Majlis & Markets

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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With Muslims now making up nearly 5% of the population, demand for Shariah-compliant financial services is growing in Canada. Yet, the sector remains small and underdeveloped.

To unpack the challenges and opportunities, we spoke with Mohamad Sawwaf, Founder and CEO of Manzil, Canada’s leading Islamic FinTech firm. With a Doctorate in Islamic Finance and a mission to reshape the industry, Mohamad shares his vision for its future.

Please note, this episode was recorded last month, before the Manzil recently acquired the US based Islamic fintech firm Aghaz.

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The United Arab Emirates (or UAE), once known mainly for its oil, now drives growth across finance, trade, and technology.

Dubai stands out as a global hub for finance and tourism, while Abu Dhabi channels its wealth into high-tech industries and global investments. Meanwhile, other emirates, like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, are developing their own unique sectors.

To learn more about these trends, we spoke with Justin Alexander, founder of Khalij Economics. With years of experience across the Gulf, Justin offers insights into the UAE’s growing influence on regional and global markets.

In this episode, we covered many topics including:

• A breakdown of each emirate and their economic story
• UAE's sovereign wealth funds and investment firms
• The nation's net-zero pledges and diversification efforts

Global SWF executive summary-Abu Dhabi Inc-https://globalswf.com/reports/abudhabiinc

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In the last decade, Malaysia has experienced dramatic shifts— from the 1MDB scandal that shook the nation, to its rise as an economic player, all while balancing relationships with global powers like the US and China. 

To help us unpack these complex dynamics, we’re joined by Nick Khaw, economist and Head of Research at Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. 

With years of experience shaping policy in the Economic Planning Unit, Nick offers unique insights into Malaysia's growth, its political landscape, and what the future holds. 

In this episode, we spoke about several topics including:

• The legacy and ongoing impact of 1MDB
• Assessing Malaysia's economy today
• Balancing between the US and China

Nick writes monthly column for The Edge Malaysia, with the articles also being available at www.nicholaskhaw.com.

Nick's X (Twitter)-@NickKhaw23.

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Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Vision 2030 in 2016, Saudi Arabia has undergone major changes. The kingdom is opening up its society and reshaping its economy by investing in industries like mining and tourism. In particular, the financial sector, is driving much of this progress and attracting global attention.

In our 40th episode, we spoke to Abdulaziz Alnaim, founder and Managing Director of Mayar Capital. With over 20 years of investment experience, Abdulaziz offers a unique perspective on both global and Saudi markets.

In this episode, we discussed several topics including:

• The socioeconomic changes taking place in the kingdom
• The opportunities and challenges from these changes
• The merits and criticism of responsible investing
• The similarities and differences between responsible, ethical and Islamic investing

Mayar Capital-https://www.mayarcapital.com/

Email: [email protected]

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Natural resources are central to Middle Eastern economies. While climate change and green financing are on the rise, oil and gas still dominate, shaping economies and global markets. 

At the same time, Gulf nations are exploring new energy options to meet their climate goals.

In our 39th episode, we’re joined by Carole Nakhle, founder and CEO of Crystol Energy.  With deep expertise in energy, economics, and geopolitics, Carole provides valuable insights into the shifting energy landscape in the MENA region.

In this episode, we spoke about several topics including:

• Why oil and gas still remains important to the region
• Debating whether we've reached peak oil
• Asking why financing the energy transition is critical

Carole's Twitter (X) handle-https://x.com/carole_nakhle

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After years of instability, Iraq’s political and security situation is improving, opening up new opportunities for economic growth. With a young, tech-savvy population, many are starting businesses in areas like fintech and e-commerce. The potential is there, but challenges like funding, infrastructure, and regulations still slow things down.

Our guest today is Zahra Shah. Her experience spans roles at the United Nations, Gaza Sky Geeks, and Re:Coded, where she focused on supporting refugees, entrepreneurs, and youth through tech education and innovative programs

Since 2019, she’s been leading Iraqi Innovators, a media and data hub supporting Iraq’s investment ecosystem. Her work gives key insights into startups and helps shape the future of Iraq’s industries.

In this episode, we talked about several topics including:

• Iraq’s start-up ecosystem potential
• The day-to-day challenges entrepreneurs face, like limited funding and tricky regulations
• Broader economic challenges impacting start-ups

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