Bank Nizwa successfully concludes Islamic Finance Summer Course at SQU

Under the patronage of HE Hamood Sangour Al Zadjali, Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman, Bank Nizwa celebrated the graduation of 30 students from its Islamic Finance Summer Course, a comprehensive program organized in collaboration with Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). Designed by the bank, the program successfully introduced participants to the history, fundamental principles and benefits of adopting Shari’a-compliant banking in the marketplace, while also highlighting the growing demand for skilled professionals in the sector. The graduation ceremony saw participation of the bank’s Board of Directors and senior management.

Over the course of the program, SQU students were educated on the Islamic economic and financial system as well as the sector’s intermediation and instruments. Reporting, governance and regulatory framework in Islamic finance was also covered and discussed extensively during special sessions hosted by the Central Bank of Oman. To ensure the students have an in-depth understanding of the sector, Bank Nizwa’s team of experts delivered a series of sessions covering financial markets, wealth and risk management, the Islamic insurance Takaful and the challenges facing the industry today. 

Dr. Ashraf Al Nabhani, General Manager Corporate Support at Bank Nizwa said, “This tailored program aimed to accelerate promising career paths and create a sustainable supply of skilled individuals geared to unlock future opportunities in the growing Islamic finance sector. The program was successful in providing these students with a comprehensive understanding of the industry, while building their skillsets in order to fuel not only their personal growth but that of the industry as a whole in Oman.”

Dr. Majida bint Taleb Al Hinai, Head of the Independent Learning Center at SQU, said, “The Islamic finance sector continues its rapid growth, and with the support of Bank Nizwa through the summer program, we were able to create an environment where youth can learn and gain knowledge on the Shari’a-compliant banking principles, solutions and potential. This course, with no doubt, has helped nourish the national human capital, guiding the students of today to become the industry experts of tomorrow.”

Since its inception, Bank Nizwa has dedicated its resources to developing the Omani youth’s knowledge on Islamic finance. To that end, it has organized roadshows, symposiums and designed several programs including the Islamic Finance Knowledge Series. In addition it has successfully conducted over 700 internal trainings to nurture the next generation of Islamic finance professionals.