Uncovering the Gatekeepers of Islamic Finance

In this webinar, co-organised by MEI-NUS and the Centre for Islamic Economics and Finance, Hamad Bin Khalifa University (CIEF-HBKU), two industry experts will explore the sociological dimensions of Islamic finance and its institutions. The session seeks to introduce the audience to:

1. The role(s) of Sharia supervisory boards (SSBs) in approving – or disapproving – financial products at Islamic financial institutions;
2. The religious, legal and business frameworks under which the SSBs operate;
3. The extent of legal and religious authority that SSBs have in making a resolution.

In that regard, some questions that will outline the discussion include:

• How do SSBs at financial institutions wield authority and influence in approving (or disapproving) financial products?
• What are the main similarities and differences between SSBs in Southeast Asia and the Middle East?
• Is it true that SSBs in the Middle East are more stringent than those in Southeast Asia, as some Islamic finance insiders claim?
• What are the socio-religious factors that could influence the fatwas (Islamic legal opinion) issued by an SSB on a particular financial product?

This public talk was conducted online via Zoom on Wednesday, 15 September 2021, from 4pm to 5.30pm (Singapore Time) / 11am–12:30pm (Doha, Qatar time).

For more information about this event, click here: https://mei.nus.edu.sg/event/uncovering-the-gatekeepers-of-islamic-finance/