Business Models and Governance in Islamic Investment Banks

This book aims to analyse the differences in business model orientations and governance of major Islamic Investment Banks (IIBs) and countries to which the selected banks belong, with an emphasis on the influence of this governance on the market power of the bank. The book shows that major IIBs tend to invest in trading financing more than profit-loss-sharing financing which is against the respect for the raison d'être of Islamic finance: the profit and loss sharing mechanisms. The analysis also shows that most of IIBs tend to focus more on retail segment than other segments, more on real estate investments and sukuk issuance than other investment instruments. Additionally, the study gives evidence about some issues related to the regulatory system, Shariah governance and corporate governance of these banks. This analysis also reveals the improvement of these banks in term of the new trends of Islamic Finance namely digitalization and financial technology (Fintech). This fact presents a huge potential for developments in areas such as regulatory technology and will certainly shape the future of IIBs and Islamic finance industry.