The organizers of the WIBC 2013 hold a press conference Sunday in Manama. JEDDAH – The Islamic finance industry has witnessed “phenomenal growth” over the past decade, World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) Chief Executive David McLean said Sunday in Manama at a press conference announcing the 20th anniversary special edition of the WIBC to be held in Manama on Dec. 3-5, 2013. Outlining the plans for the upcoming event, McLean noted that noted “much has been said about the phenomenal growth of the Islamic finance industry over the past decade – and the growth rates have been outstandingly impressive. Industry supporters have also lauded how successfully Islamic banking has largely weathered the global economic crisis that engulfed the conventional banking industry. However, notwithstanding these achievements, much still needs to be done if the industry is to truly come of age and play its part in the global arena as a powerful form of ethical finance.” Moreover, he said “for the past two decades the annual World Islamic Banking Conference has remained the world's largest and most influential annual gathering of international leaders in the global Islamic banking and finance industry. From a mere 120 pioneering delegates at its launch way back in 1994, the 20th Anniversary WIBC is set to continue its tradition of supporting growth, excellence and innovation in the industry - and is poised break new records in 2013 with more than 1,300 attendees from over 50 countries set to join over 90 high-profile speakers and 60 market-leading partners and sponsors for a very special and unique event that will celebrate the tremendous achievements made thus far and prepare the industry to forge ahead with more success in the years ahead.” “The theme of the 20th Anniversary WIBC 2013 will focus on ‘Industry Transformation to Improve Global Competitiveness' across key areas of the Islamic finance sector, including regulatory, strategic, Shariah, operational and risk transformation to ensure that the industry is able to build critical mass, expand its geographic reach and depth, and participate in large-scale deals seamlessly across jurisdictions – and, ultimately and most importantly, to successfully meet the needs of an ever-growing base of sophisticated investors, customers and end-users,” McLean said. The International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) will be hosting a pre-conference seminar on Islamic Capital and Money Markets. — SG
