Inaugural Islamic Finance Seminar in Chicago Attracts Key Industry Leaders

Industry experts, academic scholars and members of the general public attended Chicago’s first conference on Islamic finance, held on Thursday, March 13. Hosted by DePaul University’s College of Commerce, “The Islamic Finance Seminar: Opportunities for Growth in the Modern Financial Age” explored a variety of topics including Sharia-compliant financial and investment vehicles for both consumers and institutions.

“Chicago has quickly become a focal point in the Islamic finance sector,” said Fawad Butt, founder and managing partner at Zeus Capital Advisers. “The seminar was an outstanding opportunity to gather many of principle players in the industry, and discuss the successes, challenges and opportunities in Islamic finance”

Organized by Zeus Capital Advisers and the Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU), the seminar helped fund ISPU’s “Muslim Wealth Project.” The study will provide further information and insight on Muslim finances by examining the type of purchases they make, charitable donations, financial investments, retirement planning, and property ownership. The study will also attempt to measure the demand and adoption of Sharia-compliant financial products. Participants will be asked to specify the most needed and desirable Sharia compliant products and services unavailable in the U.S market place today.

“The ‘Muslim Wealth Project’ will help members of our community, as well as the businesses that serve them,” said Fakhia Rashid, director of development for ISPU. “This information is critical the Islamic finance community to understand their consumers, and ultimately, provide better and better products and services for them.”

According to Karen Hunt, professor and founder of the Islamic finance class at DePaul University, the Islamic finance industry currently has assets in the range of $500 to $800 billion. Hunt expects this number to triple by 2015, and reach nearly $3 trillion.

Panelists at the seminar included: Fawad Butt, Zeus Capital Advisers; Fakhia Rashid, ISPU; Karen Hunt; DePaul University; Salman Ibrahim, SunRise Development; Omer Ahmed; Abaris Capital Advisers; Amjad Quadri, University Bank; David Loundry, Devon Bank; Nasser Nubani, Zayan Finance; Junaid Afeef, Zayan Finance; Tariq Al-Rifai, UIB Capital, Inc.; Bradley P. Summers, Merrill Lynch; Mushtaq Hussain, Saturna Capital Corp.; and Yusuf Hai, CIG Corp.

For more information on ISPU and sponsorship opportunities for the “Muslim Wealth Project,” please contact Fakhia Rashid at frashid@ispu.org or by phone at (847) 962-9077. You can visit ISPU on the Internet at www.ispu.org. For more information on Zeus Capital Advisers, visit www.zeuscapitaladvisers.com or e-mail Fawad Butt at fawad@zeuscapitaladvisers.com.

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Zeus Capital Advisers
200 S. Wacker Dr.
Suite 3100
Chicago, IL 60606
www.zeuscapitaladvisers.com

Fawad Butt
312 244 3714

About The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding
The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding (ISPU) is unique in its ability to bring an alternative approach to human and social problems. ISPU provides cutting-edge analysis and policy solutions through publications, public events, media commentary, and community research. This multidisciplinary approach, in partnership with universities and other research institutes, serves to build understanding and create programs that effect lasting social change.

About Zeus Capital Advisers
Zeus Capital Advisers is a management and strategy consulting organization focused on providing services to institutions on all aspects of Islamic finance, Islamic banking and Real Estate. ZCA is the only organization in the U.S. that can provide end to end Islamic financial solutions to its customers. Our tailored solution sets include product development, bank charter/creation consulting and access to a portfolio of tried and tested Sharia compliant financial products.

This release was published on openPR.