London’s first centre for Islamic banking and finance has been launchged by the Royal Docks-based UEL Business School,

Uni chiefs hope their postgraduate degrees at the new Islamic banking and finance Centre will make them a central player in one of the fastest growing financial sectors in the marketplace and a hub for international researchers in the booming field.

Speaking at the launch last week, UEL Vice Chancellor Professor Patrick McGhee said many months of hard work has produced “a genuinely exciting project”

Dr Omar Masood, Director of the centre, said: “Our aim is to be the UK’s leading international centre of excellence for human capital and business development in Islamic finance.”

Events administrator Mohsin Ramzin predicted many banks will create new divisions to trade with Islamic customers. He added:“We are hoping to market and exploit the new custom.”