IFN OnAir

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...

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-...

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 Ta...

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,...

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 opportun...

In this episode with IFN journalist Radhika Das, Dr Ilyas Zaripov, associate professor at the Plekhanov Russian University of Economics and a member of the Central Bank of Russia’s partnership financing working group, dives into Russia’s evolving Islamic finance landscape. He discusses the three-year extension of the pilot experiment, the challenges and opportunities ahead and the steps needed to...

This episode examines the growth trajectory of Indonesia’s Islamic capital market, as Irwan Abdalloh, Vice Director of Islamic Capital Market – Indonesia Stock Exchange, speaks to IFN about investor trends, market innovation, new regulations and the broader Islamic finance outlook.

This episode explores the evolving Islamic finance strategy of South Africa’s Standard Bank Group, as Ameen Hassen, the head of Shariah banking, speaks to IFN Editor Nessreen Tamano about the bank’s Islamic finance roadmap and the broader South African market landscape.

State Senator Kevin Parker , New York State Senate

Justin Alexander , Director, Khalij Economics and GCC Analyst, GlobalSource Partners

What’s a realistic assessment of Shariah compliant investment management in North America? What trends are influencing this in terms of investment patterns, structure and asset allocation? Has Islamic asset management in the US been positioned and promoted effectively, and what more could be done? What innovation is being seen in Islamic investment management and how is technology being deployed?...

Patrick Drum , Fixed Income Lead and Portfolio Manager, Saturna Capital