The global Islamic finance community will gather in Uzbekistan this June for the eagerly awaited 4th CIS Islamic Banking and Finance Forum, hosted by the AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE). Set for June 16-18, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent, this significant event arrives at a crucial time as the industry is on track to reach a projected valuation of $5 trillion by 2025.
The forum is positioned against a backdrop of impressive growth in CIS markets, where Islamic banking assets have increased by 15% annually since 2018. With Uzbekistan emerging as the Islamic finance hub of Central Asia, it serves as the perfect host, thanks to the country's progressive reforms and strategic partnerships with institutions such as the Islamic Development Bank.
The three-day program will address the key opportunities and challenges facing Islamic finance in the region. The first day will include high-level discussions on regulatory harmonization across CIS markets, the digital transformation driven by Islamic fintech solutions, and the development of Sukuk markets for infrastructure financing. Experts will also examine innovative strategies for enhancing financial inclusion through Shariah-compliant microfinance products tailored to the region's specific needs.
After the main conference, banking professionals can further enhance their knowledge through an intensive two-day workshop focused on risk and deposit management. Participants will receive practical insights into profit distribution models for Mudarabah deposits, liquidity management tools designed specifically for Islamic banks, and Shariah-compliant frameworks for asset-liability management.
The forum will feature the esteemed CIS Islamic Banking and Finance Awards, which recognize innovation and excellence in over 20 categories. These awards celebrate institutions and individuals who have made outstanding contributions in fields such as Islamic fintech and Shariah-compliant investment banking, with previous winners including prominent organizations from the Muslim world.
Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal, CEO of AlHuda CIBE, highlighted the importance of the forum: "This event marks a pivotal moment for Islamic finance in the CIS region. With 65 million Muslims in these markets actively seeking Shariah-compliant solutions, we are witnessing unique opportunities for growth and innovation. Uzbekistan's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to Islamic finance makes it an ideal host for this essential dialogue."
The event has already garnered confirmed participation from financial executives worldwide, regulators influencing policy in CIS countries, fintech innovators creating blockchain-based Islamic solutions, and prominent scholars enhancing Shariah governance frameworks. This forum provides exceptional networking opportunities and insight into Uzbekistan's rapidly evolving Islamic finance landscape.
It is strongly supported by key industry stakeholders, including Uzbekistan's leasing associations, Azerbaijan's microfinance association, the Azerbaijan Banking Association, Uzbek Leasing International A.O., the Bahrain Association of Banks, the Azerbaijan Fintech Association, the Uzbek Association for Microfinance Institutions, and the Association of Microfinance Institutions (AMFI) in Kyrgyzstan, highlighting the global interconnectedness of Islamic finance.
The 4th CIS Islamic Banking and Finance Forum is scheduled to take place from June 16 to 18, 2025, at the Hyatt Regency Tashkent.
