From a single product offering in 1963, the Islamic financial services industry has grown to an estimated $1.6 trillion in assets. Products must comply with profit and risk-sharing criteria and regulations preventing banks from venturing into activities with high risk and excessive uncertainty....

This timely book examines the effects of financial liberalization in the more advanced economies of Southeast Asia. The book also analyses the degree to which emerging and transitional economies in East and South Asia can benefit from this example. The weakness of the banking sector is examined...