Internationalization of an Islamic investment bank: opportunities and challenges of Arcapita

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine and illustrate how a relatively young Islamic financial institution has successfully gone international. Despite the fact there are many larger financial institutions in the Arabian Gulf, they either failed to identify the opportunity or were reluctant to go international. But Arcapita seem to have capitalized on this apparently untapped niche market in the international arena through its unique policies and strategies.

Design/methodology/approach

Relevant data and literature have been collected from publicly available sources. Basic company information was collected from company annual reports, press releases, and web sites. The Bankscope database has been used to generate the bank's comparative financial performance.

Findings

Islamic Investment banking is a relatively new development. This is essentially a niche market and Arcapita has not only identified this opportunity but also has become internationally successful within a short period of time. The case illustrates how the company raises funds from the Middle East region and then invests in the USA, Europe, the Middle East and Asia.

Originality/value

Being the first of its kind in conforming to the Shari’a Principles (Islamic Law) fully in its business, Arcapita's progress to date is quite spectacular. This comprehensive teaching case study provides the company history and background, as well as insights into its operational and organizational realities, strategies and management practices. Academics, students and practitioners from the region and beyond will find this case study interesting and useful.

Citation

Mostafa Khan, G. and Jamal Uddin, S. (2013), "Internationalization of an Islamic investment bank: opportunities and challenges of Arcapita", Journal of Strategy and Management, Vol. 6 No. 2, pp. 160-179. https://doi.org/10.1108/17554251311322422