Islamic Development Bank Institute

What Islamic Development Bank Institute does

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group, a multilateral development institution collectively owned by 57 member countries. Established in 1979 as the Islamic Research and Training Institute (IRTI) and rebranded to IsDBI in 2022, the institute is headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and operates with 11-50 staff. Its mandate is to advance Islamic finance through research, training, advisory services, and ecosystem development across member countries.

IsDBI's core offerings include an extensive publications portfolio (technical reports, working papers, annual reports, knowledge reviews, the IES Journal), executive training and capacity-building programs, the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program delivered with MBSC, the annual IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics, and IsDBI Corner Libraries. The institute has begun productizing proprietary technology, notably the Smart Stabilization System (Singapore Patent No. 10202250873B) — a blockchain-based digital market infrastructure using algorithms and simulation models for autonomous stabilization of asset and commodity markets — and the Şukūk Enhancement Fund (SEF) model for SME access to Islamic capital markets. It also runs the Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge to surface AI-powered solutions in financial inclusion, Takaful, and Zakat distribution.

IsDBI operates as a non-commercial knowledge institution rather than a revenue-generating business. It is funded through IsDB Group membership contributions and institutional budgets, with most publications offered free via its digital platform and eBook reader. Its go-to-market is event-driven and relationship-led: the annual IsDB Global Forum on Islamic Finance, bilateral technical assistance programs to member country central banks and regulators, multilateral partnerships with organizations such as UNDP, LSEG, Labuan FSA, AAOIFI, IFSB, and INCEIF, and joint research with entities like ITFC. Customers are concentrated in member country governments (e.g., Central Banks of Uzbekistan, Libya, and Azerbaijan), financial regulators, religious affairs bodies, and to a lesser extent entrepreneurs, scholars, and Islamic finance practitioners.

Name

Islamic Development Bank Institute

Legal name

Islamic Development Bank Institute

Website

https://IsDBInstitute.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1979

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge arm of the IsDB Group, providing research, training, advisory, and fintech innovation in Islamic finance for 57 member countries' governments, regulators, and central banks.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Islamic Finance Research and Advisory Services

NAICS

Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)

SIC

Services-Engineering, Accounting, Research, Management (8700)

akta.pro primary industry

Shariah Governance, Compliance & Advisory (Shariah Boards, Audit, Fatwa) (FSABAGAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Sukuk Origination & Structuring (Bank-led) (FSABAGAL), Shariah-compliant Financing Products (Murabaha, Ijara, Tawarruq, Istisna, Salam) (FSABAGAH), Islamic SME & Commercial Banking (FSABAGAB), Islamic Investment Banking & Capital Markets Services (FSABAGAG), Islamic Transaction Banking (Cash Management & Treasury Services) (FSABAGAF)

Keywords

• Islamic finance research
• Capacity development programs
• Policy advisory services
• Islamic economics publications
• Shariah-compliant fintech

Headquarters

HQ city

Jeddah

HQ country

Saudi Arabia

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Institutional Funding and Membership: As a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, IsDBI operates as a multilateral development institution funded through IsDB membership contributions and institutional budgets. The institute provides knowledge products, training programs, and technical assistance to member countries.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) is the knowledge arm of the Islamic Development Bank Group, providing research, training, advisory, and capacity-building services for Islamic finance and economics across 57 member countries. Its portfolio includes the patented Smart Stabilization System for digital market infrastructure, the Sukuk Enhancement Fund model for SME Islamic financing, extensive publications (technical reports, working papers, knowledge reviews), executive training programs, the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program, the Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge, and the IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics.

Product overview

The Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI) operates as a knowledge and research institution within the IsDB Group, offering a comprehensive portfolio of products and services centered on advancing Islamic finance globally. The portfolio includes the Smart Stabilization System (a fintech patent for digital market infrastructure), the Sukuk Enhancement Fund (SME financing solution), extensive publications (technical reports, annual reports, working papers), training programs (executive programs, capacity-building courses), the Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program, the Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge, the IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement, and IsDBI Corner Libraries. These offerings work together to support research, capacity building, innovation, and development of Islamic finance ecosystems across IsDB's 57 member countries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Smart Stabilization System A pioneering patented digital market infrastructure that manages supply-demand imbalances and mitigates excessive volatility in asset and commodity markets through sophisticated algorithms, simulation models, and blockchain-based distributed ledger technology. Designed for member country financial regulators, central banks, and Islamic finance market operators.
• Sukuk Enhancement Fund (SEF) A fund model designed to improve SME access to Islamic financial markets by pooling issuer risks, fostering risk sharing, improving investor confidence, and opening new long-term financing opportunities. Targeted at Islamic finance market participants and SME financing stakeholders in member countries.
• IsDBI Publications Extensive portfolio of publications including annual reports, technical reports, working papers, books, knowledge reviews, and the IES Journal covering Islamic finance, economics, banking, capital markets, and social finance. Distributed free of charge to researchers, policymakers, and practitioners.
• Training and Capacity Development Programs Executive programs, training courses, and capacity-building initiatives including the Islamic Finance Executive Program and Fintech Applications on Awqaf training. Designed for senior officials of member country central banks, regulators, and Islamic finance practitioners.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program Joint program with MBSC providing training in entrepreneurial strategy, innovation, leadership, negotiation, business modeling, and financial management. Targeted at entrepreneurs from IsDB member countries.
• Applied AI in Islamic Finance Competency Challenge Competition and capacity-building program generating AI-powered solutions aligned with Islamic finance principles addressing financial inclusion, efficiency, transparency, and social finance delivery systems. Targeted at Islamic finance industry professionals and innovators.
• IsDB Prize for Impactful Achievement in Islamic Economics Annual prize recognizing impactful achievements in Islamic economics and development solutions. Awarded to individuals and organizations for innovative waqf initiatives, sustainable innovation, and other development solutions.
• IsDBI Corner Libraries Digital library initiative providing access to Islamic finance resources and publications across member countries through dedicated eBook reader application and partner institutional libraries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Islamic banking assets in Azerbaijan projected to reach USD 2.7-3.6 billion by 2035 under various penetration scenarios
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability5 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

19 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS)coreOthersIPOS granted IsDBI a patent for its Smart Stabilization System (Patent No. 10202250873B) following a comprehensive review process. The patent covers blockchain-based distributed ledger technology for autonomous market stabilization in digital asset and commodity markets.
• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint technical assistance project for developing the enabling environment for Awqaf in Uzbekistan, including high-level roundtables and policy framework development for Waqf system introduction.
• Labuan Financial Services Authority (Labuan FSA)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMoU signed June 16, 2026 in Baku to explore implementing Awqaf Free Zones concept within Labuan International Business and Financial Centre. Partnership focuses on exchanging technical expertise, assessing legal and regulatory requirements, and identifying implementation models for pilot initiatives.
• London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint publication 'Development Traps and the Role of Islamic Finance' launched November 2, 2025. Introduces data-driven framework addressing five development traps and examines how Shariah-compliant instruments can mitigate growth stagnation.
• International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint reports on Islamic finance development in Azerbaijan including market projections, Sukuk issuance forecasts, and Islamic banking asset growth scenarios. Multiple collaborative reports released at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings.
• Central Bank of AzerbaijancoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCollaboration on Sukuk framework development and Islamic banking regulations, including capacity building and rule development for Azerbaijan's emerging Islamic banking sector.
• Central Bank of LibyacoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerExecutive capacity-building program delivered July 27-30, 2026 for senior management on Operational Aspects of IsDB Treasury and Risk Management, covering Sukuk issuance, valuation, green Sukuk, liquidity management, and IFRS 9 ECL methodologies.
• Committee for Religious Affairs of UzbekistancoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerCooperation on developing Uzbekistan's national Waqf ecosystem, including high-level roundtable discussions and development of legal, institutional, and regulatory frameworks for Waqf.
• AAOIFI (Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions)majorTechnology or IntegrationBilateral meetings at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku alongside organizations including IFSB to discuss Islamic finance ecosystem development and standards.
• IFSB (Islamic Financial Services Board)majorTechnology or IntegrationBilateral meetings at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings to discuss Islamic finance standards, fintech, sustainable finance, and capacity building initiatives.
• INCEIF UniversitymajorTechnology or IntegrationBilateral meetings at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings for research collaborations and academic partnerships in Islamic finance education.
• Rosatom State CorporationminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBilateral meeting at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings in Baku to explore potential collaborations.
• Islamic Money AustraliaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBilateral meeting at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings to explore potential collaborations in Islamic finance.
• Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business and Entrepreneurship (MBSC)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Entrepreneurial Mindset Development Program delivering training to 29 entrepreneurs from 20 IsDB member countries. Program covered entrepreneurial strategy, innovation, leadership, negotiation, business modeling, and financial management. Both institutions committed to expanding future cohorts.
• Government of TajikistanmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBilateral meetings at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings to discuss Islamic finance ecosystem development.
• Government of MaldivesmajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBilateral meetings at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings to discuss Islamic finance ecosystem development.
• Government of TürkiyemajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBilateral meetings at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings to discuss Islamic finance ecosystem development.
• Government of EthiopiamajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBilateral meetings at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings to discuss Islamic finance ecosystem development.
• Government of Sierra LeonemajorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerBilateral meetings at 2026 IsDB Group Annual Meetings to discuss Islamic finance ecosystem development.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/isdbinstitute
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@isdbinstitute?si=z0UDmBiogogqj-3Q
• Facebookfacebook.com/isdbinstitute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/isdbinstitute-isdbi

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Islamic Development Bank Institute