This volume explains and updates how conventional finance products work-from mortgages and leases to trade finance and insurance-before delving into their Islamic versions. Three new topics are added in the second edition: microfinance, the ethical company and wealth succession.

This month I would like to build on the discussions we have been having over the last few months and reflect on the work we have to do in order to further promote the values of Islamic Finance. In the past month I have had the opportunity to address audiences at conferences, run workshops and discussion groups, contribute at panel discussions as well as some face to face discussions in Zurich, Geneva, Kuala Lumpur and London. Much of what I have been speaking about is based on Relevance, Trust and Impact #RTI, which I discussed at some length last month. In addition to that I have been painting a picture of the alignment between the 17 UN SDG's and the objectives of the Maqasid al Shariah. I could burden you with the numerous observations and anecdotes from all the interactions over the last 30 days, but I will stick with just three.

This month I would like to use a theme that I have been using for several months now, which appears to resonate quite well with many different types of audiences all over the world. That theme is "Relevance, Trust and Impact." Relevance applies to individuals as well as Corporations. I recall a discussion I had with a leading Shari'a scholar several months ago, where he was citing the Quran and the importance of remaining relevant at all times. He was using this in the context of a growing concern he held that many of his fellow scholars were becoming increasingly irrelevant to the needs of humanity in the 21st Century! This discussion got me focused and it started to get me thinking about myself, my organisation and, indeed, what my next steps should be.

This month I would like to focus on the opportunities that we have ahead of us, so long as we remain patient, persistent and focused on making an impact. Overall, I would like to take a brief look at 4 areas that I believe will be critical during 2017 to take us further forward and into the great wide open. All of them could be tied back to my EPL theory (Education, Perception and Liquidity). All of them have the capability of having sustainable impact.

As many of you will have heard, I shall be retiring from INCEIF shortly. This does not mean that I am retiring from Islamic Finance and Life in general. It does mean I shall be able to spend some more time with family and to reflect and act on some key focus areas with which I will still continue to be engaged. Make no mistake, I shall remain involved at INCEIF, but just in a different role.