Purpose This study aims to examine the factors that influence profit–loss sharing (PLS) financing in Indonesian Islamic banks from the perspective of Islamic banks’ employees. Islamic banks have important role in influencing the amount of PLS financing distribution through their screening process. Design/methodology/approach This study uses questionnaires in collecting data that are distributed to the employees who process or handle PLS financing in Islamic banks in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The independent variables are risk, financing screening process, analysis of financial statement and competency of the employees of Islamic banks. The data are processed using multiple regression. Findings This study finds that risk, the quality of financing screening process and the analysis of financial statement have positive influence on the PLS financing, whereas competency of employees of Islamic banks does not influence PLS financing. Practical implications The results of this study are expected to give contribution to increase the role of Islamic banks in encouraging PLS financing. The adequate screening, controlling and monitoring system in Islamic banks should be strengthened to encourage the quality of financing distributed. Originality/value Primary data are used in this study to know the perspective of Islamic bank employees in the financing division on the PLS financing. This study attempts to identify the perspective of employees who have direct relationship with the decision of financing in Islamic banks.
