The former British Chancellor of the Exchequer, Norman Lamont, has joined the Board of the Centre for Islamic Finance at the University of Bolton.

Lord Lamont was described by Margaret Thatcher's former Economic Advisor, Sir Alan Walters, as 'not only the most effective, but the bravest Chancellor since the War'. Many economists have attributed the economic stability and growth enjoyed in Britain in the 1990s and thereafter to the policies he introduced.

The Centre is delighted that he is joining them and bringing with him his wealth of experience and expertise. The Centre was opened in 2012 with a lecture delivered by His Excellency Dr Ahmed Ali, President of the Islamic Development Bank.

In his lecture Dr Ali said: 'I am highly confident that the establishment of this Centre will boost innovation and research and ultimately give benefit to society by the greater understanding of Islamic finance.’

The University of Bolton has a long and proud tradition, in the UK and around the world, of delivering academic qualifications alongside sound practical experience. With one of the highest percentages of Muslim students in the UK, the University is the ideal home for the Centre and launched its PhD programme in September 2012.