Barrels of capital

Islamic financing is gaining momentum in Southeast Asia, says the Asia Private Equity Review. Rising oil prices have changed the dynamics of global financial markets. Capital from the Islamic nations, principally those in the Arab Gulf States, is fast becoming a third main stream, as investors from these countries venture outside their desert kingdoms. In Southeast Asia, home to the largest population of Islamic advocates, the rising profile of such financing is becoming increasingly conspicuous, with Malaysia being the centre of action.