The strategic partnership was formalised with a protocol signed by Dr. Abdelilah Belatik, Secretary General of CIBAFI, Fatma Çınar, Deputy Secretary General of the TKBB, Prof. Dr. Necdet Şensoy, Director of Istanbul Commerce University Islamic Economics and Economic Systems Research Centre, and Dr. Osman Altay, Director of Istanbul Commerce University Continuing Education Centre at the TKBB headquarters. This cooperation aims to carry out joint studies in the fields of education, research, sectoral development and professional capacity building.

Dr. Abdelilah Belatik emphasized, "This MoU reflects CIBAFI's commitment to fostering strategic partnerships that advance the Islamic financial services industry. Through this collaboration, we will drive innovation, enhance professional capabilities, and develop impactful initiatives that strengthen participation finance globally."

TKBB Deputy Secretary General Fatma Çınar highlighted, "This partnership represents a comprehensive approach to responding the dynamic needs of our sector. By bringing together our strengths in sectoral expertise, academic research and professional development, we are building new opportunities for sustainable growth in participation finance."

Prof. Dr. Necdet Şensoy, Director of the Islamic Economics and Economic Systems Research Centre at Istanbul Commerce University commented, "Our cooperation will create a strong platform for the exchange of information between academia and the industry. Together, we will develop forward-looking solutions that meet the evolving demands of the global participation finance sector." 

The partnership covers many areas of cooperation, including professional development programmes, joint research initiatives, industry-academia collaboration, policy advocacy and market development activities.

About CIBAFI:

CIBAFI is an international non-profit organisation founded in 2001 by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and a number of leading Islamic financial institutions. CIBAFI is affiliated with the

Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). With more than 140 members from over 30 jurisdictions all around the world, CIBAFI is recognised as a key piece in the international architecture of Islamic finance.

In its mission to support the Islamic financial services industry growth by providing specific activities and initiatives that leverage current opportunities while preserving the value proposition of Islamic finance, CIBAFI is guided by its Strategic Objectives, which are, 1) Advocacy of Islamic Finance Values and Related Policies & Regulations; 2) Sustainability and Innovation Integration; 3) Industry Research and Analysis; and 4) Professional Development.

CIBAFI office is located at Deema tower, 7^th Floor, Office 71, Building 657, Road 2811, Block 428, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain.

For more information on CIBAFI, please contact:

CIBAFI Secretariat at Phone: +973 17357300, email: media@cibafi.org

About the Participation Banks Association of Türkiye (TKBB):

The Participation Banks Association of Türkiye (TKBB) is a public professional organisation established in 2001 to represent the participation banking sector nationally and internationally, support the development of participation banking in Türkiye, contribute to efforts to increase the market share of the sector, develop professional principles and standards, and protect the rights and interests of participation banks. The TKBB works with public authorities, regulatory bodies and other stakeholders to increase public awareness and understanding of the sector's contribution to the Turkish economy. The TKBB has various working committees to support the priority issues of member banks and conducts comprehensive training programmes. As of today, the TKBB represents the participation banking sector in Türkiye with 9 participation bank members.

TKBB office, İnkılap Mh. Dr Adnan Büyükdeniz Cd. Akofis Park C Blok Kat:8 No:8 34768

Ümraniye / ISTANBUL

For detailed information:

Telephone number: +90 (216) 636 95 00

E-mail: bilgi@tkbb.org.tr

About Istanbul Commerce University:

Istanbul Commerce University is a distinguished higher education institution based in Istanbul, established in 2001 by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce. The University is committed to bridging the gap between academia and business, capitalising on its strong ties with the Chamber of Commerce and Istanbul's vibrant economic ecosystem. With six faculties, including Business, Law and Engineering, the university offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate and doctoral programmes designed to meet the evolving needs of global markets. Istanbul Commerce University is also home to several research centres and institutes focused on providing industry-oriented education and research, such as the Research Centre for Islamic Economics and Economic Systems and the Centre for Continuing Education (SEM). The University actively collaborates with local and international organisations to enhance academic excellence and professional development. Its commitment to innovation and community engagement has made the university a leader in knowledge transfer and the promotion of sustainable economic growth.