IFN OnAir

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 panel Moderator: Vineeta Tan , Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance new...

Max Freeman , Founder and CEO, Epicenter Labs

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 G...

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...

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

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 importan...

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

Faiz Azmi , Executive Chairman, Securities Commission Malaysia

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 Legal Panelists: Ali Ahmed Al Lawati , AGM –...

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 Chambers Panelists: Mohamed Anwar Al Lawati , Head of Investments, Private Equity, TANMIA Sami Arfah Bait Rashid , AGM – M...

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

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

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,...

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...

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 shapin...

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 Is...

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 inv...

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 deve...

Ahmed AlMamari , Vice President FSA

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...

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

With a new administration and evolving trade frameworks, we assess the strategic outlook for the UK’s Islamic finance industry both domestically and internationally. We examine priority sectors for regulatory reform, potential policy incentives to stimulate growth, and the integration of Shariah-compliant financial products into mainstream finance. The discussion will also address the development...