Page 22 - Aamir Rehman Gulf Capital and Islamic Finance The Rise of the New Global Players

Introduction 7

■ How can international firms tap into Gulf capital?
■ What makes Islamic finance “Islamic”?
■ What is driving the growth of Islamic finance, and will this
growth continue?
■ What does it take to serve Islamic finance customers?
■ How is Shariah compliance affecting capital flows?
■ Should the world be afraid of Islamic finance?
■ How is the rise of Gulf capital affecting financial markets?
■ Should the world fear or welcome Gulf investors?
■ What role might the Gulf play in capital markets in the long
term?

This book addresses these questions and more, serving as a
strategic guide for financial professionals assessing the opportunities,
strategies, and markets that have been affected by the rise of Gulf
investors and Islamic finance as new global players. The themes dis-
cussed hold relevance for investment professionals, corporate finance
advisors, investment bankers, CFOs, regulators, analysts, researchers,
and others whose work depends on a nuanced understanding of the
changing topography of global financial markets.

YOUR GUIDE TO THE NEW GLOBAL PLAYERS
This book—your guide to the rise of new global players—has four
sections. Part I provides background and context on the rise of Gulf
capital and Islamic finance, addressing the origins and drivers of
these phenomena. Part II discusses developments and trends related
to these areas, providing insight into how they are evolving and
what directions their future evolution is likely to take. Part III
focuses on the global implications of the rise of these new players—
what their increased importance means for investors, bankers, regu-
lators, and international markets broadly. The book’s Conclusion,
envisions the role of Gulf capital in an emerging, multipolar finan-
cial order. We explore how Gulf capital and Islamic finance are
changing the landscape, and whether they should be seen as oppor-
tunities or as threats. Overall, the book is designed both to give you
a firm grounding in these emerging areas and to help frame your
thinking on how to incorporate them into your organization’s strat-
egy and daily business.