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Tokenisation, interoperable payment networks and digital infrastructure are reshaping how assets, money and information move across financial markets. We explore digital issuance and tokenised assets alongside regional payment connectivity, tokenisation of payments, interoperable funds transfers and open finance. We examine how these technologies can enhance efficiency, accessibility and cross-border connectivity for investors, financial institutions, businesses and consumers, while addressing regulatory readiness, interoperability, tax considerations, operational challenges and Shariah governance.

Moderator:
Daud Vicary Abdullah, Managing Director, DVA Consulting

Panelists:
Azleena Idris, Senior Director, Head of Industry-wide and Regulatory Strategy, PayNet Malaysia
Darius Nass, Associate Director, Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices
Ivan Koh, Business Development Head, ASEAN ex-Singapore, SWIFT
Scarlett Chai, Country Manager, Luno Malaysia

Malaysia’s Islamic capital market is sophisticated and well established, but its next phase of growth will depend on connecting a broader range of issuers with deeper pools of institutional capital. This session examines what issuers need from the market, how credit enhancement can broaden access and support cross-border investment, and where liquidity, sustainable finance and new sources of demand can create fresh opportunities for growth.

Moderator:
Nicholas Edmondes, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Panelists:
Junaidah Abdul Shukor, Head of Treasury & Corporate Finance, Pengurusan Aset
Lydia Long, Investment Specialist, Deal Operations Department, Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility
Sharifah Sarah Syed Mohamed Tahir, Managing Director, Corporate and Investment Banking, Bank Islam Malaysia

Mohd Azrin Abdull Rahim, Section Head of Financing and Cashflow Management, Fiscal Policy and Debt Management Office, Ministry of Finance

As Islamic banks in Southeast Asia accelerate digital transformation, we explore how new delivery models, embedded finance, open banking and cross-border connectivity are reshaping customer expectations and corporate financing. We assess Malaysia’s transition toward risk-sharing structures, and how these models align with digital innovation and evolving customer needs. Discussion focuses on growth priorities, competitive pressures and the evolving Shariah governance considerations accompanying new digital models, while examining how Islamic banking can continue to underpin regional market activity.

Moderator:
Ravi Kittane, Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting

Panelists:
Arsalaan Ahmed, Executive Director, Berjaya Group
Aizuddin Danian, Chief Personal Banking Officer, AEON Bank
Ashraf Gomma Ali, Group Chief Shariah and Sustainability Officer, MBSB Group
Siti Rosina Attaullah, Deputy Director Islamic Finance, Bank Negara Malaysia

Hichem Djouhri, Senior Executive Officer, ASB Capital

Raja Teh Maimunah Raja Abdul Aziz, Group Chief Executive Officer, Bank Islam Malaysia speaks with Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor and Director at Islamic Finance news

Mohamad Ali Iqbal Abdul Khalid, Assistant Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia

 Regional leaders discuss the strategic trajectory of Islamic finance in Southeast Asia, covering competitiveness, regionalisation, digital adoption, regulatory alignment and the macro forces shaping issuance and market development. The session also considers Malaysia’s shift toward more risk-based, value-creating Islamic finance models, and the implications for market evolution. The session sets the agenda for both issuers and investors by highlighting where real opportunities lie today. 

Moderator:
Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance news

Panelists:
Abdulla Al Hammadi, AVP – Analyst, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Ratings
Arulnathan Dass, Executive Director and Head of Investors and Public Sector, Standard Chartered Malaysia
Nikita Anand, Director and Lead Analyst Financial Institutions Ratings (Asia-Pacific ex. Japan), S&P Global Ratings
Syamsul Azuan Ahmad Fauzi, CEO, Public Islamic Bank

Asset managers discuss strategies to grow and diversify Islamic investment offerings. Topics include ESG integration, ETF growth, and digital platforms that broaden institutional and retail participation. Discussion will also explore the role of Shariah-compliant alternative investments, including private capital, real assets, infrastructure and Sukuk funds, as managers seek to enhance diversification, scale and long-term performance.

Moderator:

Elias Moubarak, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Panelists:

Christophe Lalandre, Executive Vice President, Lombard Odier (Middle East)
Fahd Chaudhry, Director, Client Coverage MENA, CIS and Turkey, S&P Dow Jones Indices
Ishaaq Osman, Business Development Lead, Victoria Capital Management
Luma Saqqaf, Legal Consultant, Islamic and Sustainable Finance Expert
Muzzammil Dhedhy, Executive Director and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer, Hejaz Group

Introduction:

Stéphane Brown, airman and Co-founder, Association of Shariah Asset Management

Moderator:

Christiane El Habre, Chairperson, Marketing, Research and Publication Committee, Association of Shariah Asset Management

Panelists:

Dr Areeba Khan, Deputy Chairperson, Association of Shariah Asset Management
Farah Hashim, Committee Member Technology & Innovation Committee
Ruggiero Lomonaco, Co-Chairperson, Investment and Product Committee, Association of Shariah Asset Management