In This Issue: Chief Drivers Behind Islamic Finance's Global Expansion: Mounting demand around the world for Sharia-compliant financial products and services is fueling the Islamic banking industry's buoyant expansion. More and more banking clients are choosing to invest in an ever-broader range of Islamic financial instruments available through long-established Islamic banks in the Gulf Cooperation Council states and Muslim Asia.Takaful: A New And Viable Insurance Business Model Or Just A Marketing Opportunity?: Cultural and religious reasons are commonly cited for the underdevelopment of insurance markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council region. Takaful could be the key to increasing insurance awareness and delivering on customer expectations, capitalizing on the positive economic dynamics of the region. Islamic Finance To Expand Slowly But Surely In The Maghreb: Today, the evolution of North Africa's financial landscape is paving the way for the gradual emergence of Islamic finance in the region. Now, as North Africa is increasingly seeking investment to finance its economic development, the Mashreq is emerging as a natural partner. World's Islamic Finance Industry To Get A Boost From U.K.'s Development As A Major Marketplace: Competition is heating up among the world's financial centers to attract Islamic issuers and investors. So far, Dubai, Kuala Lumpur, Bahrain, and, to a lesser extent, Riyadh and Singapore, are all well placed to capture part of the booming Islamic finance industry. The latest entrant is London, the only financial center actively involved in Sharia-compliant market intermediation that is not in a Muslim country. | 
