THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ISLAMIC FINANCIAL SYSTEM

The aim of this research paper is to outline the specific characteristics of the Islamic finance developments and the challenges that are facing this industry. Moreover, this paper discusses the origins and historical developments of Islamic finance in addition to discussing the Islamic capital market and the role that it plays in the growth of Islamic financial institutions through focusing on some of the Islamic finance indices. The results indicate that despite the obstacles that are currently preventing a faster spread of Islamic financial products and the challenges that are facing the Islamic finance industry, the future still looks promising and these institutions are aware of the need for a greater standardization within product lines and for better and more consistent regulations and governance for the industry to grow and to be competitive with the conventional banking and financial industry.