IslamicFinance.de

For an Islamic bank, Shariah compliance is a foundation attribute, not a leverage attribute. Islamic banks need to give an impression of strength and stability. They also need to be accessible for customers. Historically, a physical branch network was needed, but today Islamic banks compete by providing electronic access, remote deposit facilities and smart phone apps. The key leverage attribute of any bank is accurate credit assessment, so that the bank can charge appropriately for the risk of customer default. A further leverage attribute is to have bankers whose connections in the business community are so strong that they can create deals, such as corporate takeovers or partnerships. It is a leverage attribute for Islamic banks to be able to innovate and devise new Shariah compliant offerings not provided by competitors. The challenge is both in devising those offerings and in preventing their intellectual property being copied by competitor Islamic banks.