IFN OnAir

What are notable developments in investment management, including those influencing investment patterns, asset allocation and product innovation? Is Islamic asset management positioned effectively, what more could be done to provide Islamic investment and wealth management products, and is climate risk offered sufficient recognition? How is the growth of Islamic mutual funds, ETFs and REITs shaping the industry, and what role does private capital have to play?

Moderator:

Oliver Agha, Managing Partner, Agha & Co and Columnist, IFN (The Islamic Legal Opinion)

Panelists:

Anastasia Lim, Head of Fixed Income, Portfolio Manager, Jabal Asset Management
Dr Ehab Elsonbaty, Partner, DLA Piper
Ibrahim Shaikh, Principal Investments, Wahed Invest
Raja Amir Shah Raja Azwa, CEO, HSBC Amanah Malaysia
Shahariah Shaharudin, President, Saturna Malaysia

This presentation highlights Malaysia’s competitive edge as the leader in Islamic finance, showcasing its potential to connect markets, ideas, and capital flows across borders. Leveraging a strong regulatory framework, deep market expertise, and a proven record of innovation, Malaysia continues to bridge opportunities between domestic strengths and international aspirations. It will also highlight Malaysia’s role in building investment corridors, enhance market connectivity, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities.

Azman Mokhtar, Chairman, MIFC Leadership Council

How have recent Shariah compliant IPOs and Sukuk transactions moved the dial in terms of interest in Oman, and how can this impressive momentum be maintained? Does the secondary market across multiple asset classes offer sufficient liquidity and depth, and is sustainability given enough recognition by issuers and advisors? What other opportunities are on offer for Islamic capital markets in Oman, in what sectors, and what needs to be done to capitalise on these?

Moderator:

Oliver Agha, Managing Partner, Agha & Co and Columnist, IFN (The Islamic Legal Opinion)

Panelists:

Hichem Bouqniss, Executive Director of Business Operations, International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation
Jonathan Segal, Group Treasurer and Head of Capital Markets, Energy Development Oman
Kemal Rizadi Arbi, Expert/Adviser, Financial Services Authority
Mohamad Noranuar Sajari, Head of Shariah Structuring, Bank Nizwa

Max Freeman , Founder and CEO, Epicenter Labs

Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid , CEO, International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation

Azza Al Habsi , AVP – Economic Research and Emerging Trends, Ominvest

With significant current focus on the application of Waqf in Oman, what is its potential across a range of Islamic financing and business activities, including banking, asset management and capital markets?

Moderator:

Professor David Russell KC, Barrister at Law, Outer Temple Chambers

Panelists:

Mohamed Anwar Al Lawati, Head of Investments, Private Equity, TANMIA
Sami Arfah Bait Rashid, AGM – Meethaq Personal Banking, Meethaq Islamic Banking
Sherif Hampton, Special Counsel, SASLO

Having developed an impressive range of financial products – from banking to capital markets to investment management – what is next for Oman’s Islamic financial services sector? What strategic initiatives are influencing this development, and what role do regulators and financial institutions have to play?

Moderator:

Asad Qayyum, Managing Partner, MAQ Legal

Panelists:

Ali Ahmed Al Lawati, AGM – Meethaq Corporate Banking, Meethaq Islamic Banking
Ali Hassan Moosa, Financial Expert/Adviser, Ministry of Finance
Khalid Al Kayed, CEO, Bank Nizwa
Mohammed Said Al Abri, CEO, Muscat Clearing and Depository
Thamer Al Shahry, Partner, SASLO

Faiz Azmi , Executive Chairman, Securities Commission Malaysia

Dr Qais Issa Mohammed Al Yahyai , Chief Economist, Central Bank of Oman