|By Arabian Post Staff| The World Gold Council is exploring the creation of a Shariah Standard on Gold, which will provide guidance from the Shariah perspective on the usage of gold in financial and investment transactions for Islamic financial institutions and participants.
The Standard also aims to increase transparency and harmonisation regarding the use of gold in various market practices. A draft of the Standard has been prepared for the Council by Amanie Advisors, a DIFC-based consultancy and training agency specializing in Islamic finance.
As the Islamic financial services market grows in size and importance, so does the need for a greater understanding of the intricate matters of Islamic financial services and the application of Shariah guidance. The Islamic financial services industry is also witnessing greater implementation of internationally recognised and standardised Islamic finance guidance.
The World Gold Council is calling for interested parties active in Islamic financial services to submit their responses to the development of a Shariah Standard on Gold. The council says that it is vital for organisations active in Islamic financial services to play a role in the development of the Standard.
The council wants to create a Standard that meets the requirements of all active participants in the market. The Standard will enable organisations to work more efficiently in creating Shariah compliant gold products, it will enhance access to gold in the Islamic world and it will help to address the liquidity management issues currently facing the industry.
The deadline for feedback has been extended to 31st January 2016 due to requests for more time from industry participants. An Arabic version of the Standard will be available shortly, the council said on its website.
