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This study examines whether Islamic banks in SSA exhibit convergence in operational efficiency or whether performance disparities persist over time. Specifically, it evaluates whether less efficient banks catch up with more efficient peers within the region’s emerging Islamic banking sector. The study adopts a two-stage empirical framework using panel data from 35 Islamic banks across SSA over the period 2010–2024. In the first stage, operational efficiency scores are estimated using a bias-corrected Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) model following the Simar and Wilson two-stage approach. An input-oriented specification under Variable Returns to Scale (VRS) is employed to reflect cost minimization behaviour and heterogeneity in bank size. Bias correction is implemented using a bootstrap procedure to obtain consistent efficiency estimates. In the second stage, convergence dynamics are analysed using sigma (σ) and beta (β) convergence models, alongside conditional convergence regressions incorporating bank size, age, and market concentration. The results reveal significant β-convergence, with the baseline model yielding a coefficient of −0.267 (p < 0.01), while the conditional model confirms robust convergence (β = −0.2836, p < 0.01), indicating that banks with lower initial efficiency improve at a faster rate than more efficient institutions, consistent with catch-up dynamics. However, σ-convergence results show that efficiency dispersion declined between 2010 and 2019 but increased after 2020, indicating that convergence was time-varying rather than uniform. This suggests that while convergence forces exist, structural differences and external shocks continue to sustain efficiency gaps across banks. The findings highlight the need for stronger regulatory harmonization, improved financial infrastructure, and targeted capacity-building initiatives to accelerate efficiency convergence across Islamic banks in SSA.

This study examines the effect of Good Corporate Governance (GCG), financing quality, Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility (ICSR), and operational efficiency on the financial performance of Islamic Commercial Banks (Bank Umum Syariah/BUS) in Indonesia using a quantitative explanatory approach with panel data regression analysis. The research focuses on 14 Islamic Commercial Banks registered with the Financial Services Authority (Otoritas Jasa Keuangan/OJK) over the 2019–2024 period, resulting in 84 firm-year observations selected through purposive sampling based on the availability of complete annual reports. Financial performance is proxied by Return on Assets (ROA), while GCG is measured using governance indicators disclosed in annual reports, financing quality is represented by Non-Performing Financing (NPF), ICSR is measured using an ICSR disclosure index, and operational efficiency is proxied by the BOPO ratio. The analysis was conducted using EViews version 13. The empirical results show that Good Corporate Governance has a positive and statistically significant effect on financial performance, indicating that stronger governance practices contribute to higher profitability. Financing quality does not exhibit a significant effect on ROA. Conversely, Islamic Corporate Social Responsibility and operational efficiency have a negative and statistically significant effect on financial performance, suggesting that higher operational inefficiency and CSR-related costs may reduce short-term profitability. Overall, this study contributes to the Islamic banking literature by providing empirical evidence on key determinants of financial performance in Islamic Commercial Banks and highlights the importance of strengthening governance practices, improving operational efficiency, and managing ICSR programs more strategically to balance social objectives with long-term financial sustainability, while offering insights for regulators and stakeholders in reinforcing governance frameworks and optimizing Islamic value-based social responsibility.

The study examines concerns regarding Islamic finance legislation in Ethiopia. Using a qualitative method, the study investigated the current legal and regulatory frameworks regarding Islamic finance and the challenges facing Islamic financial institutions in the country. In the study we conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 respondents, including executives, boards of directors, regulators, managers, shariah board members, and legal scholars familiar with the country's laws. The study's findings indicate an urgent necessity for an inclusive and robust legal structure specifically designed for the unique characteristics of Islamic financing. Enhanced supervisory oversight is essential for ensuring adherence to Sharia principles. Furthermore, the research findings demonstrate how important it is to set up a separate supervisory body within the National Bank of Ethiopia to keep an eye on Islamic financial institutions. Lastly, the study highlights the significance of having qualified professionals and Sharia scholars in Islamic financing. Integrating Islamic finance education into universities can enhance capacity-building for regulators, scholars, and finance professionals.

The objective of this study was to explore the factors influencing the intention to use Islamic digital banking in Indonesia, focusing on the roles of performance expectancy, effort expectancy, social influence, facilitating conditions, habit, hedonic motivation, price value, and religiosity. Data were collected from a sample of 434 respondents in January 2024 through an online survey. The study utilized a research model based on the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT) framework. The data were analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM). The results indicate that effort expectancy, social influence, habit, price value, and religiosity significantly affect the behavioral intention to use Islamic digital banking, while performance expectancy, facilitating conditions, and hedonic motivation did not show significant effects. These findings highlight the importance of religious and ethical considerations, ease of use, and social factors in shaping the adoption of Islamic digital banking services. The study offers valuable insights for practitioners and policymakers, emphasizing the need for tailored strategies that promote the use of Islamic digital banking in Indonesia.

In this study, Banca Etica, which operates in Europe within the scope of ethical banking practices, and participation banks in Turkey were compared in terms of business ethics. Ethical banking is an approach based on observing social, environmental and ethical responsibilities in the provision of financial services. Banca Etica and participation banks apply these ethical principles in different ways. Banca Etica focuses on social and environmental sustainability, transparency and community participation. The bank offers its customers interest rates determined in line with ethical principles and invests in social responsibility projects. Drawing attention with its transparency and accountability policies, Banca Etica regularly reports the effects of its investments and loans and shares them with the public. Participation banks in Turkey adopt interest-free banking principles in accordance with Islamic finance principles. These banks, which serve their customers by offering profit-loss sharing models and products that comply with Islamic finance rules, focus on social responsibility projects such as social justice and helping the poor. Participation banks' transparency regarding sharia compliance assures their customers that their transactions comply with Islamic finance rules. As a result, both types of banks operate in line with ethical principles, but their implementation approaches and areas of focus differ. These differences determine customers' preferences and banks' contributions to society and the environment.

This paper aims to examine the effects of bank mergers and corporate governance to maqashid sharia performance. This study also aims to examine the effect of corporate governance as a moderating variable. In this study, the measurement of variables using Integrated Maqashid Sharia Performance Measurement (IMSPM) which includes dimensions consisting of faith (din), self (nafs), intellect ('aql), posterity (nasl), and wealth (mal). Data processing was carried out using SPSS Statistics 29 with the source data of bank financial statements before and after the merger. The data includes the financial statements of BNI Syariah, BRI Syariah, Bank Mandiri Syariah 2015 – 2020 and also Bank BSI 2021 – 2023. The results showed that bank mergers have a positive effect on maqashid sharia performance. However, the corporate governance variable consisting of the independence and remuneration of the Sharia Supervisory Board (SSB) shows that the independence of SSB has no effect on the maqashid sharia performance and remuneration SSB has a negative effect. Independence of SSB has no effect to maqashid sharia performance because SSB who are not independent or hold concurrent positions will have more experience due to their role in other Islamic institutions and banks. In addition, SSB remuneration has a negative effect because when viewed from the operational side, the high remuneration received by SSB will actually increase the burden on banks so that it has an impact on their maqashid sharia performance. Nevertheless, corporate governance variables both independence and remuneration of SSB  can strengthen the effect of mergers on maqashid sharia performance.

Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to examine the banking preferences of Kuwaiti university students, their preferences between Islamic and conventional, the reasons supporting their choice and, as a measure of satisfaction, the likelihood of them recommending their bank to their friends and family. Design/methodology/approach: We conduct a short survey among undergraduates using a 4-item paper questionnaire physically distributed and collected at a Kuwaiti business school. The large response (n= 503) is analysed and descriptive statistics used to present the results Findings: Results indicate a majority prefer Islamic banking and that the main reason for this is their religion. Those students who opted for conventional banks gave social reasons such as recommendation for their choice. A higher level of satisfaction was recorded for Islamic banking customers. We conclude that Islamic banks have managed to match their ethical and religious appeal with the delivery of efficient and convenient banking services that are valued by the student segment. Practical Implications: Our results are of interest to those offering retail banking services in binary markets where conventional banks compete with Islamic banks in addition to researchers in this domain. For Islamic banks, the significance of maintaining a strong reputation with the underpinning of robust Shariah principles is emphasized. Originality: The paper contributes fresh understanding to the acceptance of and satisfaction with Islamic banks and their products and services among a strategically important segment. It provides evidence suggesting a bright future for Islamic banking in Kuwait and the wider Gulf region.

This study aims to examine the effects of sharia governance on financial performance mediated by leverage. This study employs a quantitative methodology. The participants in this study obtained from Indonesia Exchange using 81 companies in the Primary Goods Consumer Sector. Purposive sampling was used, and there were 26 companies as the sample. The data analysis used SPSS and path analysis, with 78 observations from 2020-2022. The findings of this study indicate that Sharia governance does not have a significant effect on financial performance. However, sharia governance has a significant effect on leverage. Leverage also has a significant effect on financial performance. Leverage can mediate the link between Sharia governance and financial performance.

This research aims to find out how sharia reporting is disclosed by sharia commercial banking using variable indicators such as liquidity, leverage, size of the sharia supervisory board, awards, and company size. This research was conducted on sharia banks registered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) Indonesia from 2017 to 2022. The method used in data collection was a purposive sampling method and a sample of 14 sharia banks registered with the Financial Services Authority (OJK) was obtained. The results show that the variables liquidity, rewards and company size have a positive and significant impact on the disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting, while the variables leverage and size of the sharia supervisory board have no effect on Islamic Social Reporting disclosure. The research concludes that to increase the impact of Islamic Social Reporting, companies need to increase current assets to maintain liquidity, obtain awards, and increase total assets as a company size. Therefore, disclosing Islamic Social Reporting at each institution is very important to attract public attention regarding the company's excellence and performance, and this disclosure can be beneficial for the company's future.

The research aims to investigate and study the implementation of Sharia compliance and financial sustainability, especially at Bank Pembiayatan Rakyat Syariah (BPRS) or Sharia People's Financing Bank in Indonesia. For this reason, an empirical study is needed to determine the relationship between the Profit-Sharing Ratio and the Zakah Performance Ratio on Return on Assets in BPRS in Indonesia. The research method used is a quantitative approach using secondary data, and data analysis techniques using multiple regression. The research results show that partially the profit-sharing ratio has a significant effect on the return on assets of BPRS in Indonesia. On the other hand, the zakat performance ratio does not significantly influence the return on assets of BPRS in Indonesia. However, simultaneously or together the profit-sharing ratio and zakat profit ratio significantly affect the profitability of BPRS in Indonesia. Thus, the research is expected to provide a constructive contribution to the development of the world of science, for the government, for practitioners and others related to the implementation of Sharia compliance and financial sustainability of Sharia Financial Institutions in general, and of BPRS both globally and locally—Indonesia in particular. 

This research aims to analyze the influence of internal control, religiosity and organizational commitment on the performance of amil zakat with accountability as an intervening variable in the Zakat Management Organization in Riau Province. This research is quantitative, so the model used is Structural Equation Modeling - Partial Least Square. The number of samples analyzed in this research was 136 zakat amil, administrators and implementers at Zakat Management Organizations in Riau Province. The results of this research indicate that there is no direct influence between internal control and Amil Zakat's performance. Still, through the accountability variable, internal control has a positive and significant effect on Amil Zakat's performance. Organizational commitment has a direct effect on Amil's performance but does not have a direct effect on accountability. The accountability variable mediates the relationship between organizational commitment and zakat amil performance. Meanwhile, religiosity has no effect on Amil's performance but has a positive and significant effect on the accountability variable. The accountability variable has a direct effect on Amil Zakat's performance variable. The theoretical implication is that internal control, religiosity and organizational commitment should be used as theories and indicators in improving Islamic performance through Islamic accountability which is a concept as well as a process of accountability for every human being before Allah SWT. The managerial implication of this research is to pay attention to indicators that influence the performance of Amil Zakat which can be seen from the accountability process carried out by Amil such as internal control, religiosity and organizational commitment. Every Zakat Management Organization is expected to have a zakat amil who has competence in the fields of management and accounting to improve the performance of Amil Zakat l and increase the trust of Muzakki and the community.

The digital platform brings changes in the competitive advantage-building strategy for companies. In this regard, digital platforms have a crucial role in providing added value to companies by providing opportunities to improve effective information management. The research aims to determine the utilization of the digital platform of Bank Syariah Indonesia in improving market share and know the strategy of Bank Syariah Indonesia in improving market share through the utilization of the digital platform. This research method is a qualitative-research using SWOT analysis. The results of this study indicate that the utilization of the digital platform Bank Syariah Indonesia in improving market share with ease in opening an account online, digital service improvement, convenience and accessibility, cost efficiency and operational benefits, enhanced customer experience, increased customer base and market reach, increased security and improved BSI performance. Bank Syariah Indonesia's strategy for increasing market share through the utilization of digital platform based on swot analysis there are 20 alternative strategies that can be carried out namely 5 (five), SO Strategy (Strengths-Opportunities), 5 (four) WO strategies (Weaknesses-Opportunities), 5 (five) ST Strategy (Strengths-Threats) and 5 (five) WT Strategies (Weaknesses-Threats).

This research is intended to investigate the effect of task technology fit either directly or indirectly on company performance through corporate entrepreneurship and human resource competence as moderation. This research used a sample of Islamic Bank in Indonesia employees using a quota sampling technique. A sample of 183 respondents was obtained which was analyzed using structural equation modeling partial least squares with Smartpls software. The research results show that task technology fit does not directly affect employee performance. However, with the mediating variable corporate entrepreneurship, these two variables become significant. Furthermore, this study failed to prove that human resource competence in moderating the role of task technology fit on the performance of Islamic banking industry employees.

The objective of this study is to gain a better understanding of risk management and control practices at BMT UGT Nusantara, an Islamic microfinance institution in Indonesia, with a particular emphasis on financing risk, liquidity risk, and Sharia compliance risk. These three risks are said to occur frequently and have a direct impact on performance. Because of the uniqueness of the site, the design of this qualitative research is descriptive and exploratory with a holistic single-case approach. In-depth interviews, field observations, focus group discussions, and a review of supporting documents were used to collect data. Because the interactive cycle process includes data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and data withdrawal, data analysis employs an interactive model. The data was validated using the criteria of credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The study's findings show that BMT UGT Nusantara, an Islamic microfinance institution in Indonesia, employs traditional-partial risk management on financing risk, liquidity risk, and Sharia compliance risk. Risk management is carried out by integrating "macul bumi", or outward efforts based on sincerity, and "macul langit", or spiritual efforts. Furthermore, it employs information systems that play an important role in risk management in order to improve organizational performance and competitive advantage.    

This study aims to investigate and examine the role of accountability in strengthening business sustainability from an Islamic perspective. This research methodology uses qualitative methods and uses literature and documentation study techniques. The research data came from secondary data sources, based on literature studies, and were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively with emphasis on the use of scientific logic. The results of the study found that Islam is a system of life that regulates all aspects of life both in ritual matters such as faith (aqidah) and worship, as well as covering mu’amalah, activities that regulate the way of life of fellow human beings to meet the needs of everyday life issues such as government politics, economics, education, and social systems, including related to how accountability must be realized in a business or company. The accountability mechanism that is carried out must prioritize the principle of trust, especially in working with both subordinates who are given the mandate and superiors who give the mandate and are carried out as worship to Allah SWT. At the level of society and the state, Islam also regulates how accountability must be realized in the administration of the state by a leader or caliph. A leader will be held accountable both horizontally and vertically. Therefore, the results of this research are expected to be used by stakeholders including the government, legislators, academics, practitioners in both profit and non-profit organizations, and other interested parties, especially regarding the role of accountability in strengthening business sustainability in an Islamic perspective.

Islamic bank is a bank that implement Islamic principles, including the implementation of policies and activities that should be in accordance with Islamic business ethics. This study discusses about how to behave ethically in solving the non-performing financing in Islamic banks. The non-performing financing has the potential to bring losses to banks. For Islamic banks which provide financing under mudharaba contract, this contract brings more risk to banks. Using a qualitative approach in the form of library research by gathering relevant library resources and abstracting and interpreting the excerpts of references to draw conclusions, this study seeks to explain how to solve non-performing financing from the view of Islamic business ethics. This study uses seven dimensions of Islamic business ethics to describe ethical behavior in resolving nonperforming financing, namely: (1) Unity of God (2) benevolence, (3) justice, (4) sincerity, (5) Equilibrium (6) responsibility and (7) vicegerency. The findings of this study summarize that resolving non-performing financing in Islamic Banks should consider the seven ethical variables to minimize the potential harms or losses. This study will contribute to the body of knowledge on Islamic Bank financing and the practical benefits for the officials and employees in Islamic Banks as there is still limited research regarding this topic. Future studies are encouraged to cover other specific financing activities or products to broaden the knowledge through the findings.  

This study examines and analyzes diversification and intellectual capital on sustainability performance mediated by financial performance. This research was conducted at Sharia Commercial Banks (BUS) in Indonesia, registered with the Otoritas Jasa Keuangan (OJK) for 2011 - 2018, with a total sample of 10 Islamic banks that meet the criteria according to the sampling method used, namely purposive sampling. The data analysis technique used SEM-PLS with the help of WarpPLS 7.0 software. The results showed that intellectual capital and financial performance had a positive effect on sustainability performance, but diversification was not significant on sustainability performance. Financial performance can mediate the relationship between diversification and intellectual capital on sustainability performance. The VAF method calculates the mediating effect with financial performance results partially mediates because the VAF value is less than 80%.

This study aims to identify the factors that influence the payment of ZIS through e-wallets in the Jabodetabek community. This research is a quantitative study. The study used primary data sources from a Likert scale questionnaire distributed to Muslims in the Jabodetabek community who have one of the following five e-wallets: GoPay, OVO, Shopee Pay, Dana, and LinkAja. The sample size in this study was 145 respondents, calculated using the Slovin formula. The data analysis methods used in this study include reliability tests, validity tests, classical assumption tests, and multiple linear regression analysis. The results of this study show that, partially, religiosity has a negative and insignificant effect on the intention to pay ZIS through e-wallets. The variables of ease and trust have a significant positive effect on the intention to pay ZIS through e-wallets. When considered simultaneously, religiosity, ease, and trust have a significant effect on the intention to pay ZIS through e-wallets.

As a main characteristic of Islamic banks, profit-sharing financing (PsF) has an actual influence on driving the economy in the real sector. A PsF using mudharabah and musyarakah contract is mostly channeled to fund productive businesses. This study tries to find out how the Islamic bank performance reflected by credit risk, profit-sharing rate, and liquidity can increase the PsF growth in Islamic banks. Using a quantitative approach through regression analysis, this study analyzed the impact arising from the improved credit risk, profit-sharing rate, and liquidity on the growth of PsF. The data used is secondary data obtained from statistics on Islamic banking in Indonesia (ranging from the 1st quarter of 2015 to the 4thquarter of 2021). The findings revealed that the Islamic bank performances as represented by credit risk, profit-sharing rate, and liquidity can be an indicator of growth of PsF. A low profit-sharing rate, credit risk, and liquidity risk will encourage PsF growth.

The main contribution to the income of Islamic Rural Banks (IRBs) comes from financing provided where there are two financing schemes consisting of profit-sharing financing (musyarakah and mudharabah) and profit margin financing (murabahah). The main purpose of this study is to analyze the financing scheme that affects the bank's profitability. This study will also analyze the effect of Islamic bank performance on profitability. Financial performance that is thought to have an effect on profitability is the capital adequacy ratio (CAR), financing to deposit ratio (FDR), non-performing financing (NPF), operating expense to operating income ratio (OEIR), third-party funds (TPF) and bank size (SIZE). The population in this study were 165 BPRS in Indonesia with a sample of 100 BPRS. Observation period for 4 years (2018-2021) with quarterly data. This study uses a panel data regression analysis to test the hypothesis. After being tested with Chow-test and Hausman-test, the best model from panel data regression was the fixed effect model. The results of the research showed that profit-sharing financing (PSF) and SIZE have a positive and significant effect on profitability while profit margin financing (PMF), CAR and FDR have no effect on profitability. On the other hand, financial performance which has a significant negative effect is NPF, OEIR and TPF, while CAR and FDR has a significant positive effect.