GEFC 2026
2nd Global Ethical Finance Conference — Ethical Finance for Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Economies
Abstracts close in — daysThe Global Ethical Finance Conference 2026 — GEFC brings together researchers, policymakers and practitioners in Islamic and ethical finance. London, 23–24 November 2026.
A Global Platform for Ethical Finance Research and Practice
Following the success of GEFC 2025, the 2nd Global Ethical Finance Conference returns in 2026 to bring together academics, policymakers, and industry professionals to explore how ethical finance — including Islamic finance, sustainable finance, and responsible innovation — can support inclusive growth and long-term economic resilience.
Organised by Islamic Finance Review (IFR), in collaboration with academic and industry partners, GEFC 2026 provides a platform to exchange evidence, debate policy directions, and showcase practice-based solutions across ethical banking, ESG, and financial inclusion.
Last year’s conference welcomed speakers and delegates from across the globe, including the USA, Germany, Pakistan, Bahrain, the UK, Oman, Jordan, Indonesia, and Ghana. GEFC 2026 aims to build on that international reach.
Leading the Conversation
Meet the session chairs guiding key themes at GEFC 2026
Prof. Muhammad Ayub
Global Political Economy & Ethical Values
Dr. Saba Iqbal
Sustainable Finance & SDGs
Research Areas & Topics
GEFC 2026 invites research, papers, and discussion across the following themes
Ethical Banking & Finance
Shariah-compliant banking, takaful, sukuk, and fintech innovation in Islamic finance.
Public Policy & Economic Development
Islamic perspectives on fiscal policy, social justice, and ethical governance.
Climate Finance & Green Investment
Green Sukuk, climate risk, and sustainable investment strategies.
Digital Transformation & Fintech
Blockchain, AI, and digital innovation in Islamic and ethical finance.
Islamic Social Finance & Inclusion
Zakat, Waqf, and financial inclusion for underserved communities.
Islamic Capital Market Innovation
Sukuk structuring, Islamic capital markets, and investment product development.
Additional sub-topics welcome — including Maqasid al-Shariah, Shariah Governance & Policy, Halal Economy & SDG-linked Business Models, and Women in Islamic Finance.
Submit Your Abstract for GEFC 2026
We invite academics, practitioners, and postgraduate researchers to submit abstracts. Selected papers will be presented at the conference with opportunities for publication in JIBEP.
✦ Abstracts of 300–500 words outlining objectives, methodology and key findings
✦ Welcome from academics, practitioners and postgraduate/PhD researchers
✦ All submissions reviewed by the conference committee prior to acceptance
✦ Selected papers considered for publication in JIBEP after peer review
✦ Best Paper Award for outstanding submissions
| Category | Early Bird | Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Presenting author | £200 | £250 |
| Non-presenting delegate | £180 | £220 |
| Student (presenting or attending) | £100 | £150 |
| Virtual / hybrid attendance | £80 | £80 |
Publication Opportunity (JIBEP) — Selected authors may be invited to submit extended versions of their papers to JIBEP. All invited submissions are subject to editorial screening and peer review. Submission to the conference does not guarantee journal publication.
Recognition and Giving Back
GEFC 2026 recognises outstanding research and puts ethical practice at the heart of what we do.
Best Paper Award
Outstanding submissions will be recognised with a Best Paper Award at the conference, along with special mentions for standout contributions across each theme.
Selected award-winning papers may also be fast-tracked for consideration in JIBEP, subject to the journal’s standard editorial and peer review process.
Giving Back
In line with IFR’s commitment to ethical practice, 10% of conference profits will be donated to charity, continuing a tradition of using this platform not just to discuss ethical finance — but to practise it.
Details of the chosen charity will be announced ahead of the conference.
Sponsor GEFC 2026
GEFC 2026 offers sponsors and partners the opportunity to connect with an international community of academics, policymakers, and industry leaders in ethical and Islamic finance.
In collaboration with the Journal of Islamic Banking, Economics and Policy (JIBEP), GEFC 2026 provides unparalleled visibility within the global Islamic and ethical finance research community.
Premium branding, keynote opportunity, delegate list access, exhibition space, and full-page prospectus feature.
Brand visibility, speaking slot, exhibition table, and half-page prospectus feature.
Logo placement, conference programme mention, and acknowledgement at the event.
Full tier details, pricing, and benefits are outlined in the Sponsorship Prospectus.
What You Need to Know
📍 Venue
To be confirmed — London, UK. Details will be published once confirmed.
✈️ Travel & Accommodation
Details will be published once the venue is confirmed.
🌐 Format
In-person and hybrid/online attendance options available.
📧 Visa Letters
International delegates requiring an invitation letter for visa purposes should contact events@islamicfinancereview.co.uk
Frequently Asked Questions
Stay Up to Date on GEFC 2026
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Partners & Collaborators
