Educational Visit to BBI Bank: Islamic Finance in Practice

On Tuesday, December 2, 2025, students from the Islamic Economics course, taught by Assistant Prof. Dr. Admir Mešković, undertook a significant educational visit to BBI Bank (Bosna Bank International). BBI is unique as the only bank in Bosnia and Herzegovina operating under the principles of Islamic finance.

The students were warmly welcomed by Ms. Sanela Mrgan-Balić, Director of Human Resources at BBI, and Mr. Muhamed Emšo, the Sharia Compliance Officer.

The primary goal of the visit was to provide students with practical, firsthand insights into how Islamic economic and financial principles are applied within the modern banking sector, and to facilitate engagement with experienced industry professionals.

Mr. Emšo delivered an engaging and informative presentation detailing the practical application of Sharia compliance and the operational framework of Islamic banking products. This session provided a deep dive into how BBI ensures all its operations adhere to key Islamic prohibitions.

Following the main session, two successful IUS graduates, Sajra Hodžić and Zerina Kosovac, addressed the students. They strongly encouraged their fellow alumni to apply for the BBI Young Talents Program. This program was highlighted as a valuable and structured opportunity for ambitious young individuals to develop essential professional skills and fast-track their careers within the rapidly expanding field of Islamic finance at BBI.

The visit concluded with a dynamic and interactive question-and-answer (Q&A) session. Students utilized this opportunity to pose thoughtful and specific questions regarding the practical and ethical challenges and successes of implementing Islamic economic principles, particularly in a non-Islamic majority financial environment like Bosnia and Herzegovina.