Welcome from The Baroness Morris of Bolton OBE DL, Chairman of the Centre
Welcome to the Centre for Islamic Finance at the University of Bolton. The Centre was launched in 2012 when I was Chancellor of the University and with the commitment and support of the Vice Chancellor, Professor George Holmes, and the governors, together with the drive of our Director, Professor Mohammed Abdel-Haq, I have watched it grow from strength to strength in attracting students and partnerships from around the world.
The University of Bolton, whose roots in education date back to 1824, has a long and proud heritage of delivering academic qualifications alongside sound practical experience. In the tradition of the oldest universities, the Centre is an independently recognised academic centre of the University and with our own dedicated lecturers and access to the wider pool of talent of the University, we share the University-wide commitment to develop the professional skills of our students. The University is renowned for its commitment to employer and industry relationships and the Centre for Islamic Finance, following in that tradition, maintains strong links with companies and organisations.
Professor Mohammed Kayed Abdel-Haq, a British Jordanian of Palestinian origin, is the Centre's Director. With a wealth of practical and professional experience he is highly regarded in the banking industry and was invited by the Government to serve on their Islamic Finance Task Force. This helped position Britain as the western hub of Islamic Finance and led to the issue of the first Government Sukuk and a commitment to Sharia'a compliant student loans. Professor Abdel-Haq's belief in inclusivity and breaking down barriers to understanding between all civilisations and faiths is a guiding principle of the Centre and informs our work with professionals, academics and the wider community in seeking to promote dialogue and universal values. The Centre is supported in this by its board of directors and by the International Advisory Board, drawn from prominent scholars and professionals.
Bolton, where I live, is a famously friendly town situated close to the cities of Manchester and Liverpool. With one of the largest percentages of Muslim students in the UK, the University embraces diversity and values difference. It prides itself on staying abreast of social, cultural and economic change and reflecting this in its courses and work with partners. This combination of innovation, inclusivity and a willingness to look beyond the traditional boundaries of the University makes it the ideal home for the Centre for Islamic Finance.
I hope you enjoy looking around our website and if you do decide to study with us, or want to come and visit, you can be assured of a warm welcome.
Upcoming events
11th Symposium on Financial and Economic Crime 2024
Monday 30th September 2024, 11:00am - 4:25pm. EY1, 1 More London Place, London and online.