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Kuala Lumpur, 4 August 2026 – ISRA Associates was officially launched today, marking the evolution of ISRA Consulting into a broader consulting and advisory firm equipped to address the changing needs of the global Islamic finance industry.
Held at Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur, the launch was officiated by Mr Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid, Deputy Governor of Bank Negara Malaysia, alongside Prof Emeritus Dato’ Dr Mohd Azmi Omar, Chairman of ISRA Associates, and Assoc Prof Dr Mohamed Eskandar Shah Mohd Rasid, Chief Executive Officer of ISRA Associates.
The event also introduced ISRA Associates’ new corporate website, reflecting its renewed identity, expanded capabilities and stronger focus on delivering practical outcomes for governments, regulators, financial institutions and industry partners.
Built on the legacy of ISRA Consulting, the organisation has established a strong reputation in Shariah advisory and governance. Its transformation into ISRA Associates reflects a natural progression from answering questions of Shariah compliance to addressing wider institutional priorities, including strategy, governance, capacity building, ecosystem development and sustainable impact.
Speaking at the launch, Prof Azmi said, “This is more than a change of name. It marks the next stage in the evolution of an institution that has served the Islamic finance industry for many years, in Malaysia and increasingly across the world.”
He added that ISRA Associates represents “broader capability, deeper partnership and greater responsibility”, combining expertise across Shariah, economics, finance, governance and industry practice to help institutions move from ideas to implementation.
As part of the INCEIF ecosystem, ISRA Associates works alongside INCEIF University and ISRA Institute to translate knowledge and intellectual leadership into practical solutions for industry, regulators and governments.
Mr Adnan Zaylani said the launch further strengthened Malaysia’s capacity to share its Islamic finance experience internationally.
“Malaysia’s leadership in Islamic finance has been built on strong institutions, deep expertise and a shared commitment to innovation and values. ISRA Associates strengthens Malaysia’s offerings. It forms part of the broader ecosystem, enabling our players to share our experience with the world and support the development of Islamic finance ecosystems that are sustainable, inclusive and responsive to the needs of different jurisdictions,” he said.
Assoc Prof Dr Mohamed Eskandar Shah said the organisation’s future direction would remain grounded in the higher purpose of Islamic finance.
“The relevance of Islamic finance is not determined by the sophistication of its contracts, but by its ability to address real human needs,” he said.
He also highlighted the importance of purposeful partnerships and responsible innovation, including the use of emerging technologies to make Islamic finance more accessible, intelligent and impactful.
The ceremony recognised the clients, partners, former leaders and employees who have contributed to the organisation’s journey. Appreciation awards were presented to long-standing partners, premier clients, staff and former leaders of ISRA Consulting.
With its renewed identity, ISRA Associates aims to become a trusted partner for institutions and countries seeking to develop stronger, more resilient and purpose-driven Islamic finance ecosystems.
As Prof Azmi concluded, “A new name marks a new chapter. But our purpose remains clear: to serve, to transform, and to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of Islamic finance for Malaysia and for the world.”
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