Bangkok, Thailand, 14 October 2026 — Islamic finance can play a significantly greater role in mobilising long-term capital for sustainable investment and economic transformation across ASEAN, stated H.E. Dr Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Group. He highlighted that this potential is particularly vital as countries seek funding for infrastructure, food and energy security, digital transformation, and inclusive growth.

Dr. Al Jasser made these remarks while delivering the keynote speech at the high-level forum, “Islamic Finance: From Crisis Resilience to Transition Finance,” organised by the Islamic Bank of Thailand (ibank) on the sidelines of the 2026 IMF–World Bank Group Annual Meetings in Bangkok.

The global Islamic finance industry is rooted in risk-sharing, fairness, transparency, and accountability, maintaining a strong connection between finance and the real economy. These principles are becoming increasingly relevant as nations mobilise capital for productive investment and navigate complex economic transitions.

Chairman Al Jasser said for over five decades, the IsDB Group has helped shape the global Islamic finance framework by supporting standards and regulations for governance, transparency, risk management, and Shariah compliance.

The programme emphasised ASEAN’s opportunity to strengthen its role within the global Islamic finance ecosystem. Green and sustainability Sukuk, blended finance, Islamic social finance, and risk-sharing instruments can help direct capital towards the region’s development and transition priorities.

Thailand’s rising momentum in Islamic finance was also recognised, alongside the need for robust institutions, credible regulation, strong governance, and deeper cross-border cooperation to foster sustainable growth.

The affiliated programme brought together senior representatives from Islamic financial institutions, multilateral development banks, government bodies, academia, and think tanks to share perspectives on resilience, sustainable transition, and regional financial cooperation.

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