Headed to B-school? Try Islamic finance

A French business school launched a degree in Islamic finance yesterday, as more European Muslims seek careers in a fast-growing sector run under the precepts of Sharia law.

Islamic banks avoid business that could be considered "riba" - usually translated as "usury" - and will not invest in firms that produce products seen by Muslims as "haram" or forbidden, such as pork or alcohol.

Driven by the explosion in financial services in the energy-rich Gulf monarchies, Islamic banking has become a fast-growing section of the market, but in Europe has so far been dominated by London-based institutions.