FINANCE

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Kembaraxtra-Islamic Finance-Islamic Capital Market-Definition of Underwriting
Underwriting new securities is the process in which a financial institution (usually an investment bank) agrees to take responsibility for selling newly issued securities (such as shares or bonds) to investors on behalf of a company.


What underwriting means

  • When a company wants to raise money by issuing new securities in the primary market, it appoints an underwriter (bank).
  • The underwriter guarantees that the company will receive the required funds, even if all the securities are not sold to the public.

How underwriting works

  • The underwriter evaluates the company’s financial position and market conditions.
  • It helps decide the issue price of the securities.
  • The underwriter markets the securities to investors.
  • If investors do not buy all the securities, the underwriter buys the unsold portion itself.

Why underwriting is important

  • It reduces risk for the issuing company, as funding is assured.
  • It increases investor confidence, since the issue is backed by a reputable bank.
  • It ensures a successful IPO or public issue.

Example
  • A company issues shares worth $100 million.
  • An investment bank underwrites the issue.
  • If the public buys only $80 million worth of shares, the underwriter purchases the remaining $20 million, ensuring the company still receives the full $100 million.


In Islamic finance

  • Underwriting must be Shari’ah-compliant.
  • The bank may earn a fee for underwriting services.
  • The process must avoid interest (riba) and excessive uncertainty (gharar).

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