MADINAH — Sheikh Abdullah Saleh Kamel, Chairman of the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI), Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Al Baraka Forum for Islamic Economy, and Chairman of the Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development, underscored the importance of reactivating investment accounts based on profit-and-loss sharing as a key driver of Islamic banking growth.He stressed the need to achieve a sustainable balance between financial stability requirements and the core principles of partnership and risk-sharing, in a way that strengthens confidence and reinforces ethical responsibility.His remarks came during the third strategic forum on Islamic economy, organized by CIBAFI in Madinah under the theme: “Towards activating participation-based investment accounts: A regulatory and practical perspective in the Islamic banking model,” with the participation of representatives from regulatory authorities, board members, practitioners, and scholars.Kamel said holding the forum in Madinah carried special significance, drawing inspiration from the city’s spirit and values of sincerity and integrity.He noted that the gathering was not merely a working meeting, but a renewal of commitment to the values upon which the Islamic financial system is built, foremost among them honesty, trustworthiness, and service to humanity.He explained that participation-based investment accounts represent the essence of Islamic finance’s distinctiveness and should not be viewed merely as a technical or regulatory matter, but as a practical expression of partnership philosophy, transparency, shared responsibility, and support for real economic activity.Kamel pointed out that Islamic banking has achieved notable growth and increasing global recognition over the past decades, thanks to integrated efforts by financial institutions, regulators, scholars, and practitioners. These efforts have contributed to building resilient banking models capable of adapting to diverse regulatory environments and markets while preserving the industry’s core principles.He noted that the expansion and increasing interconnectedness of the global financial system have led to diverse applications of participation-based investment accounts, reflecting varying market conditions, priorities, and regulatory requirements.This, he said, demonstrates the flexibility of Islamic finance and its ability to engage responsibly with economic and regulatory developments.Kamel emphasized that the forum provides an important platform for exchanging views on ways to enhance the role of participation-based investment accounts, expand their contribution to the real economy, and strengthen trust among stakeholders.He added that constructive dialogue remains essential to advancing the industry’s maturity and sustainability.Kamel raised several key questions for discussion, including how to reactivate participation-based investment accounts as a genuine tool for growth and distinction, how to strike a sustainable balance between financial stability and risk-sharing principles, and what role financial institutions, regulators, and standard-setting bodies should play in building more flexible and robust banking models.He noted that the wide participation of regulatory, professional, and academic stakeholders reflects a shared commitment to developing the industry through responsible dialogue and cooperation.The diversity of perspectives, he said, adds real value to understanding both the challenges and opportunities accompanying the growth of Islamic finance.In concluding his remarks, Kamel affirmed that CIBAFI attaches particular importance to the forum as part of its broader role in supporting the credibility, sustainability, and global distinction of Islamic finance.He called on participants to actively contribute to the discussions in ways that serve the development of the industry and respond to evolving realities, ultimately benefiting society and the real economy.
Keep Up to Date with our Weekly Newsletter
