10th IFFSA Conference and Awards to spotlight surge in Islamic finance interest across Sri Lanka and region

Thursday, 18 September 2025 03:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Islamic Banking and Finance (IBF) in South Asia continues to demonstrate impressive growth, with the sector maintaining consistent double-digit expansion and showing a sharp resurgence in recent years. In Sri Lanka, some entities are reporting near triple-digit growth in profits, while the issuance of the first listed Sukuk, prominently featured in the Sri Lanka Capital Markets circle in recent times, has acted as a catalyst for further Islamic finance instruments. These developments, among many others from across South Asia, will take centre stage at the 10th Islamic Finance Forum of South Asia (IFFSA) Conference, scheduled for 24 September 2025 at Shangri-La, Colombo.

There will be a special address by the Guest of Honour, Maldivian Monetary Authority (MMA) Deputy Governor Asna Hamdi. In fact, there will be a very strong contingent of delegates from the Maldives, representing a multitude of entities, showcasing the many facets and the giant strides the country has made in the last couple of decades. There will also be representation from the other South Asian nations, including India, Bangladesh and Pakistan.

This milestone edition of the IFFSA Conference marks a decade of influence and thought leadership, bringing together delegates from across South Asia. Discussions at the 10th IFFSA Conference will explore a wide spectrum of topics shaping the future of Islamic finance in South Asia. The erudite panel of speakers will consist of many CEOs of listed companies across various sectors, not just confined to the banking sector. The conference will reflect on the past decade, with industry luminaries sharing insights and lessons learned, before turning to the future as heads of Islamic finance behemoths explore new frontiers, including intra-regional trade, the development of Islamic finance hubs, and the industry outlook for the year ahead and the decade to come. The conference will also address new opportunities and fresh challenges, from listed Sukuk in Sri Lanka to cross-border investments, Pakistan’s mutual fund industry, and social impact financing. Finally, an open forum will engage delegates directly, encouraging interactive discussions and an exchange of ideas.

On 25 September, the spotlight will shift to 10th IFFSA Awards, which promises to be an unprecedented multi-ceremony celebration this year. For the first time, alongside the awards that have been given out in the last nine years, the ceremony will feature recognitions for “Entities of the Decade,” honouring the strongest performers at the awards over the past 10 years. In addition, Honorary Awards will be presented to individuals and institutions that have made exceptional contributions to the growth of Islamic finance in South Asia since its inception. This year’s event will also celebrate significant industry milestones and anniversaries, adding further prestige to an already illustrious awards night.

Both the IFFSA Conference and the Awards, a two-day event, will bring international delegates to Sri Lanka to celebrate a decade of progress. It will also give the Sri Lankan entities to showcase the country in all that it has to offer, not just economically but also as a multi-faceted nation with a plethora of attributes.