In response to the increasing interest for Islamic finance in the Caribbean region, VANEPS has launched the first Islamic Finance Desk in the Dutch Caribbean. For this purpose, the firm has teamed up with ISFIN.
ISFIN is the world’s leading platform for professional firms specializing in Islamic Finance, investments from and to the Muslim world and the Halal industry. The alliance covers more than 75 jurisdictions around the world. ISFIN’s membership is composed of the most innovative and highly regarded independent law firms, audit & accounting firms and real estate companies in their field.
Prof. Laurent Marlière, CEO of ISFIN, says: “The growth of Islamic finance brings Curacao a new demographic market to explore; a new business opportunity for the financial industry as offshore investment. Curacao can provide the connection for Islamic finance with Latin America.” Curacao has a long standing link with Latin America. The economic growth of Latin America provides significant opportunities and using the Dutch Caribbean islands as a hub to this region is a natural option when it comes to Islamic finance. “This is a niche within a niche. This is something the financial industry in Curacao can build on,” adds Marlière.
Partner Frank Kunneman says: “Our lawyers have a well established reputation for their expertise in the financial services sector. Working together with ISFIN is another example of how we try to approach legal business from our clients’ view, and tangibly contribute to our clients’ objectives and needs. We trust that this will open up new opportunities for us to welcome Islamic investments in the Caribbean region, and advise our clients about Islamic markets,” adds Frank Kunneman.
