KUWAIT: Governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait (CBK) and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Institute of Banking Studies, Basel Al-Haroun, announced Sunday the launch of the seventh cohort of the Certified Sharia Auditor program. The program is part of the “Kafa’a” (Competency) initiative launched by the CBK in cooperation with Kuwaiti banks and implemented by the Institute of Banking Studies.
In a press statement marking the launch, Al-Haroun underscored the importance of sustaining specialized training programs despite prevailing challenges, citing their key role in enhancing the efficiency of Sharia auditing in Islamic financial institutions. He noted that such efforts are particularly vital amid the rapid transformations taking place in the banking sector. For her part, Director General of the Institute of Banking Studies Rana Al-Nibari said the seventh cohort has been introduced using a flexible training methodology designed to keep pace with industry developments and support continuous professional growth.
Al-Nibari added that the program has attracted a select group of professionals working in Sharia auditing across Kuwaiti Islamic banks, as well as participants from Sharia audit firms and other institutions, reflecting ongoing efforts to strengthen specialized expertise. She emphasized that Sharia auditing remains a cornerstone of effective governance in Islamic finance, requiring sustained investment in building high-caliber professional skills, even under exceptional circumstances. She noted that the current phase calls for intensified efforts to ensure the continued development of professional capabilities.
Al-Nibari further explained that the CBK, in collaboration with the Institute, has designed the Certified Sharia Auditor certification to cover auditing functions across banks and financial institutions, including investment and insurance activities, in line with the latest professional standards and practices. The certification is accredited by both the Central Bank of Kuwait and the Albrook Institute in London, underscoring its international recognition. — KUNA