Majlis & Markets

We’re joined once again by Beth Morrissey of Kleiman International Consultants to unpack Trump’s tariffs, dollar dominance, and the latest wave of EM debt restructurings. Why is EM unique, and what can history teach us about today’s turbulence? We also dive into her new book, Emerging Economies and Financial Markets-A Career-Tested Approach to Analyzing the Markets 🔗 Follow Beth’s work: 📰 Substa...

Are your stocks really halal? In this episode, we sit down with Saad Malik, co-founder of Zoya, to unpack the realities of halal investing.  From stock screening and Shariah standards to Islamic ETFs, fintech, and the future of the Islamic economy, this conversation explores the opportunities — and challenges — facing Muslim investors today. 🌐 Zoya: zoya.finance | Download the app 🐦 Saad Malik:...

In this episode, we sit down with Robert Mogielnicki , Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW), to unpack the political and economic forces shaping the Gulf. We discuss the region’s economic diversification journey, the influence of political dynamics on decision-making, and the role of international capital, as well as Gulf relations with China, Russia, and...

In this episode, we reconnect with Odilbek Isakov , Managing Partner at Infrasia Capital and former Deputy Minister of Finance of Uzbekistan. Since launching market reforms in 2017, Uzbekistan has opened up to foreign investors, embraced privatisation and begun reshaping its banking and financial landscape.  But can the momentum last?  In this episode We unpack: The state of Uzbekistan’s reform ag...

Sovereign Wealth Funds are quietly reshaping global finance, deploying trillions, navigating geopolitical tensions, and investing across everything from oil and AI to ESG and infrastructure. But what are they really doing in 2025? In this episode, Diego Lopez of Global SWF shares what’s happening behind the scenes, from the Gulf and Southeast Asia to emerging funds in the OIC and beyond. We cover...

In this episode, we interview Rafi-uddin Shikoh , CEO and founder of DinarStandard, about his journey in the Islamic economy sector.  We discuss Rafi-uddin's background, the impact of 9/11 on his career, and the inception of DinarStandard.  The conversation explores the current state of the Islamic economy, the challenges and opportunities within Islamic finance, and the future of the halal m...

In this episode, we speak with geo-economics analyst Rachel Ziemba about trade policy shifts, BRICS fractures, China’s trade outlook, de-dollarization, and what investors should watch in the second half of 2025. 🔗 More from Rachel Ziemba:  Website → https://ziembainsights.com Summer reading → https://rziemba.substack.com/p/summer-reading-weaponized-economy 🎧 Listen & Watch:  YouTube → https:...

Why does Islamic finance still struggle with standardisation, accessibility, and product credibility? In this episode, we speak with Ijlal Alvi , CEO of International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) about what’s really holding the industry back.  We talked on topics from the overuse of tawarruq and the lack of unified Shariah standards, to why retail sukuk remain out of reach. We also cover IIFM’s...

In episode 64, we're joined by Dr. Ryan Lemand , Co-Founder & CEO of NeoVision Wealth Management and a prominent voice in global finance. They dive into the world of alternative assets, from gold and crypto to meme stocks, and unpack how regulation, social media, and investor psychology are reshaping markets. Ryan explains why Bitcoin behaves more like an asset than a currency, the renewe...

In this episode, we spoke to Said Murad , a Dubai-based Senior Partner at Global Ventures . The conversation explores the growth of the MENA startup ecosystem, investment opportunities, challenges faced by founders, and the impact of global economic conditions on the region.  The episode covered several topics including: The importance of talent acquisition,  the evolving regulatory landscape, and...

🎙 Episode 62 – Why Islamic Finance Isn’t Driving Impact We welcome back Reza Zain Jaufeerally to explore why Islamic finance is falling short on climate action, development goals, and real-world impact—and what must change. This wide-ranging conversation touches on everything from AI and sustainability to grassroots initiatives, cultural challenges, and the persistent issue of Islamophobia in glob...

In our 61st episode, we spoke to Datuk Prof. Dr Mohamad Akram Laldin . He is a Professor at INCEIF University and a globally respected Shariah scholar. He was formerly Executive Director of ISRA and has advised central banks and financial institutions across Malaysia, the GCC, and Central Asia. He currently serves on the Shariah Advisory Council of Bank Negara Malaysia, chairs the Shariah Boards o...

In our 60th episode, we spoke to Ryan Calder . Ryan is an assistant professor of sociology and director of the Program in Islamic Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He studies fast-changing global markets where money and morality intersect.  His first book, The Paradox of Islamic Finance   (Princeton University Press 2024), draws on over 280 interviews across Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the UAE, the...

In our 59th episode, we spoke to Paromita Dey. She is a wealth management journalist with over 14 years of experience covering private banking, asset management, and investment trends across the Middle East and India.  Her work has appeared in top publications including Citywire , AsianInvestor , and Business Today . Known for turning complex finance into clear, engaging stories, she brings sharp...

In this episode, we’re joined by Dounia Mansour , a Dubai-based partner at King & Spalding . She advises on setting up a wide range of investment funds—from private equity and real estate to Shariah-compliant structures. We covered several topics including The funds landscape in the Middle East The rise of Shariah-compliant funds Why the UAE—is becoming a major hub for capital and funds Email...

December 8 2024  will forever be a turning point in Syria’s modern history.  The fall of Bashar Al-Assad’s regime brings new risks, challenges, and opportunities. But how did we get here? In this episode, we break down Syria’s economy under Assad, from pre-2011 through the 14-year civil war, and explore the economic challenges ahead. Joining us is Jihad Yazigi , founder & editor-in-chief of Th...

Bahrain’s economy is often overshadowed by its larger Gulf neighbours, but it plays a crucial role in the region’s financial landscape In episode 56, we spoke to Duncan Mayall , Chief Economist at Consulum .  He has over 15 years experience advising sovereign wealth funds and investment bodies across the Gulf, North Africa, and China. In this episode, we covered several topics, including: An overv...

In episode 55, we’re joined by Alex Chehade , a finance and crypto veteran with over two decades of experience.  His experience includes market-making in traditional finance to leading Binance FZE in Dubai.  As the Middle East cements its status as a global crypto hub, Alex is focused on bridging the gap between traditional finance and DeFi—making digital assets more accessible, compliant, and use...

In our 54th episode, we’re joined by Andrew Naylor , Head of Middle East and Public Policy at the World Gold Council . We discuss gold’s role in global markets, its significance in Islamic finance, and what the future holds for this precious metal. We covered several topics including: The drivers behind the recent gold price rally Gold's role in Islamic economies and finance Whether gold is a...

In our 53rd episode, we're joined by Yasmin AlKhowaiter , host of The Majlis , a podcast where she talks to global thought leaders about Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation. With a background in consulting, Yasmin has worked with both private and public sector clients—giving her a unique perspective on the region’s rapid evolution. In this episode, we covered several topics including: The...

Monem Salam , Director and Portfolio Manager at Saturna Capital . With years of experience in Islamic investing, he’s been is a leading voice in the industry.  In this episode, we explore: The evolution of Islamic finance The latest investment trends Where the industry is headed next Please note that this discussion is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Pleas...

In our 51st episode, we’re joined by Philip Bahoshy , founder and CEO of MAGNiTT , the leading start-up data platform for emerging venture markets.  In our conversation, we covered several topics including: The region’s VC ecosystem—its challenges, opportunities How MAGNiTT is bridging gaps with data and insights Philip's outlook for 2025 MAGNiTT's five predictions for 2025-https://magni...

In our 50th episode, we spoke to Mohamad Safri , CEO of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM). With nearly 30 years in banking and over 20 as a leader in Islamic finance, Safri has been instrumental in shaping the global Islamic capital market. In our conversation, we covered topics including: The liquidity challenges Islamic financial institutions face How the IILM is...

In this exclusive episode, we’re joined by Omar Ansari , Secretary General of Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI)—the global standard-setter for Islamic finance. In this depth conversation, we  covered several topics including: AAOIFI’s role in shaping the industry Why standardisation and implementation are important Deep dive into Sharia standards 59 a...

Alternative assets like gold, cryptocurrency, and private credit have gained momentum in recent years, driven by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ukraine war, and uncertainty around interest rates. These investments have become key as investors seek stability and higher returns. With President Trump 2.0 preparing to take office and new uncertainties on the horizon, what’s next for these assets and globa...