Islamic banking industry in Asia-Pacific seen reaching $450bln or 60% of total Islamic bank assets

From Komfie Manalo, Opalesque Asia: A report by Celent, a Boston-based financial research and consulting firm, sees fast growth in the Islamic banking industry in the Asia-Pacific region, second only with the phase in the Middle East.

The report adds assets of Islamic banks in the Asia-Pacific region is now estimated to reach $450bln, representing 60% of the total Islamic bank assets across the globe.

Key points of the report The economic crunch facing Western markets has resulted in emerging countries in the Asia-Pacific region that investors find more attractive. The growing Muslim population that expands at a rate of 2 percent annually, are mostly potential clients for these Islamic banks. Muslims now number around 1.7bln or 28.4% of the global population. At least 1 billion of them are in the Asia-Pacific region making it the next big market for Islamic banks.

Global assets of Islamic banks is estimated between $700 billion and $750 billion. Notably, Islamic banks are enjoying a faster growth rate and profit margins compared with their conventional counterparts. However, since the Islamic banking sector is a relatively new concept, the industry is facing challenges, particularly in areas of technology adoption, lack of Islamic banking experts, differences in tax treatment of various Islamic banking products and integration with global financial standards.

Chance for Islamic banking

KUALA LUMPUR - THE global economic crisis has handed the Islamic finance sector a 'golden opportunity' to show it is a better alternative to capitalism, Malaysia said on Monday.

Although capitalism has been pre-eminent for centuries, 'it is becoming obvious that there is now more proof of its weaknesses,' Deputy Prime Minister Najib Razak said in a speech to an Islamic economic conference.

'We Muslims should see the current situation as a golden opportunity for us to prove the power, strength and effectiveness of the Islamic banking and finance system,' he said in an opening address.

Islamic banking, a booming US$1 trillion (S$1.49 trillion) global industry that prohibits speculation and high levels of debt, has been relatively unscathed by the credit crunch.

The rules of the sector - which incorporate principles of sharia or Islamic law - prohibit many of the risky activities that triggered the crisis that is felling economies around the world.

Philippines Food and Drinks Market - Emerging Opportunities

The Philippines has emerged as one of the rapidly growing food and drinks industries in the Asian region over the recent past. The country is characterized by various factors, such as its growing young affluent population, rising disposable income and rising consumer awareness regarding health and safety concerns. With these factors, the demand for health food and drinks is surging high, says our new research report, "Philippines Food and Drinks Market: Emerging Opportunities".

The country exports foods to several countries, including the US, Europe and some Asian countries. However, the ongoing financial turmoil is forcing the country to look at alternative destinations such as the Middle East and Africa. In line with this, it is striving hard to get a share of highly lucrative global halal food industry, explains the report.