Analysis: Why Islamic Finance Cannot Stay on the Sidelines of the Blockchain Revolution
In a recent, must-read analysis, our contributor Yasmina Kazitani issued a powerful wake-up call to the Islamic finance sector regarding its engagement with blockchain technology. She argues that what has been missing for years is the "active, visible, and high-level engagement" needed to shape the future of digital finance.
Her perspective is critical for any leader looking to understand the real-world stakes of the $7.7T opportunity we map in our upcoming Cultural Currency 2026 report.
Yasmina powerfully identifies the core of the issue in this key excerpt:
"Despite this potential, Islamic finance has been reactive rather than proactive in shaping blockchain discourse. Institutions have rarely taken the lead in regulatory design, global standards, or in positioning Islamic-compliant products as competitive alternatives in the digital economy. Startups and scholars exist — but they lack visibility, partnerships, and platforms at the highest levels of the blockchain industry."
Our Take:
Yasmina’s point about being "reactive rather than proactive" is the central theme we see across multiple sectors. This isn't just a finance issue; it's a strategic mindset challenge. The institutions that succeed will be those that, as Yasmina suggests, move from the sidelines to actively design the future.
Her call to action for policymakers and financial institutions to invest in blockchain literacy and pilot projects is a perfect example of the kind of actionable, decision-grade intelligence we are building into our report's "Policy & Risk Briefings" chapter. The gap is clear, and our goal is to provide the blueprint to fill it.
Read Yasmina Kazitani’s full, unmissable post on LinkedIn here
For a deeper dive into the frameworks that help leaders de-risk these opportunities, sign up for early access to the Cultural Currency 2026 report.
