Islamic governance and ethical framework of Islamic banks with respect to financial performance: Evidence from QISMUT countries

Type of the article: Research Article AbstractThis paper empirically analyzes the influence of the Shariah Supervisory Board (SSB) and its characteristics on the disclosure of the Islamic Corporate Ethical Identity (ICEI) among 42 Islamic banks in Qatar, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey (collectively referred to as QISMUT) during the period 2019–2023. The study employs text analysis to measure the extent to which ICEI information is disclosed in these banks’ annual reports, demonstrating a significant increase in such disclosures over the analyzed period.The study utilizes descriptive statistics to provide a foundational understanding of the trends in ICEI reporting. Furthermore, it applies multiple regression analysis to ascertain the relationship between SSB characteristics and ICEI disclosures, controlling for variables such as bank size, financial performance, and economic performance. The findings reveal significant disparities in ICEI disclosure rates, with Turkey exhibiting the lowest levels and Saudi Arabia the highest. This variation indicates a notable deficiency in the emphasis on ICEI among Islamic banks within the region. Additionally, the study highlights a positive correlation between SSB characteristics and ICEI disclosure levels. Banks with larger SSBs, possessing diverse expertise, intellect, and reputable credentials, tend to show higher ICEI disclosure levels. This suggests that effective SSBs enhance the governance of Islamic banks, promoting adherence to Islamic ethical standards. However, intriguingly, the study finds a significant impact of ICEI disclosure on the financial performance of these banks. In conclusion, Islamic banks should strengthen governance and improve communication about ICEI disclosures to enhance transparency, accountability, and alignment with Islamic values, boosting financial performance.