The purpose of this study is to investigate and validate the determinants of profit margins and pricing practices of Islamic banking institutions in Malaysia. The key determinants and pricing approaches were extracted using a verbal protocol followed by probing of respondents. Focus group interviews were conducted with Islamic banking experts from Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad, CIMB Islamic Bank Berhad, Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad and Maybank Islamic Berhad. Preliminary analysis suggested some distinct outcomes in the identification of determinants and practices in pricing and bank margins for future research. This study has provided important insights for Islamic banks to improve their bank margins and profit by considering significant variables affecting profitability. Generally, the themes which emerged from the interviews concurred with findings from literature. However, the determinants that have yet to be captured in the literature are marketing strategies which include product risk, financing terms and conditions; and discretionary power. Awareness of Islamic banking products and cost of fund strategies are other important determinants of bank margins and profitability. This paper also has the potential to enhance bank margin determinants, concept, theory and practice.

This paper aims to analyze the risk management practices of full-fledged Islamic banks versus Islamic subsidiaries of conventional banks in Malaysia and the sustainable rate of growth within restricted minimum requirements of capital adequacy, leverage and liquidity. In achieving these objectives, the paper assesses the risk management practices of full-fledged Islamic banks, i.e. Bank Islam Malaysia Berhad and Bank Muamalat Malaysia Berhad and Islamic subsidiaries of conventional banks, i.e. Maybank Islamic Berhad and CIMB Islamic Berhad. This paper uses annual reports and focus group interview to obtain the data. The results of the analysis show that the Leverage Ratio, Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and capital requirement ratios, such as Common Equity Tier 1 capital Ratio, Core Capital Ratio (CCR) and Risk Weighted Capital Ratio (RWCR) have exceeded the minimum requirement by Basel Accord. The result of the focus group interview shows that full-fledged Islamic banks and Islamic subsidiaries of conventional banks conformed and implemented the risk management framework imposed by the regulatory agency. However, the growth rate in total asset, loan, Return On Assets (ROA) and net income margin has mixed growth except for loan to total asset which increase over the year, albeit of the minimum risk management requirement. These empirical and focus group results suggest an important policy on issues pertaining to how Islamic banks have to adjust the changes in the banking environment in terms of growth and its comparative advantages specifically on management efficiency.