Since the beginning of history, the Middle East has always been in the headlines. But for investors, the real significance of the region lies not just in the ongoing drama of geopolitics but in the underlying capital reserves that, if fully utilised, could reshape the way the global private equity investment community procures its funding.
Shari'ah compliant
With bank loans, bonds and other interest-related forms of finance off-limits to many Middle Eastern investing institutions, equity investments, including private equity, are the focus of activity. But Western private equity professionals seeking access to the vast capital reserves of the Middle East must first understand how shari'ah applies to the asset class. Simon Sheppard examines a distinctly Islamic form of compliance.
