The Central Bank of the Philippines announced that Senior Assistant Governor Arifa A. Ala received the “Woman Influencer in Financial Services Industry” award from the World Financial Innovation Series at its 2025 event in Pasay City, recognising her leadership in advancing Islamic banking and finance in the Philippines. Ala serves as the central bank’s lead advocate for Islamic banking and was cited for driving change in the financial sector and helping position Islamic banking and finance as a pillar of inclusive growth. The release highlighted her role in the enactment of the Islamic Banking Law in 2019 and its implementation by the central bank, as well as her work through the Islamic Finance Coordination Forum, which has contributed to the licensing of two new Islamic banks and four Islamic insurance (takaful) operators.
Central Bank of the Philippines 2025-10-10
Central Bank of the Philippines senior assistant governor Arifa Ala named WFIS Woman Influencer in Financial Services Industry
The Central Bank of the Philippines announced that Senior Assistant Governor Arifa A. Ala received the “Woman Influencer in Financial Services Industry” award from the World Financial Innovation Series for her leadership in advancing Islamic banking and finance. She was recognized for her role in the enactment and implementation of the Islamic Banking Law and contributions through the Islamic Finance Coordination Forum, facilitating the licensing of new Islamic banks and takaful operators.