Dual Financial System Research Articles

Volatility spillover across spot and futures markets: Evidence from dual financial system

This paper investigates dynamic returns and volatility spillovers between spot and futures markets in a dual financial system. It further analyses the shock transmission of both volume trading and open interest in the futures market. Empirical results suggest that both spot and futures indices are net transmitters of return spillovers to the volume and open interest of the futures market, whereas the futures volume is the only net transmitter of volatility spillovers to all other variables. This is consistent with the Information Arrival Hypothesis theory. The empirical analysis also evidences the presence of a dynamic interdependence between both Islamic and conventional spot market volatilities and the futures market. In particular, the returns and volatility spillover are bidirectional and ricocheting-off transmission in nature. Specifically, such interdependence is stronger in the case of the Islamic spot index than the conventional spot index and during financial shocks.

The Use of Retrocession by Retakaful operators: An Analysis from Shariah Perspective

In Malaysia, the insurance and takaful sector is under the purview of the Central Bank of Malaysia, and the same goes for reinsurance and retakaful operations. However, due to the country's dual financial system i.e. the conventional and Islamic financial system, conventional reinsurance and retakaful, fall under different laws. The conventional reinsurance is regulated under the Financial Services Act (2013) while the takaful and retakaful by the Islamic Financial Services Act (2013). Undoubtedly, the takaful industry is expanding in the Malaysian market today by leaps and bounds. Retakaful acts in the same way as takaful, providing (re)takaful arrangement for their policyholders. The survival of the takaful operator is heavily influenced by the retakaful operators. The takaful operator will distribute some portion of their risks that they cannot bear to a retakaful operators. However, the retakaful operators are currently unable to cover the entire risk that were ceded by the takaful operators due to lack of retakaful operators in the market, as well as very limited capital, inadequate accumulated funds, and regulatory solvency issues. At the same time, retakaful operators also face challenges in meeting their commercial goals. They, in turn, use tools such as retrocession to overcome their impending challenges. This paper aims to analyse the importance of retrocession to the retakaful company from a Shariah perspective. The research is timely as not much research has been carried out on Retakaful operations in Malaysia. There is also limited discussion related to the business models of retakaful, as well as no specific guidelines focusing on retakaful itself. Therefore, a qualitative approach is suitable for the purpose of exploring such new areas. Besides, Retakaful industry is considered relatively new compared to reinsurance.

Does Islamic financial literacy and motives influence the holdings of Islamic financial products? A study on bank customers in Klang Valley, Malaysia

PurposeIn a dual financial system where both conventional and Islamic financial institutions co-exist, the motives behind customers’ choices of financial products remain a crucial factor to comprehend. Thus, this paper aims to examine the influence of Islamic financial literacy (IFL) and motives (religious, ethical and economic) on the holdings of Islamic financial products (IFPs).Design/methodology/approachThe sample consists of 234 bank customers in Klang Valley, Malaysia, with data obtained through a convenience sampling method. The instrument used was a digital survey that was electronically sent to respondents.FindingsFindings reveal that IFL and religious motives positively influence IFPs, whereas economic motives negatively influence IFPs. Ethical motives have no significant impact on IFPs.Research limitations/implicationsThe findings imply that IFPs attract customers due to their adherence to Islamic teachings, indicating strong religious motives. However, the negative leanings of the economic motive suggest that customers may perceive IFPs as less favourable due to higher costs and risks relative to conventional products. Islamic financial institutions must widen their efforts in educating the public regarding IFPs on the benefits of adherence to Shariah principles and at the same time improve their products’ cost-benefits.Originality/valueThis study contributes to the literature by comprehensively examining IFPs in terms of both assets and financing products. In addition, IFL is measured in an all-inclusive way, covering different dimensions of knowledge related to Islamic savings, investments, protection and financing.

Do product offering and service quality affect customer satisfaction in Islamic and conventional banks? Evidence from an oil-based economy

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the effect of product offering and other service quality (SQ) dimensions on the satisfaction of the customers of both Islamic and conventional banks, using evidence from an oil-based economy that is based on a prolonged SERVQUAL model with 11 dimensions and other statistical analysis methods. Design/methodology/approach The data were collected from 461 Islamic and conventional bank customers in Qatar via a survey and several tests were used to test certain hypotheses. Component analysis, factor analysis and gap and ascendency analysis were used in this study. Afterward, a correlation analysis and regression model were used to examine the hypotheses and validate the instruments used. Findings The results show that regardless of the type of bank, customers always have greater expectations of the services than they had perceived. A customer’s expectation of the product on offer is the only dimension that is significantly different in relation to the two types of banks. However, reliability, competence, responsiveness, credibility and empathy dimensions are significantly different of the two types of banks in customers’ perception of quality. In addition, the results suggest that both types of banks need to concentrate their efforts on the product offering, competence and courtesy dimensions. Research limitations/implications The size of our sample of Islamic and conventional banks is unequally balanced. Future studies might therefore choose an equally balanced sample. Practical implications Bank managers in both types of banks need to continue improving the quality of their service including product offering and to adopt advanced methods to enhance customer satisfaction (CS) and reduce the gaps in quality in the dimensions used. Furthermore, managers in both types of banks need to put more emphasis on product offering, competence, courtesy and communication if they wish to improve SQ. Moreover, Islamic banks must guarantee that they possess competent, highly trained personnel who are familiar with Islamic finance products, so as to enhance the quality of service and attract customers. Originality/value To the best of the author’s knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the effect of product offering and other dimensions of SQ on CS in both Islamic and conventional banks by using 11 dimensions of SQ. In addition, it provides evidence of gaps in SQ, at the dimensions level, for both types of banks in an oil-based economy. The results of this study are valuable in helping decision-makers and bank managers who wish to raise the level of SQ and improve CS and in validating the results from other countries with a dual financial system.

For narrower income inequality: traditional finance or microfinance?

ABSTRACT This paper uses the theory of information imperfections to examine the relationship between income inequality and financial development in a dual financial system comprising traditional finance and microfinance. It uses panel data for 97 developing countries over a period characterized by declining income inequality from 2000 to 2017. Traditional finance is measured through domestic credit relative to GDP and the IMF Financial Development Index. Microfinance is measured through the size of microfinance gross loan portfolio relative to GDP and the number of active microfinance borrowers to the total population. Controlling for various measures of macroeconomic and socioeconomic variables and using different econometric specifications including a random-effects linear regression model with endogenous sample selection, the results show that microfinance consistently predicts a lower income inequality measured by the Gini coefficient, while traditional finance shows no impact. The findings of this paper draw clear policy implications regarding the role of microfinance as a tool for income equality in developing countries.

Security in islamic finance shariah compliance and the new civil court's approach to dispute resolution

Malaysia has a dual financial system that includes both conventional banking and Islamic banking. Over time, Islamic banking has evolved to the point where it has enticed traditional banks to offer Shariah-compliant products as well. However, even though conventional banks have provided Shariah-compliant products, the Islamic bank's obligation to provide Islamic banking services remains. The goal of this article is to look at the measures in the Islamic Financial Services Act 2013 that assure Shariah-compliance security for Islamic banks. This paper also investigates the current approach of civil courts in resolving disputes. The qualitative research methodology was used in this paper. The phenomenology method was used in the research design. Data will be gathered from journals, statutes, and case law. The data will be analyzed using the content analysis method. This paper concludes that it is a heavy-duty of every Islamic bank to ensure Shariah compliance security, and the current civil court approach is that the Islamic banking agreement is still enforceable even if it does not comply with Shariah law. Islamic banking agreements that are in accordance with Shariah law or are not perfectly in accordance with Shariah law are both valid and legal

Determinants of financial stability and risk transmission in dual financial system: Evidence from the COVID pandemic

Existing literature on spillovers and connectedness between Islamic and conventional financial markets overlooked the fundamental role played by money markets in volatility spillovers and risk transmission across markets. That being so, this paper aims at investigating the dynamic co-movements and volatility spillovers across Islamic and conventional financial markets in a dual financial system over the period from January 3, 2007 to June 30, 2021. To this end, the DECO-GJR-GARCH model and the volatility spillover approach were applied. Furthermore, the ARDL model was utilised to explore the key determinants of co-movements and risk transmission across Islamic and conventional financial markets. This not only allowed us to study the interconnectedness and volatility spillovers between financial sectors under different market conditions but also enabled us to highlight the key role played by the money markets. Empirical results show that markets have significant responses to any new relevant information. While both conventional stock and money market are the main transmitters of shocks to other markets, the Islamic money market is a net recipient. Furthermore, the volatility spillovers across conventional and Islamic financial markets became stronger during the COVID-19 epidemic. The study also finds that global uncertainties have a significant and negative impact on the dynamic co-movements, but not on volatility connectedness among the underlying markets. These findings have important implications for many stakeholders including portfolio managers, investors, and policymakers in terms of diversifying their portfolios and enhancement of financial stability during times of black swan events and negative shocks such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Islamic social finance efficiency and eco-system: Islamic finance in action

The potential and prospects of Islamic finance are the issue that is currently generating the most discourse among professionals, governmental bodies, and financial experts. The objective of the article is to assess the efficiency of Islamic social finance and suggest potential improvements in the current financial framework. The focus is on assessing the economic and social outcomes of integrating Islamic finance principles into micro businesses, as a means to promote economic development and involve communities in solving social issues. Moreover, the authors explore how social initiatives aimed at supporting micro-businesses can lead to cost savings for public resources. The paper seeks to develop an optimal eco-system design for countries with dual financial system based on conventional and Islamic by utilizing an analysis approach based on Kazakhstani implementation case. The establishment of a social financial ecosystem offers Islamic finance an advantageous role in promoting societal benefits. This is achieved through regulations that encompass not only civil law and human frameworks but also the principles of Islamic Law. Such arrangements enable the development of a sustainable and prosperous financial system and equally nurture a society that prioritizes social welfare and philanthropy. Furthermore, based on the findings from this study, enhancing the societal functions of Islamic finance can address various social challenges present within communities with vulnerable populations, and may serve as a viable solution for reducing government expenditure on targeted social assistance programs. Additionally, this study provides recommendations for institutional support of the Islamic social finance eco-system integrated into the financial system of the country.

Risk-Taking Behaviour of Islamic Banks: A Panel Study

The aim of this paper is to investigate the factors that impact the risk-taking behavior of Islamic banks before the 2008 financial crisis. The study covers a sample of 110 Islamic banks (represent almost all the Islamic banks in the world) across twenty-five countries which are members of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC; the organization has 57 members), during the period 1989-2008. The author uses a two-step system generalized method of moments dynamic model to analyze the data. Moreover, Fixed Effect (FE) and Random Effect (RE) models are used to check the robustness of the study results. The results show that profitability, liquidity, management efficiency, size and money supply growth reduce Islamic banks risk. On the other hand, capital adequacy, off-balance sheet activities, concentration, deposit insurance, GDP growth and inflation increase Islamic banks risk. The implications of this study can be beneficial to policymakers, regulators, and banks managers in countries with dual financial system or Islamized financial system as it will help them formulate better policies to ensure the stability of the financial system. To be noted that, according to the best of the author knowledge, this is the first paper that study the factors affecting the risk-taking behavior of Islamic banks using a large sample of Islamic banks with a prolonged period (20 years).

Islamic banking’s contribution to the Malaysian real economy

PurposeMalaysia is one of the fastest-growing Asian economies with a properly designed and developed Islamic financial system. This unique feature of the Malaysian economy made it an important case study, and the purpose of this study is to assess for the dynamic contribution of Islamic finance to the growth of the real economy.Design/methodology/approachThe study uses a quarterly data set of 20 years analysed via the autoregressive distributive lag bounds test approach to cointegration.FindingsThe results in the short-run show a non-significant relationship between Islamic banking indices and the real economy. However, in the long-run, financing and deposits of Islamic banks are favourable and contribute significantly to the growth of the Malaysian economy. There was an accumulation of meaningful and wide-ranging investment over the period of the study and productivity of capital was also extra-efficient. The direction of causality is found to be bidirectional between Islamic banking deposits and Malaysian gross domestic product (GDP), but there is a weak causal effect from Islamic banking financing to GDP.Research limitations/implicationsMalaysia has a dual financial system (conventional and Islamic) and both can affect its real economy. This research is limited to Islamic banking’s effects on Malaysian economic growth. The research also limits the scope and coverage for 20 years, from 1998 to 2017 to cover the years for which data is available for all the variables used in the study.Practical implicationsThe results confirm that the Islamic banking sector in Malaysia is performing well in carrying out its major function of financial intermediation, which is the pooling and channelling of funds to productive investment activities. Consequently, the fact that Malaysia excels in Islamic finance is not a fluke. It is because of the effective performance of Islamic financial institutions in the country. Furthermore, Malaysian authorities are doing their level best in promoting Islamic financial activities.Originality/valueThe study fulfills the need to uncover the relationship between the Islamic financial system and the real economy in Malaysia. It differs from other studies as it uses the most recent available data, introduces new variables and identifies the channel by which Islamic banking development transmits growth.

The effect of financial liberalization towards financial stability of Islamic banks in Malaysia

Financial liberalization will affect the stability of the financial system due to excessive risk. Liberalization effort in Islamic banks players raises the issues of the ability of how Islamic banks can survive in the financial liberalization regime. Financial liberalization induced competition and thus impact on financial stability due to excessive risk taking. Malaysia is operating in dual financial system, the effect of mediating roles of competition and interest rate between financial liberalization is expected to be vary at some extend due to shariah constraint. This paper aims to analyze the effect financial liberalization and financial stability. Structural equation model – Partial least square (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the research model with a comprehensive data set covering the Islamic banks over 1994 -2017. The empirical results denote a significant negative impact of financial liberalization on Islamic banks' financial stability in Malaysia. Lastly, it can be concluded that this study has an implication for policymakers and the banking industry
 Financial liberalization will affect the stability of the financial system due to excessive risk. Liberalization effort in Islamic banks players raises the issues of the ability of how Islamic banks can survive in the financial liberalization regime. Financial liberalization induced competition and thus impact on financial stability due to excessive risk taking. Malaysia is operating in dual financial system, the effect of mediating roles of competition and interest rate between financial liberalization is expected to be vary at some extend due to shariah constraint. This paper aims to analyze the effect financial liberalization and financial stability. Structural equation model – Partial least square (PLS-SEM) is used to analyze the research model with a comprehensive data set covering the Islamic banks over 1994 -2017. The empirical results denote a significant negative impact of financial liberalization on Islamic banks' financial stability in Malaysia. Lastly, it can be concluded that this study has an implication for policymakers and the banking industry

Shariah Governance Structure of Islamic Financial Institutions in Sri Lanka

Shariah governance plays a key role in ensuring integrity of Islamic financial system. The structure and the process of Shariah governance has been proposed by the international standard setting bodies for Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) to follow and incorporate Shariah governance practices in their operations and financial products. This study aims to investigate the Shariah governance practice in Sri Lanka that practices dual financial system (conventional and Islamic finance) for the past twenty years, with a special focus on process and structure. The qualitative method is employed in this study whereby the primary data are gathered in the form of interview while secondary data are collected through research articles, annual reports, official websites, magazines and newspaper. This study found there are gaps and shortcomings in the Shariah governance practice at IFIs in Sri Lanka particularly in the structure and the process as compare to the international framework and guidelines issued by international standard setting body such as AAOIFI and IFSB. The main contribution of this study is to put forward recommendations to rectify the gaps and to further enhance the Shariah governance practices in Sri Lankan IFIs.

MONETARY TRANSMISSION MECHANISM UNDER DUAL FINANCIAL SYSTEM IN INDONESIA: CREDIT-FINANCING CHANNEL

The presence of Islamic and conventional banking in the dual financial system of Indonesia equally hold the role as financial intermediator which theoretically banks collect fund from the debitors to be distributed to creditors. However, along with the changing of time there has been a development in the financial industry, when financial deregulation occurs, where the role of providing credit is not only owned by the banks but also other financial institutions. As the result, banks are no longer considered as the center of financial intermediation but could be replaced by other financial instruments. This study aims to reconsider the role of banking as financial intermediation in the monetary transmission mechanism using three methodoligal approaches which are Vector Autoregression and Vector Error Correction Model (VAR-VECM), Error Correction Model (ECM), and Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL). The long-term results of ECM and VECM estimations both show that credit and finacing channel are still relevant to be employed in the monetary transmission mechanism after the development of financial sector and the change of monetary policy, yet only have an impact to economy and do not give effect to inflation. While the result of ARDL estimation indicates that none of the variables affect the monetary policy objectives which means that credit and financing channel are considered to be getting weaker in the monetary transmission mechanism. Keywords : Monetary Transmission Mechanism, Credit Channel, Dual Financial System JEL Classification: E51, E52, E58

Rethinking Microfinance in a Dual Financial System: An Agent-based Simulation

Abstract Critics concerning the real impact of traditional microfinance as a tool for poverty alleviation are becoming frequent. In contrast, the financial crisis brought out interest for Islamic finance, whose models have been increasingly studied. Today, the real challenge lies in evaluating the impact of microfinance in a complex environment, where both Islamic and conventional microfinance institutions exist and address evolving clients in constant interaction. New methods and models are therefore needed in order to test the efficacy and assess the impact of introducing Islamic microfinance products, compared to the conventional system. In this context, this paper proposes an approach to build an Agent-Based Modeling (ABM) framework, which is aiming to test the effects of such products implementation using Islamic interest-free group loans. It also helps assess the impact of the behavioral biases as well as agents’ interactions within the repayment process.

RIBA (USURY); A TOOL THAT SHOULD BE CARVED OUT OF FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS

Riba has been major driving force surrounding the conventional financial system of most economies especially the western economies and even economies that practice dual financial system are still not left out. This study seeks to examine riba and why it should be carved out of financial transactions. The study reveals that the no religion permits the consumption of riba in whatever form and concluded that the continuous consumption of riba will impoverish the economies of the world and even the welfare of citizens will not be left out because it is a tool that does not work in increasing utility. Keywords: riba (usury), fiqh riba al-duyun (debt usury), riba-al-buyu (trade usury), intrinsic utility, discount rate

Finance-growth nexus: Insights from an application of threshold regression model to Malaysia's dual financial system

The purpose of this paper is to test the growing converging views regarding the destabilizing and growth-halting impact of interest-based debt financial system. The views are as advocated by the followers of Keynes and Hyman Minsky and those of Islam. Islam discourages interest rate based debt financing as it considers it not very conducive to productive activities and human solidarity. Likewise, since the onset of the crisis of 2007/2008, calls by skeptics of mainstream capitalism have been renewed. The paper applies a threshold regression model to Malaysian data and finds that the relationship between growth and financial development is non-linear. A threshold is estimated, after which credit expansion negatively impacts GDP growth. While the post-threshold negative relationship is found to be statistically significant, the estimated positive relationship at lower levels of financial development is insignificant. The findings provide support to the above views and are hoped to guide monetary authorities to better growth-promoting policy-making.

Regulation of Virtual Currencies : Mitigating the Risks and Challenges Involved

The many types of virtual currencies that have been developed recently are due to the assessment of their users and proponents that financial systems require reform based on their mistrust in governments and financial institutions. To the users of virtual currency, its use in trade and commercial transactions suggests an attempt towards empowerment of consumers by by-passing the regulated currency regimes and intuitional regulations to create an open payments network – an Internet for money. This article makes an attempt to create awareness on what virtual currency is, in highlighting the differences between virtual currency and the national currency in circulation. This would include discussion on the interaction of virtual currency with the real economy and its risk to the real economy. Further, the article draws attention to consumer protection issues and the significant consumer risks associated with the use and ownership of virtual currency. An Islamic finance perspective on virtual currency is included, given Malaysia’s dual financial system which support both conventional and Islamic finance. Finally, this article also draws attention to some of the possible regulatory challenges that virtual currency may create.

Islamic Finance Development in the Sultanate of Oman: Barriers and Recommendations

This paper considers the key potential barriers that are likely to arise with the adoption of a dual financial system in the Sultanate of Oman. Despite the fact that Oman is a predominantly Muslim country, the assumption that this will equate to a significant uptake in Islamic products and services is challenged as factors such as brand recognition and insufficient product knowledge among the population may hinder market penetration. In addition the study provides some recommendations for the success of the Islamic finance development in Oman where financial institutions wishing to offer Shariah compliant services should also not neglect the importance of competing with conventional banks in terms of the quality of service offered in addition to the uniqueness of their products. The availability of a pool of indigenous labor with industry relevant knowledge shall be a vital factor in the sustainable growth and development of the sector in the Sultanate. Finally the paper concludes by highlighting the essential role of educational institutions in providing such a sustainable workforce for Islamic financial institutions through producing graduates with industry relevant knowledge and, in the more immediate term, the provision of training for conventional banking professionals that may make up the current shortfall of qualified labor.