Purpose This study aims to explore the perceptions of zakah institutions and the intention of society towards the application of blockchain technology in zakah management. Design/methodology/approach The nature of this study is qualitative, attempting to indulge into the contribution of Fintech in Islamic social finance. This study uses a mixed-method to gauge the perception of stakeholders. For the quantitative approach, a survey was carried out focussing on zakah receiver and zakah payer. The data then was analysed based on the technology acceptance model. While interview survey with multiple stakeholders (zakah institutions, JAWHAR and university) was conducted to gauge the perception of zakah institutions in using blockchain technology. Findings The findings of this study provide a positive view for zakah institutions to embrace the usage of blockchain in its management, however, there are several concern that needs to be addressed. Practical implications This study provides new insights to the body of knowledge especially in the zakah management system and Fintech. Besides, from a managerial aspect, this study contributes to the new practices that could be implemented in zakah institutions. Social implications Many people lose jobs and income due to the economic turmoil and COVID-19 pandemic, which makes zakah an important Islamic social finance tool to assist in socio-economic development. It is high time for zakah institutions to implement blockchain especially during this pandemic crisis that requires a more contactless approach to ensure health and safety. Originality/value This study is important to encourage Islamic social finance institutions to embrace blockchain technology in providing an efficient service to the development of social and economic.

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Islamic banking is an experiment of the viability of Islamic economy with the aim to fulfil the socioeconomic justice that balances the material and social aspects of finance. However, the current practice of Islamic banking has yet to address the moral issues in promoting a balance between social and economic justice. Consequently, some scholars suggested that it is timely to learn from the experience of social banking model; that is an articulation of a sustainable and CSR oriented banking model in fulfilling the developmental needs of Muslim societies. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to introduce the idea of Islamic social banking based on the aspiration of Islamic moral economy. This paper will also discuss the social and sustainable features of social banking from an Islamic view which importantly will lead to social and economic development. The implication of the study is to fulfil the developmental needs of the Muslims in alleviating poverty and uplifting the social status by introducing a social bank which is Shari'ah compliance.

Islamic banking (IB) practices have spread throughout the World, not only in Muslim countries but also in the West. To sustain in the very competitive market, Islamic banking must be outstanding and resilience from other conventional banks. Hence sustainable banking theme is deemed to be relevant to its operation by incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) and sustainable development concepts. Little that we know about CSR and sustainable development practices of Islamic banking from the managerial views. This paper attempts to explore the social responsibility and sustainability dimension of Islamic banking in Malaysia from the management insights. This is an inductive research employing semistructured interview survey of 11 important Islamic bankers holding various positions. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyse data. The study reveals that Islamic banks are encouraged to perform various CSR activities however activities leading to significant socioeconomic impact are still lacking. Social banking may provide the answer.

Purpose This paper aims to explore the strategies used by venture capital (VC) firms in assisting entrepreneurs who have business potential but lack capital. The study also aims to investigate whether the VC strategy can be adopted by Islamic banks through musharakah financing. Design/methodology/approach Apart from content analysis, primary data were gathered from several interview sessions with the management of three VC firms and two Islamic banks. Findings Islamic banks in Malaysia have great potential to offer musharakah financing and mitigate risk by adopting the following five VC strategies: method of selection, channelling of funds, monitoring, non-capital assistance and period of investment. We propose the channelling of corporate social responsibility funds for musharakah financing as an initial step in applying VC strategy. Research limitations/implications Given the limited number of willing and eligible respondents in Malaysia, the scope of this study can be widened to a cross-country analysis where musharakah financing is widely adopted. Practical implications This study motivates regulatory bodies and Islamic banks to consider musharakah financing using the risk monitoring strategy adopted from the VC industry. Originality/value This study is the first to empirically explore the strategy adopted by VC companies and evaluate whether such a strategy is suitable for the concept of musharakah financing.