Islamic Finance Qualification

Islamic Finance Qualification

Many experts are estimating the growth of the Islamic finance industry at 15-20% per annum, with some predicting that it could become a major competitor to the conventional finance industry. Experts expect to see Islamic finance spread beyond Muslim countries, as seen in Europe, where it has already made considerable headway in the UK, Germany and Switzerland.

As a result of these developments, Islamic financial institutions have developed a vast range of products designed to serve the growing market. Several "Islamic equity" investment funds have also been launched, with both FTSE and Dow Jones providing indices to monitor this growing market. Islamic finance is important in helping the City of London maintain and develop its status as the global financial centre. Presently, it is estimated that Islamic banks and financial institutions manage some US$200-300 billion of funds all over the world (Standard & Poors Islamic Finance Outlook 2006).

What is the Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ)?

The IFQ has been jointly developed over the last year by the Securities & Investment Institute (SII) and the Ecole Supérieure des Affaires (ESA), one of the leading business schools in the Middle East. It is the first international benchmark vocational qualification in the area of Islamic finance.

What's covered in the IFQ training course?

Our training course is focused on the exam syllabus and getting you prepared to take the IFQ exam with the SII. It covers the following key topic areas:

• Knowledge of the principles of the Sharia’a (Fiqh al Muamalat) and its application to Islamic banking and finance.
• Knowledge of the types of Islamic finance contracts and products from a technical and Sharia’a perspective.
• Understanding of the practices in Islamic finance markets and the principles of investment selection.
• The high ethical standards essential for working in the Islamic finance industry.
• An understanding of the influence of Sharia’a in a business context.
• Preparation to hold key positions in the Islamic finance and Takaful (Islamic insurance) industries.

Why should you study for the IFQ?

By studying for the IFQ, you’ll obtain a qualification as well as the necessary knowledge and understanding to work in one of the fastest growing areas of finance across the globe. As it’s new, you’ll set yourself apart in this specialist area by being one of the first holders of the qualification. The IFQ is aimed at existing financial advisers and employees of leading financial institutions working in this specialist area, as well as individuals seeking a career in the Islamic financial services sector.

Not looking for an exam based course?

If you are not looking to study for a qualification but would like to find out more about Islamic finance, we are now running a one-day introduction to islamic finance course. This course is CPD accredited (6 hours) so is ideal if you are looking to gain CPD hourse for your professional desgination whilst finding out more about this rapidly growing industry.