The Determinants Of Islamic Retail Banking Adoption In Malaysia

Abstract

This study aims to examine the factors affecting the adoption of Islamic retail banking (IRB) products and services among the banking customers of Malaysia. The market share of Islamic retail banking remains low despite being in operation for the past 28 years. Therefore, an empirical analysis was conducted to study the usage of Islamic retail banking products and services between the urban and rural banking customers of Malaysia. Comparisons were also made on the usage of Islamic deposits and financing schemes between the Muslim and non-Muslim customers. The findings of the study revealed, relative advantage, promotional efforts, complexity, compatibility and awareness on attributes of Islamic retail banking as the significant determinants of the usage of Islamic retail banking products and services. Thus, the findings of this study serves as a valuable guideline to the banking sector and policy makers to devise appropriate marketing strategies to promote Islamic retail banking products and services aggressively among the banking customers of Malaysia.