Nazir Mian Muhammad Bankers' associations have been playing a very effective role in developing and promoting codes, best practices and standards for the banking industry. Being the representatives of the industry, these associations can feel the pulse of the industry and strategise the appropriate response to deal with the common issues affecting it. Islamic banking is a part of the overall banking and finance industry and as such is represented by the concerned bankers' association; nevertheless, considering the unique model which it follows, Islamic banking requires a little more financial literacy in terms of awareness with the principles of shariah. Compliance with the principles of shariah by Islamic banks in all their activities and operations makes them distinct from conventional banks and as such requires different treatment for them in some specific areas. With the current pace of growth of Islamic banking, more particularly Islamic banks' transition from boutique banks to full-scale financial institutions offering, among others, a suite of complex banking solutions in full competition with conventional banks, it would be necessary to have a representative body for Islamic banks which understands their business model and their distinct requirements and can effectively represent them before the regulators and other stakeholders as an important section of the mainstream industry.
September 24 2012