Explore publications.

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.