Commercial credit takaful

Despite the remarkable growth and development of the takaful industry in recent decades, a somewhat noticeable component missing in the industry is the trade credit takaful link. Trade credit takaful helps protect businesses, traders and financial institutions from the financial consequences of defaults, insolvencies and bankruptcies of their trading partners. The positive side towards the development of this market is that the shari’ah bases are clear if the structure is based on takaful principles, however, the technical and operational dimensions require further investigation. The chapter highlights the growing demand for trade credit takaful, the regulators’ support, its benefits and scope, its basis in shari’ah as well as the challenges ahead. Particular attention is given to the development of trade credit takaful in protecting sukuk-holders against the default of issuers or in enhancing the credit profile of some sovereigns to access the sukuk market. The chapter discusses how trade credit takaful in sukuk will not be an extension of credit default swaps in the conventional market due to the obvious differences. Similarly, the chapter highlights the central role of micro credit takaful in the development of the microfinance industry and in assisting in poverty eradication.