Comments about the A2IF Conference

“I have been glad to see the continued growth of Islamic finance in the UK. We, at Norton Rose, support this conference as a means by which Islamic Finance can extend its appeal to the British financial community.”

Davide Barzilai – Partner & Islamic Finance Specialist, Norton Rose LLP

“The increasing dialogue between Islamic Finance and other forms of responsible investment in the UK is an exciting and important contribution to re-focusing financial services to support the real economy, society and the environment. This conference will help to deepen that dialogue.”

Penny Shepherd – Chief Executive, UK Sustainable Investment and Finance

“In the aftermath of the banking crisis, this conference introduces us to the practicalities of Islamic finance which is predicated on sustainable and ethical principles and is available to ethical businesses irrespective of religion. There is a great opportunity for businesses to access finance from UK-based Islamic banks and this conference will enable SMEs to meet the main Islamic financiers”.

Stephen Alambritis – Head of Public Affairs, Federation of Small Businesses

“The social enterprise movement is a dynamic and diverse one, and its financial needs could be catered for much more effectively. Social enterprises are businesses that transform communities and can help rebuild a better economy. The innovative financial products and services offered by Islamic Finance would enable greater access to finance to those who want to maintain the Islamic faith finance principles whilst doing business to benefit their communities.”

Jonathan Bland – Chief Executive, Social Enterprise Coalition

“The interdiction of interest in Islamic finance fits well with business angel investing which is all about sharing with entrepreneurs, the capital gains earned from investing in, and growing early stage businesses. We view this conference as an important step towards bringing Islamic finance and business angel investing together.”

“As someone who cares about the development of Islamic finance in the UK, I always support measures intended to grow the sector's profile. I believe that this conference will create new opportunities for Islamic finance to benefit British businesses.”

Mohammed Amin – Tax Partner, PriceWaterhouseCoopers LLP

“A growing number of CDFIs are providing Islamic finance products to those who struggle to raise funds from high street banks. This conference is an excellent opportunity to share and build on current experience to ensure that the right type of finance is more widely available.”

Bernie Morgan – Chief Executive, Community Development Finance Association

The British Library is delighted to host the first ‘Access to Islamic Finance’ conference, which focuses on improving investments in Islamic and ethical businesses. Working with our partners, the Library’s Business and IP Centre helps hundreds of businesses and entrepreneurs every year through innovative training and access to business and technical information resources.

Dame Lynne Bridley – Chief Executive, The British Library

“Since IIBI was set up in 1991, we have seen major statutory and regulatory changes – leading to the demonstrable development of Islamic Finance in the UK. The number and size of Shariah-compliant funds increase every year. This conference on ‘Access to Islamic Finance’ examines how Muslim and socially responsible businesses access the growing levels of Islamic funds being managed in the UK. The conference is poignant at this moment, when all businesses are struggling to access funds from conventional banks. There is an opportunity for Islamic Finance to play a significant role in the UK’s economic recovery”.

Mohammad Ali Qayyum – Director General, Institute of Islamic Banking & Insurance