Special Feature Islamic Finance at The Current Sta PDF
Special Feature Islamic Finance at The Current Sta PDF
Special Feature Islamic Finance at The Current Sta PDF
Management 月)3–16 頁
年 3Non-Compliance
of Shariah Audit Risk in the Islamic Financial Institutions
Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies, 3-2 (March 2010), pp. 3–16
I. Introduction
Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies 3-2 (March 2010)
audit in Islamic Financial Institutions. A proper standard framework for Shariah Compliance
Audit is essential to ensure the harmonization of Shariah practice in Islamic Financial
Institutions. The development of Shariah audit programme is also important as to ensure the
procedures (Maqasid Shariah) of each product in IFI are being followed. Thus, this study is
aimed to develop Shariah Compliance Audit Framework and Audit Programme development
for Islamic Financial Institutions specifically in Islamic Banking and Takaful institutions.
Shariah Compliance Audit Framework and Audit Programs for the products of IFIs will
be able to mitigate the Shariah non-compliance risk as it recognises the operational issues in
the IFIs that complies to the Shariah and other sources of attestation or otherwise. Shariah
compliance is critical to IFIs operations and such compliance requirements must permeate
throughout the Organization and their products and activities. As a majority of the fund
providers use Shariah-Compliant operation as a matter of principle, their perception regarding
IFIs compliance with Shariah rules and principles is of great importance to sustainability
of IFIs. In this regard, Shariah compliance is considered as falling within a higher priority
category in relation to other identified risks.
Shariah Compliance Audit is performed to manage the operational risk in IFIs. The
principles are grouped into six categories of risks, and shall be used as the basis for Islamic
Financial Institution’s risk management process. A review on the principles of Islamic
risk management as indicated by the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) its “Guiding
Principles of Risk Management for Institutions (other than Insurance institutions) offering
only Islamic Financial Services” document, to be discussed in Section II.
“Guiding Principles of Risk Management for Institutions (other than Insurance institutions)”
published by the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB) categorises risks in IFIs into six
categories of risks, namely; Credit risk, Investment risk, market risk, liquidity risk, rate
of return risk and finally, operational risk. This paper will focus on the management of
operational risk in IFIs by the way of carrying out proper Shariah Compliance Audit to the
IFIs.
“Guiding Principles of Risk Management for Institutions (other than Insurance
institutions)” presents 15 principles covering the general principles and specific risks
mentioned above as follows:
Management of Shariah Non-Compliance Audit Risk in the Islamic Financial Institutions
and reporting process in place. The process should consider appropriate steps to comply
with Shariah rules and principles and to ensure the adequacy of relevant risk reporting to the
supervisory authority.
Principle 3- IFI shall carry out a due diligence review in respect of counterparties prior to
deciding on the choice of an appropriate Islamic financing instrument.
Principle 4- IFI should have appropriate methodologies for measuring and reporting the
credit risk exposures arising under each Islamic financing instrument.
Principle 5- IFI shall have in place Shariah-compliant credit risk mitigating techniques
appropriate for each Islamic financing instrument.
Principle 7- IFI must ensure their valuation methodologies are appropriate and consistent,
and they should conduct the assessment on the potential impacts of their methods on profit
calculations and allocations. The methods shall be mutually agreed between the IFI and the
Mudarib and/or Musharakah partners.
Principle 8- IFI shall, in respect of their equity investment activities, including extension and
redemption conditions for Mudarabah and Musharakah investments, exit strategies should be
defined and established and must subject to the approval of the institution’s Shariah Board.
Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies 3-2 (March 2010)
Principle 11- IFI shall assume liquidity risk commensurate with their ability to have sufficient
recourse to Shariah-compliant funds to mitigate such risk.
Principle 13- IFI must ensure that an appropriate framework for managing displaced
commercial risk is in place, where applicable.
Principle 15- IFI shall have in place appropriate mechanisms to safeguard the interests of all
fund providers.
In developed economies, auditing is deemed significant because the process of wealth creation
and political stability depends heavily upon confidence in processes of accountability, and
how well the expected roles are being fulfilled (Sikka et al., 1998). As such, the courts,
regulatory agencies and various stakeholder groups have played their parts in demanding
that the profession move in an expeditious fashion to meet its responsibilities as perceived
by the public (see Humphrey et al., 1992; Jacob, 1992; Ali et al., 2006). In contrast, for
countries undergoing economic transition from communism to capitalism (Sucher & Zelenka
1998; Sucher et al., 1999; Hao, 1999; Sucher and Bychkova, 2001; Sucher and Kosmala-
MacLullich, 2004; Lin and Chen, 2004) and in societies that have different cultural values
(Hines 1992) or philosophies, the role of external auditing should be considered on its own
merit since it is interwoven with historical, political, social and cultural processes.
Management of Shariah Non-Compliance Audit Risk in the Islamic Financial Institutions
The studies conducted on Shariah audit are very limited. Thus, this study attempts to
venture findings related to Shariah audit, that later can contributes to the development of
Shariah audit literature. To date we have writing which attempts to explore the perceptions
of Accounting Academicians, Audit Practitioners and Shariah Scholars on the practice of
Shariah Audit for Islamic Financial Institutions that highlights the importance of developing a
proper governance of the Shariah compliance issues (Shahul Hameed, 2007).
In addition to that there is also study that identifies the issues and challenges of
Shariah compliance process in the IFIs on corporate governance and Shariah compliance
in institutions offering Islamic financial services (Grais & Pellegrini, 2006). Their study
focused on the limitations in relying to the Shariah compliance assurance to the internal
party (i.e. Shariah Committe). They also proposed in their study that an effective framework
to monitor and assess Shariah compliance. This finding is similar with study conducted by
Abdul Manan (2006) that finds out even though the auditors are responsible in auditing the
financial statement and give reasonable assurance that the financial statement is free from
material misstatement, but somehow the external auditors did not asses or audit whether the
transaction made by Shariah listed company is free from unlawful transaction which outline
by the Qur’an and Sunnah. Abdul Manan (2006) also proposed in his study that there should
be a proper framework for the external auditor to audit the IFIs.
The increase in complexity of transaction and an unpredictable economy it also increases
the requirement in producing Shariah Compliance Audit in the financial reporting. Even
though there is discussion on the importance of corporate governance but the impact is still
little in ensuring quality of Shariah auditing in financial reporting (Adawiah, 2007).
According to Engku Rabiah Adawiah (2007) there are 7 parts of Shariah Compliance
that need to be fulfilled. The 7 parts of Shariah Compliance Governance can be illustrated
through Figure 1 below.
2) Structuring the 3) Legal
Product according Documentation
to Shariah
7) Recovery
mechanisms &
dispute resolution 5) Audit and Review
6) Restructuring
(if needed)
IV. Proposed Shariah Compliance Audit Framework and Audit Programme for Islamic
Financial Institutions
Islamic financial institutions are required to operate in the Shariah compliant manner. This
is discharged through a report signed by the Shariah Advisor of the financial institutions
that the company is operating under the Shariah requirements. Shariah audit framework is
the frame of reference to be used by the Shariah auditors to audit the financial statements
of Islamic financial institutions before they can decide that the operation of the business is
performed in the manner not contradicts the Shariah. At current, the practice in the banking
and takaful industry is that the Shariah Advisor depends on the work of internal auditors or
via the voluntary appointment of external Shariah auditors to audit the financial statement
and determine that the financial statements reflect the compliancy of their operations with the
Management of Shariah Non-Compliance Audit Risk in the Islamic Financial Institutions
Shariah. This creates the need for audit framework for Shariah auditors, internal or external
to work with. Shariah auditors will be better off in term of being able to conduct audit in a
standardized and efficient manner with a detailed audit programme for all Shariah compliant
products. With the help from audit programmes for every product, comparability can be
enhanced.
In developing the Islamic capital market, several aspects have been laid down mainly,
the prohibition of Riba, Gharar, Maysir, dealing in sinful activities. In addition, every
contract has to be performed lawfully, following the acceptable contract objectives. These
requirements can be used as the guiding principles that have to be observed by the Shariah
Committee.
As Shariah audit is the process to attest that all the Shariah concern is being taken care
of, the framework for Shariah audit can begin with the examination on the GPS-1 of BNM-
Guidelines on the Governance of Shariah Committee for the Islamic Financial Institutions.
The guideline states the roles of Shariah Committee towards the Islamic financial they are
attached to. The guidelines took effect on the 1st April 2005. The guidelines has the broad
objectives as to become “an effective Shariah framework would serve to ensure uniformity
and harmonization of Shariah interpretations that will strengthen the regulatory framework
and governance practices for the Islamic financial industry”.
Shariah compliance audit framework should enlighten the Shariah Committee on how
they can discharge their professional duties to the board of directors, which in turn owe to the
investors that the company operates under the Shariah guidelines.
Part E of the Guideline states the duties and responsibilities of the Shariah Committee
and the Islamic financial institutions. The main duties and responsibilities of the Shariah
Committee are as follows:
a) To advise the Board on Shariah matters in its business operation
b) To endorse Shariah Compliance Manual. A document contains the request for advice
is made to the Shariah Committee, the conduct of Shariah Committee’s meeting and
the manner of compliance with any Shariah decision.
c) To endorse and validate relevant documentations; including the proposal form,
Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies 3-2 (March 2010)
The GPS-1 guideline can be a starting point for us to establish a Shariah Compliance
Framework where it can enlighten the Shariah Committee on how to discharge their duties
and responsibilities stated above. In a), the Shariah Committee’s duties to advise the Board
on Shariah matters in its business operation encompasses a large area of responsibilities. This
proposal proposes that Shariah Compliance Audit to be undertaken to all the products offered
by the Islamic financial institutions following the audit programs established by the IFIs and
endorsed by the Shariah Committee. And this shall form part of the Shariah Committee’s
disposal of duties under the item a).
This guideline can act as a theoretical framework of Shariah Compliance Audit as
the Guideline stated the scope of documentation audit falls under the responsibility of SC.
Shariah Compliance Audit Framework may start from establishing the Audit Program to audit
these documents (proposal form, contract, agreement or other legal documentation used in
executing the transactions, product manual, marketing advertisements, sales illustrations and
brochures) for each of the products stated as Shariah Compliant. The Shariah Compliance
of the operations based on these documentations, in turn can be attested against the various
sources ranging from regulations, Shariah guidelines, accounting and auditing standards
(AAOFI), etc.
Sources of Attestation for Shariah Compliance Audit for Islamic Banks consist of the
following; among others:
i. Islamic Banking Act 1983 (ACT 276)
ii. Companies Act 1965
iii. All guidelines and Circulars Issued by BNM regards to Islamic Banking i.e.
Financial Reporting - Guidelines on Financial Reporting for Licensed Islamic Banks
iv. Resolutions of Shariah Advisory Council of Bank Negara Malaysia
v. Guidelines and Circular by the Shariah Advisory Council of Securities Commission
vi. Shariah Standards issued by AAOIFI
vii. Guiding principles issued by the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB)
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Management of Shariah Non-Compliance Audit Risk in the Islamic Financial Institutions
3)
a) Attestation and assurance of documentations to regulations, Shariah
guidelines, resolutions, AAOIFI accounting and auditing standards, etc.
b) Audit of processes, systems and people to ensure the compliance with
the Shariah
1) General Rulings on Shariah Compliance Audit: Free from Riba’, Maysir Gharar
and other prohibited activities
Referring to Figure 2, the basic general rulings in Muamalat are all transactions for Islamic
Financial Institutions should be free from Riba, Maysir, Gharar and other prohibited
activities. These rules are essential and considered the most important guidelines that need to
be followed and inline with Al-Qur’an and As-Sunnah.
Secondly, Figure 2 shows that the needs for Shariah compliance audit are because
of the requirements from regulators by Bank Negara Malaysia of GPS-1 on the duties and
responsibilities of Shariah Committee in IFIs. The first and second level of the pyramid is the
preliminary stage of Shariah compliance audit framework.
The third level is where the auditing process of attestation and assurance on the
documentations and procedures (proposal form, contract, agreement or other legal
documentation used in executing the transactions, product manual, marketing advertisements,
sales illustrations and brochures).
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Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies 3-2 (March 2010)
Lastly, the issuance of Shariah compliance audit report will take place whereby the
Shariah auditors need to state their opinion whether the institutions comply with the Shariah
regulations and principles or not. The issuance of Shariah Compliance Audit report is
important to the stakeholders that require assurance on Shariah compliance and accountability
in the Islamic Financial Institutions.
The scope of work encompasses the examination of the adequacy and effectiveness of
the system of Shariah control and the quality of performance in carrying out assigned
responsibilities. Shariah rules and principles shall provide direction to the scope of work and
activities to be reviewed.
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Management of Shariah Non-Compliance Audit Risk in the Islamic Financial Institutions
The purpose of the examination of adequacy of the Shariah control system is to ascertain
whether the system provides reasonable assurance whether Islamic Financial Institutions (IFI)
is effective and efficient in meeting the objectives of Shariah compliance. The examination of
the effectiveness of the system is to ensure that the system was functioning as intended. Hence
effective planning, organizing and directing of the processes by the reviewers is necessary
to determine whether reasonable assurance for the accomplishment of Shariah compliance
objectives as well as other goals exist.
● Examination of documents
● Observations
● Analytical reviews
● Inquiries
● Discussion with management
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Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies 3-2 (March 2010)
5.1.3 Reporting
Quarterly reporting to the board of directors and copies to SSB and management shall be
made. Prior to issuing the report the head shall discuss conclusions and recommendations with
the various levels of management. Quality of report should be objective, clear, constructive
and timely. The report shall include the following:
● Purpose
● Scope
● Findings
● Opinion
● Recommendations
● Corrective actions
● Feedback from those reviewed
5.1.4 Follow Up
The internal Shariah auditor has a duty to follow up with corrective action and recommendations
so as to ensure that the action is rectified and to prevent recurrence of non-compliance.
5.3.1 Employees
Only qualified, experienced and committed staff are recruited and retained as well as
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Management of Shariah Non-Compliance Audit Risk in the Islamic Financial Institutions
continuously trained and developed. SSB involvement in the recruitment will encourage staff
with the right aptitude and attitude.
VI. Conclusion
Non-Compliance risk faced by the IFIs can be mitigated through Shariah Compliance Audit.
Shariah Committee who has the responsibility to express their opinion that the operation of
the IFIs is fully Shariah compliant may rely the information from the audit work performed
on various aspects of the operations including documentation, reporting and to the extend
of the segregation of duties and control procures that involves documentation, system
and employees involvement in the operations. Shariah audit will serve as a governance
mechanism in Islamic finance so as it provides the verification that the IFIs operate according
to the Shariah.
Bibliography
Adawiah, E. R. (2007). Shariah Framework for Shariah Compliance Review, Audit &
Governance. Paper presented in Workshop on Shariah Review, Audit and Governance
for Islamic Financial Institutions on 30–31 January 2007, Kuala Lumpur.
Accounting, Auditing & Governance Standards for Islamic Financial Institutions ASIFI
No.3, para 7, 2004.
Guidelines on the Governance of Shariah Committee for the Islamic Financial Institutions,
BNM, Kuala Lumpur. Available at: http://www.bnm.gov.my/guidelines/01_banking/
04_prudential_stds/23_gps.pdf, Access Date: 20th July 2009.
Grais, W and Pellegrini M. (2006). Corporate Governance and Shariah compliance in
institutions offering Islamic Financial Services. World Bank Policy Research Working
Paper 4054.
Mansor A. M. (2007). Finding the Right Shariah Auditor. Paper presented at Seminar on
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Kyoto Bulletin of Islamic Area Studies 3-2 (March 2010)
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