First, progress must continue on the “resolution” of central counterparties – their treatment in the event of difficulties –, as they have become systemically more important with compulsory centralised clearing for derivative instruments. Above all, we must ensure a balance between financing channels. All discussions on the shadow banking system must continue in order to take account of the risks that may have moved into this sector as a result of the ramping up of requirements in the regulated sector, and for banks and insurers in particular. It has been estimated that the segments that may pose financial stability risks represented a total of USD 34 trillion.14 The priority has now shifted from the solvency of banks, which has improved substantially, to the liquidity of the shadow banking sector, particularly funds and asset management companies that are exposed to the risks of sudden panic-driven runs. Lastly, progress is required on FinTechs and above all on the major digital platforms and businesses, which, if they carry out financial activities, will have to comply with similar regulations sooner or later. 3) The third challenge is evaluation. Evaluation is essential to the credibility of the financial reforms that have been adopted worldwide, and to this end, the G20 adopted a postimplementation evaluation framework this summer. This framework should allow us to determine whether the reforms have actually achieved their desired results, without any unexpected, adverse effects, and to make adjustments if this is not the case.
Undergraduate opportunities to study Islamic finance or Shariah, either as a speciality or a major component of a business degree, should be readily available at local and foreign universities. The challenge is to provide programmes which keep pace with changes in financial innovation and technology. Meeting this need requires rigorous, extended programmes such as the post-graduate programmes in Islamic Finance and Financial Engineering with emphasis on Islamic banking principles. At the same time, relevant organizations can support such programmes by creating funds to sponsor promising students to pursue formal education, ranging from modular courses in Islamic finance to full post-graduate programmes. There is also a need to increase programmes and initiatives that provide education and training in Shariah. Islamic research organizations and financial institutions need to work towards developing a sufficient number of competent Shariah scholars who are equipped with sound knowledge and expertise in both Islamic jurisprudence and Islamic commercial laws to deal with innovative and cutting-edge products. There is also the need for extensive education of the consumer and business community. This would increase the outreach resulting in increased demand for new and innovative products and approaches. Malaysia has implemented a 10-year structured consumer education programme to increase the level of consumer awareness on the unique characteristics of Islamic financial products and the product choices offered by Islamic financial service providers. Increased awareness will drive the demand for a broader range of Islamic products and services customized to their requirements at more competitive prices and through more convenient channels.