In order to face a series of internal and external challenges of sharia banking, starting in February 2021, three state-owned Islamic banks (BUMN) officially merged, namely Bank Syariah Mandiri, BRI Syariah, and BNI Syariah. The three banks are now Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI).
According to our Guest Lecturer, Mrs. Aimatul Yumna, S.E., M.Fin., Ph.D., there are at least 3 (three) advantages of this merger strategy, such as increasing efficiency, increasing profitability and company value, and benefiting the people. This strategy is also carried out to answer various opportunities, such as the rapid advancement of technology and digitalization, the growth of the halal industry, increasing religious awareness, and increasing public knowledge about financial and investment products.
Furthermore, in her presentation, Mrs. Aimatul Yumna also explained a series of challenges considered in the merger strategy of Bank Syariah Indonesia, including strategic challenges (such as vision and corporate culture), operational challenges, socialization challenges, and increasing Islamic financial literacy.