The Collapse of SVB: A Contagion Risk for the Next Financial Crisis?

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By Syed Zain Abbas Rizvi

The Great Recession seems like an eternity in the past. As an economic scholar, I didn’t even witness the financial meltdown up close but read about the absolute chaos emanating from the noughties in books and academic entries. Over the course of the last decade, I am sure I wasn’t the only one used to the regulatory guardrails introduced in the wake of the economic collapse. It has been somewhat reassuring that the world would not witness such broad-based economic disruption again or that it would be at least relatively deftly handled before it gets out of hand.

The recent collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) dares to question that sentiment of reassurance. And the timing could not be more consequential.

The failure of SVB has sent shockwaves through the financial community, with some analysts drawing parallels between the bank’s downfall and the 2008 financial crisis. SVB was a well-capitalized institution seeking to raise funds, but a panic induced by the very venture capital community it served and nurtured ended its 40-year run within 48 hours.

Regulators shuttered SVB last Friday and seized its deposits in the most significant banking failure in the United States since Washington Mutual went bust in 2008 – and the second-largest ever. SVB was ranked the 16th biggest bank in America at the end of last year, with about $209 billion in assets.

The roots of the SVB collapse stem from dislocations spurred by higher rates. As start-up clients withdrew deposits to keep their companies afloat in a chilly environment for IPOs and private fundraising, SVB found itself short on capital. Read more>>

Saturna Unveils Shariah-Compliant Investment Platform for Digital Investors

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Saturna Sdn Bhd, a Shariah-compliant financial services company, today (9 March) officially launched its digital platform to help investors grow their wealth ethically and securely.

The online tool allows individuals to start their investment journey with just a few clicks, guided by Saturna’s deep expertise in the world of Islamic finance. Unlike other offerings currently available in the market, Saturna takes an investor-friendly approach by charging no sales or redemption fees and no hidden charges. Potential investors can also enjoy flexibility as Saturna’s funds have no minimum holding period.

“Our new online platform is designed to be simple and secure for a seamless user experience,” said Shahariah Binti Shaharudin, President of Saturna Sdn Bhd. “It is accessible enough for anyone to start investing in Shariah-compliant solutions immediately, regardless of their experience or investment budget.”

The launch of Saturna’s digital platform was officiated by Ruslena Ramli, Director of Digital Finance and Islamic Digital Economy, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation (MDEC), who expressed her hope that more organizations in the Islamic finance space will adopt innovative solutions to further grow the industry. “With this online platform, Saturna has led the way in making Islamic-based investment opportunities available to a wider audience, allowing more people to benefit from the wealth of expertise they have to offer,” said Ruslena.

In addition to Islamic principles, Saturna’s funds also comply with global environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards, investing in companies with socially responsible and environmentally friendly business practices or products. Read more>>

From Japan to the World: How Halal Wagyu Beef is Making its Mark

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By our Special Correspondent

Halal wagyu beef is a premium meat gaining popularity worldwide due to its unique flavor, tenderness, and high quality. It is a type of beef that is produced according to halal standards, which means that it is slaughtered in a way that is humane and follows Islamic dietary laws. Halal wagyu beef has become particularly popular in Muslim-majority countries, with a growing demand for high-quality halal meat.

The origins of wagyu beef can be traced back to Japan, where it has been raised for over 200 years. The word “wagyu” literally translates to “Japanese cow” and refers to four breeds of Japanese native to Japan: Japanese Black, Japanese Brown, Japanese Shorthorn, and Japanese Polled. These breeds are known for their marbling and fat distribution throughout the muscle tissue. The marbling gives wagyu beef a unique flavor and tenderness, making it a highly sought-after meat.

Halal Wagyu beef is a premium product produced following Islamic dietary laws. Wagyu beef comes from a specific breed of Japanese cattle known for its high-quality marbling and tenderness. At the same time, halal refers to any permissible food or drink according to Islamic law. Halal Wagyu beef is produced by raising cattle following Islamic principles and slaughtering them in a specific manner.

The significance of halal Wagyu beef lies in its cultural and religious importance to Muslims worldwide. Muslims make up a significant portion of the global population and have specific dietary requirements that must be met for food to be considered halal. Halal Wagyu beef offers a premium beef product that meets these requirements and is enjoyed by Muslims worldwide.

The process of producing halal Wagyu beef involves several steps to ensure that the meat is halal. First, the cattle used to make the beef must be raised following Islamic principles. This includes providing them with adequate food, water, and living conditions. The animals must also be treated with care and respect. Read more>>