Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited (RIDBL) and the IBA Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance (CEIF) have joined hands to launch a jointly branded Diploma in Islamic Digital Banking, aimed at developing specialised knowledge and practical understanding of Islamic finance in the rapidly evolving digital banking landscape.
The diploma programme brings together Raqami’s expertise in digital banking with IBA CEIF’s academic and professional expertise in Islamic finance, providing participants with an opportunity to develop a deeper understanding of the principles, practices and emerging dynamics shaping Islamic digital banking.
The collaboration includes joint development of the programme’s course structure and curriculum, faculty and trainer selection and overall programme planning, with the diploma designed in accordance with IBA’s academic requirements.
Through the programme, students will gain exposure to key areas relevant to Islamic digital banking, enabling them to better understand the intersection of Shariah-compliant finance, technology and modern banking practices.
The initiative reflects the growing importance of specialised professional education as Pakistan’s financial sector continues to embrace digital transformation and expand access to Shariah-compliant financial solutions.
The launch event brought together prominent representatives from the Islamic banking, financial services and academic sectors, including Dr. Mufti Muhammad Imran Ashraf Usmani, Chairman of Raqami Islamic Digital Bank’s Shariah Board and Irfan Siddiqui, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Meezan Bank, alongside senior leadership from Raqami and IBA CEIF.
Chairman of Raqami Islamic Digital Bank’s Shariah Board, Dr. Mufti Muhammad Imran Ashraf Usmani, said the programme represented an important step towards strengthening professional understanding of Islamic finance in the context of digital banking.
“Islamic digital banking is creating new opportunities for the financial sector, but its development must remain firmly grounded in the principles of Shariah and sound financial practice. This diploma provides an important platform for developing the knowledge and expertise required to understand and navigate the evolving digital financial landscape while preserving the core principles of Islamic finance,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Umair Aijaz, CEO of Raqami Islamic Bank, said the partnership with IBA CEIF reflects Raqami’s commitment to contributing to the development of knowledge and expertise in Islamic digital banking.
“Islamic digital banking is evolving rapidly and building the right knowledge and talent is essential to ensuring that this growth is sustainable and grounded in strong Shariah and banking principles. Through this collaboration, we aim to contribute to developing professionals who understand both the opportunities created by digital banking and the foundations of Islamic finance,” he said.
Dr. Irum Saba, Director of IBA CEIF, said the diploma would provide participants with an opportunity to develop specialised knowledge in an emerging area of the financial sector.
“Digital transformation is reshaping the way financial services are delivered, while Islamic finance continues to expand into new areas. This programme brings these two areas together and provides a structured platform for professionals and learners to understand the opportunities and challenges associated with Islamic digital banking,” she said.
The diploma is planned as an 80-hour programme, in line with IBA requirements, with the programme structure and curriculum developed collaboratively by Raqami Islamic Digital Bank and IBA CEIF.
The collaboration also includes arrangements for the joint promotion and launch of the programme, with both organisations working together on programme communications, event branding and stakeholder engagement.
The launch event brought together representatives from Raqami, IBA CEIF, academia, the banking and financial services sector and other relevant stakeholders.
The partnership marks another step towards strengthening professional capacity and knowledge-sharing in Islamic digital finance and supporting the development of talent equipped to contribute to Pakistan’s evolving digital financial ecosystem.
About Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited
Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited is a fully licensed digital retail bank regulated by the State Bank of Pakistan. Built from the ground up as a fully Shariah-compliant institution, Raqami offers secure, convenient and accessible banking services designed for today’s digital customer.
Backed by strong institutional sponsors including Pakistan Kuwait Investment Company (PKIC) and Enertech Holding Company KSC, a subsidiary of the Kuwait Investment Authority (KIA), Raqami aims to contribute towards advancing financial inclusion in Pakistan through innovative and responsible digital financial solutions.
