Realising financial inclusion in Islamic finance

2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 143-160 ◽  
Author(s):  
Akilu Aliyu Shinkafi ◽  
Sani Yahaya ◽  
Tijjani Alhaji Sani
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Public Awareness ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Infrastructure ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Regulatory Commitment

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to evolve a theoretical account that highlights the determinations for achieving financial inclusion in Islamic finance. Design/methodology/approach The methodology used is a library approach where the existing and relevant document remains the sources of concern. Findings The outcome of the study designates that robust technology; microcredit and microfinance services; legal and regulatory commitment of the regulators and policymakers of the Islamic financial institutions; extensive public awareness of Islamic financial services and products; financial proficiency and literacy; and financial infrastructure are some of the imperative drives for realising financial inclusion particularly for women, low income earners and rural poor. Research limitations/implications The paper limited itself to realising financial inclusion in Islamic finance. Thus, anything beyond the stated limitation is outside the scope of our objective. The paper has an inference for the concerned professional bodies, regulators, policymakers, stakeholders and practitioners of Islamic financial institutions. Originality/value The paper is original in its nature, it is also a pearl and a reference to those who may conceive and cherish the relevance of its capacity.

scholarly journals Islamic Financial Services Act (IFSA) 2013 and the Sharīʿah-compliance requirement of the Islamic finance industry in Malaysia

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 94-101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mohamad Akram Laldin ◽  
Hafas Furqani
Keyword(s):  
Content Analysis ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Governance Framework ◽  
Finance Industry ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Comprehensive Framework

Purpose This paper aims to observe the development of the Sharīʿah governance framework (SGF) and practice in Islamic financial institutions (IFIs) in Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The study is a qualitative-based research. It uses various documents and content analysis approach to understand and analyze the structure, process and practice of SGF in IFIs in Malaysia. Findings It is found that the Central Bank of Malaysia, Bank Negara Malaysia, has attempted to develop a comprehensive framework of Sharīʿah governance for IFIs in Malaysia. The framework governs the practice of the industry, covers stakeholders’ scope of duties and responsibilities and provides details on processes and procedures in the operations of IFIs to achieve the objective of Sharīʿah compliance. To maintain the relevance of the SGF to the needs of the industry, the framework has also been updated recently in 2017. The amendments aim to strengthen the effectiveness of Sharīʿah governance implementation within the Islamic finance industry. Originality/value This study attempts to comprehensively examine the evolution of the SGF Sharīʿah governance framework for IFIs in Malaysia. The Malaysian model of the SGF is unique and could be emulated by other countries in developing the Islamic finance industry in their respective jurisdictions.

scholarly journals Islamic finance: financial inclusion or migration?

2018 ◽  
Vol 10 (2) ◽  
pp. 277-288 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahmed Tahiri Jouti
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Stability ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose This paper aims to define a methodology to assess the impact of introducing Islamic finance on financial inclusion. Design/methodology/approach The paper is based on a literature review to understand the link between Islamic finance and financial inclusion. The second part of the paper presents a conceptual framework to assess the impact of introducing Islamic finance on financial inclusion in a defined context based on the profiling of people interested in Islamic finance. Findings The paper brings an insight on the impact of introducing Islamic finance. Indeed, it could cause a financial migration to Islamic banks that can take many forms and depends on many factors that call for deep analysis. Research limitations/implications The paper would help financial authorities and financial institutions to measure the impact of introducing Islamic finance on their businesses and the stability of the whole system. Practical implications Islamic finance can not only enhance financial inclusion but also create financial migration. The two implications can vary from one context to another. Social implications Islamic finance can contribute in the effort of including “self-excluded” people with religious concerns as well as people without access to financial services. Originality/value This paper promotes the idea that Islamic finance is not exclusively a way to enhance financial inclusion.

Building blocks of financial inclusion through customer experience value at financial touchpoints in Southern Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Nkosinathi Sithole ◽  
Gillian Sullivan Mort ◽  
Clare D'Souza
Keyword(s):  
Southern Africa ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Building Blocks ◽  
Customer Experience ◽  
The Body ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Low Income Consumers

PurposeThis paper aims to examine customer experience value orchestrated by non-banks' financial touchpoints to understand how they enhance the financial inclusion of low-income consumers.Design/methodology/approachTwo independent but related studies were conducted using qualitative comparative analyses (QCA) research design with semi-structured interviews to compare and contrast customer experience value at two rural locations in Southern Africa. The interview transcripts were analysed using ATLAS.ti, which is a powerful operating system for analysing qualitative data.FindingsThe results indicate that non-banks in the two countries design financial services that include functional, economic, humanic, social and mechanic customer experience value dimensions.Research limitations/implicationsThe data for this study was collected from financial services customers of retailers and mobile phone network operators in only one research setting in each country. Further research could extend the comparative context for qualitative studies across similar markets. Other limitations are discussed in the paper.Originality/valueThis paper contributes to the body of knowledge by highlighting the salient and germane dimensions and components found to be important in understanding financial inclusion using customer experience value. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study that incorporates customer experience value dimensions in understanding the financial inclusion of low-income consumers at the base of the social and economic pyramid in emerging markets.

scholarly journals Comparative Analysis on Shariah Governance in Malaysia: SGF 2010, IFSA 2013 and SGPD 2019

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 110 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Iqmal Hisham Kamaruddin ◽  
Mustafa Mohd Hanefah ◽  
Zurina Shafii ◽  
Supiah Salleh ◽  
Nurazalia Zakaria
Keyword(s):  
Comparative Analysis ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Policy Document ◽  
Finance Industry ◽  
The World ◽  
Governance Practices ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Shariah Governance

The main focus of shariah governance for an organization is to ensure that it is comply with shariah laws and regulations. Under Islamic finance industry, shariah governance is being given attention due to rapid growth of this industry in the world. For Malaysia, the authority through Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) have taken a proactive role by introducing shariah governance guidelines including the Shariah Governance Framework (SGF) 2010, the Islamic Financial Services Act (IFSA) 2013 and the latest is the Shariah Governance Policy Document (SGPD) 2019. These shariah governance guidelines are supposed to support the development of shariah governance practices especially by Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) in Malaysia. However, there is limited to none study conducted to compare these guidelines. These shariah governance guidelines is necessary to be compared in order to find out whether these guidelines are complemented each other and to identify any differences among these guidelines. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare between these shariah governance guidelines. Based on the analysis, it has been found that SGPD 2019 is the most comprehensive covers on shariah governance as compared to IFSA 2013 and SGF 2010. However, these three guidelines still not become comprehensive enough, as there is still limited to none discussion on the definition and objectives of shariah governance itself.

Musharakah Mutanaqisah home financing: issues in practice

2018 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-103 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alam Asadov ◽  
Zulkarnain Bin Muhamad Sori ◽  
Shamsher Mohamad Ramadilli ◽  
Zaheer Anwer ◽  
Shinaj Valangattil Shamsudheen
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Current Mode ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
The Body ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Islamic Banks ◽  
Periodic Review ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Finance Industry ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions

Purpose This paper aims to examine the practical issues in the Musharakah Mutanaqisah (MM) financing and subsequently, recommends possible solutions to mitigate these issues and improve the current practice. Design/methodology/approach This paper analyses the theory and current practices of MM offered by Islamic banks. Findings It is suggested that Islamic financial institutions consider revaluation of property’s value to its fair value, especially during termination of MM contract and annual or agreed periodic review of the market value of the assets to determine the “rental” payments by the customer. It is also recommended that Islamic financial institutions should share all associated costs in performing the contract. Research limitations/implications Research findings reported in this paper contribute to the body of knowledge on MM in general and to the Islamic finance practices in Malaysia and abroad. Indeed, the Malaysia Central Bank (i.e. Bank Negara Malaysia) should form a special committee to look into the issues highlighted in this paper and recommend strict guidelines for Islamic financial institutions to improve their practices. Practical implications Islamic banks should extend the use of MM contract in automobile and trade financing where rent or profit could be easily identified and value of the asset is more certain. The regulators and Islamic financial standard setting authorities need to oversee the Shari’ah board decisions on MM contracts and keep the gates in the interest of ensuring a more viable and authentic Islamic finance industry. Originality/value This paper briefly views the current mode of MM contracts, specifically for home financing, and highlights the incompliance to Shari’ah requirements in exercising these contracts in practice.

scholarly journals A Legal Analysis of the Use of Innovative Technology in the Promotion of Financial Inclusion for Low-Income Earners in South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 24 ◽  
pp. 1-27
Author(s):  
Howard Chitimira ◽  
Phemelo Magau
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Informal Settlements ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Innovative Technology ◽  
Financial Exclusion ◽  
The Government

The promotion of financial inclusion is important for the combating of financial exclusion in many countries, including South Africa. Nonetheless, most low-income earners living in rural areas and informal settlements are still struggling to gain access to basic financial products and financial services in South Africa. This status quo has been caused by a number of factors such as the absence of an adequate financial inclusion policy, the geographical remoteness of financial institutions to most low-income earners, rigid identity documentary requirements, a lack of access to reliable and affordable Internet connection by low-income earners living in informal settlements and rural areas, a lack of financial illiteracy, the high costs of financial services, unemployment and poverty, over-indebtedness, and cultural and psychological hindrances to low-income earners in South Africa. Consequently, these factors have somewhat limited the access to financial services offered by financial institutions to low-income earners living in rural areas and informal settlements. In many countries, including South Africa, the financial sector is relying on innovative technology, especially in banking institutions, to aid in the offering of financial services to their customers. It is against this background that this article discusses selected legal and related challenges affecting the regulation and use of innovative technology to promote financial inclusion for low-income earners in South Africa. The article further discusses possible measures that could be adopted by the government, financial institutions and other relevant regulatory bodies to promote the use of innovative technology to combat the financial exclusion of low-income earners in South Africa.

scholarly journals Issues and Challenges of Financial Inclusion Among Low-Income Earners In Rural Areas of Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (Special Issue) ◽  
pp. 277-299
Author(s):  
Salihah Sharizan ◽  
Nur Harena Redzuan ◽  
Romzie Rosman
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Low Income ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Services ◽  
Financial Education ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Primary Data ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Finance Industry

Financial inclusion (FI) appears to be one of the main global agendas as it is an essential way of reducing poverty and increasing the economic growth of a country. FI is the provision of financial services to all segments of society in a more convenient, quality, and affordable way. In this study, the authors analyzed the issues and challenges faced from the two perspectives of the Financial Institutions (FIs) and the rural B40 group concerning the way of pursuing the exclusive of FI. Primary data was collected by conducting semi-structured interviews with four expert bankers from the Financial Institutions (FIs) in Kuala Rompin, Pahang, and two representatives from the B40 customers in the rural areas of Pekan, Pahang, Malaysia. Based on the findings, barriers faced by the supply sides of the FIs include 1) high risk of cost and security, 2) barriers in communication and lack of financial education, and 3) lack of proof documents. The other challenges are 1) competition with the conventional institutions, 2) default risk due to non-payment, and 3) internet connection problem. On the demand side, the issues and challenges found include 1) lack of confidence, 2) lack of proof documents, 3) misuse of capital, and 4) lack of financial literacy. Henceforth, the findings have significant implications for the Islamic banking and finance industry in exploring the current barriers faced in delivering financial inclusion to the lower segment of the society in Malaysia.

Executives’ observance of zakat among Islamic financial institutions: evidence from Bahrain and Malaysia

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jessie P.H. Poon ◽  
Yew Wah Chow ◽  
Michael Ewers ◽  
Trina Hamilton
Keyword(s):  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Change Agents ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Board Members ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Financial Firms ◽  
Management Positions ◽  
The Board Of Directors ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of Shariah board members and managerial networking on zakat observance among executives of Islamic financial firms (IFFs) in Bahrain and Malaysia. Design/methodology/approach The methodology is based on surveys administered to 106 respondents and personal interviews conducted with individuals holding management positions in IFFs. Findings The paper finds that: networking among IFF executives in Bahrain positively influences their observance and perception of zakat in their firms; and higher representation of Shariah on the board of directors increases executives’ favorable perception and observance of zakat in Malaysia. Differences in findings may be explained by Bahrain’s global Shariah institutions where networking offers opportunities for socialization of zakat ethics. In Malaysia, on the other hand, Shariah directorship sets the pace and direction of zakat ethics. Originality/value The seminal work of DiMaggio and Powell (1991) on neo-institutional theory has drawn attention to executives’ agency in creating cognitive frameworks that help promote the development of firm standards and norms. However, application of the theory to Islamic finance is largely absent. This paper contributes to an empirical understanding of the theory by highlighting sources of IFFs’ social agency in the development of zakat norm and its observance, namely, managerial networking and Shariah directors as change agents.

A critical analysis of the use of fair value by Islamic Financial Institutions

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 170-183 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leila Gharbi
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Interest Rate ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Financial Reporting ◽  
Fair Value ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Narrative Methods ◽  
Financial Reporting Standards ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions

Purpose This paper aims to address a specific question over the compatibility of International Financial Reporting Standards with Islamic finance regarding the use of interest rate as discounting rate in impairment testing and valuation techniques. Design/methodology/approach Inductive methodology and qualitative-narrative methods are used to explore the available texts and literature. Findings There are two main findings: first, the use of reference rate obtained in non-Islamic financial system is inappropriate from the Islamic perspective. Interest-based valuation techniques have not been adopted by the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions in its adaptation of conventional accounting practices, and the majority of Islamic scholars argue against Interest rate benchmarking. Second, the authors suggest nominal gross domestic product (NGDP) growth rate as an alternative benchmark because Islamic finance, in its ideal sense, is based on and closely linked to the real sector. Moreover, recent studies show that there are no statistical differences between NGDP growth rate and nominal interest rate for most of the countries studied. Originality/value This paper highlights the accounting implications of the prohibition of interest for valuation techniques and raises the need of acceptable alternative pricing benchmark.

Attaining Financial Inclusion through Ijarah Contract: Assessing the Potentials of Ijarah-Wa-Iqtina in Venture Financing of Tricycles in Kano Metropolis, Kano State, Nigeria

2018 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 9-18
Author(s):  
Muhammad Bako ◽  
Shehu U. R. Aliyu
Keyword(s):  
Regression Model ◽  
Multiple Regression ◽  
Financial Institutions ◽  
Strong Influence ◽  
Multiple Regression Model ◽  
Financial Inclusion ◽  
Islamic Finance ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Islamic Financial Institutions ◽  
Potential Benefits

Ijarah-wa-iqtina, also known as Al-Ijarah Thummal Al-Bay (AITAB) is a leasing contract where the ownership of the leased asset is transferred to the lessee at the end of the leasing contract. With the inception of Ja’iz Bank Nigeria Plc, the product has grown in the Ja’iz Bank’s housing and auto-finance. Despite this popularity, majority of small scale businesses especially tricycle operators in Kano metropolis are still not aware of the product and the benefits attached to it. This research assesses the potentials of Ijarah-wa-iqtina in financing tricycle operation in Kano using a multiple regression model from a sample of 311 respondents. The study found myriad of problems associated with conventional mode financing arrangements prior to ijarah-wa-iqtina. It was also established that religious inclinations of respondents have strong influence on potential benefits from switching to ijarah-wa-iqtina. The paper recommends that Islamic financial institutions and well-to-do business persons in Kano metropolis on the need to promote both formal and non-formal Islamic finance among tricycles operators via ijarah-wa-iqtina.

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