24/11/2025
CARD MRI opens new Islamic bank branch in Marawi, boosts Shariāah-compliant services in BARMM
via Bhal Abad Cabrera | November 24, 2025
MARAWI CITY, Philippines ā CARD Mutually Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI) expanded its presence in the Bangsamoro region with the opening of the CARD Islamic Bank ā Marawi City Branch, further strengthening access to Shariāah-compliant financial services in BARMM.
Bureau of Bangsamoro Organic Investments (BBOI) Chairperson Mohamad Omar Pasigan and Board of Governor Datu Habib Ambolodto attended the launch, along with high-ranking officials from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), underscoring national-level support for Islamic finance expansion. They joined CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Emeritus Dr. Jaime Aristotle Alip in the ceremonial opening.
Alip said the Marawi branch is a strategic step in CARD MRIās mission to provide ethical, culturally grounded, and accessible financial services to Muslim communitiesāmany of whom remain underserved by traditional banking institutions.
The Marawi branch is CARD Islamic Bankās second in the region, following its first Islamic banking unit in Cotabato City launched in 2024. The expansion aligns with the growing demand for Shariāah-compliant financial products in the Bangsamoro, especially among microentrepreneurs, womenās groups, and families rebuilding livelihoods after conflict.
Local officials from Marawi City and Lanao del Sur also attended the opening, expressing support for initiatives that open more pathways to capital, livelihood opportunities, and long-term economic stability.
The presence of BSP officials highlighted the national governmentās support for strengthening Islamic finance as part of its broader financial inclusion agenda. BSPās participation also signaled a continuing collaboration between regulators and development institutions to expand responsible banking in the region.
BBOI Chairperson Pasigan said the opening reflects BARMMās direction in promoting ethical, community-centered investments that uplift local enterprises and drive regional growth.
CARD MRI officials said the branch will serve microentrepreneurs, families, and community organizations seeking transparent, affordable, and faith-aligned financial services.
With this expansion, CARD MRI strengthens its push for financial inclusion, community resilience, and accessible Islamic bankingāan approach that continues to resonate across the Bangsamoro region.