Reaching critical mass

Bahrain's financial market has the greatest potential for growth within the Islamic banking sector. The standardized regulatory framework provided by the Bahrain Monetary Agency will allow Bahrain's Islamic financial institutions to develop on a greater international scale. One goal is to significantly increase the number of international sukuks offered, which to date totals only four. The development of both the Bahrain Financial Harbour and the Bahrain Stock Exchange are both positive steps for the Bahrain financial industry. The article closes with a brief glossary of Islamic financial terms, and an interview with the governor of the Bahrain Monetary Agency, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa.