A Perspective of the Shari’ah Compliant Corporate Governance of Financial Institutions in Saudi Arabia and Agency Structures

Abstract

This chapter highlights the variations of agency theory in the unique and complex context of Islamic banks in Saudi Arabia. The results provide an insight into agency structures in the context of Islamic banking that may lead to trade-offs between shari'ah compliance and mechanisms for protecting the rights of investors. This empirical study finds that most of the surveyed Islamic banks appear to recognize the value of governance and have implemented some basic mechanisms. Certain flaws in governance pertaining to audit, control, and transparency were also noted. The situation gets worse in cases where the investment account holders do not have any representation on the board or any voice for control or monetary rights. Other peculiar models balancing the two key requirements may be effective regarding agency dynamics. This study should motivate the policy makers to tailor the regulations to safeguard the interests of all investors without violating the principles of shari'ah.

Citation

Fallatah, Y.A., Farooqi, A.H. and Shalhoob, S.A. (2019), "A Perspective of the Shari’ah Compliant Corporate Governance of Financial Institutions in Saudi Arabia and Agency Structures", Azid, T., Alnodel, A.A. and Qureshi, M.A. (Ed.) Research in Corporate and Shari’ah Governance in the Muslim World: Theory and Practice, Emerald Publishing Limited, Leeds, pp. 287-303. https://doi.org/10.1108/978-1-78973-007-420191031