CIFFT Neduet

Saudi Arabia's Islamic banking sector continues to set new benchmarks for growth.
According to S&P Global Ratings, Islamic banks now account for approximately 76% of Saudi Arabia's banking assets, reinforcing the Kingdom's position as one of the world's leading Islamic finance markets.
Driven by Vision 2030, the sector continues to expand through increased financing for infrastructure projects, corporate investments, housing, and SMEs. The report also highlights promising opportunities in Islamic fintech, sukuk, sustainable finance, and structured financial products, positioning the industry for long-term growth and innovation.
As Saudi Arabia advances its economic diversification agenda, Islamic banking is expected to remain a key pillar in supporting sustainable development and strengthening the Kingdom's financial ecosystem.

📖 Read the full story through the link in the caption. https://english.aawsat.com/business/5298370-sp-islamic-banking-saudi-arabia-continues-expand-supported-vision-2030-market

🚀 Can AI reshape access to finance in Pakistan?
At Mobile World Congress (MWC) Shanghai 2026, senior leadership from PTCL Group met with global fintech company FinVolution Group to explore how AI-powered credit technology can accelerate financial inclusion across Pakistan.
The discussions focused on leveraging PTCL's extensive telecommunications network alongside FinVolution's advanced expertise in artificial intelligence, big data analytics, fraud detection, and digital credit risk assessment to expand access to safe, affordable, and inclusive financial services.
FinVolution also highlighted the progress of Daira, its Pakistan-based digital nano-lending platform, which continues to strengthen the country's digital finance ecosystem through innovative lending solutions and strategic partnerships.
This collaboration reflects the growing convergence of telecommunications and fintech, demonstrating how technology-driven partnerships can help bridge financing gaps, empower underserved communities, and support Pakistan's digital economy.

At CIFFT, we continue to share developments that are shaping the future of Islamic finance, fintech, and financial inclusion.

📢 BIG NEWS for Pakistan's financial future!
The government has just released its roadmap to make Pakistan's entire financial system Shariah-compliant by December 31, 2027, and yes, that means eliminating Riba (interest) completely. 🕌💰
Here's what's changing:
🏦 Most domestic banks are expected to convert into full Islamic institutions. Foreign-owned banks can choose to convert or offer both systems.

📜 Every existing loan and debt contract will still be honored under its original terms, no disruption, no panic. Only new financing after 2027 will be Shariah-compliant.

💵 The government itself is shifting how it borrows, all new domestic government financing will move to Sukuk and other Islamic instruments. A new hybrid Sukuk (Ijarah + Murabaha) already raised Rs109 billion in April 2026!

⚖️ This is all backed by the Federal Shariat Court's 2022 ruling and the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

🧠 Big rollout coming too. Training and awareness programs for bankers, regulators, and even media to get everyone ready before the deadline.

This isn't just a banking policy shift, it's one of the largest financial system transformations in Pakistan's history. 🇵🇰✨
📰 Full story here: https://www.brecorder.com/news/40428034/pakistan-eyes-fully-shariah-compliant-financial-sector-from-2028

What if credit didn’t shift risk, but actually shared it? 🤝

Pakistan has just taken a defining step in that direction.
The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) has approved the country’s first Shariah-compliant credit risk-sharing product, introducing a model where financial institutions don’t just lend, they participate in risk collectively.

Built by the National Credit Guarantee Company Limited, this structure replaces conventional guarantees with a pooled fund based on Tabarru (donation), managed under a Wakalah model. Losses are covered from the pool, ensuring genuine risk-sharing without guaranteed returns.

Why does this matter?

Because access to finance has long been a barrier for MSMEs, agriculture, and underserved sectors. This model directly addresses that gap by reducing credit risk while expanding financing opportunities.

It is not just a product launch.
It is a shift in how financial responsibility is designed.

With regulatory backing and Shariah approval, this initiative strengthens Pakistan’s journey toward a more inclusive, riba-free financial ecosystem while promoting responsible lending practices.

For bankers, students, and industry professionals, this is a powerful reminder:
the future of Islamic finance lies not only in compliance, but in reimagining financial structures altogether. 🌱

🔗 Read more: https://mettisglobal.news/SECP-clears-first-islamic-risksharing-credit-product-59466

Eid Mubarak!

On this blessed occasion of Eid ul Azha, CIFFT extends heartfelt wishes of peace, gratitude, and prosperity to our students, colleagues, industry partners, and the wider community.
May this Eid inspire reflection, compassion, and a renewed commitment to serving society with integrity and purpose.

Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech (CIFFT), NED University

Meezan Bank has added another global achievement to its journey 🌍✨
The bank was honored by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, with the “Outstanding GTFP Issuing Bank in Sustainable Trade” award 🏆. The recognition was announced at the 9th Global Trade Partner Meeting held in Lisbon, Portugal 🇵🇹

Meezan Bank’s financial institutions team received the award at the conference, reflecting the bank’s strong dedication to advancing sustainable trade finance and promoting ethical financial practices 💼🌱

Presented under IFC’s Global Trade Finance Programme, this award highlights a major initiative that supports cross-border trade in emerging markets. Through this program, IFC helps banks facilitate international trade by offering guarantees and connecting them with global banking networks 🤝🌐

Not all awards are bought. Some are earned where performance speaks louder than promotion. 🏆

Across the global financial landscape, there exists a platform where Islamic banks, fintechs, and institutions are evaluated not by marketing budgets, but by real impact, governance, and measurable results.

The Islamic Banking Awards by Global Banking & Finance Review bring forward those institutions that are quietly setting high standards in Shariah-compliant finance, through innovation, transparency, and disciplined strategy.

What makes this recognition stand out is its merit-driven and transparent evaluation process, open to institutions of all sizes, without any paid advantage influencing the outcome.

And the reward?
Not just a title, but global visibility, credibility, and long-term positioning in an industry that is rapidly expanding and shaping sustainable financial ecosystems worldwide.

At a time when Islamic finance is evolving through digital transformation, inclusion, and ethical frameworks, platforms like these highlight who is truly leading the change.

For institutions, professionals, and students alike, this is more than recognition, it is a glimpse into where the future of finance is heading. 🌍✨

🔗 Read more and register: https://www.globalbankingandfinance.com/islamic-banking-awards/

🌟 Pakistan’s financial landscape is shifting in a big way!

In the latest Ijarah Sukuk auction, the government raised Rs118.05 billion, showing how Islamic finance is becoming the backbone of sovereign borrowing.

💡 With Meezan Bank guiding the process, bids reached an incredible Rs445.49 billion. This strong demand highlights the depth of liquidity in Islamic banking and the trust in sukuk as Pakistan moves closer to a fully interest-free economy under the 26th Constitutional Amendment.

📌 Highlights from the auction:
- 1-year sukuk accepted at 11.49%
- 5-year fixed rental sukuk at 11.75%
- 10-year variable rental sukuk drew strong interest, reflecting a growing appetite for flexible Shariah-compliant instruments

This is more than finance, it’s a step toward building a future rooted in ethical, Shariah-compliant principles.

🔗 Read more: [https://www.dawn.com/news/1985436]

🌙 Eid-ul-Fitr Mubarak

As we conclude the blessed month of Ramadan, we are reminded that its essence extends far beyond fasting — it is a period of discipline, reflection, and renewed accountability.

These values are deeply embedded in the foundations of Islamic finance, where economic activity is guided not only by profitability, but by ethics, responsibility, and social justice.

Allah سبحانه وتعالى reminds us in the Qur’an:

“And establish prayer and give zakah, and whatever good you put forward for yourselves – you will find it with Allah.” (2:110)

Eid-ul-Fitr marks not just a celebration, but a continuation — a commitment to carry forward these principles in our personal, professional, and financial lives.

At the Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech (CIFFT), we remain dedicated to advancing knowledge, practice, and innovation in ethical and Shariah-compliant finance.

May this Eid bring peace, prosperity, and purpose to you and your families.

Eid Mubarak