Over the past decade, digitalisation and technology have transformed financial services, including payments and interactions between customers and businesses. Islamic fintech aims to do the same but in a Sharia-compliant way.

So, what makes Islamic fintech different? What challenges does it face, and what does its future look like?

In our 23rd episode we spoke to Abdul Haseeb Basit, a digital finance expert with over 25 years of experience.  He is a Co-Founder and Principal of Elipses, an advisory and investment firm focused on digital disruption in the finance sector.

In this episode we covered several topics including:

• Defining what Islamic fintech is and the ecosystem's landscape
• Asking whether there is a branding/marketing issue
• Looking at some of the challenges facing Islamic fintechs

Abdul's Twitter handle-@abdulhbasit

Global Islamic fintech report 2023/24-https://salaamgateway.com/reports/global-islamic-fintech-report-2023

You can email your comments, feedback or suggestions to us: [email protected]

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

Emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain are rapidly growing in financial services, including Islamic finance. These technologies promise to democratize and improve services, but some argue that Islamic finance still mirrors conventional products.

In our 22nd episode we spoke to Khalid Howladar, Founder and Managing Partner of Acreditus, an advisory firm specialising in credit, Islamic, and digital assets. With 16 years at Moody’s, Khalid is a specialist in Islamic finance and digital assets. He also serves as Chairman of MRHB Network, a halal digital asset platform.

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• The current landscape of Islamic finance
• The rise of cryptocurrency and other digital assets
• How these technologies could disrupt the industry

You can email your comments, feedback or suggestions to us: [email protected]

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

In recent years, private capital and institutional finance in the Gulf have surged, with investors venturing into infrastructure and emerging areas like private credit and equity. This has attracted attention from major players like BlackRock, especially focusing on key Gulf markets such as Saudi Arabia.

In our 21st episode, we spoke to Richard Banks, a seasoned expert in financial communication and investment.

With over 25 years of experience, Richard has played a crucial role in shaping the region's financial narrative. Today, he guides private clients through Soling Partners, a boutique advisory firm.

This episode covered several topics including:

• Why the Gulf is becoming a hub for private capital and institutional finance
• The diverse range of investors in the Gulf
• A deep-dive into the traditional and emerging asset classes

Soling Partners website-https://solingpartners.com/

You can email your comments, feedback or suggestions to us: [email protected]

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

Since the May 2023 Presidential elections, Turkey's economic policy has changed significantly. Mehmet Şimşek, now the finance minister, signals a return to orthodox economic policymaking. This includes raising interest rates and implementing key reforms.

However, challenges persist with a weak currency, high inflation, and declining FDI. The March 2024 local elections marked a critical moment as Erdogan and the AKP suffered a major defeat.

In our 20th episode, we spoke with Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu from TRENDS Research and Advisory, an Abu-Dhabi based geopolitical advisory firm based

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• Look at Turkey's economic reforms since 2023 Presidential elections
• Examining the rapprochement with Gulf countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia
• Turkey's FDI landscape and the challenges in attracting capital

You can email your comments, feedback or suggestions to us: [email protected]

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

In recent years, Islamic finance has gained traction in Australia. With Muslims comprising 3.2% of the population and a median age of 27, their financial needs align closely with their religious beliefs.

Moreover, Australia's trade with Muslim nations like Indonesia and the UAE underscore the growing importance of Islamic finance.

Yet despite these positive trends, the industry faces challenges like unfavourable regulations and raising awareness.

In our 19th episode, we spoke to Imran Lum, Head of Islamic Finance at a major Australian bank.

He is the author of 'A Comparative Study of Islamic Finance in Australia and the UK' (Routledge, 2022). He is also the host of the podcasts Muslim Money and Arabic with Imran Lum. 

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• An overview of the different Muslim communities in Australia
• Insights and challenges in the Australian market
• The similarities between Islamic finance in the UK and Australia

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

Since the 2011 revolution ousted long-time leader Muammar al Gaddafi, Libya has been in turmoil, with rival factions fighting for control amidst vast oil reserves. However, conflicts intensified notably after 2014, worsening the nation's instability.

Last year, the IMF highlighted Libya's economic paradox: despite high GDP per capita, challenges persist due to heavy reliance on hydrocarbons. Additionally, devastating floods in September 2023 underscored climate risks.

In our 18th episode, we spoke to Naaman Elbouri, a seasoned Libyan investment banker.  His background includes more than 20 years of international investment banking experience including 10-years at UBS.

Naaman holds positions at various financial institutions in Libya including Chairman of Assaray Trade And Investment Bank as well as Founding member of Tadawul Financial Services, Libya's first asset management company.

In this episode we covered several topics including:

• Deep dive into Libya's political and economic landscape since 2011
• An insight into the banking sector
• What sectors Libya could offer in the future

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

Over the last two decades, sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), particularly those from the Gulf, have emerged as significant economic players.

With Gulf SWFs holding nearly $4 trillion in assets, they wield considerable influence on both local and global economies, investing across sectors like finance, infrastructure, and even sports teams! But what hurdles do they encounter?

In our 17th episode, we're joined by Diego Lopez, Founder and Managing Director of Global SWF, an advisory firm specialising in SWFs and Public Pension Funds.

With over 18 years of experience advising sovereign wealth funds worldwide, Diego shares his insights.

In this episode, we spoke about several topics including:

• Defining what an SWF is
• Why they are important economic actors
• The current landscape of Gulf SWFs (strategies and challenges)

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

In recent decades, the global venture capital industry has experienced a significant surge, propelling ground-breaking start-ups like Uber and Airbnb into mainstream recognition.

Despite the promising emergence of venture capital hubs in OIC countries like Dubai, Pakistan, and Malaysia, challenges persist, including regulatory hurdles and restricted access to funding.

In our 16th episode, we're joined by Hussein Kanji, Partner at Hoxton Ventures, a leading VC firm in London. 

In this episode we cover several topics, including:

• Hussein's previous investments
• What he looks for in companies before investing
• His thoughts on Islamic orientated start-ups
• The challenges facing tech ecosystems in the OIC

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

The shift from the US dollar to non-dollar currencies in trade, known as de-dollarization, impacts capital markets, global trade, and geopolitics.

Moreover, the influence of BRICS, a coalition of major emerging economies, is reshaping the global economic landscape.

With more nations exploring alternative currencies and key Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Egypt joining BRICS in 2023, the Islamic world's global role gains significance.

In our 15th episode, we spoke to Rachel Ziemba. Rachel is an expert in geo-economics and country risk, specializing in global economic statecraft policies, particularly within the energy sector. 

She is Senior Advisor, Sanctions at Horizon Engage,  Adjunct Senior Fellow at the Center for New American Security (CNAS) and Founder of Ziemba Insights, a strategic advisory firm.  

She is also an Adjunct Lecturer at New York University’s Center for Global Affairs, set to teach economic statecraft in the Fall of 2024.

In this episode, we talked about several topics including:

• The drivers behind de-dollarization, 
• Alternative assets like gold and cryptocurrency
• The rise of BRICS and the potential for a common currency.

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay

The Arab monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula have become key players globally in politics, economics, and security, largely due to their extensive oil and gas reserves. 

With their substantial wealth, these Gulf states exert significant influence in energy markets and global investments.  Furthermore, the hosting of major events like the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and COP 28 in Dubai has garnered worldwide attention.

In our 14th episode, we spoke to Kristian Coates Ulrichsen, an expert in Gulf affairs.

Kristian, a Fellow for the Middle East at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, focuses on the history, political economy, and international relations of the Gulf States. With a wealth of expertise, including eight books, including his recent book "Centers of Power in the Arab Gulf States."  He is currently working on a book about football in Saudi Arabia.

In this episode, we spoke about topics including:

• The historical rise of Gulf states
• The changing political economies in the region
• The broader economic challenges facing each of the Gulf monarchies

Intro theme song-'Tales of the Arabian Nights' composed by StudioKolomna via Pixabay