Manager Shariah Compliance

Easypaisa is Pakistan’s first digital bank, pioneering the country’s digital finance landscape. Supported by prominent shareholders including Telenor Group, a leading telecom operator in Asia and the Nordics, and Ant Group, the force behind Alipay, Easypaisa provides secure and convenient financial solutions to millions across Pakistan. The Manager Shari’ah Compliance will assist the Head of Shari’ah Compliance in ensuring the effective implementation, monitoring, and daily execution of Easypaisa Bank Ltd.’s Shari’ah Compliance Function. This role ensures adherence to the latest Shari’ah Governance Framework issued by the State Bank of Pakistan, Shari’ah Board directives, and relevant laws. The position focuses on operational oversight, review, coordination, documentation, and follow-up of Shari’ah compliance across the bank’s products, processes, and business activities.

Key Responsibilities

Implementation of Shari’ah Governance Framework: Assist in operationalizing Easypaisa Bank’s Shari’ah Governance and Compliance Framework. Support the Head Shari’ah Compliance to ensure all governance components—including compliance, audit, review, and enforcement—are functioning effectively. Monitor adherence to Shari’ah principles and controls approved by the Shari’ah Board.

Shari’ah Compliance Review and Advisory Support: Conduct preliminary Shari’ah compliance reviews of products, services, agreements, contracts, manuals, SOPs, and process flows before submission to the Shari’ah Board. Identify non-compliances, gaps, and control weaknesses, recommending corrective actions. Provide routine Shari’ah compliance guidance to business units, product teams, digital banking units, and support functions.

Research and Documentation: Perform Shari’ah research and analysis on assigned matters under the guidance of the Head Shari’ah Compliance and Shari’ah Board. Maintain systematic records of Shari’ah rulings, fatawajat, approvals, and guidelines. Assist in drafting compliance notes, working papers, and internal advisories.

Profit Distribution and Depositors’ Compliance: Support verification of profit and loss distribution mechanisms to depositors to ensure Shari’ah compliance before disbursement. Review calculation methodologies, allocation mechanisms, and disclosures in line with regulatory requirements and approved rulings.

Customer and Stakeholder Queries: Draft responses to Shari’ah-related queries from customers, regulators, and internal stakeholders after coordination with relevant departments. Submit responses through the Head Shari’ah Compliance for review and onward submission to the Shari’ah Board.

Shari’ah Audit, Review, and Inspection Coordination: Coordinate internal and external Shari’ah audit and review activities. Compile management responses to audit observations and track corrective action implementation. Assist in preparation for State Bank of Pakistan inspections, including documentation and coordination.

Enforcement and Corrective Actions: Support implementation and follow-up of corrective and enforcement actions prescribed by the Shari’ah Board. Maintain records of unresolved Shari’ah issues and periodically report status to the Head Shari’ah Compliance.

Disclosures and Regulatory Compliance: Coordinate with relevant departments to ensure Shari’ah-related disclosures, approved product features, FAQs, and rulings are updated on Easypaisa Bank’s website and other platforms as required. Assist in timely submission of Shari’ah-related information to the State Bank of Pakistan.

Training and Awareness: Collaborate with HR and Training Units to develop Shari’ah training materials. Support delivery of Shari’ah awareness and capacity-building sessions for staff as per approved training plans.

Regulatory and External Liaison: Liaise with the State Bank of Pakistan’s Islamic Banking Department on routine Shari’ah compliance matters under supervision. Perform any other Shari’ah compliance-related tasks assigned by the Head Shari’ah Compliance. Uphold Easypaisa Bank Limited’s behaviors and values, fostering a culture of risk and compliance management with performance measures aligned to individual responsibilities.

Required Qualifications

Education: A graduate degree specializing in Islamic Banking and Finance, or Shahadat-ul-Aalamiyah (Dars-e-Nizami) with exposure to Islamic Banking and Finance. Candidates must meet the academic qualification criteria outlined in Annexure-A of the Shari’ah Governance Framework.

Experience: A minimum of 3 to 5 years of relevant professional experience in Islamic Banking, Shari’ah Compliance, Shari’ah Advisory, or Islamic Finance.

Preferred Qualifications

Professional Islamic finance certifications such as AAOIFI Certified Shari’ah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA) or Certified Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA) will be given preference.

This role offers an opportunity to contribute to the growth of Pakistan’s pioneering digital bank while ensuring strict adherence to Shari’ah principles and regulatory requirements.