Majlis & Markets

The modern Islamic finance industry has grown since the 1970s into a $5 trillion industry. Critics argue that despite its ethical roots, it often prioritizes shareholder returns over impact investing. 

Whilst Islamic finance shares principles with ethical finance, it usually focuses on profits rather than social and environmental outcomes. 

In our 27th episode, we spoke to Reza Jaufeerally, a specialist in Islamic and ethical finance at the University of Leuven in Belgium. 

In our discussion, we touch on several topics

• Unpacking what impact investing is
• Why Islamic finance struggles with impact investing
• How to enhance Islamic impact investing in Muslim-majority countries

Email us: [email protected]

Reza's Twitter (now X) handle-https://x.com/RZJ1

Serenity Prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr; If by Rudyard Kipling

Intro theme song-Arab and Muslim by StockMusic via Pixabay

Despite a young, tech-savvy, and predominantly Muslim population, Islamic finance in Central Asia remains small and underdeveloped. The region's financial services and fintech sectors also lag behind their global counterparts.

In our 26th episode, we spoke to Abdullo Kurbanov, co-founder of Alif Bank, a leading challenger bank in Central Asia.

Today, Alif serves 1.3 million customers in Tajikistan and 1 million customers in Uzbekistan. It also employs 1022 people in Tajikistan and 264 in Uzbekistan. Adding to this, Alif recently launched in the UAE and plans to enter Pakistan.

Abdullo is also the co-founder Ayan Capital, a new Islamic car finance provider in the UK.

In this episode we covered several topics including:  

• Insights on managing a fintech in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
• Challenges for Islamic finance in the region
• Establishing a new venture in the UK

Email us your comments, feedback or suggestions: [email protected]

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

Following the successful 2022 World Cup, Qatar is now focusing on diversifying its economy beyond hydrocarbons.

In our 25th episode, we spoke to Akber Khan, Acting CEO of Al Rayan Investment, to discuss Qatar's post-World Cup strategy.

In this episode, we covered several topics including:

• Qatar's economic landscape before the 2022 World Cup
• The challenges Qatar's economy faces in the coming years
• The development of the region's equity capital markets

Email us your comments, feedback or suggestions: [email protected]

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

Real estate is becoming a major sector in Iraq's economy. According to Statista, a Germany-based market research and data company, it's the fourth largest among Arab countries and is expected to grow at a healthy rate of 6% over the next few years.

 In our 24th episode, we spoke to Mahdi Zewin, founder and managing director of Bayt Al Iraqi (BaytIraqi), a new Iraq-based proptech company. 

In this episode, we spoke about several topics including:

• Why investors should consider investing in Iraq
• The opportunities and challenges in Iraq's real estate sector
• Iraq's emerging tech ecosystem

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

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