What exactly is ethical finance? Is Islamic finance ethical? Is ethical finance Islamic? Islamic finance is routinely described as ethical. This reflects the fact that self-described 'ethical' finance is a large and growing sector of the market. It has a very positive image with which Islamic financial services seek to associate themselves. Yet the claim that 'Islamic' and 'ethical' are synonymous is rarely seriously examined, and nor is the claim that there exists a consistent and generally understood definition of 'ethical' practice. This book examines a wide range of financial institutions in the UK which fall broadly within the ethical sector, considering the nature of their principles and practices, and how they relate to Islamic models and to Muslim communities.
This book emphasises the ways in which UK examples of Islamic financial provision illustrate both the main characteristics of Islamic financial teaching and some key issues in the situation of British Muslims.
This study looks at the financial exclusion of less affluent UK Muslims before and since questions about the social benefits that Islamic banks have brought to those on low incomes. The impact of the introduction of Islamic banking in enhancing the financial inclusion level of low income Muslims in assessed.
Can Islamic finance save the global system? Islamic Finance and the New Financial System describes how the adoption of Islamic finance principles in future regulatory decisions could help prevent future shocks in the global financial system. Using illustrations and examples to highlight key points in recent history, this book discusses the causes of financial crises, why they are becoming more frequent and increasingly severe, and how the new financial system will incorporate elements of Islamic finance – whether deliberately or not. With an introspective look at the system and an examination of the misconceptions and deficiencies in theory vs. practice, readers will learn why Islamic finance has not been as influential as it should be on the larger global system. Solutions to these crises are thoroughly detailed, and the author puts forth a compelling argument about what can be expected in the future. Despite international intervention and global policy changes, the financial system remains in a fragile state. There is an argument to be made about integrating Islamic finance into the new system to facilitate stronger resilience, and this book explains the nuts and bolts of the idea while providing the reader with a general understanding of Islamic finance. Understand the key principles of Islamic finance Examine the history of the current financial system Discover how Islamic finance can help build a new debt-free economy Learn how Islamic finance theory doesn't always dictate practice Although Islamic finance is a growing market, it is still a foreign concept to many. Those within the Islamic finance circles wonder why the system has yet to gain broader appeal despite its ability to create a strong and well-balanced economy. Islamic Finance and the New Financial System provides clever analysis and historical background to put the issues into perspective.
Since the financial crisis of 2007/2008, a renewed discussion on the ethics and finance is being examined from different dimensions – finance for good society, responsible finance, ethical finance, financial crimes, and financial repression. The principal objective of this Handbook on Ethics of Islamic Economics and Finance is to provide a deeper understanding of the ethical underpinning of Islamic economics and finance. The reader will notice that the Handbook reflects a diversity of views on the subject of economic and business ethics in Islam across the intellectual spectrum of Muslim thought over the globe. Handbook attempts to find answers to some questions concerning the definition and characteristics of the ethical system in Islam. What is its goal and how do its rules and practices ensure welfare for individuals and society? Are the moral principles universal and invariable or do they change and adapt with the social changes of communities and progress in science and technology? Is the present generation accountable for the welfare of future generations? Where is the boundary between law and ethics and who guarantees their adoption and implementation?
This paper aims at capturing the latest developments and growth of Islamic finance (IF) in the UK. The study also aims at shedding light on the driving factors that have been attributed to the rise of this phenomenon in this country. To meet these objectives, the paper utilizes historical and thematic analytical methodologies to draw some lessons and recommendations. The results show that the UK is the country number one in the West, in view of the number of institutions and Universities involved in the educational and training aspects relating to IF, the number of licensed intermediaries providing 'Islamic' financial services, and the number of law firms involved in legal and consultancy services in the IF field. Among the prime factors that have been explored to explain the gradual, but steady progress of IF in the country, are: (i) - The UK's government proactive role, and (ii) - The active role played by a number of UK Muslim organizations.
As an introduction to the complex issue of harmonization of legal and regulatory structure of the European financial system and Islamic finance, this is a useful and welcome volume. The ideas, insights and practical issues addressed in the informed papers that compose the book should be valuable for academics and students of finance, and to those who provide legal and financial services. The book will be helpful also to European regulators who have yet to appreciate the importance of Islamic finance and its potential contribution to financial globalization as well as to European economic growth. Abbas Mirakhor, Former Executive Director, International Monetary Fund, US This timely book examines the authorization of Shari ah-compliant intermediaries as either credit institutions or as investment companies in the European Union. The contributing authors explore the key topics of this area through differing yet parallel perspectives for example, comparing economic and legal standpoints, looking at both European and national levels and considering both academic and technical approaches. The book discusses the common origin of Islamic and Western traditions in commercial and banking transactions, reviewing a period in which the Italian merchants and their organizations drove the rebirth of post-medieval society in trade and law. The editors investigate whether the Islamic banking and financial model complies with the European framework, spelling out the different experiences in single Member States (Germany, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom). Notwithstanding the obstacles to being authorized as domestic credit institutions, they conclude that the access of Islamic intermediaries is suitable and may have positive effects on European integration, as well as increasing the competition among the stand-still operators and evoking the ethical dimension of banking and finance. The book also highlights how Islamic banking would make the industry more inclusive. This multidisciplinary book will appeal greatly to economics and legal scholars with an interest in European and international banking and financial law, as well as postgraduate students in international law and banking law. Practitioners and regulators will also find this book an invaluable resource.
Credit crises, recessions and increasing wealth inequality: can Islamic finance offer an alternative to modern economic problems? What is Islamic finance? The purpose of this study is to analyze the perception and awareness of non-Muslims towards Islamic finance in the United Kingdom and the selection criteria used by the consumers in choosing a financial institution. The research determines the extent to which non-Muslims are aware of Islamic finance in the UK and their perceptions towards it. The author has explained the behavioural aspects of consumers towards the financial services industry which helps in forming perceptions or beliefs. The author later on discusses intrinsic as well as extrinsic factors that affect non-Muslims perceptions towards Islamic finance in the UK. The research also highlights the issue of selection criteria for choosing a financial institution.
Islamic finance has become increasingly significant in financial centres in the West, notably London, despite the regulatory hurdles presented by operating in a nonMuslim financial environment. The growth of Islamic finance partly reflects demand from Muslim resident and non-resident clients for Islamic deposit facilities and fund management services which involve shari'ah compliance. At the same time Islamic financing methods are viewed as a challenge and opportunity by Western bankers, many of whom have sought to get involved in this growing industry. In client driven societies there is a willingness by those in financial services to listen and learn from the experiences of Islamic banks, which in the longer run may bring a major break through for Islamic banking at the retail level in the West.
