Head of Islamic Banking

About easypaisa digital bank:

easypaisa is Pakistan’s first digital bank and has advanced Pakistan’s digital finance landscape. Backed by our shareholders, Telenor Group-a leading telecom operator in Asia and the Nordics- and Ant Group-the force behind Alipay, the world’s leading open internet platform, easypaisa deliver secure, convenient financial solutions to millions of Pakistanis.

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced and visionary professional to lead the Bank’s Islamic Banking business in Pakistan. This role will be responsible for establishing, managing, and expanding Shariah-compliant banking operations in line with the regulations of the State Bank of Pakistan and the Bank’s strategic objectives.

The Head of Islamic Banking will work closely with the CEO, senior management, and the Shariah Advisor/Board to build a strong digital Islamic banking franchise, ensuring full compliance with Shariah principles and regulatory requirements while delivering innovative financial solutions to customers.

Location: Karachi / Islamabad (with on-site presence as required)

Role & Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute the strategy for the Bank’s Islamic Banking business in alignment with the Bank’s overall digital banking strategy.
• Lead the launch and expansion of Shariah-compliant products across deposits, financing, payments, and digital services.
• Identify opportunities to grow the Islamic banking portfolio and customer base.

Regulatory & Shariah Governance

• Ensure full compliance with Islamic banking regulations and guidelines issued by the State Bank of Pakistan.
• Work closely with the Bank’s Shariah Advisor/Board to ensure adherence to Shariah principles in all products and processes.
• Develop and implement policies, procedures, and governance frameworks for Islamic banking operations.
• Oversee regulatory approvals, reporting, and ongoing compliance requirements.

Product Development & Business Growth

• Lead the design and rollout of Shariah-compliant financial products and services suitable for a digital banking environment.
• Collaborate with technology, operations, risk, and finance teams to integrate Islamic products into digital platforms.
• Drive customer acquisition, portfolio growth, and profitability of Islamic banking operations.

Operations & Risk Management

• Establish operational processes for Islamic banking transactions and ensure strong internal controls.
• Monitor asset quality, financial performance, and key business metrics.
• Ensure effective risk management and compliance with internal and regulatory standards.

Stakeholder Management

• Serve as the primary point of contact with regulators, Shariah scholars, and external stakeholders on Islamic banking matters.
• Provide strategic updates and recommendations to the CEO and senior management.
• Promote internal awareness and capability in Islamic finance across the Bank.

Role Relationship

Internal

• Chief Financial Officer
• Chief Risk Officer
• Chief Compliance Officer / Head of Compliance
• Chief Internal Auditor / Chief Audit Executive
• Head of Operations
• Head of Technology / IT
• Head of Treasury / Treasury Operations
• Company Secretary / Legal
• Product / Digital Business Leadership
• Shariah Board / Shariah Advisor / RSBM / Shariah Compliance Department / Internal Shariah Audit.

External

• State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) – Islamic Finance Policy Department, Banking Policy & Regulations Department & other relevant regulatory functions
• Shariah Board / Shariah Advisor
• Resident Shariah Board Member (if applicable)
• External Shariah advisory firms and consultants
• External Shari’ah Auditors
• External legal counsel

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, or a related field; qualification in Islamic Finance will be an advantage.
• Minimum 15–20 years of banking experience with substantial exposure to Islamic banking in Pakistan.
• Strong understanding of Islamic banking products, structures, and regulatory requirements issued by the State Bank of Pakistan.
• Experience in launching or managing Islamic banking operations will be highly desirable.
• Experience in digital banking or fintech environments will be an added advantage.
• Demonstrated leadership, strategic thinking, and stakeholder management skills.
• Must meet SBP’s Fit & Proper expectations applicable to key executives.

Key Competencies

• Strong knowledge of Islamic finance principles and Shariah governance
• Strategic leadership and business development capability
• Regulatory and compliance expertise
• Digital banking and innovation mindset
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to build and scale a modern Islamic banking platform within a leading digital bank in Pakistan.
• Work directly with senior leadership on a high-impact strategic initiative.
• Contribute to expanding Shariah-compliant financial inclusion in the country.