insto - Australian financial markets

 Westpac is poised to bolster its exposure to the fast-growing Islamic finance market by offering a commodity-trading facility aimed at overseas investors that operates under the principles of Islamic law.

With many conventional sources of funding under pressure, alternatives – including sharia-compliant systems – are being taken far more seriously, reports Jane Lee.

The global financial crisis has renewed interest in Islamic finance and the possibility of greater integration with the conventional financial system in Australia.