International Conference on Islamic Business 2014

Islamic banking and finance has crossed a number of milestones over the period of last four decades. There are big expectations by the industry experts. According to a research by Ernst & Young, global Islamic assets held by commercial banks that stood at $1.3bn in 2011, are expected to rise to $1.8bn in 2013. The World Bank Managing Director confirmed recently that the size of Islamic finance assets might grow between 10 per cent and 15 per cent annually over the next three years, supported by strong demand and supply factors in addition to effective regulation and quality of services that would sustain growth. But, out of many challenges Islamic finance is facing, one big challenge is reliance on debt creating modes, increasing use of financial derivatives as investment instruments and neglect of the much desired equity based business and products. It is high time for researchers and practitioners to discuss how the equity based investments and businesses be developed and managed leading to fulfillment of the objectives of enhancing financial inclusion and just socio-economic development of the human societies. They are requested to send proposals for the Conference on any topics related to the theme. Some topics are suggested; researchers may like to suitably amend the title according to their plan of writing.