In our 53rd episode, we're joined by Yasmin AlKhowaiter, host of The Majlis, a podcast where she talks to global thought leaders about Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation.

With a background in consulting, Yasmin has worked with both private and public sector clients—giving her a unique perspective on the region’s rapid evolution.

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• The rise of content creators in Saudi Arabia
• Noticeable socioeconomic changes since 2016
• Saudi's relationship with Trump 2.0 and China

Listen to the Majlis-https://media.podeo.co/rss/MTQxNjc

The Majlis YouTube Channel-https://www.youtube.com/@themajlispod

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Monem Salam, Director and Portfolio Manager at Saturna Capital. With years of experience in Islamic investing, he’s been is a leading voice in the industry. 

In this episode, we explore:

• The evolution of Islamic finance
• The latest investment trends
• Where the industry is headed next

Please note that this discussion is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Please consult a qualified advisor for financial guidance.

About Amana Mutual Funds Trust-https://www.saturna.com/amana

Halal Money Matters podcast-https://www.saturna.com/amana/hmm

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In our 51st episode, we’re joined by Philip Bahoshy, founder and CEO of MAGNiTT, the leading start-up data platform for emerging venture markets. 

In our conversation, we covered several topics including:

• The region’s VC ecosystem—its challenges, opportunities
• How MAGNiTT is bridging gaps with data and insights
• Philip's outlook for 2025

MAGNiTT's five predictions for 2025-https://magnitt.com/news/our-5-predictions-for-emerging-venture-markets-in-2025-53975

MAGNiTT summary on MENA VC in 2024-https://magnitt.com/research/2024-Emerging-Venture-Markets-Investment-Summary-50967

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In our 50th episode, we spoke to Mohamad Safri, CEO of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM).

With nearly 30 years in banking and over 20 as a leader in Islamic finance, Safri has been instrumental in shaping the global Islamic capital market.

In our conversation, we covered topics including:

• The liquidity challenges Islamic financial institutions face
• How the IILM is tackling these gaps
• The potential impact of AAOIFI’s new sukuk standard

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In this exclusive episode, we’re joined by Omar Ansari, Secretary General of Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI)—the global standard-setter for Islamic finance.

In this depth conversation, we  covered several topics including:

• AAOIFI’s role in shaping the industry
• Why standardisation and implementation are important
• Deep dive into Sharia standards 59 and 62

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Alternative assets like gold, cryptocurrency, and private credit have gained momentum in recent years, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and uncertainty around interest rates. These investments have become key as investors seek stability and higher returns.

With President Trump 2.0 preparing to take office and new uncertainties on the horizon, what’s next for these assets and global markets?

Joining us for our 48th episode is Charles-Henry Monchau, Chief Investment Officer at Bank Syz. Syz Blog-https://blog.syzgroup.com/

In this episode, we spoke about several topics including:

• Defining alternative assets
• Cryptocurrencies and money debasement
• Gold prices
• 2025 outlook for markets

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This year, Islamic finance has made significant strides, with sukuk issuances reaching record highs and the market expanding into green and sustainable finance. With the industry on track to hit $6 trillion by 2027, its growth is undeniable.

However, challenges persist. Rising compliance costs, the push for harmonisation, and the introduction of AAOIFI’s Sharia Standard 62 are poised to reshape the industry.

In our 47th episode, we’re joined by Mohamed Damak, Global Head of Islamic Finance at S&P Global Ratings. 

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• Opportunities and challenges facing Islamic finance
• The potential market impact of AAOIFI Sharia Standard 62
• Whether digital sukuk can provide an alternative

S&P Islamic finance page-https://www.spglobal.com/ratings/en/sector/financial-institutions/islamic-finance

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In recent years, the IPO market in the GCC has been on fire. Driven by government initiatives and a push to expand regional equity markets, the region has seen a surge in IPO activity. Saudi Arabia is expecting over 50 IPOs in 2024, while the UAE has led the way in IPO proceeds, especially in 2023​.

But what’s behind this rise? What challenges do companies face as they list, and what opportunities are out there? 

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Salmaan Khawaja and Alex Tusi from Grant Thornton UAE to help us dive into the drivers of this IPO boom and explore what it means for businesses looking to go public in the GCC.

Topics in this episode include:

• The factors behind the IPO boom
• The challenges for family companies to list
• The future outlook for GCC IPOs

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The UK is the leading hub for Islamic finance in the West. The London Stock Exchange holds 35% of the US dollar sukuk market, and English law governs most sukuk worldwide.

But domestically, the industry is small. By the end of 2023, Islamic banks made up just 0.1% of UK banking assets, according to Fitch.

In our 45th episode, we spoke to Mohammed Paracha.

A key figure in the early 2000s, he helped shape the sector as part of the Bank of England’s Committee on Islamic Finance. Today, he’s managing partner for the Middle East at Norton Rose Fulbright and co-founder of Nester, an FCA-regulated Islamic FinTech.

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Sustainability and ESG are now key priorities in the GCC, with green bonds, sustainable loans, and major projects like Masdar City and NEOM driving change. 

But, are banks and institutions doing enough? And how does the GCC compare globally?

In our 44th episode, we spoke to Daniel Gribbin, Deloitte Middle East’s Sustainability and ESG Lead. With over a decade of experience and recognition as a top ESG leader in MENA, Daniel shares his insights on the region’s sustainable future.

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• Whether there is too much focus on E
• Data challenges
• Regional corporates' ESG and sustainability policies

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