Only a few seats remain for the annual gathering of Islamic wealth managers at the Htel du Rhne in Geneva on March 28 and 29.
The seminar will cover the most pressing needs of the high-net worth Muslim investor, including the replacement of bonds, new trends for Islamic hedge funds, alleviating poverty with rewarding investments and new methods for addressing issues of family offices, a seminar news release said.
As interest on loans is forbidden in Islam, conventional bonds are subject to same regulations. However, bonds represent at least 33 percent of each conventionally managed high-net worth portfolio on average. Alternatives which can be used to create a similarly efficient portfolio is the subject for a session. Presentations will be held by Geert Bossuyt of Deutsche Bank AG and Rached Khanfir of Citigroup.
“The event is done only for the second time and demand for such kind of trainings is out there,” said event organiser Michael Gassner. “The huge amount of Muslim wealth in Geneva will be increasingly switched toward Islamic financial products. From our perspective, Geneva is the strategic place to be.”
Networking will be another core focus for this gathering, organizers said. The hall will be open from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for financial professionals and high-net worth individuals, who need to register beforehand.
“Geneva is getting under stronger competition from Singapore, Dubai and Bahrain. Islamic finance products needs to be available in Geneva to maintain its prime position,” Gassner said.