KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 17 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA) led by the MIA Islamic Finance (IF) Committee and the Malaysian Accountancy Research and Education Foundation (MAREF) have launched a comprehensive and current textbook on accounting for Islamic finance.

Intended to bridge the gap in knowledge on applying MFRS for Islamic finance transactions within the Islamic finance sector, the content will encompass assets, liabilities, equity, income and expenses and disclosures in the financial statements of an Islamic bank, takaful entity and Islamic fund management companies.
 

“MIA is very proud to release this textbook as part of our integrated strategy to help develop competencies and capacity among accountants working in Islamic finance as well as Islamic financial institutions. We trust that this will be a useful reference not only for Islamic finance institutions in Malaysia but also for those in other jurisdictions. This in turn will strengthen Malaysia’s leadership and influence in the global Islamic finance sector,” said MIA CEO Dr. Nurmazilah Dato’ Mahzan at the launch of the textbook.

A Tool for Sustainable Development

Both Dr. Nurmazilah and Encik Mohd Muazzam Mohamed, Chairman Islamic Finance Committee, MIA emphasised how the textbook and MIA’s efforts to upskill accountants in Islamic finance can drive sustainable development in the public interest.

“Sustainability encompasses a wide spectrum of issues that affect ESG – environment, society and governance – which are aligned with the ethics and values of Islamic finance. This Islamic finance accounting textbook will help improve the transparency and quality of financial reporting. In turn, this disclosure can lead to better actionable insights and decision-making by the leaders of Islamic finance institutions, especially with regards to lending to optimise environmental and social impact, not just for profit maximisation,” explained Dr. Nurmazilah.

MIA’s upskilling efforts and now this textbook will also help drive value-based intermediation (VBI), added Encik Muazzam. “BNM (Bank Negara Malaysia) is now championing VBI - where Islamic financial institutions are encouraged to assess how they create value and impact beyond profit, such as in encouraging sustainable business practices and greening of the economy to fight climate change. Better transparency through better reporting can help IFIs assess their impact and subsequently rewire their culture and practices to become more value-driven.”

Encik Muazzam also stressed that the textbook can be a tool for the greater harmonisation of Islamic finance practices and reporting across the globe, and enable greater transparency and trust in the institutions that practice and sell Shari’a-compliant products.

Free Downloads to Build Competencies

The published textbook will be made available for free downloads by the public, including students and academicians, facilitating access to this textbook as a current reference material.

“We have purposely made it a free download to encourage a paperless and borderless usage and to lessen the cost burden – as we all know reference books and textbooks can be very expensive. Through this textbook, students will be able to acquire adequate understanding and knowledge of MFRS for Islamic finance transactions at the tertiary level, and they will be better prepared for the workplace as well in future. Other than benefiting students, the book would also be a useful reference for the market, including MIA members and accountants working in the IF industry,” explained Encik Muazzam.

To download the textbook, please go to
https://www.mia.org.my/v2/downloads/resources/publications/
2020/01/17/Accounting_for_Islamic_Finance.pdf.
 
NOTE TO EDITOR:
 
About the Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)
Established under the Accountants Act 1967, MIA is the national accountancy body that regulates, develops, supports and enhances the integrity, status and interests of the profession in Malaysia.  MIA accords the Chartered Accountant Malaysia or “C.A. (M)” designation. Working closely alongside businesses, MIA connects its membership to an unmatched range of information resources, events, professional development and networking opportunities.

Presently, there are more than 36,000 members making their strides in businesses across all industries in Malaysia and around the world.

MIA’s international outlook and connections are reflected in its membership of regional and international professional organisations such as the ASEAN Federation of Accountants (AFA), and the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC).  For more information on MIA, visit www.mia.org.my

SOURCE: Malaysian Institute of Accountants (MIA)

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Thane Meyyappan                                          
Team Lead                                                           
Tel: +603 27229184/+6012 248 9534                                         

Name: Nurul Nadira Muhammad Shaharudin
Senior Executive
Tel: +603 2722 9185/+6019 261 9708   

Email: communications@mia.org.my 

--BERNAMA