Our Scans · (FS.1.04) Islamic Banking & Finance · Weekly Summary

• [New] The Strategic Value of Halal Tourism For the Maldives, developing halal-friendly destinations is more than an economic opportunity. The Arrival
• Several multi-country risk-sharing pools already exist across the globe, including the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility, the Pacific Catastrophe Risk Assessment and Financing Initiative, as well as the Southeast Asia Disaster Risk Insurance Facility. Artemis.bm - The Catastrophe Bond, Insurance Linked Sec
• Transparent data and smart risk-sharing tools are essential for mobilizing institutional investment. IFC Review
• The EU has begun striking deals under a pioneering risk-sharing scheme for the export credit sector, agreeing to backstop Danish exports to Ukraine and unveiling plans to support a dozen more member states. Global Trade Review (GTR)
• More restaurants across Hong Kong will take advantage of the opportunity to become Halal-certified. Travel And Tour World
• As more eateries in Hong Kong receive Halal accreditation, Muslim visitors will have a wider range of dining choices, enhancing their overall travel experience. Travel And Tour World
• The expansion of MIHAS to Shanghai underscores the potential for cross-border collaboration and trade partnerships between Southeast Asia and East Asia, particularly in the halal tourism sector. Travel And Tour World
• Saudi Aramco's $3 B 2025 sukuk issuance (4.25% / 4.75% tranches) was 7 x oversubscribed, reflecting strong investor confidence in its Islamic finance-driven capital optimization strategy aligned with Saudi Vision 2030. Ainvest
• With deepening GCC connections and strong fundamentals, Fitch expected ASEAN's Islamic finance industry to maintain its upward trajectory. ArabNews
• ASEAN's Islamic finance industry is expanding in line with global trends, with worldwide assets projected to reach $7.5 trillion by 2028, up from $5.5 trillion in 2024. ArabNews
• The Islamic finance industry in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations is set to exceed $1 trillion in assets by the end of 2026, driven by Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei and supported by closer Gulf ties. ArabNews
• Thailand aims to position itself as an ASEAN Halal hub by 2027. Thaiger
• President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has made Halal industry development a strategic national priority under the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028. MindaNews
• Southeast Asia's biggest change is Indonesia's mandatory Halal certification by 2026 for all cosmetics, so brands selling there must plan for Halal-compliant ingredients and production. Ausmetics
• Kuwait plans to issue conventional and Islamic bonds worth around KWD 2bn in a bid to finance the 2025-26 budget deficit. Nasser Saidi & Associates
• Halal tourism will reach $410.9 billion by 2032, up from $256.5 billion in 2023. / USA Salaam Gateway
• In cooperation with the GCC states, Europe could launch a new reconstruction collaboration between the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and the Islamic Development Bank. Eurasia Review
• With over 1.9 billion Muslims worldwide, Halal tourism is expected to contribute nearly 350 billion USD to the global travel industry by 2030. ABNA English
• The halal tourism industry continues to grow rapidly, with projections showing it will surpass USD 300 billion by 2026. The Halal Times
• The global halal tourism industry is skyrocketing, projected to hit a staggering USD 410.9 billion by 2032, fueled by travelers craving Muslim-friendly adventures. The Halal Times
• Regarding blended finance, the United States views it as an important risk-sharing mechanism for promoting sustainable development that can help to overcome barriers to inclusion. United States Mission to the United Nations

Last updated: 16 October 2025