In a groundbreaking move for Pakistan’s Islamic finance and fintech sectors, Meezan Bank, the country’s leading Islamic bank, has partnered with NED University of Engineering and Technology to establish the Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech (CIFFT). The initiative is set to bridge the gap between academia and industry, fostering research-driven innovation in Islamic banking and financial technology.
The strategic collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by Syed Amir Ali, Deputy CEO of Meezan Bank, and Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Vice Chancellor of NED University. The partnership was celebrated with a plaque unveiling ceremony, reinforcing the commitment of both institutions to advancing education, research, and industry expertise in Islamic finance and fintech.
The Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech (CIFFT) will serve as a hub for academic and professional training, offering specialized programs at the graduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels. The center will also contribute to industry growth through research, case studies, human capital development, and strategic support initiatives, ensuring that future professionals are well-equipped to navigate the evolving financial landscape.
Under the agreement, Meezan Bank will play a crucial role in supporting the center by providing technical expertise, content development, and research collaboration. The bank will also conduct seminars, speaker sessions, and training workshops to educate students and professionals about the rapidly growing field of Islamic finance and fintech. By engaging with engineers and STEM graduates, Meezan Bank aims to integrate technology-driven solutions into the Islamic banking ecosystem.
Syed Amir Ali, speaking on the collaboration, highlighted the importance of linking financial expertise with technological advancements. “The collaboration between NED’s technological capabilities and Meezan Bank’s leadership in Islamic banking lays a strong foundation for innovation in the Islamic fintech sector. This partnership will leverage the potential of Pakistan’s youth to shape the future of the industry. We are optimistic that the launch of CIFFT will accelerate research-driven solutions, helping bridge the gap between Islamic finance and technology.”
The partnership aligns with Pakistan’s broader efforts to expand the Islamic banking sector, which has seen significant growth in recent years. By combining industry leadership with academic research, the CIFFT initiative is expected to generate new financial models, fintech solutions, and policy recommendations, strengthening Pakistan’s position in the global Islamic finance market.
In addition to curriculum development, Meezan Bank will collaborate with NED University to create case studies, professional certification programs, and research papers that explore real-world applications of Islamic fintech. These initiatives will help shape future regulations and drive sustainable growth in Shariah-compliant financial services.
As Pakistan moves towards greater financial inclusion and digitization, the establishment of CIFFT is a significant step in preparing professionals for the changing dynamics of Islamic banking, digital payments, and fintech solutions. By fostering cross-sector collaboration, the initiative aims to create a strong talent pipeline for the country’s growing Islamic finance and fintech ecosystem.
The Meezan Bank-NED University partnership marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s financial education and fintech development, demonstrating the potential of academia-industry collaborations to drive innovation, economic growth, and financial inclusion in the Islamic banking sector.
