Over four hundred Islamic finance professionals including distinguished guests and global leaders from government, banking and professional services converged to the Mansion House in London on September 5th for the IFN’s UK Islamic Finance week. With subsequent real estate and financial technology events held to provide in depth discussion and insights on these key segments of the Islamic finance industry. The event highlighted key developments in the UK market as well as global developments with key discussions on impact of Brexit, incorporating environmental and social responsibility into Islamic finance products, and sukuk issuances among other topics.
The same week, the Blockchain World Forum was also held in London bringing together blockchain technology investors, entrepreneurs and business leaders to discuss the impact of declining cryptocurrency prices and technology innovations. Several Muslim entrepreneurs were also exhibiting and presenting at the event, including Tykn B.V. co-founder Khalid Maliki, from Netherlands showcasing their blockchain technology solution for NGOs and governments to help manage humanitarian aid distribution.
In other news, UK Islamic fintech property investment platform, Yielders announced the successful closing of a pre-series A funding round. Exact terms and amount of funding was not disclosed but was reportedly backed by Peach Ventures and Greenshores Capital as well as number of private investors. The funding comes at the same time the company announced completion of regulator authorisation in the Netherlands, Norway and Luxembourg. Additionally the company also appointed Abdul Haseeb Basit as the company’s Chairman.