Call for Papers - Special Issue

World Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Sustainable Development (WJEMSD)

Islamic Finance in the Digital Era: Governance, Ethics, FinTech, and Sustainable Development

Contact

Professor Allam Ahmed

Editor-in-Chief

editor-in-chief@wjemsd.org 

Professor Arshi Naim

Editorial Advisor

arshi@wasd.org.uk

Background 

Islamic finance has evolved into a significant component of the global financial system, grounded in principles of Shariah compliance, ethical conduct, and risk-sharing. Traditionally emphasising asset-backed financing, social justice, and moral accountability, the industry has demonstrated resilience and relevance across diverse economic contexts. In recent years, however, rapid technological change and shifting sustainability priorities have begun to reshape the operational, regulatory, and ethical foundations of Islamic finance.

The digital era has introduced FinTech innovations—such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, digital payments, and decentralised finance—that present both opportunities and challenges for Islamic financial institutions. While these technologies offer enhanced efficiency, financial inclusion, and transparency, they also raise critical questions related to governance, Shariah oversight, data ethics, and regulatory alignment. At the same time, global commitments to sustainable development have reinforced the importance of aligning Islamic finance with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives, an area where its ethical foundations provide a natural advantage.

Relevance

This special issue captures the multidimensional transformation currently facing the industry. It reflects the growing need for scholarly and policy-oriented research that integrates technological innovation with robust governance frameworks and ethical integrity, while advancing sustainability goals. By bringing these themes together, the special issue provides a timely platform for examining how Islamic finance can remain faithful to its principles while adapting to digital disruption and contributing meaningfully to sustainable economic development.

Aims and Objectives

This special issue aims to advance scholarly understanding of how Islamic finance is being reshaped in the digital era, with particular emphasis on governance, ethics, FinTech innovation, and sustainable development. It seeks to provide a rigorous interdisciplinary platform for examining theoretical, empirical, and policy-oriented perspectives that address both the opportunities and challenges arising from technological transformation while maintaining Shariah principles and ethical integrity. The main objectives of the special issue are:

  • Examine the impact of FinTech innovations on Islamic financial institutions, markets, and products, including implications for efficiency, inclusion, and competitiveness.
  • Analyse governance frameworks and regulatory responses required to ensure effective Shariah compliance, risk management, and accountability in digitally enabled Islamic finance.
  • Explore ethical considerations related to digitalisation, including data governance, consumer protection, transparency, and trust from an Islamic perspective.
  • Investigate the role of Islamic finance in promoting sustainable development and alignment with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) objectives in the context of digital transformation.
  • Encourage empirical and conceptual research that bridges theory and practice, offering policy-relevant insights for regulators, practitioners, and stakeholders.
  • Identify future research directions and practical pathways for integrating FinTech responsibly within Islamic finance to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

Key Themes/Topics of the Special Issue (but not limited to):

  • Governance and regulatory frameworks for Islamic finance in the digital era
  • Shariah governance and supervision in FinTech-enabled Islamic financial institutions
  • Ethical challenges and opportunities arising from digitalisation in Islamic finance
  • Islamic FinTech, blockchain, and smart contracts: Shariah perspectives and applications
  • Digital banking, payment systems, and financial inclusion in Islamic finance
  • Risk management, cybersecurity, and data governance in Islamic financial services
  • Islamic finance, ESG integration, and sustainable development goals (SDGs)
  • Green Sukuk, sustainable investment, and technology-driven impact finance
  • Artificial intelligence and big data analytics in Islamic financial decision-making
  • Consumer protection, transparency, and trust in digital Islamic financial services
  • Comparative studies of Islamic and conventional FinTech governance models
  • Future directions and policy implications for Islamic finance in a rapidly evolving digital landscape

Target Audience

  • Academics and Researchers
  • Policymakers and Regulators
  • Shariah Scholars
  • Islamic Finance Practitioners
  • FinTech Professionals
  • Sustainability and ESG experts

Submission Guidelines: Original manuscripts follow the journal guidelines and the theme of the special issue can be submitted directly on the journal online submission: submission system. We also offer additional support for authors requiring any (or all) of the following services:

  • Refining and articulating research ideas
  • Scientific writing and manuscript preparation
  • Structuring papers for clarity and impact
  • Reviewing and improving research work
  • Ensuring accurate citations and references
  • Full support throughout the research and publication process

Our Expert Team of Editorial Advisors will provide personalised guidance to researchers, faculty, and professionals to elevate their academic work. The team includes experts from all-over the world such as Professor Arshi Naim with more than 15 years of expertise in research and scholarly publishing and she is included in the Top 2% Scientist globally published by Stanford and Elsevier, 2025. To request this additional service, please contact Professor Naim directly on: arshi@wasd.org.uk.

Important Dates:

  • Submission of Abstract: 30 February 2026
  • Submission of Full Paper: 30 April 2026
  • Submission of Final Paper: 30 June 2026
  • Publication: August 2026

Indexing
Scopus: Q1 with Cite score 4.3
SJR: Q1
Web of Science: ESCI
ABDC Journal

Inquiries: Please email the editors (arshi@wasd.org.uk) with any questions you may have about the special issue.