Problem Financing Prevention Strategy to Optimize Risk Management and Financing Performance at Bank Sumut Kisaran Syariah Branch

Non-Performing Financing (NPF) is a serious challenge in the Islamic banking industry as it directly impacts financial stability and the financing performance of banks. This study aims to analyze the strategy for preventing problematic financing through the 7P approach (Personality, Purpose, Prospect, Payment, Party, Profitability, and Protection) implemented by Bank Sumut KCP Syariah Kisaran, as well as to evaluate its effectiveness in optimizing risk management and maintaining healthy financing performance in accordance with Sharia principles. This research uses a qualitative descriptive method with a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and open-ended questionnaires filled out by bank leaders, account officers, surveyors, marketing staff, and customers of Bank Sumut KCP Syariah Kisaran. Data analysis was conducted through data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions using triangulation techniques for validity. The results show that the implementation of the 7P strategy (Personality, Purpose, Prospect, Payment, Party, Profitability, and Protection) at Bank Sumut KCP Syariah Kisaran has proven effective in reducing non-performing financing (NPF). The initially high NPF of 10.99% in 2020 was successfully reduced to 1.16% in 2023, although it slightly increased again to 1.8% in 2024. This strategy was applied through comprehensive customer assessment stages, ranging from interviews, feasibility analysis, to post-disbursement monitoring. The bank’s main focus was on analyzing the customer’s repayment ability (Payment) and collateral feasibility assessment (Protection). To optimize risk management and financing performance at Bank Sumut KCP Syariah Kisaran, the bank also conducts periodic evaluations and post-disbursement maintenance activities to support the effectiveness of the strategy.