UK

United Kingdom · Finance · Director/VP (16-20 years)

Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance

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  • Experience bandDirector/VP (16-20 years)
  • Direct reports25-100+ reports
  • Reports toChief Financial Officer (CFO)
  • UK framework levelUsually a director, accountable for a division and its numbers

Also advertised as Director, Islamic Finance · VP, Shari'ah Governance · Head of Shari'ah Audit · Islamic Business Unit Lead

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in what real qualifications cover

Two short quizzes about you

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

No confident skill match yet for Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance. The closest we hold is below.

City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate In Providing Financial Services City & Guilds Limited · Level 2 · covers 1 of 1 standard

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Contributing to the delivery and achievement of team and business objectives in a financial services environment City & Guilds Level 2 Certificate In Providing Financial Services
Monitoring own performance in placing risks or handling claims against key performance indicators City & Guilds Level 3 Certificate In Providing Financial Services

The future skills this job leans on

AI Fluency working with AI as a thinking partner
Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
AI Governance Fluency using AI responsibly
Sustainability Fluency building care for people and planet into the work
Change Fluency taking people through change
Your Plan Illustration

Built for Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance

2 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Contributing to the delivery and achievement of team and business objectives in a financial services environment City & Guilds Limited · covers 1 of 1 standards Level 2
  2. Monitoring own performance in placing risks or handling claims against key performance indicators City & Guilds Limited · covers 1 of 1 standards Level 3
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

The new skills this role is being asked for

  • Islamic Fintech & Digital Transformation Leadership
  • Sustainable & Green Islamic Finance Leadership
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance plan as you set up, starting with the free Emotional Intelligence module. No card.

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Keep this read. One email with what AI is changing in this job, the new skills it asks for and where to start free. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

3What this role really is

Leads an Islamic Banking division or a Shari'ah governance function, setting strategy and making sure products and practices follow Islamic principles.

4What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

Core Islamic Banking System (e.g., Path Solutions iMAL, Temenos Transact) Strategic

Defining the architectural roadmap, leading system selection/upgrade projects, liaising with vendors on new feature development and strategic integrations. You won't be doing data entry, but you'll be shaping the system's future.

Advanced Excel (Power Query, PivotTables, VBA for modelling) Architect

Overseeing the design of enterprise-level financial models and reporting standards, integrating Excel with other BI tools for strategic analysis and board reporting. You'll be reviewing, not building, the most complex models.

Shari'ah Compliance & Screening Tools (e.g., Refinitiv Eikon Islamic Finance) Strategic

Setting enterprise-wide screening policies, evaluating and selecting screening tool vendors, and presenting compliance dashboards to the board. You're defining the 'what' and 'why', not running the screens.

Document Management System (e.g., MS SharePoint, OpenText) Strategic

Defining the enterprise information governance policy for all Islamic finance documentation, ensuring auditability, regulatory compliance, and efficient information retrieval for the entire division.

GRC & Audit Platforms (e.g., ServiceNow GRC, Archer) Expert

Designing and managing the Shari'ah compliance control framework within the GRC tool, building risk dashboards, and reporting GRC metrics to the board and regulators. This is where you ensure our compliance posture is robust.

5What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
Strategic Direction for Islamic Banking Unit N/A N/A Define and propose to C-Suite/Board for final approval. Full autonomy in execution once approved.
P&L Management & Budget Allocation (up to £10M+) N/A N/A Full authority within approved overall budget. Accountable for financial performance.
New Product Launch & Design (Islamic Finance) N/A N/A Lead design and development. Final approval requires Shari'ah Board sign-off and C-Suite endorsement.
Hiring & Organisational Structure within Division N/A N/A Full authority for all roles and team structures within the Islamic Banking business unit.
Regulatory Engagement & Policy Stance N/A N/A Lead engagement with regulators. Define policy recommendations for C-Suite/Board approval.

6How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

Islamic Financing Portfolio Growth
The year-on-year increase in the total value of Shari'ah-compliant assets and financing we have on our books.
Target · 10-15% annual growth in Islamic assets under management.

If our Islamic financing portfolio was £500M last year, we'd expect it to hit at least £550M this year. This isn't just about new deals; it's about retaining existing clients too.

Product Line Profitability (Net Profit Margin)
The overall profitability of the Islamic Banking business unit, after all costs and profit distributions to Investment Account Holders.
Target · Achieve a Net Profit Margin (NPM) of 1.5-2.0% on the retail and corporate financing books.

If our retail Islamic financing generated £10M in revenue, we'd expect to see £150K-£200K as net profit after all expenses. You're accountable for that bottom line.

Market Share in Key Segments
Our percentage of the total market for specific Islamic finance products, like corporate Sukuk or retail home financing.
Target · Increase market share in corporate Sukuk by 50-100 basis points (0.5-1.0%) annually.

If we currently have 5% of the UK corporate Sukuk market, we'd be looking for you to push that to 5.5% or 6% within the next year. It's about strategic positioning.

Shari'ah Governance Rating & Audit Findings
The rating we receive from external Shari'ah auditors and the number/severity of findings in internal and external Shari'ah audits.
Target · Maintain a 'Fully Compliant' or 'Excellent' rating from external auditors, with zero 'High Risk' Shari'ah non-compliance findings.

Passing the annual Shari'ah audit with flying colours, meaning no significant issues that could question our adherence to Islamic principles. This is non-negotiable.

Shari'ah Board Confidence & Engagement
How effectively you manage the relationship with our Shari'ah Board, ensuring their guidance is sought and implemented, and they have full confidence in our operations.
  • Regular, proactive engagement with the Shari'ah Board
  • their active participation in strategic discussions
  • positive feedback from individual scholars
  • smooth approval process for new products and Fatwas.
Regulatory Relationship Strength
The quality of our relationship with key financial regulators concerning Islamic finance, ensuring transparency, proactive communication, and no surprises.
  • Positive feedback from regulatory engagement meetings
  • no unexpected regulatory queries or investigations
  • our input being sought on industry consultations
  • timely and accurate submission of all regulatory reports.
Talent Development & Retention
Your ability to attract, develop, and retain top talent within the Islamic Banking division, building a strong succession pipeline.
  • Low attrition rates in your team
  • clear career pathways for high-performers
  • successful internal promotions
  • positive feedback in employee engagement surveys
  • strong employer brand for Islamic finance professionals.
Strategic Innovation & Market Responsiveness
How well you position the business unit to respond to market trends, client needs, and competitive pressures with innovative, Shari'ah-compliant solutions.
  • Successful launch of new products or services
  • positive market reception and uptake of new offerings
  • being recognised as an innovator in the Islamic finance space
  • proactive identification of market opportunities.

7Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Shaping a Values-Driven Business

You'll be leading initiatives that directly contribute to ethical finance, seeing your decisions translate into products and services that align with moral principles. It's about more than profit; it's about purpose.

Developing a new green Sukuk that funds sustainable projects, knowing you're contributing to both financial and environmental good.

Building High-Performing Teams

You'll spend a significant amount of time coaching, mentoring, and empowering your direct reports and their teams, seeing them grow into future leaders. It's about legacy and impact through people.

Celebrating a manager's success in launching a new product, knowing you provided the strategic guidance and support for them to thrive.

Navigating Complex Regulatory & Shari'ah Landscapes

You'll be at the forefront of interpreting new regulations and Shari'ah standards, finding innovative ways to comply while still achieving business objectives. It's a constant intellectual challenge.

Successfully implementing a new AAOIFI standard across all operations, ensuring full compliance without disrupting client services.

What frustrates people
  • The slow pace of Shari'ah Board approvals on complex, novel products.
  • Balancing aggressive commercial targets with strict Shari'ah compliance, often meaning turning down lucrative opportunities.
  • The constant need to educate and re-educate internal stakeholders on Islamic finance principles.
  • Dealing with legacy technology that wasn't built for the nuances of Islamic banking, leading to manual processes or system limitations.
  • Navigating political dynamics between different business units who might not fully grasp the unique requirements of Islamic finance.
What this role does not give you
  • A purely operational, 'hands-on' daily role – you'll be strategic, not transactional.
  • An environment where every decision is black and white; there's a lot of grey area in Shari'ah interpretation.
  • A role with minimal external scrutiny; you'll be highly visible to regulators, the Shari'ah Board, and the market.
  • A 'set it and forget it' strategy; the market and regulatory landscape are constantly evolving.

8Who you work with

This role directly shapes the bank's market position in Islamic finance, drives significant revenue and profitability for a core business unit, and is absolutely critical for maintaining our regulatory standing and ethical reputation. You're basically the guardian of our Islamic identity and growth engine for a key segment.

Inside the business
  • CFO and other C-Suite executives (CEO, COO, CRO)
  • The Shari'ah Board (critical relationship)
  • Heads of other business units (Retail, Corporate, Treasury)
  • Legal and Risk departments
  • Internal Audit
Outside the business
  • Financial Regulators (e.g., FCA, PRA)
  • External Shari'ah Auditors
  • Key institutional clients and investors
  • Industry bodies (e.g., AAOIFI, IFSB)
  • Media and industry analysts

9What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • Proven track record of 15+ years in the finance industry, with at least 8-10 years specifically in Islamic banking or Shari'ah compliance leadership roles.
  • Demonstrable experience managing a significant P&L (minimum £2M+) or leading a large, complex function within a regulated financial institution.
  • Extensive experience in engaging with Shari'ah Boards, financial regulators, and C-suite executives.
  • A deep, practical understanding of Shari'ah principles as applied to modern finance, ideally with a relevant academic or professional qualification.
  • A history of successfully driving strategic growth and innovation in a competitive market.

10What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

Advanced Data Analytics & Predictive Modelling for Islamic Finance

With increasing data volumes and regulatory scrutiny, using advanced analytics for risk management, customer behaviour prediction, and Shari'ah compliance monitoring will become standard. You'll need to understand what's possible to direct your teams.

Predictive Risk Modelling (Islamic) · Customer Segmentation & Personalisation (Shari'ah-Compliant) · Data Governance & Ethics (Islamic)

  • This quarter: Review current data analytics capabilities within your division; identify gaps.
  • Next 6 months: Sponsor a pilot project using predictive analytics for a specific risk or customer segment.
  • Next 12 months: Work with the Data Science team to integrate advanced analytics into your strategic decision-making frameworks.
  • Ongoing: Demand data-driven insights from your teams and challenge assumptions with evidence.

Quick win: Ask your Head of Data or Analytics to give you a 1-hour 'AI for Executives' briefing specifically tailored to Islamic finance. You'll get a lot out of it.

11Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Active participation in global Islamic finance forums and conferences (e.g., IFN, WIBC).
  • Publishing thought leadership articles or white papers on emerging topics in Islamic finance.
  • Mentoring junior talent within the organisation or the wider industry.
  • Engaging in executive education programmes focused on digital transformation, ESG, or advanced leadership.
  • Building strong relationships with key academics and researchers in Islamic finance.

12The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

Islamic Fintech & Digital Transformation Leadership

The rapid digitisation of financial services means Islamic banking can't afford to be left behind. New challenger banks and fintechs are innovating at speed, and our clients expect seamless digital experiences for Shari'ah-compliant products. This isn't just about having an app; it's about fundamentally rethinking how we deliver value.

  • Blockchain for Shari'ah Contracts
  • AI/ML in Shari'ah Compliance & Risk
  • Digital Product Development Lifecycle (Islamic)
  • Open Banking & API Economy (Islamic)

Sustainable & Green Islamic Finance Leadership

There's a massive global shift towards ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing, and Islamic finance, with its inherent ethical foundations, is perfectly positioned to lead here. Clients and investors are increasingly demanding products that not only comply with Shari'ah but also contribute positively to society and the environment. This is a huge growth area.

  • Green Sukuk & Social Impact Bonds (Islamic)
  • ESG Integration in Shari'ah Investing
  • Impact Measurement & Reporting (Islamic)
  • UN SDGs & Islamic Finance Alignment

13What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • Enterprise Shari'ah Governance & Audit
  • Islamic Capital Markets & Sukuk Structuring
  • M&A in Islamic Finance
  • Advanced Asset & Liability Management (Islamic ALM)
  • Product Innovation & Digital Transformation (Islamic)

14The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    Head of Islamic Product Development

    Typically 3-5 years in a similar role at a large financial institution.

    Skills to master

    • Deep product knowledge, market analysis, Shari'ah compliance integration, team leadership, and P&L management for a specific product suite.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successfully launched multiple complex Shari'ah-compliant products.
    • Demonstrated ability to manage a significant product P&L.
    • Strong relationships with the Shari'ah Board and product teams.
    • Proven track record of innovation within Shari'ah constraints.
  2. 2

    Head of Shari'ah Audit / Governance

    Around 4-6 years leading a Shari'ah audit or governance function.

    Skills to master

    • Expertise in AAOIFI/IFSB standards, regulatory engagement, internal control design, risk management, and independent assurance.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successfully managed external Shari'ah audits with excellent ratings.
    • Developed and implemented robust Shari'ah compliance frameworks.
    • Strong ability to influence and challenge senior stakeholders on compliance matters.
    • Deep understanding of operational risks in Islamic finance.
  3. 3

    Senior Islamic Finance Consultant (Big 4 / Specialist Firm)

    Roughly 5-7 years at a Director or Partner level in a consulting firm specialising in Islamic finance.

    Skills to master

    • Strategic advisory, project management for large-scale transformations, client relationship management, and deep industry knowledge across multiple institutions.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Led major Islamic finance transformation projects for clients.
    • Proven ability to influence C-suite level clients.
    • Extensive network within the global Islamic finance industry.
    • Strong commercial acumen and problem-solving skills.

15Where this role leads

The long view: This work can lead to running a specialist Islamic bank as chief executive, sitting on a board as a non-executive director, or heading Islamic finance strategy across several countries.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance is actually changing.

Where it leads

Roles this leads to

The record names a next step, but the catalogue has no page for it yet:

  • Chief Islamic Banking Officer (CIBO) / Group Head of Islamic Finance
  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Contributing to the delivery and achievement of team and business objectives in a financial services environment, worked against Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance.

Contributing to the delivery and achievement of team and business objectives in a financial services environment Level 2

Applied to your work in Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance

The objective of this unit is to enable learners to contribute effectively to team and business objectives within a financial services environment. Learners will be able to plan and manage their work, maintain effective relationships, identify improvements to productivity, and comply with internal policies and procedures.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

See Your Progress Grow Illustration
Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance
  • Enterprise Shari'ah Governance & Audit
  • Islamic Capital Markets & Sukuk Structuring
  • M&A in Islamic Finance
  • Advanced Asset & Liability Management (Islamic ALM)
  • Product Innovation & Digital Transformation (Islamic)
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

16The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Chief Islamic Banking Officer (CIBO) / Group Head of Islamic Finance

    Approximately 3-5 years in the Director/VP role.

    This is a step up to the C-suite, with enterprise-wide responsibility for the entire Islamic finance strategy and operations, often reporting directly to the CEO or Board.

    • Leading multi-jurisdictional Shari'ah compliance frameworks.
    • Driving systemic innovation across the entire Islamic finance product suite.
    • Managing large-scale digital transformation programmes.
    • Public advocacy and industry thought leadership at a global level.

  2. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Chief Risk Officer (CRO)

    Roughly 4-6 years in the Director/VP role, often requiring broader finance experience.

    This pathway involves transitioning to a broader C-suite role, leveraging your strategic finance and risk management skills, but expanding beyond the Islamic finance specialisation.

    • Advanced corporate finance and treasury management.
    • Group-wide regulatory compliance and stress testing.
    • Financial technology strategy and implementation.
    • Enterprise-wide operational efficiency and cost control.
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

Let's be real, at your level, time is your most valuable asset. Imagine cutting down on the tedious parts of strategic analysis, reporting, and communication, freeing you up for truly impactful decisions. That's where AI comes in.

We're not talking about replacing your strategic brain, but giving you a powerful co-pilot. AI tools can help you cut through the noise, synthesise vast amounts of information, and draft complex documents faster than ever, letting you focus on the 'why' and the 'what next' for our Islamic Banking division.

Strategic Market & Product Insight Generation

Use AI to rapidly analyse global Islamic finance market trends, competitor strategies, and emerging Shari'ah-compliant product opportunities. It can digest thousands of reports and articles, giving you concise summaries and actionable insights for your strategic planning sessions. Think of it as having an army of junior analysts doing the grunt work in minutes.

Board & Investor Report Automation

Automate the aggregation and initial drafting of complex board papers, investor updates, and regulatory reports. AI can pull data from various systems, summarise performance metrics, and even suggest narrative points, ensuring consistency and saving your team countless hours in report preparation. You'll still refine it, but the heavy lifting is gone.

Regulatory & Shari'ah Impact Analysis

Leverage AI to quickly assess the potential implications of new AAOIFI standards, IFSB pronouncements, or financial regulations on our business unit. It can cross-reference new rules with our existing product portfolio and highlight areas of potential non-compliance or opportunity, giving you a head start on strategic responses.

Executive Communication Drafting & Refinement

Use AI writing assistants to draft speeches, investor presentations, complex policy documents, and critical external communications. It helps ensure clarity, consistency in messaging, and the right tone, freeing you to focus on the strategic content rather than the precise wording. It's like having a skilled copywriter on demand.

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance?

Common routes in include Head of Islamic Product Development (Typically 3-5 years in a similar role at a large financial institution.), Head of Shari'ah Audit / Governance (Around 4-6 years leading a Shari'ah audit or governance function.) and Senior Islamic Finance Consultant (Big 4 / Specialist Firm) (Roughly 5-7 years at a Director or Partner level in a consulting firm specialising in Islamic finance.). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance progress to?

This role can lead on to Chief Islamic Banking Officer (CIBO) / Group Head of Islamic Finance (Approximately 3-5 years in the Director/VP role.) and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) / Chief Risk Officer (CRO) (Roughly 4-6 years in the Director/VP role, often requiring broader finance experience.), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a Head of Islamic Banking / Director of Shari'ah Compliance?

Increasingly, Islamic Fintech & Digital Transformation Leadership and Sustainable & Green Islamic Finance Leadership. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

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17Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 7

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

 More jobs in finance

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.
If you leave this industry

Skills in ethical finance, governance and product structuring carry across into asset management, private equity, and regulatory bodies focused on responsible or faith-based investing.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

You're not behind. You're right on time. The shift is only just beginning. Your role won't look the same in two years. Be the one who leads the change, not the one it happens to. Start my free Emotional Intelligence module What happens next: a free account, then we build your plan as you set up. No card. Build your plan, see your roadmap and meet the twelve tutors matched to you. All free. When you're ready to start learning, it's £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.