The 2016 World Islamic Banking Conference (WIBC) is expected to attract more than 1,300 delegates seeking new areas of growth and a roadmap for 2017 amidst the current uncertain global economic climate. 

Supported by the Central Bank of Bahrain and organised by Middle East Global Advisors (MEGA), the event will be held at the Gulf Hotel in Bahrain on December 5, 6, and 7 under the theme of ‘Economic Uncertainties: Vigilance and Growth’. 

Now in its 23^rd edition, WIBC has for over two decades promoted excellence, innovation and growth for the $2-trillion Islamic finance industry. 

Promising fresh and topical content, the event will help produce a roadmap for 2017 and beyond by harnessing technology, cutting-edge research and powerful speakers. 

Last year, WIBC played host to a session on country reports from Kazakhstan, Sudan and Canada, as well as welcomed speakers from the central banks of Bahrain, Pakistan, Kazakhstan and Turkey. This year, WIBC 2016 will welcome a delegation from the Central Bank of Russia, headed by Alexander Torshin, State Secretary – Deputy Governor as a keynote speaker, among others.

WIBC is also known for its emphasis on ethical and values-based business in the context of Islamic finance and as such ethical banking and corporate social responsibility will be of prime importance on the agenda. 

The emphasis on technology is another feature of WIBC 2016. Sessions will explore how to take Islamic finance forward in a digitally connected world, producing insights from pioneers and innovators in the financial technology space. 

Key players from Fintech, mobile banking, crowdfunding, and other tech sources will lead the innovation agenda at the conference. 

On the intelligence front, WIBC 2016 will continue building on its track-record as the definitive platform for thought leadership with the launch of several reports in collaboration with leading players in the Islamic finance and digital space. 

The WIBC will also recognise excellence in the industry through the WIBC Performance Awards 2016. The nominees will be announced weeks before the December event and the winners at the Gala Dinner on December 6. 

In addition, as a part of the exhibition, a new feature will be added known as the WIBC Majlis which will be an exclusive lounge area for conference participants, speakers and sponsors to gather and network in an informal setting. 

WIBC’s partners include Kuwait Finance House (KFH), GFH Financial Group, Khaleeji Commercial Bank, Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), Al Salam Bank Bahrain, Boubyan Bank, Ithmaar Bank, Grant Thornton, Path Solutions, Luxembourg for Finance, Natixis, Eiger Trading Advisors Ltd, SAB IT, ELIAN, AAFAQ Center for Research in Islamic Economy, DDCAP Group, Fitch Ratings, and Bank AlKhair.