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://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod RSS → https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com 🕒 Timestamps: 00:00...
Jul 15, 2025•58 min
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 mission, milestones, and the future of Islamic capital markets. Latest IIFM sukuk report- https://ww...
Jul 08, 2025•52 min
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 renewed appeal of gold, and what rising volatility could mean for investors in the months ahead. 🎧 Available o...
Jul 02, 2025•39 min
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 the future of fintech in democratising finance The outlook for MENA VC in 2H25 📺 YouTube: Majlis &am...
Jun 22, 2025•25 min
🎙 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 global finance. If you care about the future of faith-based finance and its role in solving urgent glob...
Jun 08, 2025•54 min
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 of EPF Malaysia and Labuan FSA, and advises institutions including Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhab...
Jun 01, 2025•1 hr 2 min
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 UK, Malaysia, Oman, and beyond to show how shariah experts make Islamic law compatible with 21st-centu...
May 23, 2025•1 hr 4 min
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 insight and strong industry connections to every piece. We covered several topics including: Financia...
Apr 30, 2025•59 min
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 us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com Follow Majlis & Markets on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF Fol...
Apr 11, 2025•33 min
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 The Syria Report . With over two decades of expertise, he unpacks Syria’s economic past, present, and un...
Mar 19, 2025•1 hr 47 min
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 overview of Bahrain's economy The role of sovereign wealth funds in Gulf economies Broader economic shifts...
Mar 09, 2025•1 hr 6 min
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 user-friendly. In this episode, we covered several topics including: The future of crypto adoption, Regul...
Feb 26, 2025•1 hr 9 min
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 better alternative than crypto World Gold Council research-https://www.gold.org/goldhub Email us: hassan...
Feb 19, 2025•52 min
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 rise of content creators in Saudi Arabia Noticeable socioeconomic changes since 2016 Saudi's relationship...
Feb 11, 2025•48 min
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. Please consult a qualified advisor for financial guidance. About Amana Mutual Funds Trust-https://www.satu...
Feb 03, 2025•46 min
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://magnitt.com/news/our-5-predictions-for-emerging-venture-markets-in-2025-53975 MAGNiTT summary on MENA VC in 2024-htt...
Jan 27, 2025•40 min
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 tackling these gaps The potential impact of AAOIFI’s new sukuk standard Email us: hassan@majlisandma...
Jan 09, 2025•55 min
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 and 62 Email us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com Follow Majlis & Markets on LinkedIn-https://lnkd.in/e...
Dec 31, 2024•1 hr 10 min
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 global markets? Joining us for our 48th episode is Charles-Henry Monchau , Chief Investment Officer at Ba...
Dec 26, 2024•48 min
This year, Islamic finance has made significant strides, with sukuk issuances reaching record highs and the market expanding into green and sustainable finance. With the industry on track to hit $6 trillion by 2027, its growth is undeniable. However, challenges persist. Rising compliance costs, the push for harmonisation, and the introduction of AAOIFI’s Sharia Standard 62 are poised to reshape the industry. In our 47th episode, we’re joined by Mohamed Damak , Global Head of Islamic Finance at S...
Dec 06, 2024•1 hr 2 min
In recent years, the IPO market in the GCC has been on fire. Driven by government initiatives and a push to expand regional equity markets, the region has seen a surge in IPO activity. Saudi Arabia is expecting over 50 IPOs in 2024, while the UAE has led the way in IPO proceeds, especially in 2023. But what’s behind this rise? What challenges do companies face as they list, and what opportunities are out there? In today’s episode, we’re joined by Salmaan Khawaja and Alex Tusi from Grant Thornto...
Dec 03, 2024•51 min
The UK is the leading hub for Islamic finance in the West. The London Stock Exchange holds 35% of the US dollar sukuk market, and English law governs most sukuk worldwide. But domestically, the industry is small. By the end of 2023, Islamic banks made up just 0.1% of UK banking assets, according to Fitch . In our 45th episode, we spoke to Mohammed Paracha . A key figure in the early 2000s, he helped shape the sector as part of the Bank of England’s Committee on Islamic Finance. Today, he’s manag...
Nov 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min
Sustainability and ESG are now key priorities in the GCC, with green bonds, sustainable loans, and major projects like Masdar City and NEOM driving change. But, are banks and institutions doing enough? And how does the GCC compare globally? In our 44th episode, we spoke to Daniel Gribbin , Deloitte Middle East’s Sustainability and ESG Lead . With over a decade of experience and recognition as a top ESG leader in MENA, Daniel shares his insights on the region’s sustainable future. In this episode...
Nov 25, 2024•33 min
With Muslims now making up nearly 5% of the population, demand for Shariah-compliant financial services is growing in Canada. Yet, the sector remains small and underdeveloped. To unpack the challenges and opportunities, we spoke with Mohamad Sawwaf , Founder and CEO of Manzil , Canada’s leading Islamic FinTech firm. With a Doctorate in Islamic Finance and a mission to reshape the industry, Mohamad shares his vision for its future. Please note, this episode was recorded last month, before the Man...
Nov 22, 2024•44 min
The United Arab Emirates (or UAE), once known mainly for its oil, now drives growth across finance, trade, and technology. Dubai stands out as a global hub for finance and tourism, while Abu Dhabi channels its wealth into high-tech industries and global investments. Meanwhile, other emirates, like Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah, are developing their own unique sectors. To learn more about these trends, we spoke with Justin Alexander , founder of Khalij Economics . With years of experience across the...
Nov 10, 2024•1 hr 17 min
In the last decade, Malaysia has experienced dramatic shifts— from the 1MDB scandal that shook the nation, to its rise as an economic player, all while balancing relationships with global powers like the US and China. To help us unpack these complex dynamics, we’re joined by Nick Khaw, economist and Head of Research at Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia’s sovereign wealth fund. With years of experience shaping policy in the Economic Planning Unit, Nick offers unique insights into Malaysia's growth, its...
Oct 21, 2024•43 min
Since Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman launched Vision 2030 in 2016, Saudi Arabia has undergone major changes. The kingdom is opening up its society and reshaping its economy by investing in industries like mining and tourism. In particular, the financial sector, is driving much of this progress and attracting global attention. In our 40th episode, we spoke to Abdulaziz Alnaim , founder and Managing Director of Mayar Capital . With over 20 years of investment experience, Abdulaziz offers a uniqu...
Oct 14, 2024•43 min
Natural resources are central to Middle Eastern economies. While climate change and green financing are on the rise, oil and gas still dominate, shaping economies and global markets. At the same time, Gulf nations are exploring new energy options to meet their climate goals. In our 39th episode, we’re joined by Carole Nakhle , founder and CEO of Crystol Energy . With deep expertise in energy, economics, and geopolitics, Carole provides valuable insights into the shifting energy landscape in the ...
Oct 09, 2024•37 min
After years of instability, Iraq’s political and security situation is improving, opening up new opportunities for economic growth. With a young, tech-savvy population, many are starting businesses in areas like fintech and e-commerce. The potential is there, but challenges like funding, infrastructure, and regulations still slow things down. Our guest today is Zahra Shah . Her experience spans roles at the United Nations, Gaza Sky Geeks, and Re:Coded, where she focused on supporting refugees, e...
Sep 26, 2024•37 min
Islamic finance is gaining traction in Australia. With over 813,000 Muslims—about 3.2% of the population—there's an increasing demand for financial services that align with their faith. However, Islamic finance still makes up a small part of the banking sector, with limited options from major banks and a few non-bank providers. Change is on the horizon. Australia has signed a significant free trade deal with the UAE, its top trading partner in the MENA region, which opens doors for stronger econ...
Sep 20, 2024•37 min
