The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) successfully concluded the 19th IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance during the IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Algiers. The Forum, themed “Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion in Islamic Finance,” brought together global thought leaders, policymakers, development experts, and industry stakeholders to discuss innovative approaches for promoting sustainable development through Islamic finance.
Keynote addresses by H.E. Dr. Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the IsDB Group; H.E. Salah Eddine Taleb, Governor of the Bank of Algeria; and H.E. Mr. Nikolai Podguzov, Chairman of Eurasian Development Bank (EDB), highlighted fintech’s transformative role and Shariah-compliant financial tools in driving financial inclusion and sustainable growth.
Dr. Al Jasser underscored the vast opportunities digital Islamic finance offers to broaden financial inclusion, emphasizing the need for secure digital infrastructure, effective governance, and prudent regulatory frameworks. Mr. Podguzov highlighted Central Asia’s economic growth trajectory and the critical role of digital Islamic finance in empowering rural entrepreneurs, expanding trade, and attracting ethical investments, expressing commitment to collaboration with IsDB.
The Forum spotlighted two major initiatives: the Medikids Project, awarded first place in the 2025 IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics, and the winners of the AI Hackathon in Islamic Finance, demonstrating AI’s potential to revolutionize the US$4+ trillion Islamic finance sector. Remarks on the hackathon were delivered by H.E. Dr. Noureddine Ouadah, Algeria’s Minister of Knowledge Economy, Startups and Micro Enterprises.
A joint report titled The Future of Islamic Finance in Central Asia, produced by IsDBI and EDB, was launched, alongside announcements of forthcoming landmark publications.
Two panel discussions enriched the Forum: the first examined leveraging digital Islamic finance with postal services to boost financial inclusion, moderated by Dr. Hilal Houssain (IsDBI) with panelists including Dr. Sami Al-Suwailem (IsDBI), Dr. Mohammad Farrukh Raza (Islamic Finance Advisory & Assurance Services), and Dr. Ali Mohamed Bourouiba (Al Salam Bank). The second panel, titled “Unleashing the Potential of Sukuk for Financing Sustainable Development,” explored aligning Islamic finance with sustainable finance frameworks. Moderated by Mohammed Dawood (HSBC), it featured Sheikh Prof. Dr. Mohamed Ali Elgari (IsDB Shariah Board), H.E. Dr. Zamir Iqbal (IsDB), Mrs. Sharifatul Hanizah Said Ali (Securities Commission Malaysia), and Dr. Ghiath Shabsigh (Islamic Financial Services Board).
This year’s Forum was jointly organized by IsDB Institute, the Kuala Lumpur Center of Excellence, the Resilience and Climate Action Department, and the Treasury Department, reinforcing IsDB’s commitment to innovation and inclusion in Islamic finance worldwide.
