I believe that the truth is more complicated than that, and that these views disregard the progress that has been made in making finance more “ethical” in recent years. Regardless, I believe that it is timely to recalibrate our moral compass – and to explore innovative ways and solutions that finance can offer to build a more sustainable future. If I may say, to discover humanity within the world of finance. As we embark on this quest, we can consider the role that Islamic finance can play in contributing towards sustainable development. With positive values and ethical considerations ingrained within Islamic finance, it provides a ready and workable blueprint for finance that best works for the people and the planet. In supporting economic growth that is both inclusive and environmentally sound, Islamic finance can potentially realise the promise of sustainable development – that is to not leave anyone behind. Ultimately, it can help to build shared prosperity for not only the generation of today, but also the generations to come. There is already large acceptance of Islamic finance in the global economy, with global assets amounting to USD1.9 trillion in 2016. But the success of Islamic finance cannot, and must not be measured solely on headline numbers such as this. In our move towards a sustainable future, the way forward for Islamic finance, in my view, lies in four imperatives. First, Islamic finance must prove its capacity to innovate.
The State Budget for 2013, which will begin to be drafted in the coming weeks, must uphold this commitment and give expression in specific  4  BIS central bankers’ speeches  measures to some of the announcements made in the context of the latest Stability Programme. It is no overstatement to say that much of Spain’s future is at stake in complying with these fiscal targets, and that failure in this process of consolidation would set back considerably the possibility of an economic recovery in our country. BIS central bankers’ speeches  5