Industry Article

Islamic banks are still relying on debt-like modes of financing since most equity based finances need long term commitment. The basic principle of Islamic banking is the sharing of profit and loss and the prohibition of riba (interest).Additionally, PLS arrangements have been specifically acknowledged as ideal modes of financing in Islamic finance. But to date, the actual practice of Islamic banking has been far removed from these models. Nearly all Islamic banks, investment companies, and investment funds offer trade and project finance based on mark-up, commissioned manufacturing, or on leasing bases. There is not much difference in substance between IFIs and conventional financial institutions as IFIs offer products and services that are only legally Islamic or Shariah compliant. Musharakah for instance is venture capital funding provided by parties and both profit and risk are shared. Such participatory arrangements between capital and labor reflect the Islamic view that the borrower must not bear all the risk/cost of a failure, resulting in a balanced distribution of income and not allowing lender to monopolize the economy.

Shariah compliance is the raison d'etre for the existence of the Islamic banking and finance industry. Shariah compliance is achieved by meeting not only the prerequisites of the pillars and conditions of the Shariah contract used, but ensuring that the underlying asset as well as the underlying purpose of entering into such a contract is in compliance with the Shariah. Compliance with Shariah ensures that the rights of the contractual parties are protected and contractual obligations are met out in a responsible and lawful manner. The advent of financial technology (fintech) introduces important innovative infrastructure into the realm of Islamic finance. The recent Ernst & Young report on Banking in Emerging Markets (2017) acknowledged the importance and need for the Islamic banking and finance industry to adapt and embrace the Fintech revolution. The report noted that the impact of Fintech could potentially draw an additional 150 million customers to the Islamic banking sector by 2021.