10^th – 11^th February 2025, Amman, Jordan, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain | As part of its ongoing efforts to promote governance and compliance, the General Council for Islamic Banks and Financial Institutions (CIBAFI) is conducting its first Technical Workshop of the year in Amman, Jordan, hosted by the Central Bank of Jordan (CBJ). The two-day workshop, conducted in Arabic, underscores the vital role of governance and compliance frameworks in strengthening the resilience and sustainability of Islamic financial institutions (IFIs).

The workshop brings together professionals from Islamic banks, financial institutions, and regulatory and supervisory authorities (RSAs). Attendees will participate in practical exercises and discussions on key topics, including governance standards in Islamic banking, Shariah compliance, risk management, compliance monitoring, and the role of technology in enhancing governance frameworks.

Mr. Mahmoud Alsbeihat, Advisor to the Banking Supervision Department at the CBJ, inaugurated the workshop. He underscored the importance of equipping professionals in Islamic banks and financial institutions with essential skills in governance and compliance to enhance their operations and adapt to the evolving industry requirements. He also highlighted that hosting this workshop reflects the fruitful collaboration with CIBAFI in promoting best practices in governance, contributing to the development of a strong and sustainable financial sector in Jordan.

In the same context, Ms. Zainab Al Owainaty, Director of Administration and Finance at CIBAFI, delivered the opening remarks. She emphasized the strong collaboration with the CBJ to support and advance best practices in governance and compliance across the Arab region, particularly in Jordan. She highlighted ongoing efforts to train human resources in the Islamic financial services industry (IFSI), focusing on critical and vital topics that contribute to addressing the evolving challenges in the Islamic financial sector.

The workshop is facilitated by Mr. Majed Gharsalli, Head of Shariah Compliance and Audit, Zitouna Bank, Tunisia. Industry experience and practical knowledge are being shared by distinguished experts, including Dr. Abozer Mohamed, Senior Islamic Finance Specialist at the Islamic Development Bank Institute, Saudi Arabia.

This initiative reflects the commitment of CIBAFI and the CBJ to developing the Islamic financial sector and supporting collaboration among financial institutions. It focuses on enhancing efficiency and professionalism while strengthening the ability of IFIs to face challenges and achieve sustainable growth.