• Today: September 13, 2026

Global award recognises sustainable Islamic banking

Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad (BIBD) was named ‘Best Sustainable Islamic Bank 2026’ at the 16th Global Islamic Finance Awards (GIFA), further strengthening the bank’s international reputation and reinforcing Brunei Darussalam’s standing as a respected contributor to the global Islamic finance industry.

The award was presented at the GIFA Awards Ceremony in London, United Kingdom on September 8, 2026, as part of the Global Islamic Finance Summit, which brought together policymakers, regulators, industry leaders and market practitioners from across the international Islamic finance community.

BIBD was selected by the GIFA Awards Committee following its evaluations of nominees under GIFA Methodology.

The recognition acknowledges the bank’s efforts to integrate sustainability, Syariah principles and responsible banking practices while supporting national development priorities and long-term value creation for communities.

Representing BIBD at the ceremony was Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BIBD Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah.

The award was jointly presented by former president of Maldives Dr Mohamed Waheed Hassan and founder of the Cambridge Institute of Islamic Finance (Cambridge IFA) and the GIFA Professor Humayon Dar.

Commenting on the recognition, Haji Mohammad Yusri said, “We are deeply honoured to receive this recognition from GIFA. While the award recognises BIBD’s commitment to sustainable and responsible Islamic banking, it is equally a recognition of Brunei Darussalam, its strong Islamic finance ecosystem, and the values of its people. It is also a testament to the capabilities of Bruneian institutions and talent to compete, innovate and be recognised on the global stage. As a nation, Brunei Darussalam continues to demonstrate that it can contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Islamic finance, sustainability and responsible banking alongside leading international markets.

“This achievement reflects the trust and supports we continue to receive from our shareholders, regulators, strategic Partners in Progress, depositors and customers, all of whom have played an important role in our journey. We sincerely thank them for their unwavering confidence and partnership. As Brunei’s largest Islamic bank, we are proud to represent our nation on the international stage and to demonstrate how Islamic finance can contribute meaningfully to sustainable economic development, financial inclusion and community wellbeing. Guided by the principles of Maqasid Shariah and our Bruneian at Heart ethos, we remain committed to creating positive impact while strengthening Brunei’s presence within the global Islamic finance landscape.”

BIBD’s sustainability agenda is anchored in its Sustainability Framework, introduced in 2021, which integrates environmental stewardship, responsible entrepreneurship and inclusive social impact across the bank’s operations. Guided by the principles of Maqasid Syariah, the framework reflects BIBD’s belief that sustainable Islamic finance is not only about environmental responsibility, but also about creating long-term economic and social value for customers, communities and the nation.

This commitment is reflected in a range of initiatives that promote inclusive growth and community resilience. Through entrepreneurship and financial empowerment programmes, BIBD continues to support MSMEs and aspiring entrepreneurs, while community initiatives such as Projek Teduh help improve living conditions for vulnerable families through a collaborative whole-of-nation approach. Funded through BIBD’s business zakat and supported by employees, corporate organisations and community partners, Projek Teduh exemplifies the values of collective responsibility and social impact embedded within Islamic finance.

The GIFA recognition further builds on BIBD’s growing international sustainability credentials. Earlier this year, the Bank was named a 2-Star Lister on the ESG Select List by the United Nations Global Compact Network Malaysia & Brunei under both the ESG Breakthrough Innovation and ESG Trailblazer categories. The latter recognition acknowledged BIBD as Brunei Darussalam’s first financial institution to be accepted as a participant of the United Nations Global Compact.

As Brunei Darussalam advances its sustainable development ambitions under Brunei Vision 2035, BIBD remains committed to leveraging Islamic finance as a catalyst for responsible growth, greater financial inclusion and positive social impact. Through the continued integration of Syariah principles, sustainability and innovation, the bank seeks not only to contribute to the development of the nation’s financial sector, but also to elevate Brunei Darussalam’s profile as a respected and progressive participant in the global Islamic finance ecosystem.

Acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Bank Islam Brunei Darussalam Berhad Haji Mohammad Yusri bin Haji Wahsalfelah in a group photo. PHOTO: BIBD

 

SOURCE/AUTHOR : BORNEO BULLETIN

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