Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the  3rd – 9th January 2026.

In this episode, IFN journalist Radhika Das speaks with Mohamad Safri Hamid, the CEO of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM), about IILM’s upsized Sukuk program, rising global demand for Shariah compliant liquidity instruments, the growth of its primary dealer network and its role in addressing cross-border Islamic liquidity gaps.

Moderator:

Faezah Abdullah, Head of Shariah, Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad Malaysia

Panelists:

Dr Sheikh Nizam Yaquby, Chairman Global Shariah Supervisory Committee, Standard Chartered Bank & Chairperson of Shariah Board, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan
Dato’ Prof. Dr Ashraf Md Hashim, Internal Shariah Supervision Committee Member, Standard Chartered Bank UAE
Dr Ahcene Lahsasna, Chairman Shariah Committee, Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad Malaysia & Chairman Internal Shariah Supervision Committee, Standard Chartered Bank UAE
Dr Mufti Irshad Ahmad Aijaz, Member Shariah Board, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan
Dr Hakimah Yaacob, Shariah Committee Member, Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad Malaysia

Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the  29th November – 5th December 2025.

Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the  22nd – 28th November 2025.

Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the  15th – 21st November 2025.

Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 8th – 14th November 2025.

In this episode, IFN journalist Radhika Das speaks with Jesmond Gatt, the chairman of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), and Clare Farrugia, the head of strategy, policy and innovation at the MFSA, on Malta’s plans to introduce a dedicated Sukuk framework, a first for the jurisdiction. The discussion explores the MFSA’s objectives, Shariah governance measures and Malta’s vision to position itself as a European gateway for Islamic finance.

Pakistan’s US$1.9 trillion real estate market has long operated on cash and opacity. Now, a decade after the nation launched its first Islamic REIT, the sector is entering a new phase of regulation and digital reform that could transform how Pakistanis own property, with Shariah structures leading the way. Naeem Illyas Khanani, CEO of DigiEstate and Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management’s audit chairman discusses with IFN Managing Editor Vineeta Tan how the country’s real estate market is at an inflection point.

We explore the evolving landscape of Islamic investment management in Pakistan—from shifting asset allocation trends to the rise of mutual funds, ETFs, and REITs. What progress has been made in product innovation and investor access, and how effectively has Islamic asset management been positioned? Join us as we assess the next steps needed to scale Islamic investment and wealth management solutions across the country.

Moderator:

Rukhsana Narejo, Chief Treasury and Alternate Investments, Raqami Islamic

Panelists:

Imtiaz Gadar, Chief Executive, Al Meezan Investment Management Limited
Nadir Rahman, CEO, Faysal Funds
Tariq Naseem, Head of Islamic Finance Department, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
Tariq Sultan, Chief Business Development Officer and COO, Mahaana Wealth