Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, is set to host the third Islamic Finance Forum (IMF’26) on October 22, bringing together domestic and international stakeholders to discuss developments, challenges and emerging opportunities across the Islamic finance industry. The event will provide a platform for financial institutions, government representatives, academics, businesses and investors to exchange expertise and explore ways to support the development of Islamic finance in Azerbaijan. Discussions are expected to cover established financial services as well as newer areas, including financial technology, digital transformation and sustainable investment.
The forum is being organized by the Studying of Economic Resources Public Union (SER), with the objective of strengthening cooperation among public institutions, financial organizations, academic bodies and private-sector businesses. The initiative is intended to encourage greater engagement between stakeholders and support the expansion of Azerbaijan’s Islamic finance sector. By bringing together participants from different areas of the financial industry, the event will provide opportunities to examine market conditions, share professional knowledge and discuss approaches that could contribute to the sector’s long-term development.
Islamic banking and capital markets are expected to feature prominently on the forum’s agenda, alongside sukuk, takaful, microfinance and halal investments. These areas represent important components of the Islamic finance ecosystem, which operates according to principles that prohibit interest-based transactions and emphasize permissible economic activities, asset-backed financing and risk-sharing arrangements. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss the development of financial products and services, examine market practices and consider how different segments of the industry can contribute to broader financial-sector growth.
Financial technology and digital transformation will also be among the key subjects addressed during the event. As financial services increasingly incorporate digital channels, technology is becoming an important consideration for banks, investment companies and other financial organizations seeking to expand access to services and improve operational processes. The forum will provide a setting for stakeholders to discuss the relationship between Islamic finance and technological developments, including potential opportunities to introduce digital solutions across banking, investment and other Shariah-compliant financial services.
Green and sustainable finance will form another part of the programme, reflecting the growing importance of environmental considerations and responsible investment in financial markets. Participants are also expected to discuss regulatory and legal frameworks, education, research and human capital development. These subjects are relevant to the establishment of a financial environment that can support industry growth while addressing regulatory requirements and the need for qualified professionals. Discussions on education and research may also help identify areas where cooperation between universities, financial institutions and industry organizations could strengthen expertise in Islamic finance.
The event is expected to attract representatives from government institutions, banks, investment and insurance companies, businesses, financial organizations, universities, research bodies and the wider investment community. Their participation is intended to bring together different perspectives on the opportunities and practical challenges facing the sector. Attendees will discuss international experiences, examine real-world market cases and identify potential areas for collaboration. The exchange of knowledge could also help participants understand how approaches adopted in other markets may be relevant to Azerbaijan’s financial environment.
The programme will include an opening ceremony, a plenary session, panel discussions, expert presentations and networking sessions. These activities will allow participants to explore industry developments, share professional insights and establish connections with potential partners. The combination of formal discussions and networking opportunities is designed to encourage dialogue between public- and private-sector organizations and facilitate the exchange of domestic and international expertise.
Through IMF’26, the organizers aim to encourage new partnerships, strengthen cooperation among financial stakeholders and contribute to discussions about the future direction of Islamic finance in Azerbaijan. The forum will bring together perspectives on banking, investment, regulation, technology and sustainability, providing participants with an opportunity to assess emerging opportunities across the industry. Its discussions are expected to focus on practical market experience and collaboration that could support the continued development of Islamic financial services in the country.
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