Speakers

Dr. John A. Sandwick is a recognized pioneer in Islamic finance. He created the first application of Modern Portfolio Theory in the context of global portfolio allocations with sharia certification. He is also noted for organizing innovative domestic and international sukuk (Islamic bonds), the world’s first global sukuk fund, a sukuk participation certificate, and the first-ever mid-market sukuk in Saudi Arabia.  Dr. Sandwick is a Visiting Professor of Finance at Al Yamamah University in Riyadh, and a former Islamic finance instructor at University Paris-Dauphine. He taught numerous Master Classes on Islamic finance, including in Kuala Lumpur, Almaty, Dubai, Riyadh, Geneva and London for groups including central banks, pension funds, family offices and treasuries. Dr. Sandwick’s most recent publications include a popular article in the Journal of Asset Management, as well as a recent book from one of the world’s top-ranked academic publishers, Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd. He has a Master’s in Development Banking from American University in Washington, D.C., and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Grenoble Ecole de Management in France.  Dr. Sandwick—a native of Silicon Valley—has lived in Geneva since 1993 and previously worked at the private banking units of Deutsche Bank (Suisse) S.A., Credit Suisse, and Encore Management (in association with UBS). He is currently a corporate finance and asset management consultant for Saudi businesses and family clients.