International strategies of Islamic financial institutions: Current challenges and future trends ; İslami finans kurumlarının uluslararası stratejileri: Mevcut zorluklar ve gelecek trendler

In an era of growing pressures towards financial ethics, social responsibility and sustainable development, Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) have emerged as new actors on the global financial stage. With their unique characteristics, IFIs offer a different approach to finance. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the international strategies adopted by Islamic Financial Institutions (IFIs) in their pursuit of global expansion. The current global financial landscape presents unique challenges and opportunities for IFIs in their crossborder operations. In this paper, the drivers, obstacles, and outcomes of IFIs' international strategies are evaluated. The IFIs’ approaches to localization, standardization, partnerships, and technological innovations are examined. The article highlights how IFIs, guided by Sharia principles, navigate the complexities of global finance while remaining loyal to Islamic ethical practices. The significance of IFIs' international strategies in facilitating financial inclusion, stability and economic development particularly in Muslim emerging economies is also discussed. Subsequently, the factors that drive IFIs towards international expansion are explored. Increased demand for Sharia-compliant financial services, regulatory reforms, and the advantages of diversification in both product offerings and markets are among the important motivators of international expansion for IFIs. How these drivers require IFIs to balance ethical considerations, regulatory compliance and financial performance is highlighted in detail. The challenges and obstacles faced by IFIs in their internationalization phase are analyzed in-depth. Cross-cultural differences, regulatory complexities and the need to achieve Sharia compliance across different contexts come to the fore as important challenges. The study is centered around the variety of international strategies IFIs implement to navigate the global markets. It explains local adaptation strategies that customize products and services to meet ...