This chapter includes the following articles.
Islamic Financial Services
![Bahrain Islamic Financial Services Bahrain Islamic Financial Services](https://drupal.oxfordbusinessgroup.com/sites/default/files/styles/chapter_header__710x233_/public/chapter_headers/ifs1_2.jpg?itok=T6bnkMtX&c=6fd6ef690fb392cac72fd152c9a0dd4b)
Reduced oil prices and fiscal austerity measures being carried out by governments across the GCC have resulted in a challenging environment for Bahrain’s sharia-compliant financial institutions. The competitive domestic market – home to the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East – has reacted to adverse conditions, with what appears to be the beginning of a long-awaited period of consolidation: both the banking and takaful (Islamic insurance) segments saw significant merger and acquisition activity over the past year. The sector also received notice in 2017 of a change in the regulatory framework that will usher in a new era of oversight.
This chapter contains an interview with Hassan Jarrar, CEO, Bahrain Islamic Bank.