Islamic Cross Currency Swap (ICCS): hedging against currency fluctuations

Abstract

Subject area

The case is suitable for use in the topics related to the functions and roles of hedging and the Islamic derivatives/hedging instruments.

Study level/applicability

The case is designed for undergraduate students, taking courses in Islamic Banking, Islamic Finance and Risk Management for Islamic Banking Institutions.

Case overview

This case describes the theory and application of Islamic Cross Currency Swap (ICCS) in the market. Having this understanding enables case analysts to understand the functions and roles of hedging and the Islamic derivatives or hedging instruments of ICCS comprehensively. The case begins with Yusof, the new finance officer of Al-Yemeni Sdn. Bhd to analyse the permissibility of hedging and derivatives to hedge against currency fluctuations from Islamic perspective. Yusof had to complete the report before the Board of Director's quarterly meeting, which was within a week. Having in mind that the company's mission was to be a Shariah-compliant stock by 2012, Yusof was responsible for ensuring that the company was administrated in an Islamic way. Besides, he also had to ensure that the company generated income and profit as planned. In doing so, he had to strategise all possible risk exposures that could be mitigated or hedged. This case ends by giving the case analyst information on ICCS offered by Al-Rizky Bank Berhad (ARBB). In this case, Yusof had to find out whether hedging is allowed in Islam. What are the Islamic derivatives? What are the different views of Shariah scholars on various types of derivatives? What is the modus operandi of ICCS? Is the ICCS offered by ARBB Shariah compliant? What are the possible risk exposures being hedged in ICCS?

Expected learning outcomes

To provide exposure on the concepts of hedging from Islamic perspectives; to provide exposure on the concepts of Islamic derivatives/Islamic hedging instruments; to stimulate understanding on the modus operandi of ICCS in ARBB; and to help case analysts understand what makes the Islamic hedging instruments become Shariah compliant.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.

Citation

Rahman, A.A. and Md Ramli, R. (2015), "Islamic Cross Currency Swap (ICCS): hedging against currency fluctuations", , Vol. 5 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/EEMCS-09-2014-0215