BLOOMBERG LAUNCHES ISLAMIC FINANCE PLATFORM

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 21 (Bernama)-- The Bloomberg Islamic Finance Platform
(ISLM) launched Monday is expected to give investment professionals the edge the
need to make informed decisions and meet the increasing demands of investors and
regulators.

The platform, designed to increase transparency, better connectivity and
provide analytical tools to maximise investment performance in the rapidly
growing market for Syariah-compliant products and services, was launched by
Bloomberg Professional Service here Monday.

Bloomberg also launched Bloomberg AIBIM Bursa Malaysia Sovereign Shariah
Index (BMSSI) developed together with The Association of Islamic Banking
Institutions Malaysia (AIBIM).

It will provide a benchmark of performance for investors seeking exposure to
Syariah compliant Malaysian Ringgit-denominated sovereign issuance.

"The BMSSI would set a standard for increased transparency and provide
performance measures for Islamic market," said President of Bloomberg L.P., Dan
Doctoroff.

Meanwhile, AIBIM President, Mohd Redza Shah Abdul Wahid said the sukuk
index would become the Islamic benchmark of choice for the Malaysian sukuk
market and help to stimulate growth, competitiveness and sustainability of
Islamic financial services.