31 July 2008 The Securities & Investment Institute (SII) benchmark Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) has been accepted onto the Financial Services Skills Council (FSSC) recommended qualifications list. The SII first announced the development of the IFQ in 2005. Last year the IFQ was sat by 285 candidates in 26 countries around the world. It covers Islamic finance from both a technical and Sharia'a perspective, providing the first international benchmark in the area of Islamic finance. The IFQ provides candidates with an understanding of the influence of Sharia'a in a business context, and prepares candidates to hold key positions in the Islamic finance and Takaful (Islamic insurance) industries. The qualification is excellent for existing employees, new employees and those seeking a career in Islamic finance. Sam Rees-Adams, Director of Education at the FSSC said, "The addition of the Islamic Finance Qualification (IFQ) to the FSSC's Recommended Examination list reflects the increasing interest in Islamic Finance. We are delighted to support the SII in its leading role in qualification provision for this market in the UK and abroad. We hope that the placing of the IFQ on the Recommended Exam List will guide those wishing to take a qualification in this exciting area." Humphrey Percy, CEO of the Bank of London and the Middle East has mandated all front and back office staff to take the IFQ. He says, "The IFQ provides a good, basic qualification which can easily be combined with the demands of working in a dynamic environment. Moreover, I believe it shows our clients our commitment to the industry. I would like to congratulate the SII on their achievement." &- Ends - About The Securities & Investment Institute The Securities & Investment Institute (www.sii.org.uk) &was formed in 1992 by members of the London Stock Exchange. Its mission is to set standards of professional excellence and integrity for the securities and &investment industry, providing qualifications and promoting the highest level of competence to its members, firms and others. The Securities & Investment Institute is now the pre-eminent professional body for those who work in the securities and investment industry in the UK. Over 35,000 members benefit from a programme of professional training and development. The Institute is the principal awarding body for industry qualifications and last year its &examinations attracted 38,000 candidates. The Securities & Investment Institute is also a registered charity. Charitable Objectives: · &to promote &for the public benefit, the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in the &field of securities and investments · &to develop &high ethical standards for practitioners in securities and investments and to &promote such standards in the UK and overseas. ·to act as an authoritative body for the purpose of consultation and research in matters of &education or public interest concerning investment in &securities& For more information, please contact: Lora Benson Press Officer Tel: +44 020 7645 0662 / +44 07801 521034 Email: lora.benson@sii.org.uk&&&

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