Islamic finance: quarterly update

The fourth quarter of 2016 saw proposals published by AAOIFI for standards on central sharia boards as well as new governance rules for Islamic banks in Kuwait and the Federal Territory of Labuan. The quarter also saw the IFSB issue a technical note on stress testing for institutions offering Islamic financial services. The proposed AAOIFI standard on central sharia boards is intended to provide guidance for strengthening corporate governance and thereby increase the consumer appeal of sharia-compliant financial products. It covers several aspects such as the appointment, composition and dismissal of board members, tenure of the board, functions of the central sharia board, responsibilities of the appointing authority, fit and proper criteria, and independence.