DIFC (Dubai) based Introspect Capital has received approval from the DFSA to conduct Financial Services through an Islamic Window. Introspect Capital has also launched the Introspect Islamic Fund in order to provide Shari’a-compliant professional investors with access to Introspect’s concentrated, absolute-return focused investment strategy. The Shari’a-compliant Fund invests in listed equities in the Middle East and North Africa, which are identified through a consistent, research-focused, bottom-up process.
Introspect Capital is an independent asset management firm based in Dubai, focused on investing in the Middle East and North Africa. It follows an absolute return, concentrated, bottom-up investment process, and since its launch, has been gaining new mandates and increased allocations from investors both across the region and internationally.
“We’re very excited to be entering the Islamic Finance space,” commented Kareem Hamza, CEO and lead Portfolio Manager at Introspect. “The demand for Islamic investment solutions is growing, and our license endorsement and first Islamic fund demonstrate our commitment to offering competitive financial products to Shari’a compliant investors.”
Introspect Capital has partnered with Shariyah Review Bureau for the provision of Shari’a governance of its Islamic business. Commenting on the partnership, Kareem said, “Joining forces with Shariyah Review Bureau, who are experts in their field and one of the largest scholarly platforms in the industry, supports our commitment to creating a truly Shari’a compliant offering.”
Shariyah Review Bureau supports firms by addressing Sharia governance challenges including the assignment of Shari’a Boards, providing Shari’a audit capabilities, and Islamic equity screening services. “Equity funds can gain access to Islamic finance expertise through our Shari’a advisory engagements” said Yasser S. Dahlawi, CEO of Shariyah Review Bureau. “Our approach allows us to respond to a growing need in the investment management space and we believe our offering of a deeply integrated scholarly network, with strong controls over certification and technical expertise in Shari’a assurance, is unmatched,” said Yasser.
Commenting on the recent assignment with Introspect, Yasser added: “We look forward to working with Introspect by supervising their Islamic window operations and helping them maintain Sharia compliance successfully in the years to come.”
