Cedar on Banking
Cedar on Banking provides strategic perspectives on the business of banking in a changing global environment. The channel covers operating models, regulatory dynamics, risk, growth strategies, and transformation initiatives across retail, corporate, and wholesale banking. Each episode offers practical insights to help banks strengthen performance, adapt to disruption, and sustain long-term value.
Cedar on Banking
Regional trends in Islamic banking
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Islamic finance has gained global attention for its risk-sharing, ethical principles, especially after recent financial crises. Islamic banking operates through pure Islamic banks, Islamic subsidiaries of conventional banks, and Islamic windows. While GCC Islamic banks once outpaced conventional peers, growth has slowed due to volatile oil prices and weaker regional economies, with market share largely stagnating. Despite this, modest growth is still expected.
The COVID-19 pandemic impacted Islamic finance more deeply than earlier crises because of its higher exposure to SMEs, microfinance and retail customers. Islamic social finance tools such as zakat, waqf and sukuk can support crisis response and recovery. Regulatory standardisation is improving through global bodies like AAOIFI and regional initiatives such as the UAE’s Higher Sharia Authority. Innovation is accelerating via digital banking, fintech and blockchain-based solutions. Looking ahead, the strongest growth potential lies in Muslim-majority countries, supported by consumer education, regulatory clarity and political commitment.