Podcasts about ifn

Listen to IFN's round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 17th to the 23rd October 2025.

In this episode with IFN journalist Radhika Das, Nasser Baker Al Kahtani, the executive director at AGFUND, discusses the fund's mission to lift people out of poverty through inclusive financial systems, Islamic finance solutions and technology-driven tools for small farmers.

In this episode with IFN journalist Radhika Das, Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, the chairman of the IsDB Group, highlights Sukuk as a financing instrument for development projects, the Sukuk Summit in London this month and the Arab Coordination Group's efforts to maximize impact. 

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Fahad Hamad Al-Sulaiti, Director General, Qatar Fund For Development (QFFD), on the role QFFD sees for the private sector in scaling impact through different financing mechanisms and the organization's Islamic finance involvement

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Ismael Nabe, Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, Government of Guinea, on Guinea's collaboration with the Arab Coordination Group, its infrastructure goals and the Simandou project

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Dr Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, Chairman, IsDB Group, on Sukuk-financed projects, the Sukuk Summit in London this month and the Arab Coordination Group's efforts to maximize development and impact

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Dr Imed Limam, Director, Operations Department, Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, on the Arab Fund's central role in regional infrastructure development and its presence in the digital and green economies

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Nasser Baker Al Kahtani, Executive Director, Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND), on AGFUND's footprint in inclusive and social development and its use of digital tools to expand access to microfinance initiatives

Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Laura Frigenti, CEO, Global Partnership for Education (GPE), on GPE's mandate to tackle the growing learning crisis, finance education initiatives and advance its partnership with the IsDB Group

Aminah Farid, IFN Journalist, interviews Oliver Agha, founder of Agha & Co law firm and IFN columnist on which Islamic finance markets globally have been making significant progress.

What are the latest challenges facing the integration of sustainability into Shariah-compliant investments and projects? What initiatives – regulatory or otherwise – are encouraging the management of long-term climate-related risk and social impact in Shariah-compliant portfolios? How is Islamic sustainable investment leveraging innovative activities such as carbon trading? We ask an expert panel.Moderator:Zainal Izlan Zainal Abidin, Senior Adviser, Sustainable Finance Institute AsiaPanelists:Mohamad Irwan Aman, General Manager, Sustainability, Sarawak EnergyOliver Agha, Managing Partner, Agha & Co and Columnist, IFN (The Islamic Legal Opinion)Ong Soon Chong, Executive Director, Head, ETF and ESG Investment, Eq8 CapitalSedef Gunsur, Senior Investment Officer, Financial Institutions Group, International Finance Corporation

Sharifatul Hanizah Said Ali, Executive Director, Islamic Capital Market Development, Securities Commission Malaysia

What are the value propositions of Islamic investment management, and what is driving the strategic development of the Islamic wealth economy? What trends are influencing the development of Islamic investment products in Southeast Asia? Has Islamic asset management been strategically positioned and promoted effectively, and what more could be done? We ask an experienced panel.Moderator:Ismitz Matthew De Alwis, Executive Director and CEO, Kenanga InvestorsPanelists:Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid, CEO, International Islamic Liquidity Management CorporationMohammad Ashraf Md Radzi, Chief Executive, Lembaga Tabung Angkatan TenteraOliver Agha, Managing Partner, Agha & Co and Columnist, IFN (The Islamic Legal Opinion)Shahariah Shaharudin, President, Saturna MalaysiaSharifatul Hanizah Said Ali, Executive Director, Islamic Capital Market Development, Securities Commission Malaysia

Max Freeman, Founder and CEO, Epicenter Labs

Through a series of short, punchy presentations we examine the merits of various asset classes from an investor's viewpoint. With each asset class presented by a recognized market practitioner, we offer a critical assessment of Islamic investment opportunities, from private capital, to carbon credits, to Sukuk, to equities, to real estate. Which asset class will prevail?Facilitator: Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance newsJessica Tan, Principal, Fixed Income Indices, S&P Dow Jones IndicesMax Freeman, Founder and CEO, Epicenter LabsZahid Siddique, Senior Investment Analyst and Portfolio Manager, Saturna Malaysia

What innovation is being seen in Islamic investment and wealth management to develop new products, grow customer bases and build brands, and how is technology being deployed? What new and exciting opportunities, such as access to index investing and thematic investing are on offer through the growth of products such as Shariah complaint ETFs?Moderator:Elias Moubarak, Partner, Trowers & HamlinsPanelists:Faris Lodin, Wahed Global Advisory Board and Member of Wahed Ventures Investment CommitteeMohammed Parekh, Founder and CEO, MRP Premier GroupRanjit Singh Gill, Director, Head, Product and Market Development, Kenanga InvestorsRebecca Chua, Managing Partner, Premia Partners

29 september. Tankesmedjorna Timbro och Oikos lanserade i förra veckan det gemensamma reformprogrammet "Tidö 2.0". Är det vägen framåt för ett mer marknadsliberalt Sverige, eller ett strategiskt misstag som alienerar andra tänkbara samarbetspartners? Timbros Adam Danieli diskuterar med Andreas Bergh, docent i nationalekonomi, verksam vid IFN. Andreas Ericson leder.

How have Islamic capital markets performed and what is a realistic assessment of financial institution, corporate and Sovereign Sukuk markets? What can we expect from regulatory AT1 Sukuk issuance, and what does AAOIFI Standard 62 and the potential of underlying asset ownership transfer realistically mean for the Sukuk market?Moderator:Abdulla Al Hammadi, AVP – Analyst, Financial Institutions Group, Moody's RatingsPanelists:Alisher Djumanov, Founder and Managing Partner, AD Wealth Family OfficeJessica Tan, Principal, Fixed Income Indices, S&P Dow Jones IndicesOliver Agha, Managing Partner, Agha & Co and Columnist, IFN (The Islamic Legal Opinion)

How are changing demographics and evolving market trends driving the development and delivery of Islamic banking and Takaful products and services, and what are we learning along the way? In addition to retail, are we fulfilling the need for effective digital corporate and commercial banking products? We ask an expert panelModerator:Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance newsPanelists:Imrish Singh, Business Development Director for ISV Ecosystem Financial Services, Red Hat Asia PacificRafiza Ghazali, CEO, KAF Digital BankWaseem Yusaf, Senior Vice President – ASEAN, Systems LimitedWong Foong Hin, Principal Consultant, Temenos Malaysia

Max Freeman, Founder and CEO, Epicenter Labs

Are Islamic financial institutions outperforming their traditional counterparts, and how are asset quality, funding stability, and liquidity shaping the sector's resilience? What role is product innovation — from banking products to funds and fintech platforms, to ESG-aligned offerings — playing in driving growth? And how are regulators, financial institutions, and investors adapting to build a more dynamic and sustainable Islamic finance landscape?Moderator:Oliver Agha, Managing Partner, Agha & Co and Columnist, IFN (The Islamic Legal Opinion)Panelists:Bilal Parvaiz, CEO, Standard Chartered SaadiqDafinah Ahmed Hilmi, CEO, Hong Leong Islamic BankFaris Lodin, Wahed Global Advisory Board and Member of Wahed Ventures Investment CommitteeMohammed Parekh, Founder and CEO, MRP Premier GroupNitish Bhojnagarwala, Associate Managing Director, Financial Institutions Group, Moody's Ratings

Sherif Elmansy, Banking Products Director, ITS

How do we assess recent global events, geopolitical shifts, trade dynamics, and investment trends from a macroeconomic perspective? Given Southeast Asia's integration into global supply chains, what are the implications for the region, and what major risks lie ahead? In the face of uncertainty, how should businesses and financial institutions adapt—and what role can the Islamic financial services industry play in supporting growth?Moderator:Abdulkader Thomas, Group President and CEO, SHAPE Knowledge ServicesPanelists:Alan Tan, Chief Economist, Affin BankDr Banjaran Surya Indrastomo, Chief Economist, PT Bank Syariah Indonesia TbkImran Nurginias Ibrahim, Chief Economist, Economic Research, BIMB SecuritiesImran Yusof, Head of Research, MBSB Investment Bank

Exploring innovation, Shariah compliance, and responsible AI Adoption.Interviewee: Professor Dr Aznan Hasan, Chairman, Shariah Advisory Council of the SCInterviewer: Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance news

How do we further blend Shariah principles with ethical and equitable financial solutions to provide positive financial, social, and environmental outcomes? How can the impact of these initiatives be effectively measured? What's on offer from Waqf, Zakat, Sadaqah and Qard Hasan and how can we maximise the potential of new products such as social impact Sukuk? We ask an expert panel.Moderator:Elias Moubarak, Partner, Trowers & HamlinsPanelists:Dr Hamim Syahrum Ahmad Mokhtar, Lead Specialist, Capacity Development, Islamic Financial Services BoardDr Jane Chang, Director, Social Value MalaysiaDr Mohamed Damak, Managing Director and Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global RatingsProfessor Dr Nurdianawati Irwani Abdullah, Department of Finance, Kuliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences, International Islamic University MalaysiaDr Rusni Hassan, Professor and Dean, IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance

Abdullah Haron, Deputy Secretary-General, Islamic Financial Services Board

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

How have domestic Islamic financial institutions performed, and what is a realistic assessment of asset quality, funding and liquidity conditions in the banking market? How is digital transformation advancing the development of new Islamic banking and Takaful products in Oman, and can technology be better applied to improving user experience? How can Islamic financial products incorporate important sustainability characteristics and recognise climate risk?Moderator:Aisha Al Kharusi, Deputy Executive Chair, Modern College of Business and SciencePanelists:Ahmed Ibrahim Lamei, Senior Manager, ITS Dr Eskandar Shah, CEO, ISRA International Consulting Firas Al Lawati, Deputy CTO for Digital Transformation, Central Bank of Oman Mohammed Al Hashmi, Chief Compliance Officer, Bank Nizwa Rafiza Ghazali, CEO, KAF Digital Bank

Azza Al Habsi , AVP – Economic Research and Emerging Trends, Ominvest

Max Freeman , Founder and CEO, Epicenter Labs

How have recent Shariah compliant IPOs and Sukuk transactions moved the dial in terms of interest in Oman, and how can this impressive momentum be maintained? Does the secondary market across multiple asset classes offer sufficient liquidity and depth, and is sustainability given enough recognition by issuers and advisors? What other opportunities are on offer for Islamic capital markets in Oman, in what sectors, and what needs to be done to capitalise on these?Moderator:Oliver Agha, Managing Partner, Agha & Co and Columnist, IFN (The Islamic Legal Opinion)Panelists:Hichem Bouqniss, Executive Director of Business Operations, International Islamic Liquidity Management CorporationJonathan Segal, Group Treasurer and Head of Capital Markets, Energy Development OmanKemal Rizadi Arbi, Expert/Adviser, Financial Services AuthorityMohamad Noranuar Sajari, Head of Shariah Structuring, Bank Nizwa

This presentation highlights Malaysia's competitive edge as the leader in Islamic finance, showcasing its potential to connect markets, ideas, and capital flows across borders. Leveraging a strong regulatory framework, deep market expertise, and a proven record of innovation, Malaysia continues to bridge opportunities between domestic strengths and international aspirations. It will also highlight Malaysia's role in building investment corridors, enhance market connectivity, and unlock sustainable growth opportunities.Azman Mokhtar, Chairman, MIFC Leadership Council

What are notable developments in investment management, including those influencing investment patterns, asset allocation and product innovation? Is Islamic asset management positioned effectively, what more could be done to provide Islamic investment and wealth management products, and is climate risk offered sufficient recognition? How is the growth of Islamic mutual funds, ETFs and REITs shaping the industry, and what role does private capital have to play?Moderator:Oliver Agha, Managing Partner, Agha & Co and Columnist, IFN (The Islamic Legal Opinion)Panelists:Anastasia Lim, Head of Fixed Income, Portfolio Manager, Jabal Asset ManagementDr Ehab Elsonbaty, Partner, DLA PiperIbrahim Shaikh, Principal Investments, Wahed InvestRaja Amir Shah Raja Azwa, CEO, HSBC Amanah MalaysiaShahariah Shaharudin, President, Saturna Malaysia

What motivates issuers and investors to choose Shariah compliant structures over conventional? We explore the strategic, commercial, regulatory, and ethical factors that shape this decision—ranging from market demand and investor preferences to regulatory incentives and reputational considerations. We examine what these choices reveal about evolving market dynamics and the future development of Islamic financial services.Moderator:Mohsin Shaik Sehu Mohamed, Head of Investment Banking and Capital Markets, Dhofar IslamicPanelist:Ahmed Tabook, Head of Treasury, Tax and Insurance, OQ Base Industries

Faiz Azmi, Executive Chairman, Securities Commission Malaysia

This panel will present Malaysia as a compelling investment destination, showcasing how a resilient economy thrives on a deep and liquid capital market. Discussions will explore Malaysia's investment track record, growth potential, and long-term value creation, all grounded in strong governance, international best practices, and a robust investor protection framework. These strengths reinforce investor confidence and underscore Malaysia's reliability as a trusted gateway into ASEAN's dynamic economy—aligned with Oman Vision 2040's goals of economic diversification, sustainability, and enhanced global partnerships.Moderator:Bilal Parvaiz, CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq MalaysiaPanelists:Azman Mokhtar, Chairman, MIFC Leadership CouncilFad'l Mohamed, CEO, Bursa MalaysiaProfessor Dr Aznan Hasan, Shariah Advisory Council, Securities Commission MalaysiaAzizah Mohd Yatim, CEO, CGS International Securities MalaysiaSaif Shawqi, Director, Fitch Ratings

Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid , CEO, International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation

Ahmed AlMamari, Vice President FSA

With significant current focus on the application of Waqf in Oman, what is its potential across a range of Islamic financing and business activities, including banking, asset management and capital markets?Moderator:Professor David Russell KC, Barrister at Law, Outer Temple ChambersPanelists:Mohamed Anwar Al Lawati, Head of Investments, Private Equity, TANMIASami Arfah Bait Rashid, AGM – Meethaq Personal Banking, Meethaq Islamic BankingSherif Hampton, Special Counsel, SASLO

Having developed an impressive range of financial products – from banking to capital markets to investment management – what is next for Oman's Islamic financial services sector? What strategic initiatives are influencing this development, and what role do regulators and financial institutions have to play?Moderator:Asad Qayyum, Managing Partner, MAQ LegalPanelists:Ali Ahmed Al Lawati, AGM – Meethaq Corporate Banking, Meethaq Islamic BankingAli Hassan Moosa, Financial Expert/Adviser, Ministry of FinanceKhalid Al Kayed, CEO, Bank NizwaMohammed Said Al Abri, CEO, Muscat Clearing and DepositoryThamer Al Shahry, Partner, SASLO

Faiz Azmi , Executive Chairman, Securities Commission Malaysia

This panel will showcase leading Malaysian corporations from sectors that complement the diversification priorities of Oman Vision 2040, highlighting their scale, governance standards, and global growth strategies. Through compelling corporate success stories, the session will promote long-term partnerships and present attractive growth and investment opportunities that foster mutual economic development and sustainable value creation.Moderator:Alan Inn, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, CGS International Securities MalaysiaPanelists:Andrew Tan, Group Managing Director, Tanco HoldingsBenjamin Ong, Group Chief Executive Officer, Pavilion GroupFitri Othman, CFA, Deputy Director General, Federal Land Development AuthorityLiew Kong Fatt, Chief Financial Officer, Solarvest Holdings

Dr Qais Issa Mohammed Al Yahyai , Chief Economist, Central Bank of Oman

How is technology reshaping the UK Islamic finance landscape? We explore the evolving role of Islamic fintechs, shifting consumer expectations, and whether niche Shariah-compliant segments are being adequately served. What innovations are improving user experience, and what can be learnt from global peers?Moderator:Nitish Bhojnagarwala, Associate Managing Director, Financial Institutions Group, Moody's RatingsPanelists:Arshadur Rahman, Senior Manager, Bank of EnglandRafiza Ghazali, CEO, KAF Digital BankStella Cox, Managing Director, DDCAP GroupDr Usman Chaudry, Chief Risk Officer and Executive Director, Gatehouse Bank

Amid shifting geopolitics and increased interest from sovereign wealth funds, we explore emerging opportunities for bilateral Shariah-compliant investment into the UK and other global markets. Discussions will focus on direct and private equity investment, along with growing demand for Shariah-compliant alternative assets, including asset-backed credit, venture funds, real estate, real assets, and Islamic debt funds.Moderator:Richard Thomas, Managing Director, Sustainable EconomyPanelists:Adeel Khan, Managing Partner, PotentiaMahdi Yazdizadeh, CEO, Ereele CapitalMike Rainey, Partner, King & SpaldingMohammed Saifullah Khan, CEO, Ebdaa Islamic Finance Consultancy

Alderman Charles Bowman , Representative of the Lord Mayor of the City of London

Stella Cox , Managing Director, DDCAP Group and Chair of TheCityUK Islamic Finance Advisory Group

As demand for Shariah-compliant solutions grows, so too do opportunities for investment managers. We examine how UK Islamic asset management is currently positioned and where product development, asset class innovation, and green finance integration can unlock significant value. We explore the creation of large, scalable Shariah compliant investable capital pools—and what it all means for forward-thinking managers looking to capture a growing market.Moderator:Dr Natalie Schoon, Principal Consultant, FormabbPanelists:Mohammed Parekh, Managing Director, MRP Premier GroupNuno Soares, Chairman, Atlantic Premium Capital PartnersSefian Kasem, Global Head of ETF and Indexing Investment Specialist, HSBC Asset ManagementSulaiman Moolla, Managing Director and Head of Investments, Cur8 CapitalUmer Suleman, Co-Founder and Trustee, National Waqf Fund

With a large, underserved demographic, what is the potential for Shariah compliant pension solutions in the UK? We explore innovative approaches to annuities and income drawdowns through Takaful and other structures. We highlight untapped market segments, discuss scalable models, and examine how providers can meet demand while navigating regulatory and operational challenges.Moderator:Olga De Tapia, Global Head of ETFs and Indexing Sales and Global Head of Portfolio Advisory Solutions and OCIO Sales, HSBC Asset ManagementPanelists:Fazeel Siddiqui, Senior Relationship Manager, WahedFurqan Sheikh, Wealth Director, RBC Brewin DolphinDr Samir Alamad, Chief Adviser Islamic Banking and Finance, Ihsan Islamic Finance Solutions

How have Islamic capital markets performed and what is a realistic assessment of financial institution, corporate and Sovereign Sukuk markets? Is the UK leveraging on its reputation for innovative capital market products and services? How can London cement its position as a listing and arranging centre for international Shariah compliant capital market transactions and funds? What further opportunities are offered by green and sustainable Sukuk?Moderator:Lawrence Oliver, Executive Director, Deputy CEO, DDCAP Group/ETHOS AFPPanelists:Dr Mohamed Damak, Managing Director and Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global RatingsNadim Zaman, Managing Director, Head of Origination, LBBWSimone Utermarck, Senior Director, Sustainable Finance, International Capital Market AssociationValerie O'Flaherty, Head of Irish and UK Debt listing, Euronext