Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited and the IBA Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance have launched a jointly branded Diploma in Islamic Digital Banking to develop specialised knowledge and practical understanding of Islamic finance within the rapidly changing digital banking sector. The programme brings together Raqami Islamic Digital Bank’s experience in digital banking with the academic and professional expertise of IBA CEIF in Islamic finance. The initiative is designed to give participants a structured understanding of the principles, practices and emerging developments shaping Islamic digital banking in Pakistan.
Under the collaboration, Raqami Islamic Digital Bank and IBA CEIF will jointly develop the programme’s course structure and curriculum, select faculty members and trainers and oversee broader programme planning. The diploma has been designed in accordance with IBA’s academic requirements, bringing an institutional framework to professional education in Islamic digital finance. Through the programme, participants will study areas relevant to the intersection of Shariah-compliant finance, technology and modern banking practices, providing an educational pathway for professionals and learners seeking to understand the changing financial services environment.
The initiative comes as Pakistan’s financial sector continues to expand its use of digital channels while Islamic finance develops across different areas of financial services. The programme focuses on the specialised knowledge required to understand how Islamic finance principles can be applied within digital banking models. It also aims to address the growing need for professionals who can work across financial technology, banking operations and Shariah requirements as financial institutions introduce new digital products and services.
The launch event brought together representatives from the Islamic banking, financial services and academic sectors. Among those attending were Dr. Mufti Muhammad Imran Ashraf Usmani, Chairman of the Shariah Board of Raqami Islamic Digital Bank, and Irfan Siddiqui, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Meezan Bank, along with senior representatives from Raqami and IBA CEIF. The participation of banking and academic professionals reflected the programme’s focus on combining industry knowledge with formal education in Islamic finance and digital banking.
Dr. Mufti Muhammad Imran Ashraf Usmani said the programme represents an important step towards strengthening professional understanding of Islamic finance in the context of digital banking. He said the development of Islamic digital banking is creating opportunities for the financial sector, while its growth needs to remain aligned with Shariah principles and sound financial practices. According to him, the diploma can provide a platform for developing the knowledge and expertise needed to understand the changing digital financial environment while maintaining the core principles of Islamic finance.
Umair Aijaz, CEO of Raqami Islamic Bank, said the partnership with IBA CEIF reflects the bank’s focus on contributing to the development of knowledge and professional expertise in Islamic digital banking. He said the sector is evolving rapidly and that developing appropriate talent and knowledge is important for sustainable growth based on strong Shariah and banking principles. He added that the collaboration aims to help develop professionals who understand both the opportunities associated with digital banking and the foundations of Islamic finance.
Dr. Irum Saba, Director of IBA CEIF, said the diploma provides an opportunity for participants to develop specialised knowledge in an emerging area of financial services. She noted that digital transformation is changing how financial services are delivered, while Islamic finance continues to expand into new areas. The programme brings the two areas together through a structured learning platform designed to help professionals and learners understand the opportunities and challenges associated with Islamic digital banking.
The diploma is planned as an 80-hour programme in accordance with IBA requirements, with its structure and curriculum being developed jointly by Raqami Islamic Digital Bank and IBA CEIF. The partnership also covers joint promotion and programme launch activities, including communications, event branding and engagement with relevant stakeholders. The collaboration is intended to strengthen professional capacity and knowledge-sharing in Islamic digital finance while supporting the development of talent capable of contributing to Pakistan’s evolving digital financial ecosystem.
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