Words of Wisdom - the Editor

Peace.
Got busy with a new project. So couldn’t add more news. Although I came across a fine article by a brother on the history and future of Islamic Banking. I was surprised to know that Islamic banking had beginnings in 1975. Wow. That’s almost as early as my birth. And I guess if there are enough like minded people any idea is bound to grow. I too used to wonder if I can invest without plunging into interest based transactions.

UK I noticed is taking some fine initiatives to promote Shariah Finance. Also came across a western brother or atleast who calls Muslims his brothers and sisters but laughs cynically at the DOW Islamic index as 'bending backwards' to accommodate those guys who have four wives and cut of peoples hands. O well some people just don't get it, do they?

Friday, February 27, 2009

Islamic banking rising but impact is minimal

Although Islamic banking business in Malaysia is expected to remain on the uptrend, its contribution will have minimal impact on the total income of local banks, analysts said.

TA Securities noted that while prospects were still good for Islamic banking in the country, it contributed only 10% to 11% on average to the total income of the country’s nine listed banks in the third quarter ended Sept 30, and 9% in the second quarter.

However, for the third quarter of 2008, Islamic banking income for these banks grew 3.7% versus the second quarter despite a 15.7% drop in the banks’ total income.

“We expect the Islamic banking business to contribute an average of 10% to banks’ total income for the current earnings reporting season (the three months ended Dec 31 to be released latest by end February),” said Wong Li Hsia, a banking analyst with TA Securities. “Going forward, we expect the Islamic banking business to slow down a little in line with the rest of the banking industry.”

AMMB Holdings Bhd, which recently announced its third quarter results, recorded a net income of RM143.8mil from Islamic banking or a 16.2% contribution to its total income.

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