Karachi, 20th March, 2025 – Meezan Bank, Pakistan’s leading Islamic bank, and NED University of Engineering and Technology have signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech (CIFFT) at NED University. The MoU was signed by Syed Amir Ali, Deputy CEO of Meezan Bank, and Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodi, Vice Chancellor of NED University.
Plaque Unveiling Ceremony Marks Partnership
To commemorate this partnership, a plaque unveiling ceremony was held, symbolizing the shared commitment of both institutions to advancing Islamic finance and fintech. This collaboration aims to foster innovation and excellence in these fields through education, research, and industry engagement.
Objectives of the Centre for Islamic Finance and FinTech
The strategic partnership will focus on offering higher education and professional development programs at the graduate, postgraduate, and PhD levels in Islamic finance and fintech. Key objectives of CIFFT include:
- Conducting research and case studies to contribute to industry growth.
- Developing human capital through specialized training and education.
- Supporting the Islamic finance sector with research-driven solutions.
Meezan Bank’s Role in the Collaboration
As part of the agreement, Meezan Bank will provide comprehensive support, including:
- Technical assistance and content development for academic programs.
- Conducting seminars and speaker sessions to raise awareness about Islamic finance and fintech among future engineers and STEM graduates.
- Collaborating on academic program development, professional training, and research initiatives.
- Assisting in case study development to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Also Read: Payoneer, Meezan Bank Launch International Payment System for Small Businesses
Statements from Key Stakeholders
Syed Amir Ali, Deputy CEO of Meezan Bank, expressed his gratitude to NED University, stating:
“The collaboration between NED’s technological expertise and Meezan Bank’s leadership in Islamic banking establishes a strong foundation for innovation in the growing Islamic fintech sector. This partnership will harness the potential of Pakistan’s youth as a driving force in shaping the future of the industry. We are hopeful that the launch of CIFFT will accelerate the development of research-driven solutions, bridging the gap between Islamic finance and technology.”
Strengthening Academia-Industry Collaboration
This partnership represents a significant step in strengthening the relationship between academia and industry. By combining NED University’s technical expertise with Meezan Bank’s leadership in Islamic banking, the collaboration aims to support the growth of Pakistan’s Islamic finance sector and position the country as a hub for Islamic fintech innovation.
The establishment of CIFFT is expected to play a pivotal role in nurturing talent, fostering research, and driving the development of cutting-edge solutions in Islamic finance and technology.