The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF), a training arm of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), successfully concluded its Islamic Banking Certificate Course (IBCC-73 – Module 2) in Karachi. The program, held from August 18 to 23, 2025, was designed to strengthen professional expertise in Shariah-compliant banking practices, reflecting Pakistan’s ongoing commitment to expanding Islamic finance within its financial system.
The training gathered a diverse group of officers from the State Bank of Pakistan as well as participants representing leading commercial banks. With Islamic banking continuing to gain ground in the country’s financial ecosystem, the course emphasized both theoretical knowledge and practical applications of Shariah-compliant products and services.
A panel of expert trainers delivered sessions covering essential aspects of Islamic banking operations. The curriculum focused on areas such as Islamic modes of financing, risk management, compliance frameworks, and evolving global practices. Participants were provided with case studies and real-world insights into how Islamic banking products are structured, regulated, and managed. The interactive format encouraged active discussions, enabling officers to address challenges and exchange experiences that could shape the future of their respective institutions.
The training program is part of a broader push to enhance human capital within Pakistan’s Islamic banking sector. Over the past decade, the industry has seen remarkable growth, with Islamic banking assets and deposits registering consistent double-digit increases. However, experts stress that the long-term sustainability of this growth depends heavily on building a skilled workforce capable of managing the complexities of Shariah-compliant finance.
By equipping officers from both the central bank and commercial institutions with deeper insights into Islamic financial practices, NIBAF aims to bridge knowledge gaps and standardize best practices across the sector. The program also highlighted the importance of aligning Pakistan’s Islamic banking operations with international standards, ensuring the country remains competitive in the global Islamic finance landscape.
Islamic finance has emerged as a key driver of financial inclusion, particularly in Muslim-majority economies. In Pakistan, it is also seen as a pathway to cater to populations that prefer Shariah-compliant financial solutions over conventional banking. NIBAF’s training programs play a vital role in ensuring that the sector can meet this growing demand with credibility and operational efficiency.
The Karachi campus of NIBAF provided the platform for this latest initiative, underscoring the institute’s nationwide role in advancing financial sector training. The success of the Islamic Banking Certificate Course reflects the increasing importance of specialized training in shaping the capabilities of bankers and regulators alike.
Going forward, NIBAF plans to continue offering similar initiatives across different modules and subject areas, expanding opportunities for professional development in Islamic banking, digital finance, and regulatory compliance. Such efforts are expected to further strengthen Pakistan’s position as one of the fastest-growing markets for Islamic finance.
The conclusion of the IBCC-73 – Module 2 program is another step toward creating a more robust and knowledgeable workforce, equipped to advance Shariah-compliant banking and support the sector’s continued expansion within the national economy.