Awareness Programme

Type: Seminar Target Audience: Senior Management from Regulatory and Supervisory Authorities and Market Players Duration: 4 hours Program Overview: The pandemic has unexceptionally affected all economic and financial sectors globally, including the Islamic financial services sector. Given the ongoing uncertainty created by the pandemic and the potential risks it poses for economic growth and financial stability, protecting investors against possible market failures, as well as enhancing transparency and information available to investors are essential in regaining investor trust and confidence in the Islamic capital markets, which is in turn, crucial to prevent any deterioration of market conditions. Many market failures directly impact investors, including asymmetry of information, agency problems or detrimental conflicts of interest. They may affect the functioning of the market and contribute to the perception that capital markets are an unsafe environment. Thus, it is imperative for policy makers and regulators to address these issues through regulatory intervention, in order to rebuild investor confidence during volatile market conditions and to effectively address possible market failures that could impact the level of protection of investors. Better protected investors are also likely to make more informed investment decisions and be less prone to react irrationally to market events or follow “herd behavior” which are disruptive for financial markets and the economy as a whole. Thus, transparency and investor protection can be seen as factors that ultimately contribute to the stability of financial markets. The seminar therefore aims to increase awareness of the importance of investor protection and transparency in fostering investor confidence and ultimately the sustainability and stability of the Islamic capital markets and to provide a platform to discuss critical policy issues arising in the context of the current global financial environment. Objectives The seminars’ main objectives are to: Address Islamic finance-specific issues in relation to investor protection. Discuss best practices for investor protection in the ICM and the elements of a robust investor protection framework. Highlight best practices and guidelines on disclosure requirements for ICM products, specifically for ṣukūk and Islamic collective investment schemes (ICIS). Identify issues arising from the current global environment, and share policy actions taken by various regulators and policy makers to address emerging challenges and issues. Programme Outcome At the end of the seminar, participants will have a comprehensive understanding on investor protection and disclosure requirements to strengthen investor confidence and improve financial market performance. The seminar will be structured around guidance from IFSB standards, as well as experiences from the industry. Participants will be able to takeaway insights on the various policy approaches and best practices in different jurisdictions to address new and emerging issues related to investor protection and transparency in light of the new global realities. Programme Approach Discussion on the best market practices and regulatory challenges Interactive discussions on a wide array of issues on investor protection and transparency in the ICM Event Snapshots:

COVID-19 has shifted the dynamics in the global Islamic financial services industry (IFSI). The necessary public health measures have created the need for businesses to change their course of action and overall outlook for the future. Beyond the immediate economic implications, COVID-19 is creating new opportunities by forcing the IFSI to adapt to rapidly evolving market conditions and speeding up the pace of emerging trends in socially responsible investing, sustainability, and digitalization to mitigate the impact of the outbreak. The Covid-19 outbreak has led to growth in the IFSI in some areas by accelerating trends such as socially responsible investing and a stronger focus on social sustainability. The impact of Covid-19 presented a window of opportunity for the Islamic capital market sector, particularly regarding the issuance of sovereign sukuk as a part of the government’s strategy to diversify its funding for financing fiscal deficit and to meet the fiscal requirements for combating Covid-19. In the business sectors, some IFSI have started to convert their ongoing business models into a more digital and virtual based businesses. Digital payment, monitoring, recording, reporting and even the Islamic financial institution and instrument themselves have become fully digital (virtual) which are now commonly called as digital banking, e-Sukuk, etc. in line with the issue of digital currency. Objectives: To discuss the recovery initiatives within the Global Islamic Financial Services Industry To discuss the limitation for IFSI and identify specific risk factors that might arise in relation to specificities of Islamic Finance To provide a better understanding on the challenges faced by the industry, particularly related to Cybersecurity Risk due to accelerated digitalisation and liquidity risk management. Register Now   Event Snapshots: 

Online IFSB Executive Programme Managing Digital Transformation Risks for Islamic Finance Institutions (IFIs) The Covid-19 pandemic has given a very important lessons to global financial services industry unexceptionally which the Islamic finance industry shall face post the pandemic. One of them is the necessity of accelerated digital business transformation which includes amongst others, changes in the business model, operations, technical mechanism, supervision and monitoring into the digital ones including larger and comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation. Physical business interactions, dealing, negotiation, financial transactions and execution may not be feasible nowadays and are changed into digital and virtual Islamic financial transactions. Currently, Islamic finance players have started to transform their products and services into digital ones for examples, e-deposit, e-sukuk, insurTech, e-payment, etc offered and operated via new business and digital based systems in the integrated financial market. Even, Islamic finance is now giving the greater attention on Islamic social finance, funds, products and instruments including the Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG). Sukuk awqf, digital zakah and awqf payment and distribution mechanisms are amongst the recent innovations in Islamic finance most of which IFSB Standards had provided clear guidance for both regulators and market players.  To enhance participants understanding of operational risks and regulatory concerns associated with accelerated digital transformation for the Islamic banking, Islamic capital market and takaful institutions. To elevate key skills and competencies of participants on regulation, supervision and monitoring including comprehensive risk assessment and mitigation of digital transformation associated risks for IFIs. To equip participants with understanding and acceleration of Islamic social finance including new and innovative instruments, mechanism and programs. Interactive online discussion, providing direct engagement with subject matter experts and sharing of country and organisational experiences as well as using IFSB standards and technical notes as reference.   Event Snapshots:

In its 3rd Extraordinary Technical Committee Meeting held on 9 September 2021, the Technical Committee of the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has approved the issuance of the of the following Exposure Draft (ED) : Core Principles for Islamic Finance Regulation (Financial Market Infrastructure) - ED-26 The Public Consultation will be for a period of 45 days, starting from 10 September 2021 until 25 October 2021.   In conjunction to the above, the IFSB will be organising a Webinar for the Public Hearing on the ED-26 on 15 October 2021 at 4.00 PM (GMT +8.00, Malaysia time). Therefore, the IFSB would like to invite all members, stakeholders and interested parties to attend the above programme.   Kindly register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_4XUyFdM6RsqgkP4xT9pNgw     An email confirmation containing about joining the webinar will be sent after registration. We look forward to receiving your registration for Public Hearing session as well as feedback on ED-26.   Event Snapshots:  

Target Audience: IFSB members and non-members (RSA, market players, scholars and academics) Learning Objectives: The progress of digital transformation has accelerated in the midst of pandemic due to rising digitalization trend. Some central banks have conducted assessments and exercises on pros and cons of digital transformation in the regulators policies and initiatives particularly to maintain the financial system stability, economic transaction and increase the policy impacts to the real sectors including the Islamic finance. The focuses are mainly on: (i) can the central bank digital transformation perform a better economic policy transformation mechanism in the digital era? (ii) how can the economic policies (fiscal, monetary, finance, etc) be relied on and applied in the digital era? (iii) how is the financial stability framework and mechanism be maintained by adopting the central bank digital transformation? (iv) how is Sharia view and thought on some digital initiatives applied by the regulators? (v) and other central bank strategic policies and digital transformation issues can also be deliberated and shared in the event. Programme Outcome: The conference intends to elaborate and possibly gains consensus among policy makers, experts and sharia scholars on the issues and ideas of the digital transformation in the policy, market practices and Sharia initiative. Representatives from the central banks, international standard setting bodies, industry players and sharia scholars among resource persons in the event. The expected outcomes of the event are: (a) comprehensive understanding and thought on digital transformation from regulatory perspectives (central bank, financial regulators) mainly its financial and economic impacts, policy responses and financial (b) discussions from the market and industry players on some applications of digital transformation in financial transactions (crypto asset trading, bitcoin, etc) (c) knowing the Sharia views and thoughts on digital initiatives in the payment system, financial market transactions, banking system, etc mainly with the issues of Riba, gharar and maysir (speculation) in the digital transaction. Programme Approach: Following are the overall programme approaches: Explanation and elaboration of the issue, policy, market experiences and Sharia thoughts from the speakers (policy makers, market players and sharia scholars). Interactive discussion, debate, pros and cons opinions on the topic among speakers and limited (by invitation) audience. Conclusions or pre-requisite consensus on the issues being discussed. Suggestions on policy responses or market responses on the issues. Event Snapshots:   Programme - Event Session(s): Day 1 00/00/0000 00:00 - 00:00 13:00 - 13:30 Registration and Opening by Master of Ceremony 13:30 - 14:00 Opening Remarks and Keynote Address Opening Remarks       : Dr. Bello Danbatta, Secretary-General, IFSB Keynote Speech          : Dr. Wimboh Santoso, Chairman, Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) 14:00 - 15:00 Session 1: Central Bank Digital Transformation: Policy Responses and Financial System Stability Central bank views, assessments and thought on central bank digital transformation particularly in relation to financial system stability, economic transaction and impacts on the real sectors Policy responses on central bank digital transformation: policy transformation, financial market and payment system policies. Central bank strategic policies in shaping financial industry and payment system in the digital era. Possible adoption with adjustments and modification with respect to the jurisdiction’s economic condition and policy measures. 15:00 - 16:00 Session 2: Financial Market and Industry Views, Assessments, and Shari’ah Thoughts on Digital Transformation in the Islamic Business and Economic Transactions Financial market dan banking responses on the current cases of the digital transactions such as digital payment, digital financial market transactions, digital financing, etc. Possible impacts of digital transformation in the Islamic economic and financial transactions: contract, trading, investor and customer protection, risk assessment, etc. Changing in the financial market and banking treatments and rules on digital transaction in the digital era. 16:00 - 16:15 Q & A Session

The 15th IFSB Summit aims to bring together financial industry leaders, experts, policymakers and other stakeholders to share knowledge, experience and expertise under the theme of “Islamic Finance and Digital Transformation: Balancing Innovation and Resilience”. The Summit will provide a forum to discuss policy priorities and strategies to foster renewed growth momentum in the Islamic financial services industry (IFSI), focusing particularly on digital transformation of Islamic financial services.  The Summit will provide an opportunity to share ideas and deepen the understanding of emerging developments and advances in financial technology and digital finance across the various sectors of the IFSI, the different regulatory approaches and practices that have been applied by jurisdictions and their effectiveness, as well as the challenges and trade-offs, and the policy actions that are needed going forward to further promote innovation whilst ensuring resilience and financial stability. The sessions will also include discussions that renew the focus on harnessing the inherent values and principles of Islamic finance to provide value-based solutions to strengthen the link between innovation in Islamic finance and the real economy, while also supporting long term sustainable development and ESG objectives. Further, it will look at potential strategies to facilitate use of digital finance and financial technologies by Islamic financial institutions to target underserved populations and SMEs to foster more inclusive growth of Islamic finance. It will also provide opportunities to discuss relevant issues around structural changes in the Islamic finance industry as a result of technological developments, including management of cyber risk, issues around crypto-assets and the effective use of regulatory and supervisory technology. Across the various sessions during the two-day Summit, industry leaders will be able to discuss the most prominent and current issues in the industry and identify the key policy objectives going forward for standard setters as well as for national authorities. ENQUIRIES If you have any inquiries regarding registration or participation in the 15th IFSB Summit, please direct your queries to: Registration Sponsorship & Press Mr. Iswaran A/L Shamugam Tel.: +603 9195 1426 or +603 9195 1400 [email protected]. Noor Azmah Mohd Yusoff Tel: +603-9195 1434 [email protected] Ms. Natejah Ahmad Tel.: +603 9195 1426 or +603 9195 1400 [email protected]. Rosmawatie Abdul Halim Tel: +603-9195 1425 [email protected] TRAVELLING REQUIREMENTS Participants that physically attending the event shall make their own arrangement. However, should you require a letter from the IFSB to facilitate your visa application, please contact the IFSB Secretariat. Please see below travelling requirements requested by health authorities in Saudi Arabia with regard to Covid-19 precautions: Summit participants must obtain and show a proof of vaccination (vaccine certificates for COVID 19) with one of the flowing vaccines: 2 doses of Pfizer BioNTech 2 doses of Oxford AstraZeneca 2 doses of Moderna 1 dose of Johnson&Johnson’s Janssen Vaccine certificates are required to be certified by official health authorities from the country that provided the vaccination. The second dose of a two-dose vaccine or the first dose of a single dose vaccine should be taken at least (14) days before arrival to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Summit participants must carry their vaccine certificates at all times during their stay in the kingdom (Or prove of health status through applications and accredited programs in the kingdom) Summit participants must provide a negative result of (PCR) test certificate not exceeding (72) hours before departure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Summit participants must provide a negative result of (PCR) test certificate not exceeding (72) hours before departure to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. For more information, please visit https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/covid-4/coronavirus-saudi-arabia Entry Status to KSA #    Country                           Status 1.      Egypt                            Banned 2.      Lebanon                      Banned 3.      Indonesia                    Banned 4.      Turkey                          Banned 5.      Pakistan                      Banned 6.      Japan                          Quarantine required 7.      Switzerland                Quarantine required 8.      UK                                Quarantine required 9.      USA                              Quarantine required 10.    Germany                     Quarantine required 11.     All remaining countries    No entry restrictions Before coming to Saudi Arabia, participants from allowed countries should not pass by the below countries for the 14 days before entering KSA: 1.      Ireland 2.      Germany 3.      Indonesia 4.      Italy 5.      Pakistan 6.      Brazil 7.      Portugal 8.      UK 9.      USA 10.     Turkey 11.     Sweden 12.     Switzerland 13.     France 14.     Lebanon 15.     Egypt 16.     India 17.     Japan ACCOMMODATION INFORMATION  Participants that physically attending the event shall make their own arrangement for accomodation. However, the Secretariat has secured preferential rates are the following hotels. You are required to make your reservations directly with the hotel. The reservation forms are available for download. https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/saudi-arabia/jeddah   ABOUT THE IFSB The Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) is an international standard-setting ‎organisation that promotes and enhances the soundness and stability of the Islamic ‎financial services industry by issuing global prudential standards and guiding principles ‎for the industry, broadly defined to include banking, capital markets and insurance ‎sectors.‎ As at June 2021, the 187 members of the IFSB comprise 81 regulatory and supervisory authorities, 10 international inter-governmental organisations, and 96 market players (financial institutions, professional firms, industry associations and stock exchanges) operating in 57 jurisdictions. Towards this end, the IFSB works closely with relevant international, regional and ‎national organisations, research/educational institutions and market players. For more information about the IFSB, please visit www.ifsb.org Latest IFSB Press Releases List of IFSB Members List of IFSB Publications List of IFSB upcoming events ABOUT CENTRAL BANK OF SAUDI ARABIA Saudi Central Bank, the central bank of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, was established in 1372H  (1952).  It has been entrusted with performing many functions pursuant to several laws and regulations. The most important functions are the following: To deal with the banking affairs of the Government; Minting and printing the national currency (the Saudi Riyal), strengthening the Saudi currency and stabilizing its external and internal value, in addition to strengthening the currency’s cover; Managing the Kingdom’s foreign exchange reserves; Managing the monetary policy for maintaining the stability of prices and exchange rate; Promoting the growth of the financial system and ensuring its soundness; Supervising

  Programme - Event Session(s) Date Time Topics Day 1 08/12/2021 16:00 - 16:30 Registration 16:30 - 16:45 Opening Remarks Dr. Bello Lawal Danbatta, Secretary-General, IFSB 16:45 - 17:00 Welcoming Remarks H.E. Khaled Mohamed Balama, Governor, CBUAE 17:00 - 17:10 Special Address  H.E. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, Chairman, UBF 17:10 - 17:45 Public Lecture 1: Islamic Finance and Sustainability: Synergies, Strategies and Risks As the global economy gradually moves towards adopting a more sustainable development model, the Islamic finance industry has tremendous opportunities to meet the expanding needs in this segment. The principles of Islamic finance naturally form substantial synergies with the global sustainability agenda. While there have been several national-led as well as market-driven initiatives for issuance of sustainable Islamic financial products, a more substantial and wider transformation towards sustainable Islamic finance and related innovation requires collective action by policy-makers and regulators, market players and international bodies to ensure alignment and effectiveness of policies and strategies. Further growth in the supply of sustainable Islamic finance products also requires addressing some of the current gaps including information gaps to ensure the alignment of incentives, results measurement and effective risk management. The session aims to discuss the potential strategies and opportunities to harness the synergies between Islamic finance and sustainable development and important policy considerations. 17:45 - 18:15 Break 18:15 - 18:25 Keynote H.E. Dr. Reza Baqir, Governor, SBP 18:25 - 19:00 Public Lecture 2: Cybersecurity in the Era of Digitalisation: Regulatory Perspective Digitalisation of financial services has emerged as a powerful disruptor that is rapidly reshaping the real economy and the financial sector on a global scale. While digitalisation of Islamic finance also has the potential to deliver environmental outcomes and support a transformation in financing for sustainable development, the impact of digital finance will depend on policy and regulatory measures that, among other things, minimise any potential negative and unintended consequences such as cyber security risks. Hence, cyber security threats have captured prominent regulatory attention, especially financial stability implications and increased systemic risks due to financial interlinkages. While cyber risk is not unique to Islamic finance, it is an equally significant concern that presents new regulatory and supervisory challenges. The session aims to discuss critical considerations and gaps from a regulatory perspective, to improve cybersecurity as more Islamic financial institutions embrace digitalisation of their products and services. 19:00 - 21:00 Dinner

In its 55th Technical Committee Meeting held on 28 October 2021, the Technical Committee of the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has approved the issuance of the of the following Exposure Draft (ED) :   Technical Note on Recovery and Resolution for Institutions Offering Islamic Financial Services (IIFS)   The Public Consultation will be for a period of 45 days, starting from 15 November 2021 until 29 December 2021.   In conjunction to the above, the IFSB will be organising a Webinar for the Public Hearing on the TN-4 on 14 December 2021 at 2.30 PM (GMT +8.00, Malaysia time). Therefore, the IFSB would like to invite all members, stakeholders and interested parties to attend the above programme.   Kindly register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zTBfdtU_RpaKxW0NV3qKgA   An email confirmation containing about joining the webinar will be sent after registration.   Ms. Fadhila Izzati Mokhtar ([email protected]) is the person in charge of the Public Hearing and she would be pleased to respond to any enquiries relating to the Webinar.   We look forward to receiving your registration for Public Hearing session as well as feedback on TN-4

Title: Demystifying Crypto Currencies & Blockchain from a Shariah Perspective Date: Tuesday, 14th of December, 2021 Time: 11.00a.m. – 1.00p.m. (GMT +3)   Type: International Executive Webinar   Duration: 2 hours   Programme Overview: The interest towards crypto-currencies and the technology that enables it, blockchain, is continuously increasing. There have been many discourses that have discussed the feasibility and nature of cryptocurrencies and its enabler technology. The outcome has been either to support it due to its many features that are unique compared to traditional fiat money, or to go against it, as it still contains elements that are heavily unregulated and may lead to a multitude of issues in terms of loss, involvement of illegal activities, and high volatility. This webinar seeks to thoroughly explain and deliberate the cryptocurrency specifically and blockchain in general from the angle of Shari’ah and how it is affecting the Islamic finance industry. As a result of the ever-growing interest on this topic, regulators are also expected to have certain measures in place as a much-needed response. Programme Approach: The programme will rely on Interactive online discussions through the provision of direct engagement with the subject matter experts and sharing of country and organisational experiences. The subject experts will first present their specific areas of discourse and this will then be followed by a Q and A session involving the moderator and audience. Agenda: Bahrain Time Session 11.00a.m. – 11.10a.m. Moderator Opening Mr. Mujtaba Khalid (Head of Center for Islamic Finance – BIBF)   11.10a.m. – 11.20a.m. Opening remarks Dr. Bello Lawal Danbatta (Secretary-General – IFSB)   11.20a.m. – 12.20p.m. Main Discussion Examining cryptocurrency and blockchain from a Shariah perspective Subject Matter Expert 1: Dr. Ahmad Asad, Principal Lecturer, BIBF Subject Matter Expert 2: Dr. Shaban Burwari, Shariah Advisor, IFSB 12.20p.m. – 1.00p.m. Question & Answer session led by moderator  

In its IFSB 4th Extraordinary Technical Committee Meeting held on 22 November 2021, the Technical Committee of the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has approved the issuance of the of the following Exposure Draft (ED) : · Revised Standard on Solvency Requirements for Takaful / Retakaful Undertakings The Public Consultation period will be from 20 December 2021 until 10 February 2022. In conjunction to the above, the IFSB will be organising a Webinar for the Public Hearing on the ED-28 on 3 February 2022 at 3.30 PM (GMT +8.00, Malaysia time). Therefore, the IFSB would like to invite all members, stakeholders and interested parties to attend the above programme. Kindly register in advance for this webinar: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_1v1BxVF2QT6AvJVvte_Ttg An email confirmation containing about joining the webinar will be sent after registration. Ms. Fadhila Izzati Mokhtar ([email protected]) is the person in charge of the Public Hearing and she would be pleased to respond to any enquiries relating to the Webinar. We look forward to receiving your registration for Public Hearing session as well as feedback on ED-28.

Theme: Integrating Islamic Finance into Sustainable Finance: The Role of Regulators and Market Players (Islamic Capital Market Sector) Transitioning to sustainable finance and economies including mitigating climate change are amongst major issues that are currently at the forefront of the global consciousness. In recent years, there has been an increase in the efforts to promote more sustainable finance development, both within the public and the private sectors, including through Islamic finance sectors. Islamic finance should have strategic roles and contributions to take part in managing the impact of climate change and environmental, governance or social risks. Accordingly, Islamic finance activities designed to be, or labelled as, sustainable have increased particularly the ICM sector in recent years. Some jurisdictions are taking policy or regulatory steps to enhance the role of the Islamic financial system in the transition towards sustainable finance development. There has also been increasing recognition of climate-related risks as a source of financial risk that can affect not only specific firms or sectors but more broadly the stability of the financial system. This has increased the focus by prudential regulators on these issues within their mandate of ensuring the resiliency of the financial system to material risks.   This executive program intends to discuss and elaborate the roles of regulators and market players in supporting sustainable finance particularly through the Islamic capital market (i.e. Islamic green sukuk and social sukuk).