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: The role(s) of Sharia supervisory boards (SSBs) in approving – or disapproving – financial products at Islamic financial institutions; The religious, legal and business frameworks under which the SSBs operate; 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/