Pakistan’s largest Islamic bank, Meezan Bank, has partnered with the Centre for Islamic Finance (CIF) at LUMS to promote industry-led Islamic finance education by launching a specialized online certification program for learners across Pakistan and beyond.
The partnership was formalized through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), bringing together Meezan Bank’s industry expertise and LUMS’ academic excellence to help develop skilled professionals for the rapidly growing Islamic finance sector.
Online Islamic Finance Certification to Launch Through LUMSx
As the first initiative under the collaboration, the two institutions will jointly introduce an online certification course titled “Learning from Leaders of Islamic Finance.”
The program will provide participants with practical knowledge through a structured curriculum, comprehensive assessments, and certification standards developed with input from leading Islamic finance practitioners and experts.
The certification course will be offered through LUMSx, the university’s digital learning platform, making high-quality Islamic finance education accessible to students, professionals, and aspiring practitioners regardless of their location.
MoU Signed by Meezan Bank and LUMS Leadership
The MoU was signed by Khalid Zaman Khan, Group Head of Human Resources, Learning & Organizational Development at Meezan Bank, and Dr. Tariq M. Jadoon, Provost at LUMS.
The signing ceremony was attended by senior representatives from both institutions, including Dr. Saad Azmat, Founding Director of the Centre for Islamic Finance at SDSB-LUMS, Jazib Zahir, Director of LUMSx, and Meezan Bank officials Shayan Ahmed Baig, Head of Shariah Compliance, Anwar ul Haq, Distribution Head Central, and Mehar Younus, Head of Learning & Organizational Development.
Partnership Aims to Build Future Islamic Finance Professionals
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Tariq M. Jadoon said Islamic finance is among the fastest-growing segments of the global financial industry, increasing the demand for accessible and high-quality educational opportunities.
He said the partnership combines LUMS’ academic strengths with Meezan Bank’s industry leadership to prepare future-ready professionals while strengthening the knowledge ecosystem supporting the continued growth of Islamic finance.
Khalid Zaman Khan said the future of Islamic finance depends on professionals who possess both technical expertise and a strong understanding of Shariah principles.
He added that the collaboration reflects Meezan Bank’s commitment to advancing Islamic finance education, building industry capacity, and expanding access to quality learning through a scalable digital platform.
Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration
The partnership is expected to strengthen collaboration between academia and industry by creating a practical learning pathway for students, professionals, and individuals seeking specialized expertise in Islamic finance.
The initiative also supports the continued development of Pakistan’s Islamic banking sector by helping address the growing demand for qualified talent equipped with both theoretical knowledge and practical industry experience.
Expanding Access to Industry-Led Islamic Finance Education
By combining academic excellence with real-world industry expertise, Meezan Bank and LUMS aim to create a sustainable talent pipeline for Pakistan’s expanding Islamic finance sector. The online certification program is expected to enhance professional skills, promote lifelong learning, and support the continued growth of Islamic banking both in Pakistan and internationally.