Durham University, SC Collaborate on Islamic Capital Market Education

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has signed a MoU with Durham University to advance Islamic capital market education. The partnership includes an inaugural ICM Summer School, a five-year program for mid- to senior-level professionals in Islamic finance. The program focuses on applying Maqasid Al-Shariah principles to promote ethical, inclusive, and sustainable Islamic capital market practices. The SC aims to build an ethical and innovative capital market, reinforcing Malaysia's global leadership in Islamic finance.

The Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Durham University to advance Islamic capital market education. This partnership includes an inaugural ICM Summer School and a five-year program for mid- to senior-level professionals in Islamic finance. The program will focus on applying Maqasid Al-Shariah principles to promote ethical, inclusive, and sustainable Islamic capital market practices. The SC aims to build an ethical and innovative capital market, reinforcing Malaysia's global leadership in Islamic finance [1].

In a related development, Bank Muscat and Meethaq Islamic Banking, based in Oman, have been enhancing their strategic emphasis on cross-border collaboration by negotiating with the Securities Commission of Malaysia. This partnership signifies a notable shift in Oman’s approach to regional financial integration. The meeting at Bank Muscat’s headquarters in Airport Heights underscores Oman’s appreciation of Malaysia’s leadership in Islamic finance regulation and capital market oversight. Malaysia’s status as the world leader in Islamic Capital Markets (ICM) is driven by its advanced regulatory system and century-long history of Sharia-compliant management of securities. The collaboration focuses on knowledge transfer mechanisms to ensure efficiency in the capital market, safety attributes, investor protection systems, and effective Islamic finance implementation structures [2].

These strategic partnerships are part of broader efforts to diversify economies and promote sustainable development. For instance, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) has mobilized over AED17 billion in sustainable finance as of year-end 2024, marking significant progress towards its AED60 billion commitment by 2030. ADIB's 2024 Sustainability Report details advancements in climate alignment, ESG governance, and inclusive growth, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and UAE 2031 vision [3].

These initiatives highlight the growing importance of Islamic finance in global capital markets and the collaborative efforts to enhance its ethical and sustainable practices. The partnerships between Malaysia, Oman, and other regional players underscore the potential for regional financial integration and the development of knowledge-based economies.

References:
[1] https://www.tradingview.com/news/reuters.com,2025-07-07:newsml_ZawcchcN8:0-sng-bank-muscat-meethaq-islamic-banking-discuss-bilateral-cooperation-with-malaysian-securities-commission/
[2] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590291125004310
[3] https://www.zawya.com/en/business/banking-and-insurance/adib-advances-sustainable-finance-agenda-with-47bln-in-sustainable-finance-mobilised-ppjld5h5