IFSB issues guidelines on capital adequacy

The Kuala Lumpur-based Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) has published guidelines on capital adequacy for Islamic banks and risk management of takaful as the industry body expands its activity and membership base. Revised guidelines detail criteria for using sukuk as Tier 1 and Tier 2 regulatory capital, those for takaful firms outline issues faced by Islamic insurers, including the risk that their products become non-compliant with Shariah principles, and describe best practices to supervise their funds and disclose information. Work now shifts to the IFSB’s 16th guideline covering the supervision of Islamic finance institutions, helping tighten regulatory oversight of industry practices. The IFSB council will be chaired in 2014 by the managing director of Brunei’s monetary authority, taking over duties from the Qatar’s central bank governor.