
29 500
30
23
25 400
20
20 300
15
200
10
5 100
0 0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 Q1 2009
8 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Whilst the number of new funds launched has declined and the number of funds
being liquidated has risen
Number of
funds
173
180
160
140
120
98
100
78
80
60
40
19
20 11 11
7 6
0
2006 2007 2008 Q1 2009
9
Islamic asset management has been impacted by the global recession - in order to
survive the current downturn, participants will need to adapt
Macro Asset
economic Classes and
Conditions Products
Islamic Asset
Key Management
Key Investor
Business
Segments
Risks
Competition &
Business
Models
10 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
2. Macroeconomic Conditions
GCC and Asia have not been immune to the global recession - liquidity is now
subsiding
Macro Asset
Economic Classes &
Conditions Products
Islamic Asset
5. KeyrecessionManagement
The global has led to market3.corrections
Investor
Business
and global assets under management Segments
has shrunk for
Risks
the first time since 2002
GCC and Asia have4.not been insulated from the
Competition
downturn & Business
Reduced oil revenues and Models
a drop in global trade flows
have decreased economic output in the GCC and
Asia respectively
12 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
13
9-Mar-09
9-Jan-09
Index return = -50%
9-Nov-08
9-Sep-08
9-Jul-08
The global recession has resulted in a severe market correction
9-May-08
9-Mar-08
9-Jan-08
9-Nov-07
9-Sep-07
The MSCI World Index
9-Jul-07
9-May-07
9-Mar-07
9-Jan-07
9-Nov-06
9-Sep-06
Index return = 40%
9-Jul-06
9-May-06
9-Mar-06
9-Jan-06
9-Nov-05
9-Sep-05
9-Jul-05
Index level
9-May-05
Source: MSCI
1,700
1,500
1,300
1,100
900
700
500
As a result, the global asset management industry has experienced its first decline
(in AuM) since 2002
Number of funds
Estimated AuM US$
(‘000)
trillion
30 80
Dot-com Crisis Financial Crisis
26.2
70
25
2003-2007 AuM CAGR = 18% 21.8 21.7
60
20 17.7
50
16.2
14
15 40
11.8 11.6 11.3
30
10
20
5
10
0 0
Worldwide Total Net Assets of Mutual Funds Worldwide Total Number of Mutual Funds
Source: National Mutual Funds Association, Ernst & Young analysis Note: The data is for 44 countries
14 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
A sharp fall in oil prices is expected to cause a significant reduction in economic
growth across the GCC
Global Average Crude Oil Price and Total Nominal GDP in the GCC
140
1,200
1,030 1,033
120
1,000 908
824 813 100
800 737
623 80
600 483 60
405
400 40
200 20
0 0
Source: Global Insight, Qwest Investment Management, Ernst & Young analysis
15
Consequently, GCC government surpluses are expected to decrease
Global Average Crude Oil Price and Current Account Balances of Governments in the GCC
140
350
288 120
300
100
250
204 195 80
200 163
60
150 114
90 96
40
100 83
52
50 20
0 0
Source: Global Insight, Qwest Investment Management, Ernst & Young analysis
16 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Liquidity growth in the GCC will slow
Global Average Crude Oil Price and Total M1 Liquidity in the GCC
140
300
243 120
250 229
219
210 100
200 185
80
143
150 129
113 60
92
100 40
50 20
0 0
Source: Global Insight, Qwest Investment Management, Ernst & Young analysis
17
Meanwhile, countries in South East Asia are experiencing a slowdown in both
exports and domestic demand, reducing economic output
Combined Merchandise Exports, Imports and Nominal GDP in Malaysia and Indonesia
US$ billion
900 822
800 733 724
700 656
619
600 521
500 424
382
400 345
300
200
100
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009e 2010e 2011e
18 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Reduced economic activity, coupled with a drop in bank financing, has resulted in
reduced money supply growth
US$ billion
140 129
115
120
100 103 101
100
78
80
59 62
60 53
40
20
0
2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009e 2010e 2011e
19
3. Asset Classes and Products
20 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Asset classes have been adversely affected by the global recession - liquidity and
stability have become key investment criteria
Macro Asset
Economic Classes &
Conditions Products
Islamic Asset
5. Key Management
3. Investor
AssetBusiness
classes, particularly equities andSegments
real estate,
Risks
have been adversely affected by the global recession
Asset classes that offer liquidity and low volatility have
4. Competition
gained in popularity & Business
Models
21
Geographic (Middle East) and asset class (equities) concentration remains high
82
10,141
1,373 2,906 1,433
Equity 279
39
Fixed Income 5,504 856
85
Real Estate and 3,431 253 1,021 406
Private Equity
Source: Eurekahedge, Zawya, Ernst & Young analysis Note: Bubble size denotes the size of the funds in US$ million
22 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Equity asset classes have performed poorly in 2008 - volatility continues
100%
60%
51.7%
50%
80%
40%
60% 27.0%
30%
23.0%
20%
40%
10% 4.8%
3.4%
20% 0%
-3.7%
2006 2007 2008 Q1 2009
-10%
0% -20%
Jan-05
Apr-05
Oct-05
Jan-06
Oct-06
Jan-07
Oct-07
Jan-08
Oct-08
Jan-09
Jul-05
Apr-06
Jul-06
Apr-07
Jul-07
Apr-08
Jul-08
Apr-09
-20.9%
-30%
-20%
-40% -39.0%
-40% -50%
“There’s a herd mentality in the market at the moment. Investors are panicking and trying
to redeem their investments, driving down markets further."
“Prices are bottoming out and we expect people to start coming back to the market and take advantage
of historically low prices."
Corporate interviews
Source: Zawya, Eurekahedge, Ernst & Young analysis Note: Data includes returns of 245 funds
23
Sukuk issuance has slowed as widening spreads are making returns more attractive
7% 7%
40,000
6%
4% 4% 4%
20,000 15,516 3% 3%
10,758 2%
10,000 5,817 7,210
1% 1% 1%
986
0%
0
2006 2007 2008 Q1 2009
2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009e*
*Deals announced
“The Dubai government recently issued a bond with CDS spreads now approaching 600bps. Can you imagine what a Gulf-based corporate
bond issuance would be like?"
“Some of the first issued Sukuk is approaching maturity. For the first time, we’re expecting renegotiation of terms. Nobody is lending and rather
than see a default - banks will be prepared to negotiate."
Corporate interviews
Source: IFIS, Zawya Sukuk Monitor, Eurekahedge, Ernst & Young analysis Note: Data includes returns of 34 funds
24 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Commodity prices declined during the second half of 2008, but signs of recovery are
emerging and returns in Q1 2009 have been strong
Merrill Lynch Commodity Excess Return Index Islamic Commodity Funds - Average Returns
Index level Top Quartile Average Return Average Return
900
30%
800 23.2%
25%
21.2%
700
20%
600 15%
10.5% 10.0%
500 10%
300 0% 2.2%
100 -10%
0 -15%
3-Nov-05
3-Nov-06
3-Nov-07
3-Nov-08
3-Jan-05
3-Jan-06
3-Jan-07
3-Jan-08
3-Jul-05
3-Jan-09
3-Jul-06
3-Jul-07
3-Jul-08
3-Mar-05
3-May-05
3-Sep-05
3-Mar-06
3-May-06
3-Sep-06
3-Mar-07
3-May-07
3-Sep-07
3-Mar-08
3-May-08
3-Sep-08
3-Mar-09
-20% -20.1%
-25%
“When oil prices were high, we were booming. Now, with oil prices hovering at $50 a barrel, the golden era of the Middle East is over."
“Last year, agribusiness was in fashion. Every manager I know wanted to get into agriculture in some shape or form. This year, it’s all changed
again."
Corporate interviews
Source: Merrill Lynch, Eurekahedge, Zawya, Ernst & Young analysis Note: Data includes returns of 12 funds
25
Increased volatility has made cash funds a popular asset class amongst investors
5.5 14%
5 12.2%
4.5 12%
10.5%
4
10%
Percent age
3.5
3
8% 7.2%
2.5
`
2 6% 5.2%
1.5
3.9%
1 4% 3.4%
0.5 1.8%
2%
0
0.7%
J an-0 2
A pr-0 2
J ul-0 2
Oct -0 2
J an-0 3
A pr-0 3
J ul-0 3
Oct -0 3
J an-0 4
A pr-0 4
J ul-0 4
Oct -0 4
J an-0 5
A pr-0 5
J ul-0 5
Oct -0 5
J an-0 6
A pr-0 6
J ul-0 6
Oct -0 6
J an-0 7
A pr-0 7
J ul-0 7
Oct -0 7
J an-0 8
A pr-0 8
J ul-0 8
Oct -0 8
J an-0 9
A pr-0 9
0%
2006 2007 2008 Q1 2009
“In times of volatility and uncertainty, people are looking for safer and less volatile investment avenues."
“Investors want to invest in something where they will not lose money. They have been badly burnt and want to be protected.“
Corporate interviews
Source: Bloomberg, Eurekahedge, Zawya, Ernst & Young analysis Note: Data includes returns of 49 funds
26 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Real estate funds have been affected by falling real estate prices
30% 28%
200 25%
21%
20%
150
15% 13%
11%
10% 8%
100
5%
50
0%
2006 2007 2008 Q1 2009
-5% -5%
0 -5%
-10%
2-Nov-08
2-Mar-09
2-Mar-06
2-Sep-06
2-Nov-06
2-Mar-07
2-Sep-07
2-Nov-07
2-Mar-08
2-Sep-08
2-May-08
2-May-06
2-May-07
2-Jan-06
2-Jan-07
2-Jan-08
2-Jan-09
2-Jul-06
2-Jul-07
2-Jul-08
-11%
-15%
“We never invested in real estate. We knew it was a bubble and we were just waiting for it to burst.“
“Demand for low end housing will probably stay the same but typically developments are aimed at the high end of the market. This is where the
pain has been keenly felt."
Corporate interviews
Source: Global Business Monitor International, Eurekahedge, Zawya, Ernst & Young analysis Note: Data includes returns of 17 funds
27
The Middle East and Africa, Asia and Global mandates account for the vast majority
of all Islamic funds
100%
6% 7% 7%
6% 6% Emerging Markets
90% 6% 4%
4%
12% 6%
80% 20%
Europe
70% 27%
26%
60%
25%
North America
32%
50%
Source: Zawya, Eurekahedge, Ernst & Young analysis Note: The above analysis includes 496 Islamic funds for which data was available
28 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Shari’a compliant asset classes have experienced turmoil and volatility
Equities
Equities Fixed
Fixed Income
Income Cash
Cash Commodities
Commodities Real
Real Estate
Estate Private
Private Equity
Equity
Large
Large outflows
outflows Moderate
Moderate inflows
inflows Moderate
Moderate inflows
inflows Large
Large outflows
outflows Moderate
Moderate outflows
outflows Moderate
Moderate outflows
outflows
Large
Large corrections
corrections Decrease
Decrease in
in Lower
Lower interest
interest Global
Global recession,
recession, Fall
Fall in
in valuations
valuations Distressed
Distressed and
and
in
in both
both mature
mature and
and corporate
corporate issues
issues rates
rates falling
falling demand
demand and
and Distressed
Distressed sales
sales secondary
secondary sales
sales of
of
emerging
emerging markets
markets Increase
Increase in
in Lower
Lower returns
returns corrections
corrections commitments
commitments
2008
2008
Continued
Continued volatility
volatility sovereign
sovereign issuance
issuance Increased risk
Increased risk Dry-powder
Dry-powder
Limited
Limited recovery
recovery Increased
Increased spreads
spreads resulting
resulting from
from
defaults
defaults
Moderate
Moderate inflows
inflows Moderate
Moderate inflows
inflows Flat
Flat Large
Large inflows
inflows Limited
Limited inflows
inflows Flat
Flat
Current
Current valuations
valuations Large
Large sovereign
sovereign Low
Low returns
returns Commodity
Commodity Current
Current valuations
valuations Distressed
Distressed assets
assets
appear
appear attractive
attractive issues
issues will
will create
create aa Increased
Increased rebound
rebound as
as global
global appear
appear attractive
attractive Increased
Increased
for
for long-term
long-term benchmark
benchmark yield
yield consideration
consideration of
of economy
economy recovers
recovers for
for long-term
long-term investments
investments
investors
investors curve
curve counterparty
counterparty risk
risk investors
investors Alternative
Alternative source
source
2009f
2009f
Active
Active Distressed
Distressed assets
assets of
of capital
capital
management
management will will Demand exists
Demand exists for
for
gain
gain prominence
prominence lower
lower end
end
as
as volatility
volatility is
is residential
residential projects
projects
expected
expected to to in
in the
the GCC
GCC
continue
continue
29
4. Key Investor Segments
30 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
The global recession has impacted investable wealth across investor segments and
resulted in a reallocation of assets
Islamic Asset
Key Management
Key Investor
Business
Segments
Risks
Competition
& Business
Models
31
Islamic asset management is concentrated in the GCC and Malaysia
5 30 2
10
8
4 5
1
8 USA 1 1
~1,423 2
4 95
5 24 1 18
Islamic AuM 1
136 65
2
by Country 4
(US$b) Malaysia
2 2 ~4,579
164
10+
25 4
KSA Kuwait
1 – 10 26
~19,286 ~3,771
0.5 – 1
Bahrain UAE
0.1 - 0.5 ~1,238 ~5,524
1
8
0.01 – 0.1
Note: Funds per country include those managed by players headquartered in that respective jurisdiction. Boxes show total
Source: Eurekahedge, Zawya Funds Monitor, Ernst & Young analysis AuM of Islamic funds in US$ billion.
32 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
But there are still significant untapped markets in Asia and MENA
Turkey Iran
~71m ~64m
Egypt
~71m
50 - 100m
Nigeria
10 – 50m ~64m
Pakistan India
5 – 10m ~160m ~151m
1 – 5m Bangladesh
~132m
Under 1m
Source: CIA World Fact book; Global Insight; Ernst & Young analysis Note: Muslim populations have been determined by applying percentages to 2008 population data.
33
There are seven significant investor segments in Islamic markets
/
le
UHNWI ab Pension Funds
by i r
Propensity to consume
s y
ce
d le de sor
ly
Shari’a compliant
34 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Mass Affluent: A growing segment that demands simple and liquid products
Market Size
Estimated Change in
Market Size from 2007:
-20%
222
169 In 2008, the value of
147 liquid assets of mass
147 135
affluent individuals in the
GCC was US$135b. This
is expected to grow to
196 US$222b by 2013
187
137 157 149
Asian mass affluent
individuals had liquid
assets of US$149b in
2005 2006 2007 2008e 2013f
2008. This is expected to
grow to US$196b by 2013
GCC Asia
35
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Asset Allocation
55%
Currently there is only a limited number of Islamic mutual funds with low
Product/ initial/minimum subscription requirements
Asset 2008 2009
Lack of mixed asset allocation through balanced mutual funds or
Class Gap exposure to international Islamic investments Equity Fixed Income
Cash/Money Market Real Estate
Alternatives
36 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
HNWI and UHNWI: Segment seeking adequate returns and hassle-free redemption arrangements
Market Size
11.1
9.5
8.4
7.6 7.6
Growth rate of 7.9% assumed for Asia-Pacific and 15.3% for the Middle East (based
Source: Capgemini and Merrill Lynch World Wealth Report 2006, 2007, 2008; Ernst & Young analysis on historical growth rates)
37
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
HNWI and UHNWI: Segment has witnessed a sizeable decline in assets but growth is expected
Market Size
Estimated Change in
Market Size from 2007:
-20%
168
In 2008, the value of
124
liquid assets of HNWI and
107 99 UHNWI in the GCC was
106 US$99b. This is expected
to grow to US$168b by
2013
106 116
74 87 85
Asian HNWI and UHNWI
had liquid assets of
US$85b in 2008. This is
2005 2006 2007 2008e 2013f expected to grow to
US$116b by 2013
GCC Asia
Growth rate of 6.5% assumed for Asia-Pacific and 11.1% for the GCC (based on historical growth)
Asia includes Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia
Source: Datamonitor Global Wealth Model, Ernst & Young analysis
Liquid assets include all onshore assets excluding property and pension assets
38 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Asset Allocation
Ijarah (leasing) investments, particularly with tenures of 6-12 months, 2008 2009
Product/ offer an attractive substitute for fixed income with reduced zakat Equity Fixed Income
Asset obligations
Cash/Money Market Real Estate
Class Gap Islamic alternative and real estate investments which target emerging
or mature international markets Alternatives
Source: Industry interviews, Ernst & Young analysis
39
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Awqaf & Endowments: Burgeoning new segment requiring capital preservation and fund
management
Market Size
Several Waqf funds have also been structured as endowment funds with the principal aim of
developing academic institutions.
1. The International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) Endowment Fund aims to raise fund to help students in their
studies.
2. The King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) Endowment Fund has an endowment fund of
US$10 billion, considered to be the 6th largest endowment fund in the world.
3. Bahrain’s Waqf Fund for Research, Education and Training in Islamic Finance
The fund was established in March 2008 with capital of US$5.8 million.
Source: Ministries of Justice and Islamic Affairs, Foundation and Awqaf sites, press releases
40 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Awqaf & Endowments: Real estate is the dominant asset class with a small allocation to equities
Asset Allocation
5% 5%
2008 2009
Product/ Equity Fixed Income
Asset Long-term fixed income investments
Cash/Money Market Real Estate
Class Gap
Alternatives
Source: Industry interviews, Ernst & Young analysis
41
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Takaful: Large institutional segment with liquid assets requiring Shari’a compliant products
Market Size
Global Gross Takaful Contributions (in US$ million) 3,768
20 Estimated Market Size
3,364 355 36
18 2008:
317 32
2,518 1,065 US$7.2 billion
11 951
215 Indian Sub-Continent
1,988 21
8 Levant
181 17 692 Estimated Change in
1,384 Africa
5 544 South-East Asia Market Size from 2007:
121 14
2,292 GCC
474 2,046 -15%
1,579
1,238
770
In 2008, the value of
2004 2005 2006 2007e 2008e investable assets of
Total Takaful Operators Investable Assets (US$ million) Takaful operators stood at
12,000 US$7.2b which is
expected to grow to
10,000 approximately US$11.2b
by 2012
8,000
Malaysia
6,000 GCC
Consolidated
4,000
2,000
Note: Total investable assets include: government
Islamic papers, Islamic private debt securities and
0 equity, other investments, foreign assets,
2005 2006 2007 2008e 2009f 2010f 2011f 2012f investment accounts and Islamic MM, cash and
bank balances and other assets.
GCC figures have been estimated by using a
sample of 8 GCC companies.
Source: Company annual reports, Bank Negara Malaysia Annual Takaful Statistics 2007, Ernst & Young analysis
A growth rate of 11.7% has been assumed.
42 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Takaful: A significant sell-off of equities and a move to safer, more liquid assets
Asset Allocation
10% 10%
Shari'a compliance is a necessity
Shari’a A lack of depth in Islamic investments, particularly in the fixed income
Sensitivity asset class, forces many operators to reinsure large portions of their
risk
30%
40%
60%
2008 2009
Liquid investments in fixed income asset classes
Product/ Equity Fixed Income
Asset Listed/tradable products that can be easily exited
Cash/Money Market Real Estate
Class Gap
Alternatives
Source: Industry interviews, Ernst & Young analysis Note: 2008 data is for the GCC only, 2009 data includes Malaysia
43
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
SWF: Large investor group utilizing only sophisticated and proven fund managers
Market Size
Value of assets (in US$ billion) Estimated Market Size
0 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 900 2008:
Abu Dhabi Investment Authority - UAE 875 US$1,782–2,240 billion
Other Non-GCC 39
GCC Non-GCC Variation
44 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Asset Allocation
5%
The SWF segment is not predisposed to investing in Shari’a compliant 10%
Shari’a investments but prefers ethical investments
20%
Sensitivity Conventional financial institutions are not excluded from their
investment strategies 20%
20%
Will invest through well established and reputable international brands,
25%
with whom long-term relationships have been established
Product
Focus Have single management limits which forces multiple relationships
Conduct big-ticket investments
SWFs have been badly affected by the global economic downturn 55% 45%
Asset Equity investments in financial institutions have severely eroded as
Class have some real estate investments
Allocation Long and often passive investment positions should not substantially
affect asset allocation; however changes in sector and geographic
preferences may become apparent in the short-term.
2008 2009
Sophisticated structured product offerings and exposure to
Product/ Equity Fixed Income
international markets
Asset
Products that can compete, in terms of price, returns, scale and service Cash/Money Market Real Estate
Class Gap
quality, with best-of-breed conventional offerings Alternatives
Source: Industry interviews, Ernst & Young analysis
45
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Pension Funds: Fast growing institutional segment requiring long-term asset managers
Market Size
92.8 -10%
15.9
9.3 8.6
6.6
2.5 2.4
1.2 1.7
Bahrain* Saudi UAE Kuwait Qatar Oman Pakistan Malaysia Indonesia Note: * 2008 data, ** 2006 data
Arabia** Size was estimated for certain GCC
countries by taking average assets per
employee as a proxy for fund size
Change in market size was estimated
Source: OECD, Ernst & Young analysis for GCC only
46 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Individual Quasi Institutional Institutional
Pension Funds: Fast growing institutional segment requiring long-term asset managers
Asset Allocation
<5%
<5% 15%
Have no Islamic requirements but this does not preclude involvement
Shari’a in Islamic investments
Sensitivity As awareness of Shari’a compliance grows, these funds will be <5%
increasingly pressured into allocating more to Islamic offerings
50% 30%
International investments in listed instruments, conducted through
Product international portfolio managers with a focus on mature markets
Focus
Local conventional and Islamic banks engaged for cash deposits
15%
10%
Asset allocation has changed as increased investments have been
Asset made in equities due to attractive valuations
Class There has been a decrease in allocation to cash/deposits with short
Allocation maturities, but this still remains a dominant asset class 35% 40%
Fixed income is dominated by local government bonds but includes
limited exposure to international issues
2008 2009
Alternatives to cash/money market that provide attractive returns but
Product/
are low risk and allow for short tenures Equity Fixed Income
Asset
Class Gap Islamic mutual funds that can provide stable returns through exposure Cash/Money Market Real Estate
to international equities in mature markets
Alternatives
Source: Industry interviews, Ernst & Young analysis
47
The global economic downturn has reduced the risk appetite of key investors,
particularly the individual investor segment and Takaful operators
Return
Capital
Appreciation
Current Income Total Capital Appreciation
Returns Individual
Moderate risk Investors Significant risk
Returns achieved Returns achieved
through income through capital gains
Current Takaful
generation Requires a long-term
Operators
Income investment horizon
Takaful Other
Individual Operators
Capital Preservation Investors
Institutional Total Returns
Investors
Little or no risk Moderate level of risk
Nominal returns that Capital Quasi Returns obtained through
are at least equal to Preservation Institutional capital gains and
inflation Investors reinvested dividends
Short investment Requires a long-term
horizon investment horizon
Risk
Key:
Shift in investor Past Investor
preference
Present Investor
48 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Islamic asset management has a potential revenue pool of over US$3.6 billion
Illustrative
Shari’a Sensitive Investable Assets in the GCC and Asia
by Investor Segment in 2008 (US$b) Potential Revenue Pool (2008)
Estimated CAGR
Investable Assets and Shari’a Sensitive Portion
(2004-2008) Shari’a Sensitive Assets
284 US$736b
Affluents ~10%
213
141
Pension ~18%
65
Funds Revenue Pool
1,782
SWF ~15%
213 US$1.84-3.68b
Total Shari’a
Sensitive 736
Assets
49
5. Competition and Business Models
50 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Unfavorable market conditions, shifting investor preferences and a fragmented
competitive landscape could result in a shakeout of industry players
Competition
& Business
Models
51
Fund sizes remain small with over 50% having AuM of US$ 20m or less
249
92
68
40
10 15 14
Source: Zawya, Eurekahedge, Ernst & Young analysis Note: Data included 488 Islamic Funds
52 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Two-thirds of all players manage less than US$100m in Islamic assets - the global
competitive landscape is fragmented and a shakeout appears likely
450
Total Funds: 3
Total Value: US$ 406 Million
Total Funds: 4
Total Value: US$ 417 Million
Total Funds: 10
Total Value: US$ 377 Million
launched:
UBL Fund
Managers Ltd
0
Notes: Size of circle denotes number of funds (equity, balanced, fixed income, cash, commodity, real estate and others) issued as of Q1 2009.
X-axis splits between players indigenous to key Islamic markets (i.e. the GCC, Pakistan, Malaysia and Indonesia) and foreign institutions.
Y-axis denotes total value of active managed funds (where data was available). A selected number of institutions have been box labeled with additional information.
.Source: Zawya, Eurekahedge, Annual reports
53
Adaptation will require a realignment of business models
o n
uti
Increase product base to Focus on value added
St
retain market share?
rib
services and generate alpha?
rat
Keep distribution in-house?
ist
Revise fee structure to
eg
dD
Or move towards a wider encourage investor
ya
distribution strategy? Islamic participation?
an
nd
Investment
Takaful
ts
Fe
Fund
Industry
uc
es
od
Industry
Pr
Support Functions
Consider cost reduction by moving
back and middle office functions to
shared service centers or off-shore?
54 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Firms will need to select a product and distribution platform that is aligned with its
strategy…
Key Features Key Features Key Features Key Features Key Features
Structuring, A partnership In-house production Asset manager Outsource strategy
marketing, strategy whereby the capability that is provides third party where the asset
investment and asset manager and a paired with the ability structured and manager becomes
management of funds strategic partner to outsource and managed funds purely a distributor of
are all conducted in- structure, invest, distribute best-of- under its own brand products that are
house manage, brand and breed products on name structured and
Capital intensive, distribute the fund in demand Less capital and managed by third
requires established collaboration human resource party managers
infrastructure and is Suitable for players intensive Requires minimal
human resource with either structuring Requires access to capital, human
intensive or fund management established family of resources and
expertise funds infrastructure
Does not require
branding
Core Competencies
Product Development Distribution
Typical Player
Niche Fund Supermarkets
55
… and position themselves as alpha-seekers or asset gatherers to set their fee
structure
Value
Alpha
Active management Seekers Passive management
strategy which seeks to strategy which seeks
create value and to track indices and
achieve alpha No-Man’s Land achieve beta
In order to maintain In order to achieve
performance, AuM and profitability, large AuM
scale are kept relatively and scale are sought
small Fees are lower and
Asset
Fees are higher and weighted towards
Gatherers
weighted towards management
performance
Scale
Source: Ernst & Young analysis, Eurekahedge * Note: average management fees are for the 10 largest Islamic equity funds globally.
56 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Whilst considering a lean and efficient corporate structure through the outsourcing
of non-core business activities
Phase 3
Phase 1
57
6. Key Business Risks
58 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Key business risks for 2009 reflect an industry in flux and a market that remains
volatile
Islamic Asset
Key Management
Key Investor
Business
Segments
Risks
Competition
& Business
Models
59
The 2009 Islamic investment fund industry business risks landscape has changed
substantially
Prolonged
Prolonged
Global
Global economic
economic Risk
Risk management
management Reputation
Reputation of
of Business
Business model
model
Category
and
reduction
reduction in
in risk Valuations
Category
Risk and
Financial
Financial Risk
Risk Strategic
Strategic Risk
Risk Financial
Financial Risk
Risk Strategic
Strategic Risk
Risk Strategic
Strategic Risk
Risk Operational
Operational Risk
Risk
2009
2009 11stst 22nd
nd 33rdrd 44thth 55thth 66thth
2008
2008 66thth N/A
N/A N/A
N/A N/A
N/A 44thth N/A
N/A
Market
Market risk
risk and
and Flight
Flight to
to safe
safe Difficulties
Difficulties in
in Risk
Risk management
management Poor
Poor performance
performance Extreme
Extreme market
market
resulting
resulting negative
negative assets
assets and
and valuations
valuations of
of practice
practice has
has led
led to
to aa conditions
conditions
Factors
Contributing Factors
effect
effect on
on changes
changes inin complex
complex ‘hard
‘hard to
to redundancy
redundancy andand decline
decline inin trust
trust in
in resulting
resulting in
in
investment
investment traditional
traditional asset
asset price’
price’ securities
securities re-evaluation
re-evaluation financial
financial services
services operating
operating model
model
portfolios
portfolios allocations
allocations Markdown
Markdown of of Risk
Risk models
models giving
giving Defaults
Defaults andand redundancies
redundancies
Increased
Increased Redundant
Redundant assets
assets due
due to
to aa false
false sense
sense of
of ratings
ratings Liquidity
Liquidity problems
problems
Contributing
redemptions
redemptions andand product
product portfolios
portfolios global
global downturn
downturn security
security and
and failing
failing downgrades
downgrades are are leading
leading toto
capital
capital outflows
outflows and
and investment
investment to
to capture
capture extreme
extreme further
further impacting
impacting business
business model
model
Lower
Lower take
take up
up of
of strategies
strategies events
events sentiment
sentiment failures
failures
new
new launches
launches Shift
Shift towards
towards
performance-
performance-
related
related fees
fees
60 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
The impact of the economic downturn coupled with the reduction in risk appetite will
be the most pressing business risks faced by the Islamic fund industry over the next
12 months
4
Reputation of Valuations
industry* Risk
4 management
enforcement
5 Competition Economic
Downturn 5
Reputation of
industry
Global economic
6
downturn*
Risk Appetite Business model
6
redundancy
New entry
Strategic Operational
Source: Corporate Interviews, Ernst & Young analysis * Note: To ease comparability, the names of the 2008 risks have been amended to reflect responses from this year.
61
The global economic downturn has been felt across all financial institutions. The
Islamic investment management industry has not been immune
Key Considerations
Improve the core business function
To meet the challenges of a depressed market and declining demand in traditional asset classes, investment managers should seek to review
their operating model, streamline costs and focus on core competencies.
62 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
The prolonged reduction in risk appetite has resulted in a marked shift away from
traditional asset classes
Investment managers are diversifying their product range to target new investors “There is liquidity in the
market but investors are
Investment managers are having to diversify their product range to meet the changing needs of their taking a wait and see
investors and to target new investors for market share retention. approach.”
Bahrain executive
Key Considerations
Diversify income stream by developing new expertise
Faced with declining demand in traditional asset classes, investment managers need to enhance their product portfolio and seek to target new
investors.
63
Declining values of portfolios are causing reported net asset values (and hence
performance measurements) to decline
Investment managers are looking for new investment strategies “Redemption requests are
Distressed funds are being launched by investment managers wishing to take advantage of the current placing stress on
portfolios. As we sell at
market conditions.
distressed prices, we are
not achieving the
Declining values have left liquid/cash rich managers with a tremendous investing opportunity valuations we are ascribing
A number of interviewees have confirmed that with asset prices (equity as well as fixed assets) at to the assets.”
Dubai executive
historical lows, this is an exceptional time to purchase cheap assets.
“With valuations falling,
now is actually a good time
to buy cheap assets.”
Saudi executive
Key Considerations
Due diligence on potential investments should be thoroughly performed
In order to ensure accurate valuations, investment managers will need to ensure that thorough due diligence is conducted.
64 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Risk management will play a pivotal role in 2009 and must be integrated across the
firm in order to assess risk at an enterprise level
Expansion of risk models from back-testing approach to stress testing “We now have a risk
management member
Internal risk models will be expanded from back-testing to comprehensive stress testing, with higher sitting on the desk with the
probabilities assigned to extreme events. traders. This way, we can
assess the key metrics at
Systemic risks are to be viewed in light of the current collapse in the financial system the time of execution rather
than at a later date.”
Firms’ exposures will be identified in the context of the global financial system, with risks to the firm Bahrain executive
identified on a systemic level.
Counterparty risk management is prominent following high profile collapses “With markets as shaky as
they are, investors
Interviewees have noted a number of high profile international casualties in the Islamic fund
committed to deals are
environment.
trying to back out, leading
to litigation.”
Bahrain executive
Key Considerations
The trend in risk management is for better risk capabilities
Managers that thrive in this market are those who demonstrate a holistic approach to managing and mitigating risk.
65
The reputation of the funds industry has taken taking a beating recently, causing
investors to withdraw capital
Key Considerations
Investment managers need to be proactively engaged in actively communicating with their clients to address any concerns before they arise.
66 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Global financial turbulence has left many investment managers with redundant
business models
Interviewees have commented that strategic investors are being sought to partner the investment “It is becoming
manager at the outset of the fund launch. uneconomical to operate as
a one-stop shop. Managers
are increasingly turning
New strategic ideas are being assessed towards white labeling their
Islamic investment managers are seeking to work closely with conventional investment managers to products and focusing on
develop an approach treating Islamic tranches as an ‘asset class’. what they do best.”
Dubai executive
Key Considerations
Short-term focus should not overshadow long-term opportunities
It is important that any restructuring decisions are made with the long term strategic objectives in mind and not simply as a result of short-term
results.
67
7. Conclusions
68 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Islamic asset management has been impacted by the global recession - in order to
survive the current downturn, participants will need to adapt
The
The global
global recession
recession has
has Asset
Asset classes,
classes,
led
led toto market
market corrections
corrections particularly
particularlyequities
equities and
and
and
and global
global asset
asset real
real estate,
estate, have
have been
been
management
management has has shrunk
shrunk adversely
adverselyaffected
affected byby
for
for the
the first
first time
time since
since the
the global
global recession
recession
2002
2002 Asset
Asset classes
classes that
that offer
offer
GCC
GCC and and Asia
Asia have
have not
not
Macro Asset liquidity
liquidityand
and low
low
been
been insulated
insulated fromfrom the volatility
volatility have
have gained
gained in
downturn
the economic Classes & popularity
in
downturn popularity
Reduced
Reduced oil oil revenues
revenues Conditions Products
and
and aa drop
dropin in global
global trade
trade
flows
flows have
have decreased
decreased
economic
economic output output inin the
the
GCC
GCC and and Asia
Asia
respectively
respectively
Islamic Asset
Key Management
Key Investor
Business
Segments
Risks
The
The business
business risks
risks Investors
Investors have
haveseen
seen
landscape
landscape forforIslamic
Islamic their
theirinvestable
investable wealth
wealth
asset
assetmanagement
management has has decline
decline asas aaresult
resultof of
changed
changedsubstantially
substantially Competition the
the global
global downturn
downturn
since
since 2008
2008 & Business Asset
Asset allocation
allocation has
has
The economic
The economic downturn,
downturn, changed
changed to toreflect
reflect new
new
aa reduction
reduction in
in investors’
investors’ Models market
market realities
realities --there
there
risk
risk appetite
appetite and
and unclear
unclear has
has been
been aa flight
flight to
to
valuations
valuations will
will be
be the
the safety
safety
most
most pressing
pressing business
business
risks
risks in
in 2009
2009
Average
Average fund
fund sizes
sizes remain
remainsmall
small --increased
increasedredemptions
redemptions have
haveresulted
resultedin
in fund
fund
liquidations
liquidations
The
The competitive
competitivelandscape
landscape for
for global
global Islamic
Islamic asset
asset management
managementisis fragmented
fragmented -- aa
shakeout
shakeout appears
appears likely
likely
Fund
Fund managers
managers need
need to
to decide
decide whether
whetherto
to focus
focus on
on product
product development
development or
or
distribution;
distribution; returns
returns or
or scale;
scale; and
andin-house
in-house or
or outsourced
outsourced
69
Appendix 1 – Domicile Considerations
70 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Key considerations, including repatriation and taxation, must be considered in order
to determine an appropriate domicile for an Islamic investment fund
71
Meanwhile, the majority of Islamic funds are domiciled in 6 key jurisdictions
South Africa
Singapore 3%
2%
Thailand 1%
Pakistan 2%
Turkey >1%
Saudi Arabia, Netherlands >1% United Arab Emirates
19% Others, 25% Morocco 1% 1%
Six jurisdictions are home to almost two-thirds of all global Islamic funds
Two main types of domicile exist - domestic and offshore destinations
Funds based in domestic domiciles are established to gain access to local investors and local assets
Funds based in offshore target international assets and are established to take advantage of low taxes, fund administration, regulatory
regimes and investor perception
72 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Favoured jurisdictions are characterized by low or no taxes, existence of double tax
agreements and widespread international acceptance
1 - Any company not resident in Malaysia is exempted from Malaysian tax (including withholding tax) on interest income from Islamic securities (other than convertible loan stock) issued in Malaysian Ringgit (RM).
2 - Since January 1st, 2009, a 0% WHT rate applies if the dividend distribution is made to a company residing in any State which has signed a double tax treaty with Luxembourg and to Luxembourg permanent establishments of such entities
and provided the following requirements are met: (i) the receiving is subject to an effective tax rate of at least 10,5% and (ii) its tax basis is determined following similar rules to those provided by Luxembourg tax law, and (i) it either holds at
least 10% of the shares of the Luxembourg entity or (ii) the acquisition cost of the shares amounts to at least € 1,200,000.
3 - Malaysia adopts a territorial system of taxation such that foreign-sourced income, including dividends from non-resident companies, is not subject to Malaysian tax.
4 - There is no capital gains tax regime in Malaysia at this time and therefore capital gains are not subject to tax.
5 - No specific law for tax treatment of hybrids.
6 - Treatment not provided for in tax law. No practical experience.
7 - No specific law for tax treatment of hybrids.
Source: Relevant country regulations, Ernst & Young analysis Note: This information is not exhaustive, should not be construed as tax advice and provides only a summary of key factors.
73
Top 5 domiciles for each Islamic asset class/product offering
Rank Equities Money Market Fixed Income Balanced Real Estate Commodities Others
Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, due to the sheer size of their economies and Islamic finance sectors, emerge as the top destinations for most fund
categories
Real estate and other funds (which include alternative funds) are more commonly based in international domicile locations due to ease of
establishment, tax considerations and developed regulatory regimes
74 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
Appendix 2 - Team and References
Ernst & Young’s Islamic Financial Services Group
76 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
The report’s methodology and our interviews
77
References and the Project Team
78 MEGA Brands. MEGA Clients. Market Leaders. | Shaping the Future of the Islamic Finance Industry Since 1993
MEGA is the leading business information firm focused on achieving business results for the Islamic banking & finance industry since 1993. Our exclusive focus on
Islamic finance has enabled us to create significant value for the leading players in the Islamic banking, finance and investment markets. The portfolio of MEGA brands
represents the landmark industry conferences and our clients are the leading players in the international financial markets.
Our Strategic Associates are world leaders in their respective fields and include key government finance and regulatory agencies such as the Central Bank of Bahrain,
Dubai International Financial Centre, UK Trade & Investment, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the Economic Development Board of Bahrain. These and our
other strategic alliances with international thought leaders including Ernst & Young and global strategy advisory firm McKinsey & Company further strengthen MEGA’s
brand leadership position in the Islamic finance industry worldwide.
MEGA continues to grow its portfolio of Islamic finance brands to further extend our leadership position across the Banking, Takaful, Funds, Capital Markets, and
Project Finance segments. Each brand is developed over many years in order to further cement its number 1 position in its respective market.
In 1994 we founded the World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC), which at the time was one of the first conferences in the world to focus on this nascent
industry. That first year we had 120 pioneering delegates and one sponsor. Today, more than a decade later and with more than 1,200 delegates from over 45 countries
attending the conference each year, WIBC is an iconic brand recognised as the largest and most significant gathering of banking and finance leaders in this rapidly
growing industry anywhere in the world.
MEGA brands have a genuinely global reach across the Islamic finance industry. An initiative to further broaden this international representation ‘The World Comes to
WIBC’ was launched at WIBC 2007 and has grown to now feature a British Pavilion led by UKTI and comprising 18 British-based banks. 2008 saw us further extending
this programme to Asia, in partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, which resulted in a high-profile Singapore delegation led by the MAS Governor.
A number of leading international Islamic banking groups also now convene their annual board meetings along the sidelines of WIBC.
MEGA’s leadership position has come as a result of our relentless focus on the constantly changing needs of our clients as the industry has grown and matured.
Whether it be the challenges of launching a new bank, a new investment fund, an innovative new retail financial product or raising corporate profile in a key target
market, we ensure that our offerings are closely aligned to the immediate business priorities of our clients. Then we make sure that we deliver on our promises and
that is why the market leaders come back and work with us year after year. Our genuine value creation is highlighted by our long-term relationship with Ernst & Young
who have worked with us continuously since the inception of the World Islamic Banking Conference 16 years ago - and who are also now our partners across the
portfolio of MEGA brands.