[BCM] [IsDB] [E1] [C2] Understanding Your Organisation

Introduction

Business Continuity Management (BCM) begins with a clear and shared understanding of the organisation it is designed to protect.

For the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), this understanding must reflect not only its operational and financial activities but also its unique mandate as a multilateral development bank that operates in accordance with Shariah principles.

This chapter introduces IsDB's organisational context by outlining its mission, strategic objectives, core activities, governance structure, and stakeholder landscape.

It provides the essential background required by ISO 22301 to ensure that the BCM programme is grounded in IsDB’s purpose and operating realities.

By establishing this context early, readers are better equipped to appreciate why certain functions are deemed critical, how disruptions may affect IsDB’s ability to serve its member countries, and what continuity priorities must be upheld to preserve trust, credibility, and development impact.

Purpose and Objective of This Chapter

This chapter is developed to fulfil the ISO 22301 requirement to understand the organisation and its context, which is a foundational step in establishing an effective Business Continuity Management (BCM) programme at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).

The objective of this chapter is to help readers—particularly senior management, BCM practitioners, and functional leaders—gain a structured understanding of who IsDB is, what it does, and what matters most to its mission and stakeholders.

By clearly articulating IsDB’s mandate, strategic objectives, operating environment, and internal structure, this chapter provides the necessary context for identifying critical business functions, assessing risks, and designing proportionate continuity strategies.

For IsDB, this chapter benefits the BCM programme by:

• Ensuring BCM is aligned with IsDB’s development mandate and Shariah-compliant operations
• Providing a common reference point for all departments involved in BCM
• Supporting informed decision-making during Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and risk assessments
• Strengthening organisational resilience while safeguarding IsDB’s reputation, fiduciary responsibilities, and member country trust

Overview of the Islamic Development Bank

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is a multilateral development bank established to foster economic development and social progress in its member countries and Muslim communities worldwide, in accordance with the principles of Islamic finance (Shariah).

Headquartered in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, IsDB works with its member countries, partners, and stakeholders to:

• Promote inclusive and sustainable development
• Reduce poverty and inequality
• Support infrastructure, education, healthcare, and capacity-building initiatives
• Facilitate trade, investment, and Islamic financial development

As a mission-driven financial institution, IsDB operates in complex geopolitical, economic, and regulatory environments, often supporting countries during times of crisis and vulnerability.

IsDB’s Mandate and Strategic Objectives

IsDB’s mandate directly influences how Business Continuity Management must be designed and implemented. Unlike purely commercial banks, IsDB balances:

• Development impact
• Financial stewardship
• Shariah compliance
• Stakeholder accountability

Key strategic objectives that shape BCM considerations include:

• Ensuring uninterrupted financial and development support to member countries
• Protecting financial assets and fiduciary responsibilities
• Maintaining confidence among member countries, partners, and donors
• Supporting rapid response during global, regional, or country-specific crises

These objectives require IsDB to maintain high levels of operational resilience, particularly during disruptive events such as financial market volatility, geopolitical instability, pandemics, or cyber incidents.

Core Activities and Operating Environment

IsDB’s operations encompass a wide range of activities, including:

• Development financing and project funding
• Treasury and financial operations
• Resource mobilisation and capital market activities
• Project appraisal, monitoring, and evaluation
• Technical assistance and knowledge-sharing
• Governance, compliance, and Shariah advisory functions

The operating environment is characterised by:

• Cross-border operations across multiple jurisdictions
• Dependence on digital platforms, financial systems, and data
• Close coordination with governments, multilateral institutions, and development partners
• Heightened regulatory, reputational, and operational risks

Understanding this environment is essential for identifying disruptions that could materially affect IsDB’s ability to fulfil its mandate.

Organisational Structure and Key Stakeholders

IsDB operates through a structured governance and management framework, typically comprising:

• Board of Governors and Board of Executive Directors
• President and senior management
• Functional complexes such as Operations, Finance, Treasury, Risk Management, IT, Legal, HR, and Corporate Services

Key stakeholders include:

• Member countries
• Beneficiaries of development projects
• Investors and capital market participants
• Employees and management
• Regulatory and oversight bodies
• Strategic partners and vendors

Each stakeholder group has expectations that must be considered when defining BCM objectives, recovery priorities, and communication strategies.

Relevance to ISO 22301 Business Continuity Management

Under ISO 22301, organisations are required to:

• Understand internal and external issues that affect their purpose
• Identify stakeholder needs and expectations
• Define the scope and objectives of the BCM system

This chapter directly supports these requirements by:

• Establishing organisational context before conducting BIA and risk assessments
• Helping define realistic recovery objectives aligned with IsDB’s mission
• Ensuring BCM strategies are not generic, but tailored to IsDB’s unique role as a development bank

How This Chapter Supports IsDB’s BCM Programme

By documenting and analysing IsDB’s organisational context, this chapter enables the BCM programme to:

• Focus resources on truly critical functions and services
• Improve coordination across departments during disruptions
• Enhance preparedness for high-impact, low-probability events
• Strengthen IsDB’s ability to continue supporting member countries during crises

Ultimately, “Understanding Your Organisation: Islamic Development Bank” serves as the cornerstone chapter, ensuring that Business Continuity Management at IsDB is strategic, relevant, and aligned with its development mission, thereby laying a strong foundation for building long-term organisational resilience.

A well-designed BCM programme cannot exist in isolation from the organisation it supports.

This chapter has set the foundation by defining the Islamic Development Bank’s mandate, operating environment, and stakeholder expectations, all of which directly influence business continuity decisions.

By understanding IsDB’s role as a development-focused, Shariah-compliant financial institution with global reach, BCM practitioners and leaders can align continuity objectives with strategic priorities and real-world risks.

This organisational insight enables more accurate business impact analysis, clearer recovery priorities, and more effective crisis response and communication.

As subsequent chapters build on this foundation, the understanding established here will ensure that Business Continuity Management at IsDB is not merely a compliance exercise.

Still, a strategic capability that safeguards its mission, protects stakeholder confidence, and strengthens resilience in the face of disruption.

Building Resilience: A Guide to Business Continuity Management at IsDB
eBook 1: Understanding Your Organisation: Islamic Development Bank
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