MANAMA — In strategic partnership with the Central Bank of Bahrain, WIBC 2016 is set to gather over 1300 leaders onto a single platform to chart new areas of growth, address economic uncertainties, and unlock opportunities available for the global Islamic finance industry. The event will be held at the Gulf Hotel in Bahrain on Dec. 5-7 under the theme of “Economic Uncertainties: Vigilance & Growth”.
The 23rd edition of WIBC will celebrate the rich heritage and the legacy of the globally renowned brand, one that has for over two decades promoted excellence, innovation and growth for the $2 trillion Islamic finance industry. Promising fresh and topical content, the event will help produce a roadmap for 2017 and beyond by harnessing technology, cutting-edge research and powerful speakers.
WIBC is known to traverse boundaries; it has truly evolved into a global phenomenon attracting participants from the Middle East, East and West Africa, Southeast Asia, Central Asia, Europe, and North America. Central bankers, ministers and other dignitaries attend this prestigious event with the view of exchanging best practices and learnings on emerging Islamic finance markets. Last year, WIBC played host to a session on country reports from Kazakhstan, Sudan and Canada, as well as welcomed speakers from the central banks of Bahrain, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Turkey. This year, WIBC 2016 will welcome a delegation from the Central Bank of Russia, headed by Mr. Alexander P. Torshin, State Secretary – Deputy Governor as a keynote speaker, among others.
WIBC is also known for its emphasis on ethical and values-based business in the context of Islamic finance. Indeed, Ethical Banking and Corporate Social Responsibility will be of prime importance on the agenda.
The emphasis on technology is another great feature of WIBC 2016. Sessions will explore how to take Islamic finance forward in a digitally connected world, producing insights from pioneers and innovators in the financial technology space. Key players from Fintech, mobile banking, crowdfunding, and other tech sources will lead the innovation agenda at the conference. The WIBC audience will play a formative role in the discussions, participating via live voting across sessions.
On the intelligence front, WIBC 2016 will continue building on its track record as the definitive platform for thought leadership with the launch of several reports in collaboration with leading players in the Islamic Finance and Digital Space.
WIBC leaderboard this year will recognize excellence in the industry through the much-coveted WIBC Performance Awards 2016. The nominees will be announced weeks before the December event and the winners at the Gala Dinner on Dec. 6.
In addition, as a part of the exhibition, a new feature will be added known as the ‘WIBC Majlis’ which will be an exclusive lounge area for conference participants, speakers and sponsors to gather and network in an informal setting.
