Gatehouse Bank and SAM globally introduce the first Shariah-compliant, water-focused investment strategy

Gatehouse Bank plc, together with SAM, is offering the first ever Shariah-compliant water-focused investment strategy. Gatehouse Bank has been working with SAM (Sustainable Asset Management), one of the leading asset managers in the field of sustainability investments, to achieve this global strategy. 

In conjunction with SAM, Gatehouse Bank has broadened even further its range of international investment strategies. Gatehouse Bank is specialized in Islamic finance and banking and in 2008 was named the Best New Islamic Bank by Islamic Finance News. This new collaborative 'Islamic finance water strategy' affords investors with a long-term time horizon the opportunity to gain a financial interest in sustainability-oriented companies that offer technologies, products and services throughout the entire value chain of the water industry, while adhering at all times to Shariah guidelines. 

Within the framework of this collaborative effort, Gatehouse Bank will bring its know-how and expertise to bear in the Shariah screening of the companies by its Shariah Supervisory Board, while SAM will attend to the asset management aspects of the strategy. Gatehouse Bank's extensive know-how in terms of Shariah screening and world-wide network of Shariah-compliant investors forms the basis for a successful joint venture. SAM has more than 14 years of experience in the management of sustainability investments and also, since 2001, specific expertise and experience in the water-focused area. 

The worldwide market for water is characterized by its above-average growth potential. Global developments such as population growth, investments in the renewal of water-resource infrastructure, the strategic need for potable water, as well as efficient water management will represent significant growth drivers in the years ahead. 

David Testa, CEO of Gatehouse Bank commented, "We are pleased to have found an innovative partner, SAM, who offers incomparable specialized know-how and experience in the area of sustainability investments. Thanks to our own expertise in Islamic finance, together we can offer investors a tailor-made Shariah-compliant strategy for investment in the sustainable water sector."

Internationally, SAM is ideally positioned to participate in this up-and-coming field and thereby further expand its overall market share."

Link: http://www.zawya.com/Story.cfm/sidZAWYA20090507084929/Gatehouse%20Bank%20and%20SAM%20globally%20introduce%20the%20first%20Shariah-compliant,%20water-focused%20investment%20strategy