IU CEIF Inaugurated to Drive Shariah-Compliant Innovation, Research and Talent in Pakistan
KARACHI — Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank, has established the IU Centre for Excellence in Islamic FinTech (IU CEIF) at Iqra University to serve as a hub for research, innovation, and capacity-building at the intersection of Islamic finance and technology. The Centre was inaugurated at Iqra University’s EDC Defence Campus by Mr. Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan, who lauded the collaboration and reaffirmed SBP’s support for initiatives that strengthen Islamic finance and expand financial inclusion.
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The launch event brought together senior leaders from banking, academia and the global Islamic finance community, including representatives from CIBAFI Bahrain, IFAAS UK, and INCEIF Malaysia, along with CEOs of major banks, Meezan Bank’s Shariah Board members, and regulators. Prof. Dr. Nassar Ikram, VC Iqra University, and Dr. Syed Amir Ali, President & CEO Meezan Bank, highlighted the Centre’s focus on Shariah-compliant innovation, skills development, and linking academia with industry to meet evolving global financial demands. Mr. Muhammad Farhan Ul Haq Usmani, Honorary Director IU CEIF, outlined the Centre’s strategic direction, while a panel discussion covered regulation, talent development and digital transformation.
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IU CEIF aims to promote research-led solutions, industry engagement and training programs to build a robust Islamic FinTech ecosystem in Pakistan. The initiative includes a newly established FinTech Lounge and is designed to foster innovation, employment, and sustainable growth. Through the Centre, Meezan Bank and Iqra University plan to prepare students and professionals for the future of finance while advancing Pakistan’s Islamic finance and FinTech landscape.
