Islamic Banking: How Has it Diffused?

Abstract

This Working Paper should not be reported as representing the views of the IMF. The views expressed in this Working Paper are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent those of the IMF or IMF policy. Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to further debate. This paper investigates the determinants of the pattern of Islamic bank diffusion around the world using country-level data for 1992-2006. The analysis illustrates that income per capita, share of Muslims in the population and status as an oil producer are linked to the development of Islamic banking, as are economic integration with Middle Eastern countries and proximity to Islamic financial centers. Interest rates have a negative impact on Islamic banking, reflecting the implicit benchmark for Islamic banks. The quality of institutions does not matter, probably because the often higher hurdle set by Shariah law trumps the quality of local institutions in most countries. The 9/11 attacks were not important to the diffusion of Islamic banking; but they coincided with rising oil prices, which are a significant factor in the diffusion of Islamic banking. Islamic banks also appear to be complements to, rather than substitutes for, conventional banks.

The impact of corruption on the soundness of Islamic banks

“…However, an overview on these figures reveals a relatively underdevelopment of this branch of finance in the majority of Muslim countries and especially in North Africa than in countries of the Cooperation Council Gulf (GCC) and Malaysia (see appendix 1). The plausible explanation of this evidence is that the diffusion of Islamic banking industry depends positively on the income per capita, share of Muslims in the population and status as oil producer (Imam and Kpodar, 2010). This prosperity of Islamic finance helps to fulfill the needs of Muslims to obtain a financing that respects their religion (Halal financing), The reason of the tremendous progress of Islamic banking lies in their rationality and effectiveness experienced by Muslim as well as non-Muslim countries (Ebrahim and Safadi, 1995).…”

Effects of religiosity on consumer attitudes toward Islamic banking in Egypt

“…The Malaysian Islamic Banking Act (1983, p. 276) defines "Islamic banking business" as "any business whose objective and operations do not mix elements that are forbidden in Islam." The Islamic banking industry is growing (Imam & Kpodar, 2010;Al-Salem, 2008;El-Qorchi, 2005); however it still lacks marketing studies, especially in Egypt, which was historically the hub for Islamic banks. The first Islamic bank established in Egypt was Faisal Islamic Bank in the early seventies.…”

The Behavior of Conventional and Islamic Bank Deposit Returns in Malaysia and Turkey

“…2 Along with the global expansion of conventional modes of financing, the Islamic banking industry has grown significantly since its inception in the early 1970s and moved beyond the confines of a niche market, largely due to greater financial liberalization and an unprecedented inflow of petrodollars to the Middle East (Imam and Kpodar, 2010). The combined balance sheets of Islamic banks grew from $150 billion in 1990 to about $1 trillion in 2010, with more than 300 sharia-compliant institutions operating in 80 countries.…”