The National Institute of Banking and Finance (NIBAF) Pakistan recently completed two specialized training initiatives in Lahore, aimed at enhancing the professional expertise of banking and financial sector officers in both Shariah-compliant operations and fraud prevention techniques.
The first program, Islamic Finance Principles & Operations Program (IFPOP-06), was conducted over three days and focused on equipping officers of the National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) with advanced knowledge of Islamic banking operations. Twenty-five officers participated in the sessions, which were held at the NBP Staff College in Lahore. The training was led by two renowned Shariah scholars: Mufti Tayyab Amin, Chairman of the Shariah Board at Allied Bank Ltd., and Mufti Sabir Hussain, Member of the Shariah Board at MCB Islamic Bank.
The course content covered the foundational principles of Islamic finance, Shariah compliance frameworks, operational guidelines, and practical case studies. Participants explored various modes of Islamic financing, including Murabaha, Ijarah, Musharakah, and Mudarabah, with an emphasis on how these instruments align with Shariah principles. The program also provided guidance on operational risk management in Islamic banking and the importance of ethical compliance in customer dealings.
In parallel to its Islamic finance capacity-building efforts, NIBAF also organized a two-day Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist training program at its Lahore campus from August 12 to 13, 2025. This initiative brought together 22 professionals from various financial institutions, regulatory bodies, and corporate entities to strengthen their fraud detection, investigation, and prevention skills.
The anti-fraud training was led by Muhammad Waqas Saeed, Deputy Director at the National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), who shared practical methodologies and real-world case studies. The curriculum addressed evolving fraud schemes, cyber-enabled financial crimes, investigative techniques, and the application of digital forensics in uncovering fraudulent activities. Special attention was given to emerging risks in online banking, payment systems, and cross-border transactions, as well as strategies for implementing effective internal controls.
Both training programs reflect NIBAF’s commitment to professional development and its role in advancing knowledge and operational capabilities within Pakistan’s banking and financial sector. By offering targeted and expert-led sessions, NIBAF continues to serve as a bridge between theoretical knowledge and real-world application, helping institutions meet evolving market demands and regulatory requirements.
These initiatives also underscore the growing importance of specialized training in the financial industry. As Islamic banking expands in Pakistan, the demand for Shariah-compliant operational expertise is increasing, while at the same time, the rise of cybercrime and complex financial fraud is creating an urgent need for skilled professionals in fraud prevention.
Through programs like IFPOP-06 and the Certified Anti-Fraud Specialist course, NIBAF is not only equipping professionals with essential skills but also reinforcing the resilience and integrity of the country’s financial ecosystem.