BankDhofar’s Islamic banking window Maisarah Islamic Banking Services
partners with Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance for training and certification.
Dubai, UAE, March 25, 2014
Ethica Institute of Islamic Finance announced today that Maisarah Islamic Banking Services, the Islamic
banking window of BankDhofar of Oman, has partnered with Ethica to train its team members.
The bank’s employees enroll in Ethica’s online Certified Islamic Finance Executive
(CIFE) program, the same certificate held by professionals in 62 countries and over 100 financial
institutions. Ethica’s program is also available with in-class Islamic finance training
for banks that want a blended experience.
Maisarah invests considerable resources on training in order to ensure the highest quality of
service to its customers. This focus on training and service quality is also a major focus
of the Central Bank of Oman, which has been applauded for its prudent and supportive approach to Islamic finance.
Sohail Niazi, Chief Islamic Banking Officer at Maisarah, said, “We feel the partnership
with Ethica shows our commitment to the ongoing training and professional development of our
team members. A knowledgeable team plays a major role in giving customers the proper guidance.
This role becomes even more important when the products and services are new to the market.”
Jamsheed Hamza, Head of Retail at Maisarah, added, “Through our partnership with Ethica, the
leader in Islamic banking training and certification, our staff will receive the training and
knowledge to effectively serve our customers and fulfil their financial needs.”
“Islamic banks get only one chance to make a first impression. And usually this impression
is made when the staff interacts with the customer directly. When product differentiation is limited,
service quality is what matters. In order for Islamic banking to succeed, employees must be highly
conversant in Islamic finance: to ensure their bank is Shariah-compliant and to ensure their customers are well
informed. This partnership is a testament to the importance Maisarah places on compliance and customer
service,” said Ethica’s spokesperson.
Ethica’s Certified Islamic Finance Executive (CIFE) program is designed to take those new
to Islamic finance to an advanced level of practical knowledge in 4 months or less. In Oman, Ethica’s
exclusive partner is Excel Institute for Administrative Training, and globally Ethica’s
clients include several global banking giants, most notably Mashreq Bank in Dubai, where 1,000 bankers were trained.
