COUNTRY REVIEW - FRANCE - most prominent mover 2010

Most of you will know that I do follow up close what is happening in the greater European area in the field of Islamic finance.

I just made a short review about the most prominent mover over the year 2010.

France managed to adapt following tax regulations for the introduction of Islamic (finance) contracts : Murabahah, Ijara, Istisna and there were specific changes to allow Sukuk.

REGULATIONS - Malaysia - Concept Paper of Shariah Parameter Reference 5: Istisna Contract (SPR5)

New guideline on Shariah Parameter Reference 5: Istisna' Contract has been posted on Bank Negara Malaysia's website. 

Feedback is expected by Jan 28, 2011.  The actual concept paper can be accessed under 5.i. Attachment 1.

We give here the outstanding, existing links :

Shariah

1. Shariah Parameter Reference 1 - Murabahah **updated 2009/09/03
   1. Related attachment: Shariah Parameter Reference 1: Murabahah Contract (Frequently Asked Questions) **updated 2009/09/01
2. Shariah Governance Framework for Islamic Financial Institutions ** updated 2010/10/26
3. Concept Paper on Shariah Parameter Reference 4: Musharakah Contract ** NEW 2010/06/15
   1. Attachment 1: Draft of Shariah Parameter Reference 4: Musharakah Contract
   2. Attachment 2: Feedback Form on Draft of Shariah Parameter Reference 4: Musharakah Contract (SPR4)
4. Schedule of Shariah Advisory Council Meetings for 2011 ** NEW 2010/12/28
5. Concept Paper on Shariah Parameter Reference 5: Istisna' Contract ** NEW 2010/12/28
   1. Attachment 1: Draft of Shariah Parameter Reference 5: Istisna' Contract
   2. Attachment 2: Feedback Form on Draft of Shariah Parameter Reference 5: Istisna' Contract (SPR5) 

FINANCE - Products: Offering grows in wake of crisis

By David Oakley, Capital Markets Correspondent Islamic finance investors love property.

The Shard of Glass, under construction in London, and Bahrain’s World Trade Centre, the Gulf states’ landmark twin-tower and luxury shopping complex, are two high-profile property developments out of thousands around the world financed by Islamic investors.

BELGIUM - SWIFT Sharia compliant for murabaha

SWIFT has announced that ISO 15022 message standards for the processing of treasury murabaha transactions have been certified compliant with the international Islamic finance standards issued by AAOIFI (Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions). This certification paves the way towards the automated processing of murabaha treasury transactions, said to represent 60 percent of all Islamic financing.