Yusni Yunus is a banking professional with 30 years of experience, including 2 years in conventional banking with Alliance Bank, 10 years with Alliance Islamic Bank, and 18 years with Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad. He offers extensive expertise across Islamic and conventional finance, with a strong foundation in business development, corporate, SME, and retail banking, financing solutions, treasury products, sukuk, and product innovation.
From Business Development to Risk-Led Operational Leadership My experience expanded across SME financing strategies, retail banking propositions, capital market products, and digital channel enablement, enhancing my understanding of customer behaviour, portfolio performance, product design, and end-to-end business development. In parallel, I developed technical expertise in Risk, Compliance, and Audit, leading initiatives in Islamic finance system enhancements, CCRIS reporting, Asset and Liability Risk Management, Basel II compliance, and enterprise data warehouse development. These initiatives improved regulatory adherence, data integrity, reporting quality, and operational efficiency. Currently, as Deputy Vice President, I oversee six operational domains, including Non-Retail and Retail Credit Operations, Corporate Services, and Digital Banking. My remit spans trade finance, credit administration, recovery, correspondent banking, transaction processing, treasury, payments, card management, and eChannel delivery. I provide strategic leadership in governance, risk, compliance, audit, and operational excellence, emphasizing collaboration, cross-functional synergy, process optimization, resilience, and continuous improvement to support sustainable growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences. Q: In Your View, What are the Most Critical Leadership Capabilities Required for Islamic Finance Professionals to Drive Sustainable Growth in this Industry Effectively? An individual needs relevant experience, strong Shariah and Islamic finance knowledge, and technical expertise. Understanding systems and processes embedding Islamic jurisprudence ensures a holistic perspective, enabling sound decision-making, Shariah compliance, and operational excellence, effectively fulfilling roles and responsibilities within Islamic financial institutions. Q: Given Your Background in Product Development Across My 30 Years of Experience, How Do You Approach the Challenge of Introducing Innovative Islamic Financial Products While Navigating Diverse Regulatory and Cultural Environments? I focus on meeting customer needs, driving innovation, and managing resources efficiently. Leveraging internal talent and expertise in Shariah, Islamic finance, and analytics, I design compliant, impactful solutions across banking sectors, supporting sustainable growth and adaptability. Q: What are the Emerging Risks You Foresee in the Islamic Finance Landscape, And How are you Preparing to Mitigate These Risks Proactively? Rapid advancements in AI, cryptocurrencies, and asset tokenization are transforming banking, demanding swift adaptation to maintain efficiency, innovation, and competitiveness. Islamic banking professionals must leverage Shariah and Islamic finance knowledge to integrate these technologies compliantly, driving growth, operational effectiveness, and sustaining relevance in a dynamic financial ecosystem. Q: What Advice Would You Offer to Young Professionals in Your Field Looking to Build Successful Careers? Generations Y and Z have distinct traits shaped by upbringing. Millennials value collaboration, development, and flexibility, while Gen Z prioritizes work-life balance, well-being, and learning. Understanding their strengths and growth areas helps maximize potential, contribute effectively, and approach tasks with enthusiasm in evolving workplaces. Q : How do Digital Products, Including Fintech Applications, E-Wallets, and Crypto Platforms, Pose Challenges When Their Rapid Evolution Outpaces The Development of Corresponding Shariah Rulings? International banking demands Shariah-compliant digital platforms, including smart contracts, blockchain, and robo-advisors. Aligning technology and processes with Islamic jurisprudence, implementing frameworks early, and engaging advisory guidance ensures compliance, fosters innovation, promotes ethical practices, builds customer trust, and supports sustainable growth in the Islamic finance ecosystem. Q: How Does Islamic Finance, Which Emphasizes Trust, Transparency, and Amanah (Responsibility), Address the Ethical Concerns That Arise When Data Breaches or AI Misuse Violate These Fundamental Duties? The solution emphasizes strengthening cybersecurity aligned with Islamic ethical principles. User data should be treated as amanah (trust) rather than commercial property, ensuring all information handling is conducted with responsibility, transparency, and ethical stewardship, protecting users and upholding moral and regulatory standards. Q: How Can Islamic Finance Operate Effectively Across Countries Such as Malaysia, The GCC, The UK, and Indonesia When Each Jurisdiction Applies Different Shariah Standards and Digital Banking Regulations? Fintech startups face challenges scaling globally due to varying Shariah requirements, causing confusion for companies and investors. Harmonizing standards via bodies like AAOIFI and IFSB, and creating global Shariah-compliant frameworks, enhances consistency, reduces compliance uncertainty, and supports smoother international expansion, fostering growth and investor confidence. Q: How Can Islamic Finance Address the Challenges Posed By Fintech Innovations Such as AI, Blockchain, and Open Banking That Originate From Conventional Systems Not Designed Around Islamic Ethical Principles? Peer-to-peer platforms must be assessed for Shariah compliance to prevent riba and gharar, ensuring contracts, fees, and risk-sharing follow Islamic finance principles. Regulatory sandboxes and training Shariah scholars in fintech, AI, and data science enhance evaluation, support innovation, and maintain ethical compliance. Q: In Digital Environments Where Fast Settlement and High Volatility are Common, How Can Islamic Financial Institutions Develop Advanced Liquidity Systems That Remain Shariah-Compliant? Shariah-compliant products like Sukuk align financial innovation with Islamic principles, providing ethical investment opportunities. Blockchain in international banking enhances transparency and real-time settlement for Mudharabah and Murabahah. Compliant, auditable processes improve efficiency, reduce risks, build trust, and combine innovation with technology for effective cross-border finance. Q: In The Realm of International Banking, How Can Digital Banking Help Address The Millions of Unbanked Muslims Who Lack Access or Trust, Especially Given The Uneven Digital Literacy and Availability of Shariah-Compliant Products? A mobile-friendly Islamic microfinance platform providing Shariah-compliant financing, education, mentorship, and accelerator programs creates an integrated ecosystem for SMEs and entrepreneurs. By combining financial services with business support, it enhances financial inclusion, fosters growth, drives innovation, and promotes sustainable development in the Islamic finance sector. Q: How Can AI-Driven Decisions, Such as Credit Scoring and Investment Screening, Be Designed to Maintain Moral Reasoning and Transparency, Given That a Lack of These Qualities May Threaten Hifz Al-‘Aql (Protection of Intellect) And Hifz Al-Māl (Protection of Wealth) in Islamic Finance? Financial education helps consumers understand products, services, and the ethical impact of AI. Shariah-compliant AI ethics frameworks, emphasizing human oversight in moral and ethical decisions, guide implementation and monitoring. Combining education with robust AI governance strengthens trust, transparency, and compliance, promoting ethical, responsible innovation in Islamic finance.