Master’s degree meets rising demand in Islamic fintech
The University of Bradford has launched a Master’s programme in Islamic Financial Technology and Artificial Intelligence to develop global leaders in ethical finance.
The new MSc Islamic Financial Technology (FinTech) and Artificial Intelligence programme adopts Islamic finance principles with cutting-edge developments in financial technology and AI. The programme, which starts in September 2026, is designed to equip students with the skills needed to lead innovation in a rapidly expanding global sector.
Sheikh Bilal Khan, Assistant Professor of Law at the University of Bradford and programme co-leader, said: “This Master’s degree is critical for those seeking to integrate Islamic finance, fintech and AI, which represents the future of a growing space as technological synergy is vital to the modern financial ecosystem.”
Dr Nazam Dzolkarnaini, Associate Professor in Accounting and Finance and programme co-leader, said: “UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is an unfinished agenda. This programme calls for brilliant minds who aspire to curate solutions for the benefits of the people and communities at large.
The journey of lifelong learning starts here, to embrace the technology, AI, ethics, responsible and good governance in financial strategy and decision making
What is Islamic fintech?
Islamic fintech uses modern financial technology, such as mobile banking, to provide ethical, values-driven financial services, emphasising ethical investing and asset-backed transactions. It seeks to broaden access to ethical, transparent, and socially responsible financial services.
The Master’s programme looks at concepts in Islamic finance, including ethical frameworks and governance, alongside fintech and AI.
The University’s programme, officially launched at an on-campus event held on Monday 13 July, responds to growing global demand for ethically and responsibly grounded financial innovation.
The Islamic fintech sector reached $198 billion US in transaction volume in 2024/25 and is expected to grow to $341bn by 2029, highlighting a need for skilled professionals in this space.
‘Huge step forward for the city’
Bradford West MP, Naz Shah, and Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Islamic and Ethical Finance, said: “I’m very proud of the work the University of Bradford is doing to integrate fintech, Islamic finance, and ethical finance into higher education through its new MSc programme.
This is a fantastic opportunity for students from Bradford and beyond to benefit from an innovative and re-emerging field with growing global relevance
“Leading experts in fintech and Islamic and ethical finance based in Bradford and developing future experts here too is a huge step forward for the city and its wider communities.”