Executive Director

Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Reporting to: Chairman, MIFC Business Network

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

The MIFC Business Network (MBN) is an industry-led platform that supports Malaysia's aspiration to be a globally connected and competitive Islamic finance hub. It represents the next phase of the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) initiative, transitioning from a regulator-led platform to a coordinated, industry-driven model.

MBN brings together stakeholders across the Islamic finance ecosystem, including financial institutions, takaful operators, asset managers, and thought leadership partners. The network facilitates cross-border engagement, strengthens coordination, and advances opportunities across key sectors of Islamic finance.

Through collaborative initiatives and strategic engagements, MBN supports Malaysia's Islamic finance agenda and reinforces its global linkages.

ROLE DESCRIPTION

The Executive Director will lead the MBN Secretariat and be responsible for translating MBN's strategic direction and priorities into a clear annual work programme, driving the execution of key initiatives and delivering tangible outcomes.

Working closely with the Chairman, MBN EXCO and members, regulators, MIFC Advisory Panel (MAP) members, Government ministries and agencies, and domestic and international stakeholders, the Executive Director will drive MBN's agenda, facilitate industry collaboration, develop strategic partnerships and advance opportunities that strengthen Malaysia's international Islamic finance proposition.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic leadership: Work with the Chairman and members to shape MBN's priorities and translate them into clear programmes, initiatives and measurable outcomes.

• Industry coordination: Convene MBN members and facilitate collective industry positions and initiatives across banking, capital markets, asset management, takaful/retakaful and talent development.

• Membership development and engagement: Oversee and drive the growth and development of MBN's membership by identifying and engaging prospective members that can strengthen the Network's capabilities, reach and international connectivity. Maintain strong relationships with existing members, encourage active participation and ensure MBN continues to deliver meaningful value to its membership.

• International Market Connectivity: Identify and facilitate cross-border opportunities, partnerships and international market linkages relevant to MBN members.

• Stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain senior-level relationships with regulators, Government ministries and agencies, industry leaders, international partners and other key stakeholders.

• Policy and ecosystem development: Consolidate industry perspectives and work with relevant stakeholders on regulatory, fiscal and market-development measures that can strengthen Malaysia's international Islamic finance proposition.

• External representation: Represent MBN at relevant industry, Government and international engagements and strengthen MBN's visibility, credibility and positioning.

• Governance and Secretariat leadership: Ensure effective governance and day-to-day management of the MBN Secretariat, including financial management, organisational sustainability and communications.

• Chairman and member support: Provide high-quality strategic advice, briefing materials and recommendations to support the Chairman and members in decision-making and external engagements.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 8 - 10 years of relevant professional experience in Islamic finance, financial services, investment, public policy or a related field, including experience in a senior leadership, strategy, business development, stakeholder engagement or market development capacity.
• Strong understanding of Malaysia's financial sector and the broader Islamic finance ecosystem.
• Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with C-suite leaders, regulators, Government and other senior stakeholders.
• International exposure, networks and experience in cross-border business or stakeholder engagement would be an advantage.
• Strong strategic thinking, stakeholder management, communication and influencing capabilities.
• Ability to translate broad strategic objectives into practical initiatives and deliver outcomes through collaboration.
• Experience managing a small, agile team and working across multiple organisations without relying on large institutional resources.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

The Executive Director will help establish MBN as an effective industry execution and connectivity platform; one that converts industry priorities into action, strengthens international relationships and facilitates greater cross-border Islamic finance activity originated, managed and supported from Malaysia.