The SDG-Islamic banking nexus : insights from the OIC top economies

Abstract

Islamic Banking and Finance (IBF) has emerged as a promising alternative to conventional finance, with its principles aligned with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This study investigates the relationship between the performance of IBF in five major Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) countries - Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the United Arab Emirates - and key SDG indicators: return on assets, regulatory capital to assets, regulatory Tier 1 capital to risk-weighted assets, and broad money to total reserves ratio. Employing panel data analysis, the research reveals that three out of the four SDG indicators significantly impact the total assets of Islamic banks, while the regulatory capital-to-assets indicator shows no significant relationship. These findings underscore the complex interplay between profitability, risk management, liquidity, and asset growth in the IBF sector. The study contributes to the growing body of literature on the role of IBF in promoting sustainable development. The results have important implications for regulators, policymakers, and Islamic banking institutions, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that reconciles financial performance with social and environmental objectives. By aligning IBF with the SDGs, this research paves the way for a more sustainable and inclusive financial system that can drive economic growth, social welfare, and environmental sustainability in the Muslim world and beyond.