Raqami Islamic Digital Bank Limited and the IBA Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance have jointly launched a Diploma in Islamic Digital Banking, aimed at building specialised knowledge at the intersection of Islamic finance and digital banking. The programme combines Raqami’s practical expertise in digital banking with IBA CEIF’s academic grounding in Islamic finance, and has been designed as an 80-hour course structured in line with IBA’s academic requirements, with both institutions collaborating on curriculum development, faculty selection, and overall programme planning.
The diploma is intended to expose participants to how Shariah-compliant finance principles apply within a digital banking context, a combination that is becoming more relevant as Pakistan’s financial sector continues expanding Shariah-compliant products through digital channels rather than traditional branch-based models. Dr. Mufti Muhammad Imran Ashraf Usmani, Chairman of Raqami’s Shariah Board, said Islamic digital banking is creating new opportunities for the sector, but that its growth needs to stay grounded in Shariah principles and sound financial practice, adding that the diploma offers a platform for building the expertise needed to navigate that evolving space.
Umair Aijaz, CEO of Raqami Islamic Digital Bank, said the partnership reflects the bank’s interest in contributing to the development of talent for Islamic digital banking as the sector evolves quickly, while Dr. Irum Saba, Director of IBA CEIF, said the programme brings together two areas that are each expanding on their own, giving professionals and learners a structured way to understand the opportunities and challenges specific to Islamic digital banking. The launch event was attended by senior figures from Islamic banking, financial services, and academia, including Irfan Siddiqui, former President and CEO of Meezan Bank, alongside leadership from both partner organisations.
The two organisations also outlined plans for joint promotion of the programme, covering communications, event branding, and stakeholder engagement going forward. No enrollment numbers, course fees, or start date for the first diploma cohort were disclosed, though Raqami and IBA CEIF described the collaboration as a step toward building professional capacity in Islamic digital finance as more of Pakistan’s banking sector moves toward Shariah-compliant, digitally delivered financial products.
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