Almaty, Kazakhstan | Manama, Bahrain, 9th February 2015 - The General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI), the global umbrella of Islamic financial institutions, has successfully launched its  'Certified Islamic Banker' training programme for 50  Senior Bankers from 6 - CIS Countries and Central Asia.

The professional development training programme, which is held in the Regional Financial Center of Almaty (RFCA) Academy on 9 - 13 February 2015 in Almaty, Kazakhstan is organised by CIBAFI, supported by the Islamic Development Bank and hosted by the National Bank of Kazakhstan.

National Bank of Kazakhstan is aiming to develop Almaty as a regional Islamic finance hub since it welcomed Islamic finance in the country in 2009. A tremendous boost to this initiative has been the recently approved government decree the "Road Map on development of Islamic Finance in Kazakhstan by 2020".

The objective of the training programme is to engage participants in the discussion on the contemporary environment and the latest Islamic banking operations. In addition, it will give the participants a good overview of some of the widely used contracts in Islamic banking. The stimulating, interactive training seamlessly integrates theory with practice to offer participants hands on experience and provide the practical tools and techniques that will enhance their day-to-day professional performance.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Abdelilah Belatik, Secretary General of CIBAFI said: "empowered by CIBAFI mandate to disseminate rules and principles of Islamic finance worldwide, we are determined to facilitate Islamic finance development in CIS countries and support the strive of Kazakhstan to develop its Islamic financial sector. "

The CIB programme being held in Kazakhstan is one of the many professional development initiatives spearheaded by CIBAFI as it strives to enhance capacity building and human capital development in the Islamic Financial Services Industry.

"This programme is our response to a number of visits from CIS officials during last year to our headquarters in Bahrain. We are pleased to welcome participants from Regulators, Practitioners, Academia and Scholars, from Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Tajikistan, Russian Federation and Turkey. This undoubtedly highlights the untapped potential and great interest towards Islamic Finance in this region" Mr. Belatik added.

About the General Council For Islamic Banks And Financial Institutions (CIBAFI)           
CIBAFI is an international organisation established in 2001 and Headquartered in the Kingdom of Bahrain. CIBAFI is affiliated with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

CIBAFI represents the Islamic financial services industry globally, defending and promoting its role, consolidating co-operation among its members, and with other institutions with similar interests and objectives.

CIBAFI comprises 111 members in 29 jurisdictions, representing market players, international inter-governmental organizations and professional firms, and industry associations.

For more information about CIBAFI, please visit www.cibafi.org

Tel: +973 17357300/ Email: cibafi@cibafi.org  

About the National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK)
The National Bank of Kazakhstan (NBK) is the central bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In accordance with the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan "On the National Bank of Kazakhstan", it is a state body which: Ensures the formulation and implementation of the state's monetary policy, and the functioning of payment systems, Administers foreign exchange regulation and foreign exchange control, the state regulation, control and supervision of the financial market and financial organizations, the state regulation of the functioning of the regional financial centre of the city of Almaty, Promotes the ensuring of the stability of the financial system, and Conducts the state statistics.

Tel: +7 727 2788 052/ Email: madina.tukulova@nationalbank.kz  

© Press Release 2015