HSBC Business confidence boost for IB

According to a recently released survey in the HSBC Middle East Business Confidence Index, about half of all companies operating in the Middle East with sales of at least US$100M plan to use Islamic financing within the next three years. The key factors affecting confidence among investors and institutions include political instability, market liberalization, and falling oil prices. Survey respondents were largely optimistic about the prospects for growth for Islamic finance. The business confidence index will be most effective once its track record is established.