Articles by "Finance Law"

 

Investment Banking Laws and Regulations

Investment Banking is a popular term in the business arena. It is also considered to have great scope as a career. So what is it? It is one of the most essential prerequisites before one begins a business or a startup or anything else too. It is a necessity. Investment banking is the division of a financial institution that serves governments, corporations, and institutions by providing underwriting, capital raising and advisory services. Investment banks legally act as mediators between investors who want to invest their funds and the corporations who require capital to grow their businesses. Investment bankers follow a lawful conduct to maintain their goodwill in the market.


What investment banks actually do?

Investment banks also called corporate finance raise capital for clients and also provide advisory help on LBOs, M&A and several others. They help raise capital by underwriting securities to governments and corporations.

Investment Banks help companies obtain and raise money and also provide advisory help. They help companies that work around mergers, acquisitions and also help in trading derivatives, commodities, fixed income requirements and equity securities.

How banks have grown in the field of Investment Banking?

Investment Banking had been in its prime from 1896 to 1929 until the great depression began, thanks to the Federal Reserve Loans which had created extreme speculation of the market. Throughout the former period, J.P. Morgan and National City Bank were said to always come to the rescue when there was any crisis in the financial system.

The Great Depression had the banking system in a mess with 40% according to statistics, of banks being forced to merge or just sinking.

 Rehabilitation measures were however taken, like the separation between investment banking services and brokerage services to prevent any conflict of interests if they did try to do both and the Bank Act of 1933 (Glass-Steagall Act) was established which mainly got the distinction between commercial banking and investment banking.

A regulation like Chinese wall was also made during this period. The 1970-1980 decade saw integrated investment banks flourish which had sales, trading, investment banking and research at one stop. Corporate mergers became the trend in the late 1970s. 

Infographics on Investment Bankers


The 80’s produced popular products like high yield, structured products and derivatives which gave lucrative to the ones who provided them, the investment banks.

Through the 1990s, we saw the IPO dominate the world of investment banking and by early 2000s at least 548 IPO deals had been made and done, says statistics. Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) of November 1999 allowed security banking (insurance) along with investment banking, thus permitting broad banking. 

GLBA was the turning point since a long time had been since the belief against the mixing of financial activities and other banking.

Investment banking became a more appealing career known for its flair and power in the 1980s with mega-deals everywhere. It also became a topic in popular media (eg. Oliver Stone in Wall Street and Tom Wolfe in Bonfire of the Vanities).


What are the types of Investment Banking?

There are many types of Investment banking but it is majorly divisible into 3 groups:

·       Capital Markets

Capital markets are financial market in which long-term debt basically over a year or equity-backed securities are bought and sold.

 It channels the wealth of savers to those who can put it to long-term productive use, such as companies or governments making long-term investments.


·       Coverage Groups

The coverage group focuses on a sector or a group of allied sectors and develops and expertise in them. It is the coverage group's responsibility to know, understand and be the authority on that sector in a bank.


·       Industry Groups

Industrial group may refer to organizations of companies in different industries with common ownership interests, which include firms necessary to manufacture and sell products, a network of manufacturers, marketing organizations distributors, suppliers, retailers, and creditors.


What are the Activities of Investment Banks?

There is the Investment Banking Division (IBD) of a bank and a full time service Investment Bank. The former provides only M&A advisory services and underwriting.

Now we know that the IBD of Banks provide only M&A and Underwriting. They advise both the buyers and sellers of these transactions.


·       In the Sales and trading sector

The larger banks provide a little more help to their clients where they will buy and sell items or securities on their behalf and also of the bank’s.


·       In the Research sector

The ratings of buying and selling of items and securities are reviewed, companies are reviewed and reports are written on the data and analysis. They make reports that will help investors make decisions and also trade stocks.


·       M&A are Mergers and Acquisitions

The banks find opportunities and negotiate for their clients on their behalf by employing their extensive networks. 

Investment Banks provide advisory aid to both the buyers and sellers from the start of the business to the end.


·       Asset Management

This service is also provided by Investment banks where they manage investments for a great number of investors which even include individuals and investments of various kinds.


·       Underwriting services

This service also goes hand in hand with capital raising and this works between investors and companies which raise money, or even go public through the IPO process. This gets the primary market or new capital.


In the Underwriting services, we have three types:

1.    The underwriter agrees to see as much issue at the offered price fixed together on agreement but can also return unsold shares to the one who issued, albeit any financial responsibility.

2.    Firm Commitment- The underwriter has to buy the entire issue and also should be responsible for all sold and unsold shares.

3.    All-Or-None- The underwriter can decline the deal if the entire issue is not sold at the offered price. This is like a binary concept. Either the company receives everything or it receives nothing.


Who can be the participants of Investment banking?

The Clients

·       Corporations: These include public and private companies. Investment banks help these go public (meaning, IPO), in their business growth, additional capital raising, acquisition making (M&A), research, selling of business units and also advisory help on general corporate finance.

·       Governments- Money raising, security trading and buying/selling of crown corporations.

·       Institutions: These manage others money and investment banks provide these institutions with security trading and research.


The Bankers

If you are an Investment banker yourself, just recall these lines from Tom Wolfe’s book:

 Look the Part 

Greed might photograph well, but that doesn’t make it good. 

Every battle is won before it is ever fought.

Investment Banking demands specific skills from their bankers for them to qualify to provide advisory help, underwriting services, analysis, research and M&A which are as follows:

  •        Business valuation
  •          Sales and business development
  •          Pitch books and presentations
  •          Transaction documents
  •        Financial modeling
  •     Negotiation
  •           Relationships management

Quite the tricky business with ups and downs forthcoming and sometimes even unpredictably investment banking is quite the necessity in everyday life and in business.You can reap your fruits if it is handled carefully and strategically.


If you are looking to make investments, make sure to do your research first and consult the most suitable and best Investment Bank or banker to get your work on the best track. 

Though investment skills are gained over time with experience but gaining knowledge consistently is involved in the process that leads one to expertise.

After going through this article we will be able to:

  • Determine Investment Banking Analyst Salary
  • Make the best use of Investment Calculator
  • Maintain Investment Banking Book
  • Determine Investment Banking Associate salary
  •  Be an Investment Banker
  • Understanding Investment Property and make its best use
  •  Understand the work of Investment Analyst and perform Investment Analysis
  •  Locate Investment Opportunities
  • Make good decisions on Investing Money
  • Locate Best Investments
  • Find Best Mutual Funds
  • Understand better how and where to invest money

Conventions and Rules of Wealth Management 

The financial specialists deal with all the financial assets to their clients. A lot of individuals as well as companies seek for wealth management services, in order to increase their profits, which is obviously their ultimate goal. The word Wealth Management is defined as a professional service which offers to give investment, financial planning guidance in addition to any required help with regards to finance related issues. It is usually given to clients who have high net worth and also to business owners. These people generally ask professional financial specialists to give financial adviceas wealth management is relatively simple in its most basic concept but very difficult to execute successfully.


Wealth management services are customizable according to the needs of the clients in a legal way. These services are very advantageous for people or business who have a large number of financial assets and who need a professional help to manage them.

The wealth management services can either be provided by a separate firm that is exclusively set up for offering wealth management services or they can be offered by banks. 

The clients will get to choose what kind of service they want. They get to choose from investment planning to financial planning to tax planning or real estate management.


In short, literally anything related to the clients’ financial issues is covered in Wealth Management Services. There will be qualifying criteria for the companies or individuals in order to avail these services. It may vary for different firms and also different countries.


3 essential steps of wealth management

Usually in the case of banks, when an account holder puts in a huge amount of cash in their bank account, the account holder gets a call from the wealth manager of the bank explaining about different services and products that they offer by giving some presentations.

A wealth manager follows a three step process to manage the clients’ money in the best way possible.


Step-1 of Wealth management

The first step that a Financial professional takes is to understand the clients personal background like short term financial goals, long term financial goals and the also the risks linked up with them. 

This deep understanding will help in developing a suitable strategy which can be tailored according to the clients needs.


Step-2 of wealth management 

Based on the understanding from step 1, the financial professional will then explain the client about different products available to choose from and they will finally end up selecting the best investment product from a range of available products. 

These may include products like structured products, investment funds, ISAs, Equities, Bonds, Foreign Exchange products etc.


Step-3 of wealth management

Over a period of time the clients personal circumstances and the market situations will change by making a better progress. Hence, it is important for the wealth manager and the client to review the portfolio on a regular basis to keep it in line with these changes and also the new financial goals.


What makes wealth management more essential?

Top 10 benefits of wealth management

    1.    Financial Understanding

Better financial understanding can be achieved when measurable financial goals are set, the effects of decisions understood, and results reviewed. It will give a better approach in setting the budget and also helps in having a control over financial lifestyle.


    2.    Ongoing Advice

Establishing a relationship with a financial advisor whom one can always trust is very crucial in order to achieving your goals. The financial advisor will meet with the clients to assess their current financial circumstances and develop a comprehensive plan customized for the client.


    3.    Cash Flow

Wealth management helps in increasing cash flows by carefully monitoring the spending and expenses. Tax planning, controlled spending and careful budgeting will help in making more profits.


    4.    Capital

An increase in cash flow, can lead to an increase in capital. It allows in considering the investments to improve the overall financial status.


    5.    Income

One can manage income more effectively through planning. Managing income helps in understanding how much money is needed for tax payments and other expenditures and also helps in knowing the savings.


    6.    Investment

A proper financial plan will consider all the personal burdens, objectives and risks associated with them. So having a financial plan will act as a guide in helping to choose the right types of investments to fulfill the needs and the goals.


    7.    Standard of Living

A proper financial plan will consider all the personal burdens, objectives and risks associated with them. So having a financial plan will act as a guide in helping to choose the right types of investments to fulfill the needs and the goals.


    8.    Family Security

It provides familys financial security which is another important bit in the process of financial planning. 

It is important to have a proper insurance coverage and policies which can provide peace of mind for having a security for their loved ones.


    9.    Assets

It becomes important to determine the real value of an asset. The knowledge of settling or cancelling the liabilities comes with the understanding of your finances. The overall process helps in the building of assets which dont become a potential burden for the future.


    10.   Savings

Having some investments with high liquidity is always good. These investments can be utilized in times of emergency or for educational purposes. It helps in handling in case of some unexpected situations.

 

Infographics on Laws and Rules of Wealth Management

What are some Common Mistakes in Wealth Management?

Static Objectives         

As a business grows, its goals and objectives also change. It should be seen that all these changes are incorporated in the wealth management process.

It is important that wealth management objectives are revisited from time to time and are integrated with the changes in the business's objectives. 

If these changes are not brought to the notice of the wealth manager, then the business wont be able to get better results and profits which will damage the whole reason behind hiring a wealth manager.


Lack of Clarity

Businesses often lack to have clarity on wealth management objectives. Many of their investment decisions are reactions to the opportunities that suddenly come up. 

Asset allocations are not done in a proper manner due to these reactions. The businesses need to formulate their collective goals and individual goals and then go with a perfect strategy related to wealth management.


Not choosing the Right Partner

Often a lot of individuals seek expertise of various financial services providers to manage the family's investments. Many times, the products offered by the financial service providers are limited to a specific area only. 

This is profitable and does not provide a wealth management solution. It is important to engage with a well-known professional wealth manager who can provide a better advice on the entire investment of the business or family.

 It makes the wealth management approach more integrated, disciplined and helps in achieving the overall objectives on time.


Doing it alone

The family members should not think that they can handle the financial matters all by themselves. It is one of the wrong steps that are taken by a lot of people. 

Wealth Management requires some specialized knowledge and skills. It is a very tough and complex process that requires a lot of time and effort for assessment of the current assets and close performance monitoring of each asset to ensure that wealth management goals are met effectively. 

This requires some professional help that one must definitely hire a wealth manager for this.


Ignoring Protection

Wealth management is considered to be about growing capital and making profits. Amidst all of this, protection of life and assets is not given much attention. It is important that all family members and crucial assets of the family and business are protected under an insurance cover.


Communication Hassles

It is important that family members are clear about where the funds are being allocated and how they are monitored. There should not be any miscommunications between the wealth managers and family. Professional wealth managers must be instructed to maintain confidentiality with respect to the family's investments.


Role or duties of a wealth manager

The wealth managers will not have any direct access to the clients money. The big banks and reputed firms do not and cannot run away with the clients money. But for smaller firms, it is probably better to personally take care of the things, with the help of an assistant by taking suitable advice.

 One can contact multiple advisors for advice and see what is likely to be the best

Ø Interviewing the clients regarding their financial objectives along with any potential risks involved, tax status, insurance coverage, expenses and income. In addition, they ask questions regarding any other information which may be relevant for the process of wealth management.


Ø Recommending suitable strategies to the clients regarding investment planning, insurance coverage, cash management or any other relevant areas required to achieve the clients financial goals.


Ø Answering any questions or doubts that the clients may have regarding the details of financial planning and discussion of strategies which may be suitable for implementation.


Ø Reviewing of the clients accounts and keeping regular check of what are the changes needed to be made, in addition to taking necessary steps as per the review and suggestions.


Ø Analyzing the financial information which is shared by the client and determination of strategies which are best suited for meeting the financial objectives of the client.


Ø Implementation of the financial recommendations or providing relevant references of individuals or firms who can assist with the implementation of the plan, to the client.


Ø Management of the clients portfolio and regularly updating the client about the same.


Ø Preparation of the clients information such as income projections, financial document summaries and investment performance reports.


Ø Explaining the client regarding the duties of personal financial advisors and the services which are offered by them.


Ø Contacting the client on a regular basis for determining any changes which may have occurred in their financial status.


Ø Guiding the clients in regards with the gathering of the required documentation, such as wills, pension plans, life and disability insurance records, income tax returns and bank account records.


Ø Monitoring the trends in the financial market to ensure the effectiveness of the plans chosen for the client.


Ø Recommendation of suitable financial products which may include but are not limited to insurance, mutual funds, bonds and stocks.


How wealth manager is different from investment advisor?

Wealth management is not an easy a task. Wealth managers have to be very skilled and alert as entire consequences depend upon their decisions and actions.

 An investment advisor sells specific investment oriented products whereas a wealth manager will give financial advises by assessing financial aspects of the client.


The difference between an investment advisor and a wealth manager is that he  will offer a variety of products but a wealth manager will just suggest product, by the assessing all of the issues of the client will suggest a financial product only if it helps in increasing the financial status of the client.

 It is completely the choice of the client whether to choose the product or not.


Here are some of the basic ideas that differentiate the wealth managers from others who are providing various financial services. These ideas help the people at least in selecting appropriate wealth managers.


   What is the scope of wealth management?

The products that an investment advisor promotes have a very limited scope and there are very finite options.

Even though the wealth manager also suggests the same kind of options, he will suggest the products or offers that are not necessarily investment oriented but there will be better profits because of that.


      Product promotion v/s a range of options

The investment advisor will only talk about the benefits of the products and promoting the products is the only main motto for him. But in case of a wealth manager, he only suggests products which are really useful for the clients and will just suggest it.


·       Customization

Wealth managers, kind of, build that trust and relationship with the clients. So they can be able to deliver more products and services to them. They have a richer understanding of each clients personal and financial life that will give them more options to choose from.

Wealth managers can also customize some products and offers in order to give the clients some better life insurance policiesbut not promote the product for any other goal line.

This content will be helpful in:

Ø Understand Financial Analysis Meaning

  Ø Understanding what is Wealth Management

  Ø Know the work of Wealth Managers

  Ø Opting optimum Wealth Management Course

  Ø Choose the best Wealth Management Products

  Ø Understand the work of Wealth Management Companies in USA

  Ø Understand Wealth Management in Saudi Arabia


Ø Understand the work of Wealth Management in UAE

Ø Understand the functioning of Wealth Management Companies in Hong Kong




Sariah Based Islamic Laws on Finance and Banking 

What does Islamic Finance do?

Islamic finance refers to the means by which corporations in the Muslim world, including banks and other lending institutions, raise capital in accordance with Sharia, or Islamic law.

 It also refers to the types of investments that are permissible under this form of law.

Islamic finance is the financing and banking field that follows the Sharia Law. Bank of London and the Middle East (BLME) is a sharia compliant bank that regulates and gives the outline of the rules that the Islamic finance products need to abide by. 

They included the prohibition of incomes through interests, charity, consumption, wealth accumulation unethical trade practices, communal development, social responsibility and moral directives in conducting business are a must.


Principles of Islamic Finance

The basic principle of this financing model is that any kind of interest is outlawed, but risk sharing is completely okay. 

The bank and the customer divide the profits between them after the agreement has been made to share risk of any investments between them.


Contemporary Islamic finance is based on the number of prohibitions that are not always illegal in the countries where Islamic financial institutions are operating.

 It becomes very important to understand the prohibitions of Islamic Finance to comprehend principles of Islamic Finance:

1. Paying or charging an interest

According to Sharia laws, interest is usury (riba) and Islam considers lending with interest payments as an exploitative practice that favors the lender at the expense of the borrower. 

This reason makes it strictly prohibited.


2. Investing in businesses involved in prohibited activities

Some activities such as producing and selling alcohol or pork are prohibited in Islam. 

The activities are considered haram or forbidden.


3. Speculation (maisir)

Islamic financial institutions cannot be involved in gambling or any form of speculation called maisir because Sharia strictly prohibits contracts where the ownership of goods depends on an uncertain event in the future.


4. Uncertainty and risk (gharar)

The rules of Islamic finance ban participation in contracts with the excessive risk and/or uncertainty. The term gharar measures the legitimacy of risk or uncertain in nature investment.

Gharar is observed with derivative contracts and short-selling, which are forbidden in Islamic finance.

In addition to those prohibitions, Islamic finance is based on two other crucial principles:


Material finality of the transaction: Each transaction must be related to a real underlying economic transaction.

Profit/loss sharing: Parties entering into the contracts in Islamic finance share profit/loss and risks associated with the transaction. 

No one can benefit from the transaction more than the other party.


What is the History of “The Ancient Islamic Law”?

Islamic finance principles date back to 1400 years ago, around the 6th century and are said to be have been derived first from the Quran. They discourage charging of interest, ambiguity and gambling in contracts or transactions. 

This kind of financial transactions were said to have been started in this Golden Age of Islamic civilization. 

Islamic financial institutions that follow the Sharia Law must not invest in pork, pornography, alcohol or gambling related activities. 

The Golden Age of Civilization is the period of the middle Ages from mid-7th century to mid-13th century.


Islamic commerce based trade also began flourishing then with the trade routes of Gibraltar to the Sea of China being established. 

After Englands rule spread, the Islamic Empire and Economic principles vanished behind the western influence.


In the 20th century, the Islamic principles of Finance were begun to be revived again.

Work officially started by the opening of the MitGhamr savings Bank in Egypt in the year 1963, which is the first modern Islamic Bank.

 In the same year, the Pilgrims saving corporation of Malaysia incorporated Islamic concepts into their rulebook.

 In 1975 and 1979, the Islamic Development Bank opened in Saudi Arabia, which went international and the Islamic Insurance Company of Sudan, the first of its kind, was established, respectively.


As the 90s progressed, we saw the emergence of the Amana Income Fund, the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions, the Dow Jones Islamic Market Index.

 In the 21st century, to begin with, the International standard setting body for all Islamic institutions was decided as the Malaysia based Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB).


Around 500 Islamic institutions, 300 Islamic banks with 75 of these institutions operating in 75 non-Muslim and Muslim countries, have created their foothold in the Finance industry with an average growth of 14 percent per year.


What is the Islamic Finance Model?

Islam makes no partition between the cognitive and the secular. Being a simple method of Islamic finance, banking and other trades are done in the same halal manner to reach a good extent. 

In the domain of financial matters it forms a unique form of socially responsible investment. It is considered good for humanity and is less painful for the people involved. 

Islamic finance sternly complies with Sharia laws.The main difference between conventional finance and Islamic finance is that some of the practices and principles that are used in the conventional finance are strictly prohibited under Sharia laws.


Categories of Islamic Finance:

Ijara

A leasing agreement it is, where the bank will buy an item as per customers requirement and lease it for the specified period.


Ijara-wa-Iqtina

It is similar to Ijara, but here instead of just leaving it with leasing, the customer is allowed to buy that item as the contract comes to an end.


Mudaraba

Sharing of profits, a financial expert suggests a special investment where the customer will be at the risk of losing money on an unsuccessful investment but will be charged by the bank only if the customer incurs profits.


Murabaha

A customer can make a purchase without taking a loan. In this form of credit, the bank will buy an item for the customer and will sell it on a deferred basis.


Musharaka

This is an interesting investment partnership where everything is decided beforehand- losses and profit sharing terms both are analyzed and fixed.


What is the situation of Crypto currency in the Islamic Legal World?

Crypto currency is a type of system which ensures to maintain an overview of the digital currency and its respective ownership

. This means that your digital currency is only yours and no one else has any claim over it. Thus, though a traditional central bank is missing from the scenario, its basic and primary task is always fulfilled.

Crypto currency can also be understood as digital currency which has faced an immensely controversial reception from the masses. 

Its revolutionary nature has left no stone unturned to awaken every self-proclaimed expert and comment on its uses and likely impact on world finance.

 This electronic medium of exchange is also referred to as virtual currency or alternative currency that employs consistent cryptography to function effectively and efficiently.


Features of Crypto currency

Crypto currency is a form of currency which is digital in nature. It uses encryption techniques in order to regulate the generation of this digital currency and verify the transfer of funds. 

What catches most attention is the fact that it’s operational in full force without the authoritarian supervision of any central bank. 


Crypto currency is independent in its functioning. It may also be regarded as a type of software which is developed to meet the advancing needs of the worlds ever increasing population.

A central bank does not supervise the actions or transactions. Unlike traditional currency where one bank (for example, US Fed Reserve, Bank of Japan, Bank of England, Reserve Bank of India in case of India) guides all transfers and activities, crypto currency enjoys freedom from such unnecessary authority.  

The generation of crypto currency units is regulated. This means that if there is chance for anyone to create extra crypto currency, then the circumstances of its origin and the place of origin are recorded. 

This is useful to know that exactly the owner of a crypto currency unit.

Ownership of a crypto currency unit can be proved only through one means, that is, cryptographically. There is no other medium to prove ownership. Thus, it is the sole method.

Well, this was the simplest and most comprehensive meaning of the term crypto currency. Though there are complex explanations as well, if you understand the aforesaid, you are good to go. Thats all you need to know at the moment.

People must have heard heated arguments around you as well as on national television news channels regarding the use and acceptance of crypto currency. 

But, before you decide which side youre on and join the herd, you must know the advantages and disadvantages of using crypto currency.        


What are the pros and cons of crypto currency?

Whenever crypto currency is transferred from one person to the other, or exchanged, the ownership of the unit is changed. This is very important.

 A statement is generated to clearly state the new owner and this is final. This is like evidence or proof of the successful transaction.

If it ever happens that two different sets of information are entered to change the ownership of one cryptographic set, then the system is likely to act on only either of the two and not both. 

An informed decision is way better than a hasty and impulsive one. Before reaching up to a sound conclusion do read ahead the pros and cons of crypto currency.


What are the Advantages of Crypto currency to the Islamic world?

Easily Available with hassle free process

This means that crypto currency is readily and easily available to the common man and masses. The process is hassle free and anyone can be a part of the crypto currency network. 

The world has rapidly become digital and seems to advance at an even faster pace towards further development in terms of the cyber grid. 

There are no restrictions as to who can use crypto currency. This has led to the breakdown of barriers such as the affluent and not so affluent. 

It is very important in todays time where this gap only seems to be increasing without any curative measures. Crypto currency is the solution. Almost anyone can make use of it.


Easy Access with least legal intervention

We all know that the system of currency is decentralized, without any authoritarian central bank; investors from every corner of the globe can easily make use of crypto currency. 

There is easy access for them. There is more for you in store. Well, it seems that you can also raise funds for your business or other work through crypto currency. 

The best aspect is that since any one can make transfers and be a part of the crypto currency grid, they can also be a part of your project. This is bound to increase your projects productivity and positive outcomes.


Fast and simple crypto payments lawfully

Making payments using crypto currency is very easy. It can be done without any difficulty in a matter of minutes or seconds. This is another benefit which is highly desired by several. 

There are many who do not have the time to wait in queues at the traditional banks or keep filling long forms all the time. 

This is when crypto currency works like a boon. It helps to do work quickly, without the waste of any time, resources or energy.

You must be wondering that what exactly is that speeds up the process to such an extent. To answer that, the secret is that it does not need any lengthy details about the recipient. 

In fact, you are not required to feed in any credit card or debit card details either. Yes, you read it right. It is that simple. All that is needed to be put in is the address of the person or enterprises e-wallet.


Infographics on Islamic Banking and Finance Law
Sariah Banking and Finance


Please note that the speed of transaction depends on the crypto. It usually does not exceed minutes. This is not it. I hope you know that the traditional bank charges a high fee for transactions. 

However, this is not the case with crypto currency. The fees charged here is nil or negligible. This helps you to save on your money and spend only the exact amount that needs to be transferred.


Quick Settlements

Money can be a driving force to ruin relations and morals but, with the blessing of crypto currency, this can be done away with for good. It is highly imperative to note that the functioning of crypto currency depends on its base technology, block chain.

 Block chain is known to remove all delays. There is instant clearance of dues. This leads to greater work ethics and also improved business relations.

In fact, there is no third party whose approval may be needed to actually sanction your transfer and activities. What happens in the case of traditional physical banks is that several middlemen cause delays and you are held responsible for it.


Lower Fees

You would be glad to know that crypto currency contracts are designed in such a manner of eliminating all bottlenecks. I am sure it often happens with you that when you check your monthly bank statements, you see that it shows the subtraction of more than you actually spent. Thats what the banks charge you as service fees. 

There is nothing you can do about it other than contemplates of all that you could have bought with all the extra cash that just got deducted from your account.


Dont worry; youre not alone in this boat. Almost everyone faces this same issue as you. Crypto currency, on the other hand, represents quick settlement and it works on a peer-to-peer nature where there is no scope for a third party or middleman to intervene. This is what a cherry on the creamy cake? 

The lower fees make it highly desirable and sought after.  It is not the same for crypto currency because the costs are nil or negligible.

Other than the transaction fees that you are obliged to pay, you are also required to pay tax. Yeah, like the fees wasnt enough. 

Also, note that these charges are not a small amount. Thats how all these credit card companies ride high on success, I suppose. Please note that in case of credit cards and debit cards, the seller is the one who needs to pay a fee. But, its the exact opposite for crypto currency. 

In case of crypto currency, the buyer is needed to pay a fee. The piled up fees of traditional banks result in a hefty pocket pinch for you at the end of the day, rather month.


Private Storage and Transactions

Crypto currency ensures that your privacy is maintained at all times and under all circumstances. You are not required to share details about your location or identity when you make transactions. 

This is one of the biggest achievements of crypto currency as well the technology that led to the birth of this revolution. There is high security and safety. You do not need to worry about your personal details getting leaked or landing up in the hands of wrong people. 

Minimal information is shared between you and the recipient and this is perfect for maintaining highly professional relations. 

Also, there is no external central bank to keep an eye on your activities.


Liberty of work

It is truly decentralized since you do not need anyone elses permission to get through with your transactions and payments.

 You are able to enjoy a sense of freedom while working. This allows you great liberty to work at ease, and just the way you want to. Each and every transfer is done on the basis of a NSA created cryptography

Thus, it is indeed highly secured. You are not under the pressure or rule of anyone else. Your free will gets to act upon it.

This means that there is literally no possibility for any third party to intrude into your activities and money. It remains sealed between only two parties; the sender and the receiver. 

However, please note that there may be hackers out there to try and invade your privacy. But, what must bring relief to you is the fact that there are several ways.


Remain anonymous

As stated earlier, your personal details are safe and secure. Yes, you read that right! You do not need to worry and can heave sigh of relief. You do not need to use your real name for the transactions but then you must be wondering that there are several masks which can be put on.  

Well, heres the catch. This is the world of web. You only need to choose yourself a name for the crypto currency platform and you are sorted.

 This helps you to conceal everything about you without the fear of any wrongdoing. And, this is exactly the case with crypto currency as well.


Identity Theft

As the crypto currency heads on only the relevant information is pushed to the receiver. No personal details are sent out but only the amount which actually needed to be transferred from one wallet to the other.

Your online identify is safe. You would be taken aback to know that the old credit card and debit card details that you use, make use of the pull mechanism. This means that each time you enter your details at a restaurant or a shopping mall or any other place, your details are pulled by the receiver.

 This literally leaves you with no privacy and this also, in a way, increases the chances of frauds.


Crypto currency works on a push basis. This means that there is no one who can steal private data about you from merchants. Thus, all your sensitive information is kept under wraps and protected at all times. 

You actually use a fake name or create a proxy ID on the crypto currency platform.  No actual information about you is posted online, or onto the world of web.


This is another great benefit of crypto currency which has gained popularity and received a lot of appreciation from all over the globe. 

However, it is not recommended that you must nor have a laid back attitude. On the contrary, you must take the necessary measures and precautions as well. 

Crypto currency also ensures that your transaction history is not visible to others on the portal. And guess what? Crypto currency transactions are unique every time. This is irrespective of the fact that you use the same account for payments to the same party or different parties. That has no influence on your daily work.


Facilitate International Trades

It will be interesting for you to know that crypto currency transactions do not have a limit. And, thats quite obvious and natural, given the fact there is no controlling authority. Thus, obviously there is no rule defining body to put any restrictions on your activities.


Since this is beyond the control of any government or bank, it is least impacted by man-made borders between countries. This limitless opportunity is great for all those who are on the crypto currency platform as it helps them to diversify their span of operations rapidly.


In simple terms, this means that you can easily go ahead with international trade. You may be in one country, while your recipient may be in another country that is across the globe and its totally fine. Not only this, youll also be happy to know that the easy transfer of crypto currency across nations with the benefit of no extra taxes.

Often international trade gets difficult and very expensive because of the taxes that are imposed by the government. But this is just not applicable in this case. 

Besides, it is not affected by exchange rates either. You wonder how? 

Well, the exchange rates are also set by the financial market and government. But if these two have no play in the entire scenario, exchange rates are also not applicable.

Thus, cross-border relations and economy can also be improved through the use of crypto currency. It is absolutely hassle free and provides the chance to make local trade go international.

 If this is accepted world-wide, global economy is bound to improve rapidly and there will be no looking back.


No chargebacks

This is the era of moving forward and crypto currency simply aids in the process. This means that once you have made a particular payment and successfully gotten over with a transaction, you cannot be charged back.

This is what makes crypto currency so preferred by top businessmen and all those who understand how important it is to move ahead with the changing times and advancing technology. 

The scope of no chargebacks makes it very difficult for the frauds out there to prey on innocent victims who are unaware of their ulterior motives.

What exactly is meant by a charge-back? 

Well, a chargeback means that once a transaction is successful, it cannot be reversed. Now you must be wondering that why will anyone initiate it in the first place if they wish to reverse it.

 Well, the fact is that a lot of people first start off the process under the disguise of making payment and then simply take it back once done so that they can lie that payment from there end is made so they must be given the products and services. 

Payment once done is done for good and it cannot be reverse under any circumstances. On the contrary, you can file for chargebacks on the credit card transactions. This may not be a fact too many of the young users these days know.


Easy Access

The cyber and thrilling world of crypto currency exists primarily due to one driving force, the internet. Nowadays, everyone has an internet connection. 

There used to be a time when people would have to wait for their turn at the cyber cafe to even read mails or anything on the net. But its no longer so.


Nowadays, irrespective of educational qualification, everyone has a phone with an internet connection. Those who do not have a laptop at home, at least have one computer with internet or Wi-Fi connection. 

Each individual has come to recognize the use of internet as it is great in connecting instantly to every part of the world. Thus, the rapid popularity and availability of internet has made the crypto currency platform available and accessible for everyone.


Gone are the days when anyone would prefer to stand in the queues at the banks. This is the age when even little things such as medicines, ice creams or groceries are ordered online. Thus, its no surprise that more and more people are switching over to crypto currency to reap several benefits.


In fact, No business account of withdrawal software is needed to become a part of the crypto currency grid. All you need is a mobile phone and an internet connection to get started. 

This is a boon for all developing countries as well where there are huge gaps in the countrys economic states and the level of education of the citizens. In such a situation, crypto currency seems to be a great remedy to bridge this gap and bring about a sort of harmony.

Please note that though these are advantages at the moment, it may also turn into a disadvantage within no time. Just like every coin has two sides to it, each pro can also become a con if not handled well.


What are Demerits of Crypto currency?

No third party

This implies that you are the sole and only master of your money. You are free to spend it and manage it the way you wish to. There is no one else who has a say in it or can control it. 

As stated earlier, there is no external central bank of third party involved. This means that this is just like solely owning a company.


In the sense, all decisions are taken by you. Thus, all benefits are yours as well as all losses. 

You do not need to trust the government or a central bank with your money and you can keep it or invest it just the way you prefer.


Difficult to understand 

Crypto currencies are relatively new in the market. This means that there is no expert course or anything for everyone to know all details about it. 

Also, there are several things to be kept in mind while engaging in transactions with crypto currency. This may not be easy for everyone to understand. 

Had everyone been of the same aptitude, there wouldnt have been the need for experts. Thus, those who do not understand it, often incur losses instead of reaping the relevant benefits. This is a disadvantage which cannot be overlooked, no matter how great the system as whole is.


Lack of knowledge

The world of crypto currency is great to rapidly earn and gain fame. But, there is always a risk of hackers intruding your privacy and account. 

Though there are several measures of preventing yourself from hackers, these are not known to all. This is what makes them vulnerable to hackers who are always on the lookout for the ignorant that can be looted.


Not accepted widely

Well, this may not be on the top the list of disadvantages of crypto currency but it is definitely one of the major cons. 

This means that not all websites, companies and nations and yet open to the idea of dealing with crypto currency. Thus, you may be really rich in the crypto currency world, but if an enterprise does not accept payment in this form, it means that you will need traditional cash to carry out exchanges with the particular recipient. There is no solution to that yet.


For example, India is a country where the central bank, Reserve Bank of India has clearly declined the acceptance of crypto currency. 

Though court cases regarding the same are pending and the future is uncertain, at the moment, crypto currency is not accepted there. 

Thus, you are recommended that before making crypto currency transactions, you must know if you will actually be able to put it to use in the long run and in real life. 

It is surely way behind in its motive of replacing all traditional banks and financial systems.


What is Sharia law and what does it state?

Sharia literally means a well-trodden path to water, and we know that water is the source of all life. Sharia is basically the Islamic legal law which, unlike other legal codes, regulates public as well as private behavior and even private beliefs of the people. 

This law, out of all the legal laws is the most restrictive law, especially against women. Sharia has been made popular by groups like Islamic State who wish to implement hard aspects of Islamic law. Sharia law aims to preserve these five elements of life: -

  •        Life
  •        Learning
  •        Family
  •        Property 
  •      Honor

As we have an idea about what actually is a crypto currency we can easily understand why crypto currency is creating such a commotion under Sharia Law. 

This legal law which emerged from the Holy Quran prohibits the activities which involve riba (interest), gharar (uncertainty) and maysir (gambling). 

So, recently when an Islamic scholar declared crypto currency, which involves huge profit and loss as permissible under sharia law, it became a heatedly debatable topic amongst the people.


Is Digital Currency Halal or Haram?

To understand whether Islam considers the usage of bit coin as permissible, we can look at it from four different angles:-

  •        Value of money
  •        Payment network method
  •       Concept of gharar
  •        Serving the real economy

For value of money, Islam states three elements - mal (wealth), taqawwum (legal value) and thamaniyyah (monetary usage).

 So when we look at the features of bit coin, it tends to have both the features of wealth and legal value but not monetary usage.


Hence, from the point of view of money in Islam, bit coin is haram (not permitted). But if we look at it from the perspective of payment network method, bit coin can be called as halal (permissible). 

Bit coin, based on proof of payment and not on debt which is unlike the fiat money. However, being changeable in the past leading to price ups and downs and with no central authority, elements of uncertainty do exist. This creates contradictions with one of the main laws in Sharia.


Therefore, for bit coin or any other currency to be considered as permissible or halal, there is a need for investors and users to understand the risks involved before purchasing any. 

Considering from the perspective of serving the real economy, bit coin and crypto currency investments, taking the current uses, do not really serve the real economy or contribute anything to its real growth. 

Notably, there is no consensus among Islamic scholars on whether crypto currency and bit coin are in accordance with the Shariah law. There is still an ongoing debate on this matter.


Although, the opinions stating that its usage is completely forbidden from an Islamic law, is not true to the core, the Islamic Banking and Finance Industry should consider its use in exchange useful until a more regulated and transparent option or framework gets established.


What is the situation of Acceptance of Crypto currency in Islam?

With regard to acceptance, youd be surprised to know that recently an Islamic scholar declared that crypto currency is totally permissible and supported under the Sharia law. 

In fact, this has come on a blessing and a totally new world of opportunities to approximately 1.6 million Muslims all over the world. It is a known fact that the Islamic do not do anything that goes against their religious laws and that is exactly why they had abstained from the use of this crypto currency world till date. 

However, this recent development bound to bring about a revolution. It is in fact a historic statement which has created buzz all over the world.


The publication which argued whether Bit coin was halal or haram has gained rapid popularity. In fact, what goes to show the desire and preference of the masses is that within an hour of the public statement, the value of the crypto currency platform surged by more than 1,000 dollars. 

Now, thats quite a sum and it is increasing day by day. Now, though its not clear if this surge was due to the publication or some other influencing factor, the publication is definitely being speculated as a contributor.


A mosque in the UK announced it is hoping to raise at least 10,000 in crypto currency donations in the month of Ramadan.

It has been pointed out that Bit coin is accepted as a legal currency in Germany and that is why it qualifies as Islamic money in Germany. The Sharia laws are not different for countries are this is what truly stands for equality in the Islamic world.


 A major chunk of the world population is Muslim and this cannot be overlooked. 

If such a block of the population stays away from this major crypto currency platform, then how is the world finance probably likely to improve? 

Thus, this recent development in this aspect is great.

There are countries which have accepted Islam as their state religion. In these regions, no act against the religious law is permissible under any cost or circumstances. 

Thus, the fact that Sharia law is too keeping up with the 21st century and its ever changing demands is a great relief.


In fact, this may be the first time that a religion has gone public with such a revolutionary and advanced statement as well as acceptance.It will be great to note if Muslim investors all over the world are able to understand this complex world of the web and crypto currency that has great advantages as well as cons. 

Not everyone is able to get a grip onto this online concept of money transfer and payments. Those who get into the hang of it are lucky enough and Muslims too are now in the league to make the most out of it.


What are the Accepted Investments under the Sharia Law?

Fixed income funds

Sukuk

Sukuk is considered to be the modified version of the conventional lease bond system. (Go back to Ijara for the background)Though interests are forbidden, it is okay to fix the return rates for the renting of items bought by the bank in this lease-bond system.


Retirement

Fixed income investments include riba (interests) which is obviously forbidden in Islamic Financial laws

This is the problem that retired people face. So, investments through real estates in direct or diversified are being suggested for retired people so that they can have a legal steady income.


Equity                                                 

Their law allows company share based investments under the strict rule that the companies are not involved in gambling, lending, tobacco, weaponry, alcohol or pornography. 

Some exceptions were made to some companies: They either needed to avail the debt to borrow or to invest excess cash. These investments can be done by direct manner or in shares. 

Companies that are in interest-bearing debt have in hand impure income (defined by the Sharia Law) or receive interest, trade debts are filtered out of availing equities.


Insurance is not a popular concept in the Islamic Financial law concept. Rather, they offer cooperative insurance which is mutual and those who have opted for it have to pool into funds which are later invested under the regulation of the Sharia Law. 

Money from the funds is periodically withdrawn to pay the claims and unclaimed profits are distributed equally among the holders of this policy.


Conventional insurance is not in existence under the Islamic Law, because it includes the usage of riba to satisfy liabilities and also that items are purchased even if they have an uncertain outcome. 

The cooperative insurance is thus the insurance vehicle for Muslims, if they want to secure themselves.


Islamic Financial Law and the establishment of financial institutions under them has been a blessing to the Muslims since they believe interest is wrong and forbidden. Till the reign of Islamic Finance for the Muslims, conventional bankers used to find it hard to satisfy both conventional customers and the Muslim customers, a source says. 

Now, with the Islamic institutions, everyones principles are being respected and the bank policies are available to everyone.


Do note that the Islamic Finance services are open to people of all religions. All FSA authorized Islamic banks function no different than conventional banks except for the laws that they follow.

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The above list is not extensive; there shall be several benefits after thorough study of this article and on other pages.

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