Editor

KeyBS eyes up to 8 per cent of UAE’s total remittance outflow valued at USD 9.5 billion

Launches KeyKiosk-KeyRemit, an automated remittance channel to fast track money transfer and enhance security of transactions  June 3, 2012 KeyBS, a newly-launched payment solutions technology company, has announced the launch of the KeyKiosk-KeyRemit, an automated remittance channel that allows customers to remit money all over the world by simply using a self-service touch screen machine. KeyBS further announced that as …

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Falcon Group posts record profit of US$27.5 million

Leading alternative financier remains on-track to achieve target US$5 billion gross turnover within the next three years, says chairman Kamel Alzarka 1st June 201 Falcon Group – an alternative finance provider based in London and the Middle East – achieved record post-tax profit in excess of US$27.5 million in 2011-2012 – an increase of more than US$7 million from the previous …

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The 3rd Annual World Islamic Banking Conference: Asia Summit Set to Begin on the 5th of June in Singapore

WIBC: Asia 2012 to gather more than 450 industry leaders for discussions on strengthening international connectivity and capturing cross-border opportunities in the Islamic finance industry Singapore: 30 May 2012: More than 450 key players and thought leaders in the international Islamic finance industry will be gathering on the 5th and 6th of June 2012 at the Grand Hyatt in Singapore …

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Islamic Finance to Strengthen Economic and Financial Linkages between Asia and theMiddle East

More than 450 industry leaders to discuss new cross-border opportunities for Islamic finance in Asia at the 3rd Annual World Islamic Banking Conference: Asia Summit Singapore: 23rd May 2012: The rapid international expansion of Islamic finance reflects its ability to remain competitive and to increasingly meet the complex requirements of the global financial community. With various countries now intensifying efforts …

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Western Union Reaches 500,000 Agent Location Milestone

Western Union Reaches 500,000 Agent Location Milestone Middle East and Africa Agent Network expands to over 38,000 locations More than 90 agent locations in Bahrain spread over 38 cities and towns Dubai, United Arab Emirates – May 22nd 2012 – The Western Union Company (NYSE: WU), a leader in global payment services, announced it has opened the 500,000th Agent location …

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Standard Chartered appoints Regional Head of Origination and Client Coverage for Middle East North Africa and Pakistan region

Morad Mahlouji will lead the Bank’s wholesale Banking client relationship management   UAE, 22 May, 2012 – Standard Chartered announced today the appointment of Morad Mahlouji as Regional Head of Origination and Client Coverage (OCC) for the Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan (MENAP). In his new role, Morad will lead the Bank’s Origination and Client Coverage Group, which shapes …

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Islamic Investments See Significant Opportunity for International Growth

The 8th Annual World Islamic Funds and Financial Markets Conference 2012 Discusses Key Strategies for Driving the International Development of the Islamic Investments Industry and Tapping into Increasing Demand from Large Corporate Issuers Manama: Kingdom of Bahrain: 20 May 2012: The 8th Annual World Islamic Funds and Financial Markets Conference (WIFFMC 2012) witnessed a high-profile opening today at the Gulf …

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CIMB Principal Islamic Asset Management voted as the Islamic Investment Institution of the Year 2012

CIMB Principal Islamic Asset Management voted as the Islamic Investment Institution of the Year 2012 Manama, Bahrain: 20 May 2012: The achievements, innovations and excellence in the global Islamic funds and investments industry were recognized today at the 8th Annual World Islamic Funds and Financial Markets Conference (WIFFMC 2012) awards ceremony which was held at the Gulf Hotel in the …

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Barclays Expands Corporate Banking Offering with Expansion of the Debt Finance team in the Middle East

20 May 2012 Barclays Expands Corporate Banking Offering with Expansion of the Debt Finance team in the Middle East Barclays Bank PLC announced today that it is continuing to expand its corporate banking offering through the expansion of Debt Finance origination capabilities in the GCC. Alexander Harrison has been appointed as Head of Debt Finance, UAE and GCC. He will …

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The 8th Annual World Islamic Funds and Financial Markets Conference 2012 set to begin on the 20th of May in the Kingdom of Bahrain

WIFFMC 2012 to Discuss Key Strategies for Profitably Expanding the Global Footprint of Islamic Investments Manama: Kingdom of Bahrain: 19 May 2012: As the Islamic finance industry continues to be one of the fastest growing components of the global financial system, with an estimated growth rate of 15% – 20%, international markets are witnessing an expanding demand for Islamic financial …

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Euro Banking Association issues guide to SEPA Migration End-Date Regulation

EBA publication describes key areas of impact for banks and customers Paris and Edinburgh, 15th May 2012 –The Euro Banking Association (EBA) announced today the publication of its guide to the SEPA Migration End-Date Regulation. Banks Preparing for SEPA Migration was issued at the payments conference and exhibition EBAday in Edinburgh today. It gives an overview of the key implications …

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Deutsche Bank Appoints Andrew Rand as Regional Head of Direct Securities Services in EMEA

London 8 May 2012 – Deutsche Bank today announced the appointment of Andrew Rand as Regional Head of Direct Securities Services (DSS) in EMEA within the Trust & Securities Services group of its Global Transaction Banking division. As one of the world’s leading securities services agent banks, Deutsche Bank’s DSS business provides a full range of custody, clearing and settlement, agency …

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Letter from the editorial director

Dear Reader, The importance of managing cash effectively and having visibility and control over it cannot be overstated. For example, in the current climate careful timing over payments and receipts can be hugely beneficial, while the ability to minimise counterparty risk by rapidly moving cash to more stable banking partners is invaluable, especially in the event that the eurozone crisis …

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How banking can buck up

“For many banks, the question has not been ‘how do I succeed’ but ‘how do I survive’? according to David Hamilton, president of SunGard’s banking business. Fundamentally, he explained, the global banking model had shifted and a transformation was occurring in how money was being managed as banks strove to re-build trust and create value for their shareholders. “A focus …

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ICIEC backing goes above $3bn

More than $3bn in export credit insurance has been provided over the past year to member countries by the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC). This was revealed at its recent annual meeting in Khartoum. The annual report showed that this was an increase of 59 per cent compared to 2010, and financial results were …

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SWIFT launches Sanctions Screening

SWIFT has announced the launch of Sanctions Screening, a centralised service for small- and medium-sized financial institutions in need of a cost-effective, easy route to compliance with sanctions regulations. It was developed to help those SMEs keep up with increasing regulatory obligations. Complying with evolving sanctions regulations and frequently updated lists has become more complex, costly and time-consuming for financial …

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