Futures, options and swaps are the most common types of derivative. “Derivatives offer a lot of investment opportunities and are an essential tool for coming to a more rewarding risk-reward combination,” says Geert Bossuyt, regional head of Middle East structuring at Deutsche Bank.

The DIFX also plans to introduce exchange-traded funds and increase the number of sharia-compliant products it offers.

Several banks are preparing sharia-compliant versions of conventional structured products already listed on the exchange.