Mr. Naji Anton Alslaibi, Director of Institutional Affairs at Bethlehem University, has recently published three significant indexed research studies examining critical themes in financial governance, audit quality, and financial technology (fintech). His work provides valuable insights into pressing global financial dynamics, with particular relevance for emerging economies.
In collaboration with Alaa Hussein Aljarrah from Yarmouk University, Mr. Alslaibi co-authored “The Influence of Board of Directors Characteristics on Audit Quality”, published in the Global Business & Finance Review (Vol. 30, Issue 4, 2025). The study investigates how various board characteristics—such as size, meeting frequency, financial expertise, and independence—affect audit quality among industrial firms listed on the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE). The findings reveal that board size, financial expertise, and meeting frequency have a positive impact on audit quality. Notably, the presence of independent board members showed a strong correlation with higher audit quality, particularly when measured using the type of audit firm rather than audit fees.
In another contribution, Mr. Alslaibi co-authored the study “Empowering the Financial Sector: The Role of Fintech Research Development Trends” with scholars from Putra Business School, published in the Future Business Journal (2025, 11:92). The paper presents a bibliometric analysis of 868 fintech-related publications from 2018 to 2023, offering a comprehensive overview of current research directions and thematic clusters. Key themes include fintech’s role in improving banking efficiency, fostering customer trust in digital financial services, and promoting innovation in Islamic finance. The research emphasizes fintech’s potential to enhance financial inclusion and operational agility—particularly in regions like the Middle East where financial systems are undergoing digital transformation.
Mr. Alslaibi’s third publication, titled “The Moderating Role of Audit Committee Characteristics in the Relationship Between Enterprise Risk Management and Audit Quality”, appears in the Management and Sustainability: An Arab Review journal (2025). Co-authored with scholars from Tikrit University and Valencia University, the study explores how audit committee composition influences the effectiveness of enterprise risk management (ERM) systems in improving audit outcomes. The findings suggest that well-structured audit committees can significantly amplify the positive effects of ERM on audit quality—especially in environments characterized by volatility and risk. The study offers practical insights for institutions aiming to strengthen internal oversight mechanisms.
Together, these three publications reflect Mr. Alslaibi’s commitment to advancing research that bridges theoretical frameworks and real-world application. His work offers evidence-based guidance for policymakers, financial institutions, and corporate governance professionals. These scholarly contributions align with Bethlehem University’s mission. As a research-informed and teaching University, Bethlehem University fosters an inclusive academic community that encourages faculty, staff, and students to engage in ethical and impactful scholarship.
Read full articles here:
Global Business & Finance Review:
https://doi.org/10.17549/gbfr.2025.30.4.110
Future Business Journal:
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43093-025-00512-y
Management and Sustainability: An Arab Review journal : https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/msar-12-2024-0233/full/html