This thesis critically explores the reflexivity and resistance of Indonesian Islamic Financial Institutions (IIFIs) towards International Accounting Standards Board (IASB) and Accounting and Auditing Organisation of Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) financial reporting standardization projects. The motivation of this study derived from two conflicting arguments as to whether or not Islamic financial institutions require specific financial reporting standards to accommodate their specific Islamic finance transactions. Most of the financial reporting researches adopt a narrative approach in their attempt to answer the ‘Why’ question, but neglect further investigation to respond to the ‘What is going on here?' question. This thesis fills the gap by answering the latter question and unveiling doubts on the required financial reporting standards for IFIs as well as the IIFIs and suggesting way forward for an enhanced stability of the global financial systems, through harmonization of financial reporting regimes. The data of this study was collected from semi structured interviews with 32 participants who are well versed with the knowledge on financial reporting standardization projects for IFIs/IIFIs, Shariah issues, and public policy. One of the chapters employs secondary data from conceptual framework and financial reporting standards issued by IASB, AAOIFI, and Indonesian standard setter. The aspect of reflexivity is examined on the extent of IFRS and AAOIFI adoptions by the IIFIs. It begins with the development of IASB and its promoting journey of IFRS that contains political lobbying in the Indonesian institutional arena. Likewise, the aspect of resistance towards AAOIFI is revealed through exploration of the institutional arena that reflects dissimilar finding with that of IFRS. The study involves not only conventional political discourse but also Islamic political interaction that influences the future of Islamic based financial reporting standardization. In other facet, an analysis of the three reporting standards using Maqāsid ul-Shari’āh lens supports the early assumption on the need of a specific financial reporting for the IIFIs. As a way forward, International Islamic Financial Architecture (IIFA) institutions are also examined to explore what supports required to have Islamic based financial reporting standards for IFIs in general and for the IIFIs in specific.

The thesis makes four main contributions, both to theories and literatures. Firstly, it shows how the hegemonic political economy of accounting exists within the area of financial reporting standardization, which is not simply by identifying the types of isomorphism that influence the organizations’ involvement in the financial reporting standardization. Secondly, in the context of Islamic financial institutions, the different interpretations of Shariah very much dominate in determining the direction of IFIs towards the implementation of Islamic based financial reporting due to the political influence in the respective countries where Islamic finance operates. Hence, the thesis proposes “Islamic Political Economy of Accounting” as a new theoretical framework to analyse similar discourse. Standard setters and regulators of IFIs are required to be tactful when looking into this issue. Thirdly, as the Islamic finance industry is now at continuous growth and maturity while also facing rising challenges, there must be a different approach to regulate the financial reporting standards. The hybrid way may not be appropriate any longer. This is shown in the analysis of the contents of the standards, where low level of Maqāsid ul- Shari’āh compliance is apparent. Lastly, this thesis also constructs an assumption about the attitude of dominant political leading countries towards the development of Islamic finance. As there is currently no real leadership in the area of Islamic finance, it would require influences from dominant leaders with congregated visions and a mission in line with Islamic values.