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KARACHI, Aug. 6, 2026: Standard Chartered has highlighted significant opportunities to expand Islamic finance connectivity across Pakistan and regional growth corridors, saying stronger cross-border financing can attract long-term investment and support economic growth.
According to the bank’s latest report, “Islamic Banking for Financial Institutions: The Islamic Finance Connector Era,” global Islamic finance assets have reached nearly $6 trillion across around 100 jurisdictions. The report says stronger links between liquidity-rich markets and high-growth economies can boost trade, infrastructure, and investment.
The report identifies Pakistan as a key market with untapped potential to attract Shariah-compliant capital. It says expanding Islamic finance corridors with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and other fast-growing markets can increase investment, strengthen trade, and support long-term economic development.
Standard Chartered Group Islamic Banking CEO Khurram Hilal said Islamic finance is becoming an important driver of cross-border trade and investment. He added that financial institutions should strengthen Shariah-compliant financing capabilities to meet growing regional demand.
Meanwhile, Rehan Shaikh, CEO and Head of Coverage at Standard Chartered Pakistan, said stronger financial links between the GCC, South Asia, and other emerging markets can help Pakistani businesses expand regionally while attracting new investment.
The report also noted that only 6% of global Sukuk capital currently flows to South Asia and Africa, highlighting a major opportunity to channel more Islamic financing into developing markets.
In addition, the study expects Sukuk, private credit, digital infrastructure, and tokenisation to drive the next phase of Islamic finance growth by improving cross-border capital flows and expanding access to Shariah-compliant funding.
