
CIBAFI Launches GIBS 2025 Report on AI and Data Analytics and the Digital Momentum Guide
This edition of the GIBS Report explores the expanding role of artificial intelligence (AI) and data analytics in transforming Islamic banking operations, service delivery, and risk management. It captures insights from 105 executives across 29 countries, providing valuable regional perspectives and industry benchmarks.
The webinar opened with remarks from Dr. Abdelilah Belatik, Secretary General of CIBAFI, who stated: 'Marking the 10th anniversary of the GIBS initiative, this year's findings reflect an industry on the brink of a technological shift. While AI adoption is still early, its strategic value is increasingly recognized. CIBAFI's role is to support this transition through dialogue, research, and capacity building. We hope this milestone report will guide Islamic financial institutions in shaping effective, forward-looking AI strategies.'
Following Dr. Belatik's remarks, Ms. Jenni Denniston, Director of Business Development at Ivey Business School, announced the upcoming Joint Executive Programme with CIBAFI, aimed at equipping executive managers with strategic leadership skills in AI and digital transformation within Islamic banking.
Dr. Muhammad Bilal, Project Manager – Research & Regulatory Affairs, shared insights from the GIBS, such as the growing strategic importance of AI in Islamic banking. He noted that adoption remains limited due to high costs, lack of expertise, and concerns over cybersecurity and credit risks.
The webinar also featured expert insights from distinguished speakers, including Mr. Peter Casey, Consultant; Dr. Ahmed Tahiri Jouti, Founder of NeuronAIze and Managing Partner at Green For South; and Mr. Yasser Rahrovani, Associate Professor, Information Systems, Ivey Business School, who shared practical perspectives on the evolving digital landscape in Islamic finance. The session was moderated by Mr. Rachid Ettaai, Business Development Manager, CIBAFI.
CIBAFI extends its sincere appreciation to its Supporting Partner, DDCAP Group, for their valuable contribution to the successful launch of the GIBS 2025 Report and continued support in promoting innovation in the Islamic financial services industry.
In conjunction with the webinar, CIBAFI also launched the Digital Momentum Guide: Impact on Islamic Banks and Guidelines for Adaptability, which offers practical insights and strategies for Islamic banks to remain agile, innovative, and Shariah-compliant in an evolving digital landscape. To download Digital Momentum: Impact on Islamic Banks and Guidelines for Adaptability, click here.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Daily Tribune
12 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
BisB partners with Diyar Al Muharraq to provide exclusive Real Estate Financing for The ‘Al Wasem' project
Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading provider of innovative Islamic financial solutions for simplifying money matters in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has signed a strategic agreement with Diyar Al Muharraq to offer mortgage financing for the 'Al Wasem' residential project. The partnership introduces exclusive features aimed at facilitating early access to property financing, paving the way for a faster and more flexible real estate acquisition process. Under the agreement, BisB is offering financing for 'Al Wasem's' seafront and inner plots. The offering also removes the need for a property evaluation, streamlining the process for prospective buyers. In addition, reservation payments made on the plots will be recognised as part of the customer's down payment. Mr. Faisal Al Abdulla, Chief Retail Banking Officer at BisB, stated, 'We are delighted to partner with Diyar Al Muharraq, which represents a significant step in our real estate financing plans at Bahrain Islamic Bank. By removing traditional barriers such as property evaluation and simplifying early-stage funding, we are responding directly to the needs of our customers. As demand grows for flexible Sharia'a compliant solutions, our role is to ensure that pathways to homeownership are both accessible and aligned with today's market demands.' Commenting on the partnership, Mohamed Al Mahmood, Head of Sales at Diyar Al Muharraq, said: 'We are proud to enter this strategic collaboration with Bahrain Islamic Bank as part of our ongoing efforts to offer integrated solutions that simplify the path to homeownership within one of our most distinctive developments, the 'Al Wasem' project. By offering mortgage financing through a well-established and trusted financial institution such as BisB, we are reaffirming our commitment to delivering a seamless and accessible customer experience—aligned with our vision to create sustainable communities that meet the aspirations of individuals and families across Bahrain.'


Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Gulf Insider
UAE Central Bank Imposes Over Dh370 Million In Fines On Banks, Exchange Firms, And Insurers
The Central Bank of the UAE has imposed more than Dh370.3 million ($101 million) in fines since the start of 2025 against banks, money exchange houses, insurers, and a finance company, in one of its most extensive enforcement campaigns in years, according to a review of official statements issued by the regulator. The penalties, also included license cancellations, suspensions, and restrictions on operations, were the result of the central bank's intensifying scrutiny of the country's financial sector, as it seeks to reinforce its credibility as a global financial hub and shed lingering reputational risks related to money laundering and terrorism financing. Since January, the regulator has announced penalties against at least 13 money exchange firms, seven insurance and brokerage companies, 10 banks, including three foreign lenders, and one finance company. In some cases, senior executives were personally fined, including one branch manager who was ordered to pay Dh500,000 and barred from holding specialized financial roles in the country. The most severe sanctions came in May, when the central bank imposed a Dh200 million fine on a money exchange company, alongside a Dh500,000 penalty against its branch manager. Earlier in the year, one firm was hit with a Dh100 million fine, while foreign banks were penalized with multimillion-dirham sanctions for compliance failures. In addition to monetary fines, the regulator revoked the licenses of several exchange houses, including Gomti Exchange and Al Hindi Exchange, and shut down branches of foreign insurers. It also forced one local bank to halt onboarding new Islamic banking clients for six months after inspectors identified significant compliance lapses. The penalties resulted from inspections that revealed violations in three areas: non-compliance with federal laws governing licensed financial institutions, weak anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CFT) systems, and breaches of consumer protection and market conduct standards. 'The Central Bank will not tolerate violations that undermine transparency, consumer protection, or the integrity of the financial system,' the regulator said, emphasizing its role in safeguarding stability in the UAE's banking and exchange sectors. 'While the central bank has long imposed penalties, the decision to publish details more consistently signals a commitment to transparency and to bolstering the efficiency of the financial system,' said Ahmed Youssef, a veteran banking analyst in Dubai. He added that the measures reinforce the UAE's position as a trusted regional and international financial hub, especially in the wake of the European Union's recent decision to remove the country from its list of high-risk jurisdictions for money laundering and terrorism financing. Another analyst, Amjad Nasr, noted that the crackdown reflects 'a proactive supervisory model' designed not just to punish, but to enforce corrections and upgrades within financial institutions. 'Despite clear regulatory roadmaps, some firms remain slow to modernize or fail to strengthen their compliance frameworks,' he said. 'In such cases, fines are not an end in themselves but a corrective tool to force accountability.' The UAE has long sought to balance its rapid economic growth with the need to meet international compliance standards. Failure to do so, experts warn, could risk blacklisting by global bodies, a move that would constrain cross-border banking operations and discourage foreign investment. The central bank's clampdown comes just months after the European Parliament's approval of removing the UAE from its 'high-risk' AML list, a development officials hailed as recognition of the country's improved regulatory regime.


Daily Tribune
5 days ago
- Daily Tribune
BisB named Bahrain's Best Islamic Digital Bank at Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards 2025
Bahrain Islamic Bank (BisB), the leading provider of innovative Islamic financial solutions for simplifying money matters in the Kingdom of Bahrain, has been recognised as Bahrain's Best Islamic Digital Bank at the prestigious Euromoney Islamic Finance Awards 2025. The award acknowledges BisB's leadership in delivering Sharia'a compliant digital banking services that are secure, accessible, and tailored to the dynamic needs of customers across Bahrain and the GCC. Ms. Fatema AlAlawi, Chief Executive Officer of BisB, stated, 'This award is a representation of our continued efforts to build a modern Islamic bank that harnesses technology to deliver financial solutions grounded in Sharia'a principles. Forus, Digital transformation is a responsibility to improve financial access, enhance security, and empower customers to take control of their finances with confidence. We are proud to be among the leaders shaping the future of Islamic banking in Bahrain and beyond through services that are innovative, inclusive, and aligned with the values of our community.' Aligned with its innovation-driven approach, BisB has strengthened its digital ecosystem with new capabilities designed to deliver seamless customer onboarding and enhanced product accessibility via the BisB Mobile App. These include GCC onboarding for regional clients, the ability to create Special Investment Deposits, and the launch of the Tejoori Premium Investment Deposit Account. Customers can also open Call Accounts digitally, offering flexible financial management options in line with Islamic principles. BisB has also enhanced the functionality of its digital services to provide customers with greater control and convenience. These include a redesigned rewards dashboard offering transparent tracking of earned benefits, a Sharia'a compliant card with instalment plans for flexible spending, and an instant digital personal finance against Tejoori balances. Strengthening its role in Bahrain's digital ecosystem, BisB has advanced its Open Banking capabilities through strategic partnerships, enabling customers to manage open banking consents securely and seamlessly. The E-Banking Host-to-Host solution streamlines salary processing and payment management for corporate clients, while the revamped PayPal service facilitates smooth linking and withdrawals, supported by BisB's robust Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and identity verification protocols. Security and compliance remain central to BisB's digital strategy. The Bank has implemented advanced cybersecurity and fraud prevention measures, including an upgraded Identity & Verification platform, the deployment of an AI-powered Fraud Risk Management solution, and real-time threat detection through layered security controls.