CERTIFIED EXPERT IN ISLAMIC MICROFINANCE
Your next career step starts here
Islamic microfinance plays a crucial role in expanding financial inclusion in Muslim-majority countries and emerging markets. The Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance programme by Frankfurt School of Finance & Management provides professionals with the knowledge and tools to design, implement and manage Sharia-compliant microfinance products and institutions.
This flexible online certificate programme combines the principles of Islamic finance with practical insights into microfinance operations, product development and risk management. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of how Islamic microfinance can support sustainable development, poverty reduction and financial inclusion.
Duration
6 months
Starting in March and in September
Language
English
Format & Credits
Online | 3 ECTS
Price
Early Bird: EUR 700
Regular Fee: EUR 900
Early Bird Fee available until 15 July
Islamic microfinance plays a crucial role in expanding financial inclusion in Muslim-majority countries and emerging markets. The Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance programme by Frankfurt School of Finance & Management provides professionals with the knowledge and tools to design, implement and manage Sharia-compliant microfinance products and institutions.
This flexible online certificate programme combines the principles of Islamic finance with practical insights into microfinance operations, product development and risk management. Participants gain a comprehensive understanding of how Islamic microfinance can support sustainable development, poverty reduction and financial inclusion.
Programme at a Glance
Format: Online | Part-Time | Self-Paced
Focus: Islamic microfinance | Islamic finance | financial inclusion
Certificate: Certified Expert
Global Alumni: More than 280 participants
Number of Nationalities: 60 countries
Launch Year: 2016
Module of: Master of Leadership in Sustainable Finance | Diploma in Financial Inclusion
Why Study Islamic Microfinance at Frankfurt School?
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management is a leading provider of executive education in finance, known for combining academic excellence with practical application. The Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance is developed in partnership with Islamic Relief, bringing together rigorous financial expertise and extensive field experience across more than 45 countries.
The programme equips participants with practical skills to design and implement Sharia-compliant microfinance solutions. It focuses on translating Islamic finance principles into ethical, inclusive financial services that expand access to credit and savings for underserved communities.
Frankfurt School contributes deep expertise in financial systems, retail banking, and regulatory frameworks, while ensuring alignment with internationally recognised standards such as AAOIFI. Through a combination of academic rigour, case studies, and field-informed insights, participants learn to develop compliant, market-ready Islamic microfinance products with measurable impact.
Key Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of this module, participants will be able to:
- Explain the core principles of Islamic finance and distinguish the main Sharia-compliant financing mechanisms and products used in the Islamic microfinance sector.
- Understand risk management in Islamic microfinance institutions, including identifying key operational, financial and compliance risks relevant to Sharia-compliant financial services.
- Describe the fundamental concepts of microfinance and analyse how these concepts are adapted and applied within Islamic finance instruments.
- Assess social performance in microfinance institutions, including the use of impact measurement and social performance management frameworks.
- Explain regulatory, governance and Sharia compliance frameworks relevant to Islamic microfinance institutions and understand their role in ensuring ethical and compliant financial operations.
IS THIS THE RIGHT PROGRAMME FOR YOU?
The Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance is designed for professionals who want to deepen their expertise in Islamic finance, microfinance, and financial inclusion. The programme is particularly relevant for individuals working with or interested in Sharia-compliant financial services and inclusive finance solutions in emerging and developing markets.
It is especially suitable for:
- Professionals in microfinance institutions and Islamic microfinance institutions
- Staff of Islamic banks and retail banks seeking to expand into microfinance or downscaling strategies
- NGO professionals (faith-based and non-faith-based) working in financial inclusion and development finance
- Social and impact investors supporting inclusive financial systems
- Auditors, consultants, and advisors working in Islamic finance or microfinance
- Central bank and regulatory authority staff
- Employees of apex institutions and development finance organisations
- Banking and finance professionals seeking to specialise in Islamic microfinance
- Students and early-career professionals with a background in banking, finance, or development finance
Your Benefits
What you will gain from becoming a Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance from Frankfurt School
- Product design expertise: Learn how to create Sharia-compliant microfinance products (credit, savings, delivery models) that work in diverse markets.
- Career-ready outcomes: Gain skills useful for NGOs, microfinance institutions, retail banks, investors, auditors, regulators, and consultants.
- Ready-made expertise even though no prior experience required: The course welcomes newcomers and professionals alike — a fast, practical route into Islamic microfinance.
- Global perspective, local impact: Combines international best practice with solutions tailored to community needs.
- Join a programme that equips you to advance sustainable, Sharia-compliant financial services worldwide.
REGISTRATION
OUR PARTNER
This programme is developed and implemented as joint initiative between Frankfurt School of Finance & Management and the Islamic Relief. Islamic Relief is a faith-based international humanitarian organization founded on Islamic values and teachings. Since its establishment in 1984, the organization has grown to operate in over 45 countries, serving over 10 million vulnerable people annually through emergency aid and long-term development projects. Committed to core Islamic principles such as sincerity, excellence, compassion, social justice, and custodianship, Islamic Relief integrates these values from the Qur'an and Prophetic tradition into its humanitarian work. The organization empowers poor communities, respects human life, and safeguards the environment. A key economic development intervention provided by Islamic Relief is Islamic microfinance, which offers a Sharia-compliant financial solution, aligning with the principles of fairness, integrity, and mutual responsibility inherent in the Islamic faith.
METHODOLOGY
Flexible Learning. Lasting Impact
Our self-paced, asynchronous online courses are built for professionals who want to upskill on their own time, without putting work on hold. Our courses deliver international expertise and hands-on tools you can apply immediately.
- Flexible, study anytime, anywhere
- Practical learning, real-world examples
- Expert support when you need it
- Live sessions (also recorded, of course)
Join a global community of professionals who are advancing their careers with flexible, high-quality learning.
COURSE OUTLINE
Overview of Islamic Economics & Microfinance System
Overview of Islamic Economics & Microfinance System
The Microfinance Contracts & Transaction Agreements (Part 1)
The Microfinance Contracts & Transaction Agreements (Part 1)
The Microfinance Contracts & Transaction Agreements (Part 2)
The Microfinance Contracts & Transaction Agreements (Part 2)
Managing Islamic Microfinancing
Managing Islamic Microfinancing
Risk Management in Islamic Microfinance Institutions
Risk Management in Islamic Microfinance Institutions
Regulatory, Governance and Sharia Compliance Framework for Islamic Microfinance
Regulatory, Governance and Sharia Compliance Framework for Islamic Microfinance
Financial and Social Performance Management
Financial and Social Performance Management
MEET THE LECTURERS
STUDY JOURNEY
Register
Participate
Pass the Exam
Get Certified
Relevant Certificates and Seminars
FAQs
The Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance programme starts twice a year, on 1 March and 1 September. Early registration is recommended to secure your early bird discount.
While scholarships are not offered for Certified Expert programmes, Frankfurt School provides several discount options, including early bird, group, and alumni discounts. Please check the programme page or contact the team for current offers and eligibility.
After successfully passing the final exam, participants receive an official Frankfurt School certificate. The certificate includes 3 ECTS credits.
Yes, although the programme is flexible, it includes defined deadlines for assignments, course completion, and the final exam. These ensure structured progress and successful completion within the designated timeframe.
Yes, the Certified Expert in Islamic Microfinance programme includes live sessions and interactive discussions with lecturers and peers. All sessions are recorded and made available for participants who are unable to attend in real time.
Yes, participants can engage with lecturers, course coordinators, and peers through discussion forums and live sessions, enabling knowledge exchange and networking.
If needed, you can apply for a course extension and continue from where you left off. Extensions are available for up to three years after the course end date and require an administrative fee of €200.
Late enrolment (1 month after course start) is possible. However, joining after the start date can make it more challenging to meet deadlines.
Yes, enrolling in multiple courses is possible.
Payment in instalments is not offered. Full payment is required prior to the start of the programme.
