Kuala Lumpur, 18 September 2013: Mr Muzaffar Hisham, Chief Executive Officer of Maybank Islamic, Sir Edward Lister, Deputy Mayor of London and YBhg Datuk Syed Abu Bakar Almohdzar, Managing Director of the World Islamic Economic Forum have reiterated the importance of boosting trade, investments and business between Malaysia, ASEAN and London through Islamic Finance.

Mr Muzaffar noted that,“There is increasing interest by Malaysian investors in diversifying their investment portfolios into the UK and particularly London. Maybank Islamic is well placed to encourage such opportunities”.

Sir Edward said, “Developing trade and investment links with Malaysia is a key priority for London and Maybank’s initiative significantly broadens the range of Shariah compliant investment opportunities. Hosting the World Islamic Economic Forum will showcase London’s role as the leading Western hub for Islamic Finance and lay the foundation for strengthening our bond with the Islamic world”.

Mr Muzaffar emphasized on the strategic importance of Islamic Finance for London as an opportunity to tap into a new source of capital, assets and liquidity in Islamic markets for London’s future growth and global ambitions.

Muzaffar Hisham has not only encouraged sovereigns but also UK corporates wishing to issue funds to consider Shariah Compliant instruments as they expand to new frontiers, especially in the GCC and ASEAN/Malaysia.

London’s proactive measures to grow Islamic Finance are essential to further boost London’s standing as an important center for the industry. As appetite for Shariah compliant investments in London grows in Malaysia and ASEAN, Maybank Islamic is well placed to bridge prospective clients in facilitating these aspirations.

In addition, Maybank Islamic is also actively expanding its foreign currency business in the retail banking space. The bank is in the final stages of launching an Islamic foreign currency property financing product for London properties due to be launched in Q4 2013.

Datuk Syed Abu Bakar Almohdzar, added that “As Malaysia continues to play a leading role in Islamic finance, the World Islamic Economic Forum continues to be a strong advocate of Islamic Finance in Muslim and non-Muslim communities around the world with London being an increasingly influential driver of Islamic trade and developing Islamic economy at the forthcoming 9th WIEF in London this 29 - 31 October 2013”.