Employee Profile

COMSATS University Islamabad

Lahore Campus

Dr. Waheed Akhter
Tenured Professor
Management Sciences
HEC approved PhD Supervisor
Area of Interest
Islamic banking, Takaful, Bank Liquidity Creation, Financial Stability, Risk Management, Behavioral Finance etc.
Office Telephone
111-001-007 Ext. (121)
Official Email
Available via Message Portal

Biography

Dr. Waheed Akhter is an accomplished academic and researcher in the field of Islamic Finance, with over two decades of experience in higher education and a strong focus on financial stability, risk management, and sustainable finance. Currently serving as a Tenured Professor at Department of Management Sciences, COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI) at Lahore Campus, Pakistan, Dr. Akhter integrates cutting-edge research with applied practices to contribute to the evolution of Islamic banking and finance in Pakistan and beyond.

With expertise spanning diverse areas such as Takaful, fintech, customer satisfaction, and poverty alleviation, Dr. Akhter has authored numerous research papers published in reputable journals and has been an active contributor to international conferences and seminars. His work examines the intersection of Islamic financial principles and modern economic challenges, making significant strides in enhancing understanding and improving practices within the industry.

Dr. Akhter has played a pivotal role in the academic community as a member of editorial boards and advisory panels for various journals related to Islamic finance. His leadership extends to organizing seminars that promote awareness of Islamic banking and related topics, thus fostering dialogue among scholars, practitioners, and students.

In recognition of his contributions, he has received several awards for research excellence, including the COMSATS Best Researcher Award and multiple Research Productivity Awards from his University. Dr. Akhter's commitment to advancing knowledge is further illustrated by his engagement in research projects funded by national institutions. He has completed a research project under HEC NRPU program worth Rs.3.747 million, one of the biggest projects ever funded by HEC in Islamic Finance. Besides that, he has successfully supervised more than twenty young researchers in their MS and PhD theses in the area of banking and finance.

Beyond his academic pursuits, Dr. Akhter is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of finance professionals, teaching graduate and undergraduate courses on Islamic finance, financial markets, and risk management. His pedagogical approach emphasizes critical thinking, ethical considerations, and the application of theory to practice, preparing students to navigate complex financial environments with integrity.

He continues to explore innovative research avenues that address pressing economic issues while promoting the principles of Islamic finance in contemporary contexts.


Areas of Interest:

  • Islamic Banking and Finance
  • Takaful and Risk Management
  • Customer Satisfaction and Bank Liquidity Creation
  • Financial Stability and Poverty Alleviation
  • Fintech and Sustainable Finance

Professional Affiliations:

  • Editorial Advisory Board Member, International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management (IMEFM)
  • Advisory Panel Member, Journal of Islamic Banking and Finance (JIBF)
  • Reviewer for several international finance and economics journals

Dr. Waheed Akhter remains committed to enhancing the understanding and application of Islamic finance principles in a rapidly changing global economic landscape, striving to bridge academic inquiry with real-world applications.

Publications

Books 0
1.
Khan, Anwar, Zubair, Ammad, Akhter and Abbasi (2018), "A Textbook of Islamic Finance ", published by: Center of Islamic Finance, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology Lahore, Pakistan, pp: 368, Standard: ISBN: 978-969-23225-0-8
Journal Papers 0
1.
Nadeem, M. A., Akhter, W., & Hoang, T. H. V. (2026), "Does Digital Financial Knowledge Participate in Poverty Alleviation? A Moderating Study with Microfinance in Pakistan", Management and Organization Review, pp: 1-27, DOI: 10.1017/mor.2025.10112
2.
Nadeem, M. A., Akhter, W., & Sherani, M. A. (2024), "Impact of Islamic and Conventional Microfinance on Poverty Alleviation: A Comparative Study", Journal of Islamic Business and Management, 14(02).
3.
Chaudhry, N., Akhter, W., & Roubaud, D. (2024), "Financial literacy, personality traits and financial wellbeing: A preliminary evidence", Economics Bulletin, 44(1), 190-210.
4.
Usman, M.; Akhter, W.; Haque, A. (2023), "“Spillover effects of crash and jump events: evidence from Chinese market”", China Finance Review International, Emerald, Vol. 13 No. 4, pp. 599-620
5.
Ali, I., Akhter, W. and Chaudhry, N. (2023), "Do Islamic Holy days affect stock returns? Empirical evidence from Asian and African markets", Journal of Islamic Marketing, Vol. 14 No. 1, pp. 273-288, Emerald
6.
Usman, M., Li, C., Chaudhry, N., & Akhter, W. (2023), "Does religion impact corporate innovation in developing countries?. Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research.", Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, Vol. 14 No. 6, pp. 887-910
7.
Javid, M., Chandia, K.E., Zaman, Q.U. and Akhter, W. (2023), "Examining the effect of liquidity creation on banking profitability and stability: moderating role of political instability", Kybernetes, Vol. 52 No. 10, pp. 4061-4080, Emerald., DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/K-01-2022-0021
8.
Zaman, Q.U., Akhter, W., Abdul-Majid, M., Hassan, S.I.U. and Anwar, M.F. (2023), "Does bank affiliation affect firm capital structure? Evidence from a financial crisis", Journal of Economic and Administrative Sciences, Emerald, Vol. 39, No. 1, pp. 50-174
9.
Akhter, W., Jamil, H. and Fam, K.-S. (2021), "Islamic influence on customer satisfaction: evidence from Takaful and conventional insurance industry", Journal of Islamic Accounting and Business Research, Vol: 12 No. 4, pp. 524-543. ISI indexed
10.
Zaman, Q.U., Aish, K., Akhter, W. and Zaidi, S.A.H. (2021), "Exploring the role of corruption and money laundering (ML) on banking profitability and stability: a study of Pakistan and Malaysia", Journal of Money Laundering Control, Vol: 12, No. 4, pp. 524-543. ISI indexed
11.
Asif, R.; Akhter, W.; Nisar. S. (2020), "An Estimation of the Presence of Contagion in Islamic and Conventional Banks of Pakistan Using DCCGARCH Model", Paradigms - UCP Journal, Vol: 14, Issue: 01, pp. 86-89, HEC Recognized (Y-Category)
12.
Akhter, W.; Pappas, V.; Khan, S. (2020), "Insurance demand in emerging Asian and OECD countries: a comparative perspective", International Journal of Social Economics, Emerald, ISI Index, pp: 350-364, Vol: 47, Issue: 3
13.
Khan, M.I.; Akhter, W.; Bhutta, M.U. (2020), "Interest Rate Exposure and Stocks Returns during Global Financial Crisis: Evidence from Islamic and Conventional Markets", Journal of Islamic Business and Management (HEC Recognized), 10(1), 132-148
14.
Khan, M.I.; Akhter, W.; Bhutta, M.U. (2020), "Nexus between Volatility of Stocks and Macroeconomic Factors during Global Financial Crisis: Evidence from Conventional & Islamic Stocks", Journal of Accounting and Finance in Emerging Economies, 6(2): pp.465-473.
15.
Usman, M.; Jibran, M. A. Q.; Amir-ud-Din, R.; Akhter, W. (2019), "Decoupling hypothesis of Islamic stocks: Evidence from copula CoVaR approach", Borsa Istanbul Review, Elsevier, , Vol: 19, Issue: 01, pp.S56-S63, Impact Factor 3.5
16.
Zaman,Q.; Hassan,M.K.; Akhter,W.; Brodmann,J. (2019), "Does the Interest Tax Shield Align with Maqasid al Shariah in Finance?", Borsa Istanbul Review, Elsevier, ISI Indexed, pp: 39-48, Impact Factor 3.5, Vol: 19, Issue: 01
17.
Mahmood, K.; Akhter, W. and Shahzad, K. (2019), "Return and risk based performance of conventional and Islamic equity funds: A comparative study from Pakistan", Pakistan Business Review, Vol: 21, Issue: 01, pp.87-97, HEC Y category
18.
Asif, R. and Akhter, W. (2019), "Exploring the influence of revenue diversification on financial performance in the banking industry: A systematic literature review", Qualitative Research in Financial Markets, Emerald, Vol: 11, No. 3, pp. 305-327, ISI Indexed
19.
Akhter, W.; Majeed, M.U.; Roubaud, D. (2019), "Islamic Banking and Financial Inclusion: Evidence from Asian and African Markets", Journal of Islamic Business and Management (HEC Recognized), pp: 341-354, Vol: 9, Issue: 2
20.
Zaman, Q.; Hassan, M.K.; Akhter, W.; Meraj, M. A. (2018), "From interest tax shield to dividend tax shield: A corporate financing policy for equitable and sustainable wealth creation", Pacific-Basin Finance Journal, Elsevier, Impact Factor: 1.603, Vol: 52, pp.144-162
21.
Chaudhry, N.; Roubaud, D.; Akhter, W.; Shahbaz, M. (2018), "Impact of terrorism on stock markets: empirical evidence from the SAARC region", Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, Volume 26, pp.230-234, ISSN: ISSN: 1544-6123, Impact Factor: 0.762
22.
Akhter, W.; Pappas, V.; Khan, S. (2017), "A comparison of Islamic and conventional insurance demand: Worldwide evidence during the Global Financial Crisis", Research in International Business and Finance, Elsevier, pp: 1401–1412, Issue: 42, Impact Factor: 1.47
23.
Akhtar, B.; Akhter, W.; Shahbaz, M. (2017), "Determinants of Deposits in Conventional and Islamic Banking: Empirical evidence from an emerging economy", International Journal of Emerging Markets, Emerald, ISI Indexed, Vol: 12, Issue: 02, Impact Factor: 2.02
24.
Akhter, W.; Khan, S. (2017), "Determinants of Takaful and conventional insurance demand: A regional analysis", Cogent Economics and Finance, Taylor & Francis, Vol: 05, Issue: 01, Impact Factor: ISI INDEXED
25.
Rahman, K; Akhter , W; Khan, S. (2017), "Factors affecting employee job satisfaction: A comparative study of conventional and Islamic insurance", Cogent Business and Management, Taylor & Francis, Vol: 04, Issue: 01, Impact Factor: ISI Indexed
26.
Ali, I.; Akhter, W.; Ashraf, N. (2017), "Impact of Muslim Holy Days on Asian stock markets:An empirical evidence", Cogent Economics and Finance, Taylor & Francis, Vol: 05, Issue: 01, Impact Factor: ISI INDEXED
27.
Khan, S. and Akhter, W. (2017), "Service quality and the moderating effect of Shari’ah perception on client satisfaction: A comparison of islamic and conventional microfinance in Pakistan", Cogent Economics and Finance, pp: 1-20, Vol: 05, Issue: 01, Impact Factor: ISI Indexed
28.
Jamil, H.; Akhter, W. (2016), "Investigating the impact of Shari’ah perception on customer switching intentions: A study of Takaful and conventional insurance", Cogent Business and Management, Taylor & Francis, Vol: 03, Issue: 01, Impact Factor: ISI INDEXED
29.
Rana, E.; Akhter, W. (2015), "Performance of Islamic and conventional stock indices: empirical evidence from an emerging economy", Financial Innovation, Springer Journal, Vol: 01, Issue: 01, pp. 01-17, Impact Factor 3.98
30.
M. Usman, W. Akhter, A. Akhtar (2015), "Role of Board and Firm Performance in Determination of CEO Compensation: Evidence from Islamic Republic of Pakistan", Pakistan Journal of Commerce and Social Sciences, pp: 641-657, Vol: 0, Issue: 02
31.
Ehsan, S; Khalid, M; Akhter, W. (2014), "DIVIDEND PAYOUTS IN FIRMS WITH GROWTH POTENTIAL IN THE PRESENCE OF INSIDER OWNERSHIP CONCENTRATION (A CASE FROM EMERGING ECONOMY)", Science International - Lahore, pp: 1723 - 1730, Vol: 26, Issue: 04, Standard: ISSN 1013 - 5316, Impact Factor: ISI INDEXED
32.
Usman, Makki, W. Akhter, Quddoos (2014), "IMPACT OF WORKING CAPITAL MANAGEMENT AND ITS POLICIES ON THE CORPORATE PROFITABILITY: ACROSS THE MANUFACTURING SECTORS", Vidyabharati International Interdisciplinary Resear ch Journal , pp: 42 - 54, Vol: 03, Issue: 01, Standard: ISSN 2319-4979, Impact Factor: ISI Indexed
33.
Khalid, M.; Akhter, W. (2013), "IMPACT OF CORPORATE GOVERNANCE PRACTICES ON FINANCIAL DISTRESS: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM PAKISTAN", Vidyabharati International Interdisciplinary Research Journal (VIIRJ), pp: 6-17, Vol: 2, Issue: 2, Standard: ISSN 2319-4979, Impact Factor: ISI Indexed
34.
Akhter, W.; Hussain, T. (2012), "Takaful standards and customer perceptions affecting takaful practices in Pakistan: a survey", International Journal of Islamic and Middle Eastern Finance and Management, Emerald, pp: 229 - 240, Vol: 05, Issue: 03, Impact Factor: 0.75
35.
Akhter, W.; Raza, A.; Orangzeb; Akram, M. (2011), "Efficiency and Performance of Islamic Banking: The Case of Pakistan", Far East Journal of Psychology and Business, pp: 54-70, Vol: 2, Issue: 2, Standard: 2219-5440
36.
Akhter, W.; Abbasi, A. S.; Ali, I; Afzal, H. (2011), "Factors affecting customer loyalty in Pakistan", African Journal of Business and Management , pp: 1167-1174, Vol: 5, Issue: 4, Standard: 1993-8233
37.
Mahmood, A; Akhter, W. (2011), "Assessing the Effectiveness of Frontline Managers in Public Sector Colleges of Pakistan", International Journal of Research in Commerce, IT and Management, pp: 6-13, Vol: 1, Issue: 3, Standard: ISSN 2231 - 5756
38.
Akhter, W.; Afzal, H.; Ali, R. (2011), "Corporate understanding of Takaful", International Journal of Research in Commerce, Economics and Management, pp: 30-35, Vol: 1, Issue: 1, Standard: 2231 - 4245
39.
Akhter, W.; Abassi, A. S. ; Umer, S. (2011), "Ethical Issues in Advertising in Pakistan: An Islamic Perspective", World Applied Sciences Journal, pp: 444-452, Vol: 13, Issue: 3, Standard: 1818-4952
40.
Akhter, W.; Rehman, Z. (2011), "Financial Performance of Pakistan Insurance Industry in Global Scenario", Far East Journal of Psychology and Business, pp: 01-14, Vol: 3, Issue: 2, Standard: ISSN 2221-8017
41.
Akhter, W.; Akhtar, N.; Jafri, K. A. (2011), "Islamic Micro-finance and Poverty Alleviation: A case of Pakistan", International Journal of Research in Computer Applications and Management (IJRCM) , pp: 24-27, Vol: I, Issue: IV, Standard: ISSN 2231 - 1009
42.
Ahmed, A.A.; Dey, M.M.; Akhter, W.; Ali, R. (2011), "Timeliness Attributes and the extent of Accounting Disclosure: A study of Banking Companies in Bangladesh", Interdisciplinary journal of contemporary research in business (IJCRB), pp: 915 - 925, Vol: 03, Issue: 01, Standard: 2073-7122
43.
Ali, I.; Akhter, W.; Afzal, H.; Zia, M. (2010), "Effects of knowledge maangement practices on organizational innovativeness and performance: Evidence from the SME sector of Pakistan", Actual Problems of Economics, pp: 03-07, Vol: 02, Issue: 12, Standard: 1993-6788
44.
Rahman, S.; Afzal, H; Ali, I; Khan, A; Akhter, W. (2010), "Stress in Banker’s Life: Demands- Control Model as Predictors of Employee’s Activity Participation", African Journal of Business and Management (AJBM), pp: 1679-1690, Vol: 4, Issue: 7, Standard: 1993-8233
45.
Akhter, W. (2010), "Takaful Models and Global Practices", Journal of Islamic Banking and Finance, pp: 33-44, Vol: 27, Issue: 1, Standard: 1814-8042
46.
Akhter, W. (2010), "Risk Management in Takaful", Enterprise Risk Management, Macrothink Institute online journal, pp: 128-144, Vol: 2, Issue: 1, Standard: 1937-7916
47.
Ali, I; Fatima, J; Akhter, W. (2009), "Entrepreneurial intentions among university Graduates in Pakistan", Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities, , pp: 25-42, Vol: 17, Issue: 2, ISSN: 1994-7046, HEC Y category
48.
Akhter, W. (2009), "Development of Takaful: A Historical Perspective", Journal of Islamic Banking and Finance, pp: 47-63, Vol: 26, Issue: 3, Standard: 1814-8042
49.
Akhter, W. (2007), "Regulatory Frameworks Affecting Takaful Business: A Pakistan Paradigm", Journal of Islamic Banking and Finance, pp: 67-105, Vol: 24, Issue: 2, Standard: 1814-8042
Conference Papers 0
1.
W. Akhter, V. Pappas, S. Khan (2016) "Takaful and Conventional insurance demand during Global Financial Crisis: An Empirical Evidence", Working Paper
2.
Akhtar, B; Akhter, W (2013) "Determinants of Deposits in Islamic and Conventional Banking", Global Forum on Islamic Finance (GFIF), March 11-13
3.
Raza, A; Akhter, W. (2013) "Musharaka Financing in Pakistan: Related Issues and Future Challenges", Global Forum on Islamic Finance (GFIF), at PC Lahore, March 11-13
4.
Rehman, A.; Rehman, Z.; Akhter, W. (2011) "Factors affecting brand loyalty: A study of fast food restaurants", 3rd SAICON International Conference on Management, Business Ethics and Economics (ICMBEE), 28-29 December
5.
Akbar, A.' Akhter, W. (2011) "Faculty Stress At Higher Education: A Study On The Business Schools Of Pakistan", International conference on Business and management Sciences, Dubai, 25-27 January,
6.
Akhter, W., Jafri, K., Akhter, N. (2010) "Risk Management in Takaful", 2nd International Conference on Business, Technology and Engineering (ICBTE) organized by Iqra University, Islamabad at 23-24 January.
7.
Akhter, W. (2010) "Takaful vs. Insurance: Transformational Paradigm", 2nd International Conference of AGBA South Asia Chapter, Nurturing Innovation, Entrepreneurship, Invesments & Public-Private Partnerships – in Global Environment at Bhurban (Murree), at 21-23 July,
8.
Ahmed, A., A., Akhter, W., Dey, M., M. (2010) "Timeliness Attribute and Extent of Accounting Disclosure: A study of Banking Companies in Bangladesh", 2nd International Conference on Business, Technology and Engineering (ICBTE) organized by Iqra University, Islamabad at 23-24 January.
9.
Akhter, W., Jafri, K., Akhter, N. (2009) "Islamic Micro-finance and Poverty Alleviation: A case of Pakistan", Paper presented at the 2nd International Business Conference organized by Comsats Institute of Infor
10.
Jafri, K., Akhter, W., Akhter, N. (2009) "Knowledge Management in Higher Education: A case of Pakistan", Paper presented at the 2nd International Business Conference organized by Comsats Institute of Infor
11.
Akhter, W. (2008) "Iran Insurance Industry and Potential for Takaful", Research paper presented at International Conference on held by Iranian Insurance Research Institut

Experience

Associate Professor
COMSATS University
Jan 2019 to Date

Assistant Professor
COMSATS, Lahore
Jul 2009 to Dec 2018

Research Scholar
NUML
Aug 2004 to Jun 2009

Industrial Experience in Malaysia
Takaful (Islamic Insurance) Companies
Sep 2006 to Mar 2007

Qualification

PhD
NUML, Pakistan
2009

MBA
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
2000