Globally Islamic finance is on the increase. It is widely used,particularly in the Gulf countries and in Malaysia. The currentIslamic finance market is estimated at US$ 800 billion. In the last few years it has grown by 15 to 20% per annum. At present the effects of the credit crisis are also apparent in the Gulfregion, which in the short term will affect growth. In view of theIslamic ‘awakening’ and the sustainable alternative offered by Islamic finance, it is anticipated that the demand for Islamicfinance will continue to increase further in the long term.

In: Genoteerd, nr. 70, May/June 2009.