The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan concluded the 7th batch of its Islamic Banking Certificate Program (IBCP), held from July 14 to 18, 2025, at the institute’s Karachi campus. The week-long training was tailored specifically for officers of Bank AL Habib Limited, aiming to build a deeper understanding of Islamic banking principles and the operational dynamics of Shariah-compliant finance.
As part of its ongoing commitment to strengthening Islamic banking capacity in the country, NIBAF curated this comprehensive training program to support the development of skilled professionals capable of meeting the growing demand for ethical and interest-free financial services. The program was facilitated by a panel of subject matter experts, who delivered sessions covering both foundational concepts and advanced applications in Islamic finance.
Participants were introduced to key principles of Islamic banking, such as the prohibition of riba (interest), risk-sharing mechanisms, and the importance of asset-backed transactions. Special focus was given to the operational structure and real-world use of major Shariah-compliant instruments, including Ijarah, Mudarabah, Musharakah, and Murabaha. Trainers guided the officers through the intricacies of product development, Shariah screening, documentation requirements, and compliance protocols within an Islamic financial framework.
The sessions were delivered through an interactive format, encouraging participant engagement, group discussions, and practical case studies. This approach allowed officers to connect theoretical principles with actual banking scenarios, promoting a hands-on understanding of how Islamic banking is structured and implemented in Pakistan’s evolving financial ecosystem.
Bank AL Habib’s active involvement in the training reflects the bank’s broader commitment to expanding its Islamic banking portfolio and aligning its operations with both market expectations and regulatory standards. With the Islamic banking sector accounting for a growing share of total banking assets in Pakistan, initiatives like IBCP are instrumental in preparing professionals to cater to the needs of an increasingly conscious and faith-aligned customer base.
NIBAF, which operates under the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), continues to play a pivotal role in capacity building and training across the banking sector. By regularly conducting specialized certification programs like IBCP, the institute ensures that industry professionals remain well-versed in the latest developments, legal frameworks, and global best practices in Islamic banking.
The completion of the 7th batch of IBCP further strengthens the collaboration between NIBAF and Bank AL Habib, setting a benchmark for continuous learning and skill development in the Islamic finance space. As financial institutions face increasing demand for ethical finance alternatives, equipping staff with the right tools and knowledge has become more critical than ever.
This latest training milestone serves not just as an academic exercise, but as a strategic move to align Pakistan’s financial institutions with global Islamic banking trends, enabling local banks to remain competitive while upholding Shariah compliance.