Zawya's team leader for fixed-income products, Adnan Halawi, leads discussion on Islamic bonds at 6th London Sukuk Summit

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 7 June 2012: The USD 214 billion global sukuk industry is witnessing unprecedented growth, complemented and triggered by diversification, Adnan Halawi, leader of the Fixed Income Team at business and financial intelligence company Zawya, said at the 6th London Sukuk Summit held in London on June 6 and 7.

The London Sukuk Summit at the Jumeriah Carlton Hotel in London is now the premier conference in the Islamic Capital Markets industry, specializing in the latest developments and providing an ideal platform for experts and those interested in accessing the industry to discuss the key issues, highlight and identify new opportunities and forge new business relationships.

In his presentation entitled 'Sukuk Market: Growth and Diversification', Halawi discussed key growth factors leading to a current outstanding sukuk market of USD 214 billion despite the obstacles hindering growth.

Halawi also provided insights into the recent developments that have shaped the industry, one of which is the rise of diversification as a trend and a need in the Islamic bond market. Other findings include geographical expansion, a wider choice of currencies, stock exchange listings, regulatory support measures, structural innovation, and increased cross-border issuance.

"Large pools of Muslim wealth and abundant liquidity have ensured that demand for sukuk still exceeds supply," Halawi said. "Islamic finance's safe-haven, asset-backed nature has led to more and more investors, globally, opting for sukuk to diversify portfolios and meet financing and refinancing requirements."

Halawi cited Zawya data to show that the Middle East and North Africa region witnessed a retreat in conventional issuance in favor of sukuk, a trend that is expected to persist should North African states start selling sukuk.

Data from Zawya Sukuk Monitor shows that South East Asia accounts for 70% of the market, topped by Malaysia, while the GCC accounts for 29% of the market with the momentous entry of Saudi Arabia in 2011. While other countries are expected to join the club of issuers, Halawi forecast 2012 issuance of sukuk would be at least as good as last year's USD 85 billion, and in the best scenario to exceed USD 125 billion.

Zawya is sponsoring this year's London Sukuk Summit as the Islamic Intelligence Partner.

View Adnan Halawi's full presentation here.

For more information on the Zawya Sukuk Monitor, and to register, visit http://www.zawya.com/sukuk

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About Zawya
Zawya is the leading online business intelligence platform focusing on the Middle East & North Africa, enabling nearly 1 million professionals to find and connect to the right business and investment opportunities in the region. Our wide range of unique content and tools include detailed profiles on the top companies in the Middle East and North Africa, Zawya Dow Jones live news, comprehensive industry and asset class research, as well as an exclusive online network for professionals focusing on the region. Headquartered in the UAE, Zawya has physical presence in Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and the USA. For more information, please visit www.zawya.com 

For further information, please contact:
John Katsabanis
Marketing Manager - Zawya
Tel: +971-55-554 0814
E-mail: john.katsabanis@zawya.com

© Press Release 2012