Wednesday, May 16, 2012 at 7:00 pm
Portland State University
Smith Memorial Student Union, room 327
1825 SW Broadway, Portland, OR 97201

A panel discussion featuring Ambassador Patrick N. Theros, President & Executive Director of the US-Qatar Business Council and Mohammad S. Rahman, founder of the Institute for Halal Investing & adjunct faculty, School of Business Administration, Portland State University.

One of the latest revelations in the modern banking industry has been the introduction of Islamic finance and investment activities, referring to transactions that are compliant with Sharia Muslim law. Since its introduction in the late 20th century, Islamic banking has grown into an expanding global industry, and it is predicted that Shariah-compliant asset holdings will reach four trillion dollars by 2020. Muslim investors have also expanded Islamic finance activities into non-Muslim countries, often facing myths and misconceptions about the sector. In this panel discussion, Ambassador Patrick Theros and Mohammad S. Rahman will discuss the history, principles, and political atmosphere surrounding Islamic finance and investments.

Ambassador Patrick Theros is the President and Executive Director of the US-Qatar Business Council. He assumed this position after a 36-year career in the U.S. Foreign Service, serving as Ambassador to the State of Qatar; Political Advisor to the Commander in Chief Central Command; Deputy Chief of Mission and Political Officer in Amman; Charge d’affaires and Deputy Chief of Mission in Abu Dhabi; and Economic and Commercial Counselor in Damascus.

Mohammad Saeed Rahman is the founder of the Institute for Halal Investing as well as several business ventures and non-profit organizations. He is also an adjunct professor at the School of Business Administration at Portland State University. He was a member of the Reuters panel on Islamic finance in Singapore. Mr. Rahman has 25 years experience in the financial industry as Senior Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Wachovia and Vice President for Private Clients at Merrill Lynch.

Free & open to the public

Co-sponsored with the US-Qatar Business Council and the Institute for Halal Investing

http://oia.pdx.edu/spotlight/details/islamic_finance_investments/