Leadership Role in Faysal Bank Conversion: A Case of Faith and Belief

Abstract

This case explores the transformational process of the Faysal Bank Limited (FBL) conversion from a conventional bank into a full-fledged Islamic bank. This conversion marked the largest global conversion and the first of its type in Pakistan (Iqbal, 2023), where all the banking operations, products, and services were converted in line with the Shariah principles. The case is analyzed using a narrative case method, which employs qualitative data collected from the bank President and CEO’s lectures and talks on conversion and achievements (BIBF, 2025). The narrative case method has been recognized globally as the best pedagogical tool for capturing and reporting the complexity of organizational change and decision making process. Unlike other descriptive and technical cases, the narrative case provide even more coherent storytelling to engage students with lived experiences of stakeholders and the circumstantial dynamics of  the transformation (Ullah, 2014). The primary objectives of the case are to examine the conversion process, challenges, leadership experiences, and outcomes within the broader context of Islamic banking and finance.