IDB AND MALAYSIA'S CENTRAL BANK HOLD COURSE ISLAMIC FINANCE

KUALA LUMPUR, July 28 (Bernama) -- The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) and
Bank Negara Malaysia are jointly organising a five-day course on the
fundamentals of Islamic finance which started here Monday.

The course marked an effort in the capacity building programme to enhance
knowledge and expertise in Islamic finance among the Organisation of the Islamic
Conference (OIC) member countries, Bank Negara (Central Bank) said in a
statement.

Officiated by Central Bank governor Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz, who delivered the
opening address, the course saw participants from 25 OIC countries as well as
others from Germany and Switzerland.

According to the Central Bank, the course and panel session provide a
learning platform for central bankers, Finance Ministry officials and securities
industry regulators to enhance their knowledge and expertise on Islamic finance.

The topics covered include Islamic finance operations and institutional
capacity, and Syariah and regulatory framework for the effective implementation
of a resilient Islamic financial system.

Participants have the opportunity to engage with industry practitioners on
contemporary issues pertaining to the development of Islamic finance globally,
the central bank said.

"The course also provides an excellent networking opportunity for fellow
central bankers and policy makers to exchange views on the role of Islamic
financial services industry in this challenging financial market environment,"
it said.

The speakers and panellists come from participating institutions like Bank
Negara, Securities Commission, International Centre for Education in Islamic
Finance, International Syariah Research Academy, and Islamic Banking and Finance
Institute Malaysia.
-- BERNAMA