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IFN Asia Forum 2024

25th September 2024
EQ Kuala Lumpur

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  • Keynote Address
  • Setting the Scene
  • Session 1
  • Session 2
  • Session 3
  • Presentation
  • Session 4
  • Presentation
  • Session 5
  • Presentation
  • Session 6

Keynote Address

Keynote Address

Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid, Deputy Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia

Setting the Scene

Setting the Scene: Drivers of Regional Islamic Financial Services

John Welling, Senior Director Head of Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices

Session 1

The Maturing Role of Islamic Financial Services in Southeast Asia

What potential opportunities are on offer in supporting the transition of population dynamics in Southeast Asia, and what role should Islamic financial institutions play? How can Islamic finance be further deployed as a tool to reduce income and wealth inequality, and drive financial inclusion in the region? How are new technologies shaping strategy for the provision and distribution of Islamic financial services, and how should regulation evolve in response? How can Islamic financial institutions play a leadership role in the evolution of the Islamic economy and what does this mean in practice? We seek the views of a respected panel.

Moderator:

Elias Moubarak, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Panelists:

Hakan Ozyon, CEO, Hejaz Financial Services
Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad, Regional Chief Representative, DDCAP Group™
Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid, CEO, International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation
Dr Mohamed Damak, Managing Director and Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global Ratings
Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi, Regional Head, Wholesale Banking, CIMB Islamic Bank
Sherif Elmansy, Banking Products Director, ITS

Session 2

Opportunity Knocks: Malaysia as an International Centre for Islamic Capital Markets

How can the performance and impact of Malaysian Islamic capital markets and Sukuk be further enhanced? How significant is the re-emergence of the regulatory capital Sukuk market for the region’s Islamic financial institutions? Can more be done to supply the market with high-quality liquid assets, and to what extent would this contribute to building a yield curve unique to Islamic issuers? How do we deploy Sukuk to further support banking and non-banking financial businesses? What are the potential opportunities offered by tokenization in Islamic capital markets? Finally, how can green and sustainability linked Sukuk and other innovations flourish?

Moderator:

Nitish Bhojnagarwala, Senior Vice-President, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Ratings

Panelists:

Ahmet Tacer, Capital Markets and Investment Banking Director, Golden Global Investment Bank
Frederik Wijsenbeek, Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Vemi Capital
Dr Muhammad Issyam Ismail, Assistant Vice-President, Islamic Wholesale Banking, CIMB Islamic Bank
Yasir Gorpe, Senior Investment Specialist – Fund Manager, Islamic Development Bank

Session 3

Seismic Shift: Islamic Banking in Southeast Asia

How is Islamic banking advancing through the growth of Islamic fintechs and the utilization of technology? Where and how will the region’s new digital Islamic banks create competitive advantage, and how are incumbent Islamic banks responding? How is new technology improving data management, risk assessment, compliance and UI/UX for Islamic banks? How is digital transformation increasing efficiency through enhanced systems and processes in bank treasury and investment functions? Are Islamic banks facing challenges in terms of liquidity creation and liquidity risk management, and how can technology assist?

Moderator:

Ravi Kittane, Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting

Panelists:

Ahmed Roshdy Zaki, Manager, Liquidity and Investment Division, Islamic Development Bank
Ammara Masood, Global Industries GM, Banking and Financial Services, Systems Limited
Anoop Sonpar, Head of New Business ASEAN and South Asia, Temenos
Bilal Parvaiz, CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq
Sazul Samsuri, CTO Digital Banking, Head of Digital Innovation, KAF Investment Bank

Presentation

Presentation

Mohd Radzuan Mohamed, CEO, Malaysian Takaful Association
Prof Dr Younes Soualhi, Senior Researcher, Lecturer, International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance

Session 4

Structuring and Applying Shariah Compliant Hedging and Risk Management Tools

What are corporates and financial institutions looking for from Islamic hedging tools? What exposures can realistically be managed and how do Islamic hedging tools fit into a wider risk management framework? What can and cannot be structured, and what are the most prominent principles hedging tools are based on? What is the Tahawwut Master Agreement and why is it important? How can hedging tools be used for specific purposes such as Islamic energy commodity derivative trades?

Moderator:

Abdulkader Thomas, Group President and CEO, SHAPE Knowledge Services

Panelists:

Ahmed Ali Siddiqui, Senior Executive Vice President & Head Shariah Compliance, Meezan Bank
Mohamed Iqbal Mohamed Iqbal, Independent Non-Executive Director, Agrobank Malaysia
Dr Mohammad Mahbubi, Chairman, Sidogiri Islamic Institute

Presentation

Presentation

Khairul Nisa Ismail, CEO, Sedania As Salam Capital

Session 5

The Strategic Development of Islamic Social Finance and the Halal Economy

Can we better utilize Islamic financial services in promoting the Halal economy and managing social finance funds? How can minorities and the disadvantaged be empowered through the application of Islamic finance and social welfare mechanisms such as Waqf, Zakat and Sadaqah? How do we enhance the role of Islamic finance in driving philanthropic initiatives in Malaysia? Where and how do social finance and the Halal economy overlap, and can we leverage further on this important symbiose? How are government and regulator-led initiatives helping Halal businesses transition to greener and more sustainable practices? We ask an expert panel.

Moderator:

Shabnam Mokhtar, Managing Director, SHAPE Knowledge Services

Panelists:

Ariffin Sabirin, CEO, Wasiyyah Shoppe
Dr Hamim Syahrum Ahmad Mokhtar, Deputy Director, Financial Inclusion Department, Bank Negara Malaysia
Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin, Head of Halal Integrated Platform, Halal Development Corporation
Dr Rusni Hassan, Professor and Dean, IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance
Dr Suresh Naidu Sadasivan, Director of Communication and Innovation, Masverse

Presentation

Presentation: Anticipating and Managing Sustainability Related Trends in Islamic Finance

Professor Ainurul Rosli, Professor of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Brunel University
Dr Jane Chang, Director, Social Value Malaysia

Session 6

The Role of Shariah-Compliant Alternative Funding and Digital Assets

What services do market operators in the equity crowdfunding sector offer, and how is this evolving? How is ECF and peer-to-peer financing facilitating crucial funding for the SME sector, and how can ECF be used for impact, social and sustainable investing? What are opportunities and structures for early-stage Shariah compliant venture capital, and can the success of large global venture funds be emulated regionally? Finally, what does the development and evolution of digital assets such as digital currencies, tokens and new forms of crowdfunding mean for the Islamic financial services sector in Southeast Asia?

Moderator:

Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance news

Panelists:

Bikesh Lakhmichand, CEO, 1337 Ventures
Jun Jie Yoon, Founder and CEO, Capsphere SME Financing
Ang Xing Xian, Co-founder and CEO, CapBay

IFN Asia Forum Review

IFN Asia Forum 2024 Review

The Maturing Role of Islamic Financial Services in Southeast Asia
There remains a significant unbanked population in Southeast Asia who could potentially be better served by Islamic finance – and innovation is needed to ensure this outreach achieves...Read More

About The IFN Asia Forum

We are returning to Kuala Lumpur for the flagship IFN Asia Forum, a staple of the region’s Islamic finance conference circuit. Now in its 19th year, the event gathers the brightest and most influential personalities of the industry, bringing quality and relevant discussions to the stage and invaluable networking opportunities.

The region houses some of the world’s biggest Islamic finance powerhouses, boasting the most sophisticated regulatory infrastructure, deepest pool of innovative products and largest market potential driven by favorable demographics.

Fully supported by regulators, leading Islamic financial institutions and multilateral organizations, IFN Asia Forum 2024 will leverage Kuala Lumpur’s position as the center of Islamic capital-raising activities by volume and its diversity of instruments and issuers to explore Halal financing through the banking and capital markets, within the context of current macroeconomic conditions, rising importance of sustainability and digitalization.

Download Post Event Report

Forum Keynote

Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid

Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid

Deputy Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia
Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid
Adnan Zaylani Mohamad Zahid
Deputy Governor, Bank Negara Malaysia

Adnan Zaylani is the Deputy Governor responsible for investment, financial markets and financial sector development. Adnan started his career at the Bank as a Foreign Exchange Trader and Portfolio Manager in 1994 and played key roles in managing the international reserves, the National Trust Fund and several other public sector funds.

He also oversaw financial market operations and was involved in advising the government on its cashflow management and debt strategy, participating in its international Sukuk roadshows in 2015 and 2016. He became the Assistant Governor in 2016 and has overseen various portfolios including financial markets, investment, foreign exchange administration, currency management, legal and financial sector development.

This portfolio includes the development and advancement of Islamic finance. Among key contributions during this time was the Financial Sector Blueprint that included the development chapter on Islamic finance, the digital banking framework including Islamic digital bank candidates and the formation of the MIFC Leadership Council.

He continues to be involved in various Islamic finance development initiatives, particularly for the Islamic financial markets in addition to his roles in IILM, IFSB and INCEIF University. He is a member of the Bank’s Monetary Policy Committee and Financial Stability Committee. Adnan holds a Master’s in Public Policy from the Blavatnik School of Government, University of Oxford as well as an MSc in Global Market Economics and a BSc in Economics from the London School of Economics.

Forum Speakers

Abdulkader Thomas

Abdulkader Thomas

Group President and CEO, SHAPE Knowledge Services
Abdulkader Thomas
Abdulkader Thomas
Group President and CEO, SHAPE Knowledge Services

Abdulkader Thomas is the President and CEO of SHAPE for Economic Consulting operating as SHAPE Knowledge Services, Kuwait. Abdulkader has over 30 years of diversified financial services experience. Abdulkader’s background includes capital markets, real estate finance and trade finance. He has served in various international banks and dealt with regulatory approval for Islamic products in different countries, consulting for and training financial institutions, regulators and businesses about Islamic finance.

Along with his team at SHAPE, Abdulkader works on projects that include launching de novo Islamic banks and Islamic banking windows, funds, Sukuk, regulations, policies and procedures including Shariah policies, Shariah compliance, product development and structuring.

Abdulkader is a Member of the International Advisory Committee for Islamic Capital Markets at the Securities Commission of Malaysia.
A graduate of the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy in International Trade, Abdulkader earned a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honors) in Arabic and Islamic studies from the University of Chicago.

Abdulkader is a frequent speaker on Islamic financial and banking matters. He has co-authored or edited several works in the field including ‘Structuring Islamic Financial Transactions’ with Stella Cox and Bryan Kraty (London: Euromoney, 2005) among others.

Ahmed Ali Siddiqui

Ahmed Ali Siddiqui

Senior Executive Vice President & Head Shariah Compliance, Meezan Bank 
Ahmed Ali Siddiqui
Ahmed Ali Siddiqui
Senior Executive Vice President & Head Shariah Compliance, Meezan Bank 

Ahmed Ali Siddiqui is Senior Executive Vice-President and Head Shariah Compliance, Meezan Bank. Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Business Administration from the Institute of Business Administration, Karachi. His areas of specialization include Islamic Finance and MIS. He has over 22 years of rich Islamic banking experience and is involved in pioneering work in the field of Islamic finance in Pakistan. His major areas of interest are Shariah compliant product development, Sovereign Sukuk and deal structuring, development of innovative solutions for retail, corporate and consumer banking, formulation of policy guidelines, Islamic banking training, Shariah audit, applicative research and Islamic financial advisory services. He is the Founding Director of IBA Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance, an emerging global center for Islamic finance research, academic programs, professional training and industry interaction. He leads one of the largest research departments in the Islamic banking world with around 40 dedicated team members. He is also the Secretary for the Shariah Supervisory Board at Meezan Bank Limited. His previous assignments include the launching of Car Ijarah – Pakistan’s first Islamic car financing scheme and Easy Home – Pakistan’s first Islamic housing finance as Product Manager in Pakistan. Ahmed is also part of the joint financial advisors team to the Government of Pakistan for the issuance of local currency Sovereign Sukuk and Islamic financing transactions and has advised the government in structuring and issuance of Sukuk/Islamic transactions of over US$13 billion dollars. He also led the consortium of Islamic banks in Pakistan for the Issuance of 400 BN First and Second Pakistan Energy Sukuk issued by the Ministry of Energy, Government of Pakistan. Ahmed has served and is also a member of several task forces at the Central Bank level related to Islamic banking products, Islamic banking regulations, governance framework, accounting disclosures and adoption of AAOIFI Shariah standards. He is also actively involved in Islamic banking training activities and has conducted various training sessions, corporate workshops and seminars on different Islamic Banking topics. Ahmed is a frequent speaker on Islamic banking at the National Institute of Banking and Finance (State Bank of Pakistan), Export Promotion Bureau, LUMS and Center of Islamic Economics (CIE), Karachi and has conducted several specialized workshops in UAE, Bahrain, Malaysia, Australia and the UK.

Ahmed Roshdy Zaki

Ahmed Roshdy Zaki

Manager, Liquidity and Investment Division, Islamic Development Bank
Ahmed Roshdy Zaki
Ahmed Roshdy Zaki
Manager, Liquidity and Investment Division, Islamic Development Bank

Ahmed Roshdy Zaki is a seasoned financial expert with extensive experience in diversifying portfolios and managing investments across a wide range of asset classes. His expertise spans cash, fixed income, money markets, foreign exchange, high yield and alternative investment strategies. Ahmed’s portfolios are global in nature, encompassing various currencies and markets, aiming to provide a balance between capital preservation and capital growth with reduced volatility over full investment cycles in both local and foreign currencies. Ahmed Roshdy Zaki holds an MBA with a major in Finance from the Arab Academy for Science, Technology & Maritime Transport, Cairo, Egypt. He has also completed numerous training courses and workshops in fixed income portfolio management, foreign exchange, credit analysis, financial leasing and more.

Professional Experience:

  • Islamic Development Bank, Jeddah, KSA
  • Manager, Liquidity and Investments Division
  • August 2021 – Present
  • Senior Dealer, Dealing Room
  • November 2011 – August 2021
  • Blom Bank Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
  • Head of Fixed Income and MM Desk
  • April 2008 – November 2011
  • Banque Misr, Cairo, Egypt
  • Assistant Manager, Dealing Room
  • September 2007 – April 2008
  • Head of Fixed Income and MM Desk
  • August 2000 – August 2007
Ahmet Tacer

Ahmet Tacer

Capital Markets and Investment Banking Director, Golden Global Investment Bank
Ahmet Tacer
Ahmet Tacer
Capital Markets and Investment Banking Director, Golden Global Investment Bank

Ahmet Tacer completed his undergraduate education in Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern University and earned an MBA from the University of Massachusetts. Ahmet Tacer speaks fluent German and English.

From 1999 to 2005, he worked as Director of Structured Finance at ABN AMRO Bank, where he arranged syndicated loans for banks and corporate clients and structured asset-backed securitization transactions.

Between 2005 and 2012, he served as the Director of Global Capital Markets at Deutsche Bank, responsible for Debt and Equity Capital Markets origination for the EEMEA region and participated in numerous significant Eurobond and Global Bond issuances.

From 2013 to 2017, he worked as Director of Investment Banking at Q Invest, acquiring a local asset management company and managing Sukuk issuances.

He worked as a short-term consultant at World Bank, advising Pakistan’s government on its international Eurobond and Sukuk borrowing programs.

Since 2023, Ahmet Tacer has been serving as the Director of Capital Markets and Investment Banking at Golden Global Investment Bank, where he has managed the process of obtaining credit ratings from Fitch and JCR, establishing and arranging issuances for international and private Sukuk programs.

Professor Ainurul Rosli

Professor Ainurul Rosli

Professor of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Brunel University
Professor Ainurul Rosli
Professor Ainurul Rosli
Professor of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Brunel University

Professor Ainurul Rosli specialises in SME growth programme development, particularly in research and social impact. She works on evidence-led enterprise social impact/value and co-creation initiatives to support SMEs’ strategic agendas including collaboration for digital adoption. An enthusiastic ecosystem builder, who collaborates with industry players, policymakers, educators and researchers, she brings innovative methodologies in her impact research and consultancy work to help champion the importance of strategic thinking in doing research with impact. Professor Rosli’s work has been instrumental in supporting the UK Government Funded Small Business Support programmes (Small Business Leadership, Help To Grow Management). In addition, she secured a grant from UKRI on SME digital footprint, where the findings enabled her to help shape the Help to Grow Digital initiatives. She is a Social Innovation Movement NGO and Social Value Malaysia Co-founder with functional expertise in social impact. She is currently chairing the Practice and Impact Special Interest Group of the Institute of Small Business Enterprise (ISBE), UK.

Ammara Masood

Ammara Masood

Global Industries GM, Banking and Financial Services, Systems Limited 
Ammara Masood
Ammara Masood
Global Industries GM, Banking and Financial Services, Systems Limited 

Ammara Masood is the Global Industries GM for Banking and Financial Services at Systems Limited, a leading global technology firm and systems integrator. With over 29 years of experience, Ammara has a distinguished career in IT strategy, consulting and digital transformation across the banking, telecom and high-tech sectors. She has played pivotal roles in founding and leading IT companies across the US, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, driving some of the industry’s largest transformation initiatives. Ammara is known for opening new markets, implementing institutional reforms and turning around companies, bringing her expertise in governance and strategic leadership to every role. She serves as an Independent Director for the Central Depository Company and holds positions on the Governing Council of Pakistan Single Window and the Industry Advisory Board of Habib University. She has also held leadership roles in the Pakistan Software Houses Association and DataCheck. Her contributions to the industry have been recognized globally, including leadership awards at the 2021 and 2022 Global Banking Tech Awards in London. Ammara holds an MBA in Information Sciences from California State University, San Bernardino, and an Executive Diploma in Strategic Uses of Information Sciences from Stanford University.

Ang Xing Xian

Ang Xing Xian

Co-founder and CEO, CapBay
Ang Xing Xian
Ang Xing Xian
Co-founder and CEO, CapBay

Ang Xing Xian is a disciplined, risk-loving entrepreneur determined to transform the financial industry with innovative solutions. He is the Co-founder and CEO of CapBay, an award-winning Supply Chain Finance platform that helps businesses obtain smarter financing, and a P2P financing platform licensed by the Securities Commission Malaysia. Ang Xing Xian also serves as the CEO of Kenanga Capital Islamic, a Shariah compliant factoring company. He has successfully led the team to win numerous awards and establish itself as one of the top alternative financing platforms, having funded over RM3 billion to underserved SMEs.

Ang Xing Xian was named the EY Emerging Entrepreneur of The Year for Malaysia, and CapBay was the only Malaysian company named in CNBC and Statista’s ‘Top 200 Global Fintech Companies’. Additionally, it recently ranked 30th among 500 in the Financial Times High-Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2024, making it the highest-ranked Malaysian company. He has extensive experience in management consulting as an Accenture Strategy Consultant advising on technology and analytics. He was also an in-house consultant for Creador private equity, overseeing their technology portfolio. He graduated from Oxford University with a Master’s in Computational Finance following his Mathematics and Statistics Bachelor’s degree from Imperial College London.

Anoop Sonpar

Anoop Sonpar

Head of New Business ASEAN and South Asia, Temenos
Anoop Sonpar
Anoop Sonpar
Head of New Business ASEAN and South Asia, Temenos

Anoop Sonpar is a business development and sales leader with top-tier global financial services organizations. He has pioneered regional and global sales businesses in developed and emerging markets and led talented sales teams to achieve double-digit revenue growth. Operating at the forefront of the financial technology industry for more than 20 years, he has helped to develop, negotiate and lead solutions initiatives that are changing the landscape of relevance for banks and capital markets firms. He has orchestrated enterprise-level, game-changing solutions for organizations to enable agile and fluid adaptation to industry capital pressures and constantly changing regulatory frameworks. Recognized as a subject matter expert and thought leader, he is regularly sought out to speak at industry events and customer conferences and has shared insights and expertise in Islamic banking, treasury optimization, digitization and corporate and retail banking. He leads the new business team in ASEAN and South Asia at Temenos.

Ariffin Sabirin

Ariffin Sabirin

CEO, Wasiyyah Shoppe
Ariffin Sabirin
Ariffin Sabirin
CEO, Wasiyyah Shoppe

Ariffin Sabirin was born in Kluang, Johor. Upon completing his Degree in Business Management from the National University of Malaysia in 1994, he joined Citibank as a Management Associate.

In 1996, he joined RHB Unit Trust Management as Senior Associate. His career in estate planning started in 1998 when he joined a law firm as Marketing Director.

His responsibility was to develop and market Islamic inheritance products such as wills and Hibah. He founded Wasiyyah Shoppe, a shariah compliance trustee company in 2004 to better service the Ummah with introduction of innovative and comprehensive solutions.

Being in the forefront of the industry since 1998, Ariffin is a subject matter expert and has delivered more than 5,000 talks in seminars and dialogs in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei, the UK and Australia. He also contributed to the proposed amendment of the Act relating to Muslim inheritance under the Attorney General Chambers of Malaysia.

With support from an experienced Board of Directors, Ariffin has led the company to notable achievements such as ‘High Bumiputera Performance Company’ under the TERAS program of TERAJU Prime Minister Department in 2007, The Most Promising Franchisor Award in 2008, The Best Regional (Asia) Enterprise 2018 from European Business Assembly, Inspirational Company 2019 by The World Confederation of Business and The Best Shariah Estate Planning and Administration Company in Malaysia 2020.

Wasiyyah Shoppe currently services close to 70,000 clients nation-wide and is the biggest Shariah trustee company in Malaysia with estimated assets to be managed on behalf of the clients amounting to RM35 billion.

Bikesh Lakhmichand

Bikesh Lakhmichand

CEO, 1337 Ventures
Bikesh Lakhmichand
Bikesh Lakhmichand
CEO, 1337 Ventures

Bikesh Lakhmichand is no stranger to the world of digital disruption in Southeast Asia. He is the founding partner of 1337 Ventures, Malaysia’s first accelerator program that has invested in over 60 innovative digital start-ups across diverse areas spanning gaming, social networking, education, big data, proximity marketing, wearable technology, fintech and recently, social enterprises. 1337 Ventures is the mastermind behind Alpha Startups, an intensive five-day design sprint-based pre-accelerator boot camp that has helped numerous start-ups such as ParkEasy and Gigfairy that went from idea to exit in just 12 months.

Beyond helping to discover, validate and scale high-potential start-ups from ideas to businesses of the future, Bikesh utilizes his experience in the start-up scene to help corporates such as Khazanah, Maybank and CIMB transform and compete in the digital age. Bikesh helps corporates via consultations to create new business units or services, designs thinking to equip them with relevant skill sets and knowledge as well as organizes accelerator programs that help start-ups identify and solve their problem statements.

Bilal Parvaiz

Bilal Parvaiz

CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq
Bilal Parvaiz
Bilal Parvaiz
CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq

Bilal Parvaiz started his career with Standard Chartered in 2010 as part of the Group Islamic Banking team based in United Arab Emirates, where he was responsible for the Bank’s Structured Trade and Transaction Banking business across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Asian markets.
He joined Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia in 2014 and led the Islamic Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) team, driving regional coverage across the ASEAN markets including Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia.

Bilal was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia on 15 March 2024 and is now steering the Bank’s Islamic banking business in Malaysia to greater heights by strengthening Saadiq’s leading position in the Islamic banking arena.

Bilal has played an instrumental role in originating landmark transactions across the GCC, South Asia and ASEAN, including market firsts such as the world’s first ESG Islamic Collateralised Commodity Murabahah transaction and Sustainable Islamic Supplier Finance. Bilal most notably spearheaded the Halal360 initiative, a key proposition that aims to expand the Halal eco-system globally.

Bilal was also the Country Champion for Sustainable Finance and represented the Bank in multiple sustainability initiatives including Value Based Intermediation (VBI) and Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3). He also jointly led the Value Based Impact Assessment Framework (VBIAF) for the Renewable Energy sector. Owing to his expertise in Islamic Finance – the Halal economy and Sustainable Finance, he is often invited to share his views at various industry forums.

Bilal holds an MBA and professional qualifications in Sustainable Finance from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, has undertaken the Sustainability Leadership Programme at the University of Cambridge and the Global Banking Leadership program at Bayes Business School London. He is also an Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (CIIF).

Elias Moubarak

Elias Moubarak

Partner, Trowers & Hamlins
Elias Moubarak
Elias Moubarak
Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Elias is a Partner in Trowers & Hamlins’ International Banking and Finance Department.

Elias has a broad range of experience both in the conventional and Islamic finance spheres. He has significant experience in representing the full spectrum of stakeholders on a range of banking and finance transactions including project financing and real estate financing as well as capital market issuances.

Frederik Wijsenbeek

Frederik Wijsenbeek

Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Vemi Capital
Frederik Wijsenbeek
Frederik Wijsenbeek
Partner and Chief Investment Officer, Vemi Capital

Frederik Wijsenbeek is a Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Ethos Invest. He joined Ethos in 2023 with 25 years of experience in private equity, private credit, real estate and special situations investing across North America and Europe. Frederik’s expertise lies in sourcing, structuring and executing complex transactions as well as building and leading teams of investment professionals. He has a successful track record of developing and expanding alternative asset management platforms. Frederik was a senior investment team member with more than US$5 billion invested in blue-chip institutional and ultra-high-net-worth (UHNW) investors across multiple geographies and sectors. Before joining Ethos, Frederik worked at Morgan Stanley Investment Management for a decade. Prior to Morgan Stanley, Frederik was Director and Head of European Direct Private Equity for the Ontario Teachers’ Pension Plan, a leading global pension fund with US$250 billion of assets under management. He was also a Partner at Bregal Investments, a EUR2 billion (US$2.13 billion) private equity fund backed by the UHNW Brenninkmeijer family. Frederik earned a Bachelor of Arts degree with distinction from Stanford University and is an alumnus of Harvard Business School.

Hakan Ozyon

Hakan Ozyon

CEO, Hejaz Financial Services
Hakan Ozyon
Hakan Ozyon
CEO, Hejaz Financial Services

Hakan Ozyon’s role as CEO at Hejaz Financial Services involves setting strategic paths and forming financial alliances. With over 30 years of experience in business, he is known for leading innovative strategies and nurturing talent. He is adept at unlocking potential, promoting growth and increasing revenue. Hakan has deep ties in both the Islamic and broader Australian communities, enhancing business operations and setting corporate goals. Notably, he has spent a decade transforming visions into pioneering Islamic financial services. He is respected globally for his business acumen.

Dr Hamim Syahrum Ahmad Mokhtar

Dr Hamim Syahrum Ahmad Mokhtar

Deputy Director, Financial Inclusion Department, Bank Negara Malaysia
Dr Hamim Syahrum Ahmad Mokhtar
Dr Hamim Syahrum Ahmad Mokhtar
Deputy Director, Financial Inclusion Department, Bank Negara Malaysia

Dr Hamim Syahrum Ahmad Mokhtar is currently the Deputy Director in the Financial Inclusion Department of Bank Negara Malaysia. His role includes leading and guiding strategic development policies of social finance, microfinance and green finance. Previously, he was the Deputy Director in the Financial Surveillance Department and Islamic Banking & Takaful Department.

Dr Hamim was also involved in a number of working groups and taskforces established by the ISFB including the following groups: Capital Adequacy Standards (Sukuk Securitisation and Real Estate), Governance of Islamic Collective Investment Scheme, Guides on Islamic Deposit Insurance and Guidance Notes in the determination of Alpha in Capital Adequacy Ratio.

Dr Hamim holds a degree in Accounting with Honors, an MBA and a PhD in Islamic Banking and Finance. He has published and presented several papers at both domestic and international conferences, including a paper on the efficiency and competition of Islamic banking in Malaysia which was accorded the ‘Highly Commended Award’ by award-winning international Journal Emerald Literati Network. He is also a Chartered Accountant of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants and a Chartered Banker. He received the central bank’s Excellent Individual Performance Awards in 2009.

Dr Jane Chang

Dr Jane Chang

Director, Social Value Malaysia
Dr Jane Chang
Dr Jane Chang
Director, Social Value Malaysia

Dr Jane Chang is Malaysia’s first Accredited Social Value Practitioner (Level 3). As a scholar of cognitive entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship education, she is passionate about innovation for social impact. Her work on entrepreneurial mindset and cognition has assisted individuals worldwide, including in deprived areas of London, the interior of Borneo and the scholars of world-class nations, into a space of community learning for a value creation mindset. She was a finalist for the Reimagine Education Award at Wharton Business School (the most innovative curriculum design). She co-founded one of Malaysia’s first social value and impact management quality setters, providing a unique social value and impact framework with international accreditation to manage social value and impact. A leader who incorporates social innovation and practical entrepreneurship education in everything she does, Jane brings together an impressive eclectic mix of skills and experience as an ecosystem builder.

John Welling

John Welling

Senior Director Head of Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices
John Welling
John Welling
Senior Director Head of Global Equity Indices, S&P Dow Jones Indices

John Welling is Head of Global Equity Indices at S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI), where he leads the global equities team in overseeing, promoting and developing S&P DJI’s extensive portfolio of global indices including the S&P Global BMI, S&P World Index, S&P Global 1200 and various regional benchmarks as well as S&P DJI’s established and growing sustainability index offerings.

With a background in structured products and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from BYU, John became a member of the S&P DJI team in 2017 and brings a broad perspective to his role. Outside of work, John enjoys snow skiing, trail running, bicycling and spending time with family.

Jun Jie Yoon

Jun Jie Yoon

Founder and CEO, Capsphere SME Financing
Jun Jie Yoon
Jun Jie Yoon
Founder and CEO, Capsphere SME Financing

Yoon Jun Jie is the CEO and Founder of Capsphere, Malaysia’s first Asset Based P2P Financing and Investment platform registered with Securities Commission Malaysia. He started Capsphere to support local SME’s and to enable communities to take part in their growth. Previously, he was Vice-President in the Southeast Asia Global Corporate Banking team at Bank of America. He has gained experience in facilitating debt financing, advising on cash management and treasury solutions for global corporations and financial institutions.

He has completed the Professional Credit Certification from the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers. His education includes an MPhil in Economics from University of Cambridge and a BSc in Statistics, Economics and Finance from University College London.

Khairul Nisa Ismail

Khairul Nisa Ismail

CEO, Sedania As Salam Capital
Khairul Nisa Ismail
Khairul Nisa Ismail
CEO, Sedania As Salam Capital

Khairul Nisa Ismail stands as a pillar of entrepreneurship and innovation in the ever-evolving world of digital technology. As the CEO of SEDANIA As-Salam Capital (SASC), a fintech subsidiary of SEDANIA Innovator, her career has been a remarkable journey filled with visionary leadership, a commitment to digital transformation and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

Her illustrious career spans over 25 years spearheading some major initiatives that have set new benchmarks, especially within the fintech and aviation industry. Under her leadership, SASC has become a key player in the Islamic fintech space, promoting Shariah compliant solutions like the As-Sidq Commodity Trading Platform, Marketplace for Islamic Product and Digital Banking Suite of Services. She has been instrumental in developing the first-ever digital Hibah platform in partnership with Wasiyyah Shoppe, addressing the issues of unclaimed assets among Muslims in Malaysia.

Nisa Ismail’s leadership extends to fostering impactful partnerships with over 95 financial services institutions, driving growth and innovation in Malaysia’s digital banking sector. She also leads the group’s telco tech business, focusing on Value-Added Services. Her forward-thinking vision and dedication to digital transformation have established her as a pioneering entrepreneur and a visionary leader.

Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid

Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid

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

Mohamad Safri Shahul Hamid joined IILM after spending 13 years at CIMB, where he had served the bank in various capacities including as a Deputy CEO at CIMB Islamic and as a Senior Managing Director at the bank’s public sector, group wholesale banking. Safri brings with him almost 30 years of experience in the banking and financial sector including over 20 years of meaningful experience as a pioneer, structurer, transactor and renowned leader in Islamic finance locally and internationally. Safri has played an instrumental role in bringing some of the world’s first, groundbreaking and award-winning Islamic transactions to the market and is well regarded as one of the pioneers of the Islamic capital market globally. Safri has a strong credit background having served as a group credit committee member at CIMB between 2012 and 2020 as well as well as a senior analyst at Malaysian Rating Corporation Berhad from 2000 to 2003. Safri holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from the International Islamic University Malaysia and an MBA (Globalisation) from Maastricht School, the Netherlands. He is a Chartered Accountant with the Malaysian Institute of Accounts. Safri is a speaker at many local and international Islamic conferences and events.

Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad

Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad

Regional Chief Representative, DDCAP Group™
Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad
Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad
Regional Chief Representative, DDCAP Group™

Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad has worked in the banking industry for 38 years. He has amassed 19 years of experience in group treasury products and functions (conventional and Islamic) including corporate (deposits, investments, client solutions), interbank, fixed income and derivatives, product development, structuring and marketing. He previously served as the Senior Managing Director and Regional Head of Islamic Treasury, Treasury and Markets in Group Wholesale Banking for CIMB Group. During that time, he was responsible for the development of CIMB Group’s regional Islamic treasury franchises, managing over RM100 billion (US$23.88 billion) of Islamic assets for CIMB Group Islamic Banking. His country-focused treasury remits included Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand and for five years, he was based in London as a Chief Dealer. His innovations included the introduction of CIMB’s Islamic repo contract.

Dr Mohamad Zabidi has held various additional executive management positions within the CIMB Group, including the Chairman of the Investment Account Oversight Committee and a Member of the Group Islamic Management Committee, the Treasury and Market Committee and the Group Islamic Wholesale Banking Committee. He has been widely recognized for his leadership, with CIMB announced as ‘Best Islamic Bank for Treasury Management’ at the IFN Awards in 2019. He previously participated in the Bursa Malaysia/Bank Negara Malaysia Working Group resulting in the formation of the Bursa Suq Al-Sila’ Commodity House and the Working Group resulting in the establishment of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation.

Dr Mohamad Zabidi served as Proactive Chairman of AIBIM Treasury & Markets, leading the CMTC Sukuk Index Task Force in the successful launch of the Sovereign & Corporate Bloomberg-AIBIM-Bursa Sukuk Index in September 2012. In 2018, under his leadership, AIBIM also published the practice notes for Qard Hasan and commodity Murabahah for adoption by AIBIM members. He has presented papers on Islamic treasury products to various central banks including the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Bank Indonesia and Bank Negara Malaysia.

Among his academic and professional achievements, Dr Mohamad Zabidi holds a doctorate in Business Administration from Othman Yeop Abdullah Graduate School of Business, Universiti Utara Malaysia and has a Bachelor’s in Accounting with Honors from Universiti Teknologi MARA.

A qualified Chartered Accountant, Dr Mohamad Zabidi is a practicing member of the Malaysian Institute of Accountants, a Certified Senior Financial Market Practitioner by ACI-Financial Market of Malaysia and the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers and holds an Associate Qualification in Islamic Finance from the Islamic Banking & Finance Institute Malaysia and that of Senior Associate from the Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance.

Dr Mohamed Damak

Dr Mohamed Damak

Managing Director and Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global Ratings
Dr Mohamed Damak
Dr Mohamed Damak
Managing Director and Global Head of Islamic Finance, S&P Global Ratings

Dr Mohamed Damak is a Senior Director of Financial Services at S&P Global Ratings, covering financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa. He is also the Global Head of Islamic finance at the rating agency, leading a global team of Islamic finance analysts.

Dr Mohamed had worked for S&P Global Ratings from 2006 to 2010, covering conventional and Islamic financial institutions in MENA. He then worked as a Principal Credit Risk Officer for the African Development Bank in Tunis before rejoining S&P Global Ratings.

Holding a PhD in Finance and a Master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from Universite Paris-Pantheon-Assas, Dr Mohamed also has a Master’s degree in Financial Institutions Management from Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Tunis.

Mohamed Iqbal Mohamed Iqbal

Mohamed Iqbal Mohamed Iqbal

Independent Non-Executive Director, Agrobank Malaysia
Mohamed Iqbal Mohamed Iqbal
Mohamed Iqbal Mohamed Iqbal
Independent Non-Executive Director, Agrobank Malaysia

Iqbal is a Senior Banker who has enjoyed a successful 35 year career in banking and finance domestically and internationally. Among the institutions he has served are Maybank, the AmBank Group, the Employees Provident Fund Malaysia, Kuwait Finance House Malaysia and Warba Bank K.S.C.P. Kuwait. His areas of experience are in treasury, investments and capital markets; risk management; international banking; commercial and consumer banking; credit management; and business strategy and transformation. Notably, as Treasurer, he was at the forefront of navigating the institutions he served through three major economic and financial crises in 1997-98, 2008-09, and 2020-21. He pioneered the structuring and usage of several now commonplace Shariah compliant financial instruments such as foreign exchange forward contracts, profit-rate swaps, Basel III compliant Additional Tier-1 Sukuk and also the first local currency Sukuk issued by a Kuwaiti financial institution. Iqbal holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Science and Computer Systems from Oklahoma State University, in the US. He is a Qualified Risk Director accredited by the Institute of Enterprise Risk Practitioners (IERP) and has attended numerous executive programs during his career, including The University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business Executive Leadership Development Program. He is currently an Independent Non-Executive Director of Agrobank Malaysia Berhad.

Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin

Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin

Head of Halal Integrated Platform, Halal Development Corporation
Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin
Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin
Head of Halal Integrated Platform, Halal Development Corporation

Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin is currently Head of the Halal Integrated Platform (HIP) which is part of Halal Development Corporation that focuses on the development and facilitation of the Halal industry ecosystem. HIP is the first digital platform in the world that provides a networking platform for Halal industry players, empowering stakeholders in the Halal industry and in the Halal supply chain.

Mohammad Hafiz has over 18 years of experience in management consulting, digital transformation and implementation of large-scale digital projects. He has extensive experience in the development of digital ecosystems for industry and business-specific solutions for large organizations for both government ministries as well as multinational companies.

Dr Mohammad Mahbubi

Dr Mohammad Mahbubi

Chairman, Sidogiri Islamic Institute
Dr Mohammad Mahbubi
Dr Mohammad Mahbubi
Chairman, Sidogiri Islamic Institute

Dr Mahbubi hails from Indonesia and holds a PhD in Islamic Banking and Finance from the International Islamic University of Malaysia (IIUM). He obtained his Master’s degree in Islamic Finance from the International Center for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF), and Bachelor’s degree in Islamic Finance from Tazkia Institute, Bogor, Indonesia.

Dr Mahbubi currently holds the position of Islamic Finance Expert at the Brunei Darussalam Central Bank (BDCB) and is a registered Shariah adviser with the Securities Commission Malaysia. Dr Mahbubi also holds international recognition as Member of the Curriculum Review Committee at the Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI), Bahrain. He is also Chairman of Sidogiri Islamic Institute; Director of Shariah, AIFA Consulting; Member of Board Shariah Committee, CIMB Islamic Bank; Member of Shariah Committee, FWD Takaful Sdn Bhd; and Shariah Advisor of Dar al-Muraja’ah al-Shar’iyyah, Bahrain.

Previously, he was the Chairman of Shariah Committee, Affin Islamic Bank Berhad; on the Board of Directors for ZICO Shariah Advisory; and former Head of Economics, Finance, Awqaf and Zakat at the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies (IAIS Malaysia). He was also a researcher at the International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA) Malaysia.

Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi

Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi

Regional Head, Wholesale Banking, CIMB Islamic Bank
Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi
Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi
Regional Head, Wholesale Banking, CIMB Islamic Bank

Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi is the Regional Head of Wholesale Banking at CIMB Islamic and is responsible for developing and growing the Islamic wholesale banking business of CIMB Group. Prior to joining CIMB Islamic in April 2020, he was with CIMB Bank, carrying out capital and balance sheet management roles of the group. He was a key person in the liquidity and interest rate management of the group, ensuring sustainable assets growth through a lean and optimized balance sheet. He started his career as a Management Trainee with CIMB Investment Bank back in July 2007.

Mohd Ekmal graduated with a Master of Science degree in Risk Management and Financial Engineering from Imperial College London in 2012. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a Chartered Professional in the Islamic Finance Charter.

Mohd Radzuan Mohamed

Mohd Radzuan Mohamed

CEO, Malaysian Takaful Association
Mohd Radzuan Mohamed
Mohd Radzuan Mohamed
CEO, Malaysian Takaful Association

Mohd Radzuan Mohamed has more than 20 years of experience in the industry with expertise in Takaful and re-Takaful, insurance and re-insurance, broking, consulting and adjusting. Prior to joining MTA, he was a Senior Manager in various insurance and Takaful companies.

He is currently the Grand Councilor of The Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (CIIF). Radzuan is also an Adjunct Professor at the Faculty of Business and Administration of Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM).

Radzuan is a Member of the Lembaga Zakat Selangor (MAIS) Board in the Risk, Integrity and Compliance Committee. He received the Risk Icon Award for his outstanding contribution in the field of Enterprise Risk Management.

He is a Fellow Member of The Malaysian Insurance Institute (FMII), a Certified Professional in Islamic Finance (CPIF), an Associate of the Institute Risk Management (AIRM, UK) with an Enterprise Risk Professional Certification (IERP) as well as an alumnus of the Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) in Scotland.

Dr Muhammad Issyam Ismail

Dr Muhammad Issyam Ismail

Assistant Vice-President, Islamic Wholesale Banking, CIMB Islamic Bank
Dr Muhammad Issyam Ismail
Dr Muhammad Issyam Ismail
Assistant Vice-President, Islamic Wholesale Banking, CIMB Islamic Bank

Dr Muhammad Issyam Ismail is part of the Islamic Wholesale Banking team at CIMB Islamic Bank, where he is responsible for developing and structuring Islamic capital market instruments. His experience includes structuring and providing Shariah advisory services for equity instruments and various Sukuk deals, both globally and locally. Notably, he contributed to landmark global Sukuk deals such as the first Sovereign sustainability Sukuk by the Government of Malaysia in 2021, the UK sovereign Sukuk in 2021 and multiple global Sukuk issuances by Khazanah and the Republic of Indonesia. He is also part of the MIFC working group committee at AIBIM in support of the renewed MIFC agenda.

Prior to his current role, he was part of the Shariah advisory teams at CIMB Islamic Bank and Hong Leong Islamic Bank, where he covered retail, commercial, corporate and treasury segments. He also served as a trainee lecturer at the IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance (IIiBF), where he participated in several academic research projects and publications.

Professionally, he holds the Chartered Banker qualification from the Chartered Banker Institute, is a Certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor by AAOIFI, and is a Certified Banking Auditor by the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers. He earned a PhD from Universiti Malaya, where his research focused on the impact of Standard 59 by AAOIFI on global hybrid Sukuk offerings. Additionally, he holds a Chartered Banker MBA from Bangor University (Wales), an MSc in Islamic Banking and Finance from IIiBF, and a dual degree in Civil Law.

Nitish Bhojnagarwala

Nitish Bhojnagarwala

Senior Vice-President, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Ratings
Nitish Bhojnagarwala
Nitish Bhojnagarwala
Senior Vice-President, Financial Institutions Group, Moody’s Ratings

As Vice-President of Moody’s Investors Service based in Dubai, Nitish Bhojnagarwala covers a portfolio of large conventional as well as Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East, Africa and Turkey.

Nitish joined Moody’s in 2011 and has led Sukuk roundtables and conducted workshops on banking and Islamic finance at various conferences in the Middle East, Europe and Asia. Nitish has also authored several research articles with a focus on regional banking, credit issues and issuer-in-depths.

Prior to joining Moody’s, Nitish served five years at Tamweel in the Treasury. He has also worked for KPMG in the UAE. Nitish holds an MBA from S P Jain Institute of Management & Research with a major in Finance (Investment Banking).

Ravi Kittane

Ravi Kittane

Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting
Ravi Kittane
Ravi Kittane
Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting

Ravi Kittane has over 25 years of combined financial services industry and consulting experience leading successful business transformations globally for major banks, insurers and asset managers. He specialises in digital strategy, technology architecture, solution stack and operating model development and has advised incumbents as well as digital challengers. Ravi has built large multi-disciplinary teams and led large programs in the areas of business transformation, digital strategy and transformation, next generation optimisation, business process reengineering and outsourcing, program and change management. He is leading the development and delivery of digital banking and digital insurance value propositions and technologies for incumbent banks and insurers as well as digital banking and digital insurer license aspirants/winners in Malaysia and the region. During his time in the industry with Royal Bank of Canada, he led several major digital and technology led transformations leading to revenue uplift, customer experience enhancements and productivity improvements. He co-led the task force to upskill and re-skill the Bank’s 27,000 operations professionals through a multi-year targeted strategy. Ravi is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion and writes and speaks at forums on financial inclusion, digitalisation, architecture modernisation and the impact of AI.

Dr Rusni Hassan

Dr Rusni Hassan

Professor and Dean, IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance
Dr Rusni Hassan
Dr Rusni Hassan
Professor and Dean, IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance

Professor Dr Rusni Hassan is an esteemed leader in Islamic finance, notably serving as Dean at the IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance. Her distinguished career is marked by a profound influence on academic, regulatory and practical aspects of Islamic finance globally. Her leadership extends beyond finance to influential positions in Shariah advisory councils and boards of directors for various organizations, reflecting her versatile expertise and commitment to integrating Islamic principles in broader economic practices.

A prolific author, she has contributed over a hundred scholarly articles and numerous seminal books that have significantly shaped the legal and regulatory landscape of Islamic finance worldwide.

A passionate academician, she has mentored countless students and young professionals, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices and the integration of Islamic values in business and finance and nurturing the next generation of Islamic finance professionals and fostering a well-rounded and principled financial leadership.

Her works and contribution to Islamic Finance has been internationally recognized by the Government of Maldives when she was awarded the National-Recognition for Outstanding Contribution of Females to Develop and Sustain Islamic Finance Industry in Maldives in 2018.

Her career is a testament to unwavering dedication as murabbi to excellence in Islamic finance. Her achievements span academic contributions, regulatory enhancements and influential leadership, making her invaluable to the global Islamic finance community and an inspiring leader whose work continues to impact the academia and industry profoundly.

Sazul Samsuri

Sazul Samsuri

CTO Digital Banking, Head of Digital Innovation, KAF Investment Bank
Sazul Samsuri
Sazul Samsuri
CTO Digital Banking, Head of Digital Innovation, KAF Investment Bank

Sazul is the the Chief Technology Officer for KAF Digital Berhad, the digital bank arm for KAF Investment Bank. Educated in France, he has been in the Technology and Digital space for over 23 years in various industries such as asset management, investment, oil and gas and consulting. Previous success stories include the operational and enablement of the first e-Wallet that provides daily returns and introducing wealth management onto the e-Wallet space. Currently, he is building the team, the culture and digital platform for the digital bank consortium led by KAF Investment Bank.

Shabnam Mokhtar

Shabnam Mokhtar

Managing Director, SHAPE Knowledge Services
Shabnam Mokhtar
Shabnam Mokhtar
Managing Director, SHAPE Knowledge Services

Shabnam Mokhtar has over 18 years of experience in the finance space. Currently, she spearheads research and development activities at SHAPE including sustainability analysis. With a global clientele experience, Shabnam brings implementation knowledge, considering the business context, regulation and best practices in different markets. Shabnam was appointed as the Securities Commission – Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies, Islamic Finance Visiting Fellow for 2021/2022. She is interested in multi-disciplinary research especially in the areas of impact investing, sustainability, innovation and technology.

At Oxford, Shabnam focused on the blue economy, impact investing and lessons for Islamic finance. Formerly, she headed the capital market research for the International Shari’ah Research Academy. Her focus area was case study-based research projects in the Sukuk market. Her prior positions include Adjunct Professor of Finance at both DePaul University (Chicago) and IE Business School (Madrid) as well as Lecturer in Accounting, Finance and Bank Management at Universiti Putra Malaysia. She is also a member of the AAOIFI Examination Review Committee. Shabnam serves as a Shariah Committee Member for RHB Islamic Bank, AIA Public Takaful and London-based Islamic fintech Algbra.

Sherif Elmansy

Sherif Elmansy

Banking Solutions Products Director, ITS
Sherif Elmansy
Sherif Elmansy
Banking Solutions Products Director, ITS

Sherif Elmansy is a dynamic Banking Solutions Products Director with over 21 years of extensive experience in the banking software industry. He has a deep passion for creating and implementing innovative software products that not only optimize operations but also significantly boost organizational sales. Sherif’s expertise spans across digital banking, both front-end and back-end while his strategic leadership has been instrumental in driving the success of core banking products throughout their entire lifecycle.

In his current role since the beginning of 2024, Sherif oversees the entire product line for core banking and digital banking solutions at International Turnkey Systems (ITS). His responsibilities range from strategic planning to managing tactical activities that ensure the products meet market demands and customer needs.

Sherif’s career began in 2001 with a strong foundation in commerce, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ain Shams University, Egypt. His early roles at the Commercial International Bank of Egypt provided him with valuable insights into customer service and financial operations, which have continued to inform his approach to product management.

Joining ITS in 2004 as a Software Developer, Sherif quickly advanced to roles such as Banking Functional Consultant and Senior Functional Consultant, leading critical projects across the Middle East, Far East and North Africa. As a Senior Product Manager from 2013 to 2023, he led the development of the next-generation ETHIX Core Banking Product, working with cross-functional teams to define product vision, strategy and intellectual property management. Under his leadership, the ETHIX solutions have been successfully installed in over 56 reputable banks across the Middle East, Far East and North Africa.

Committed to continuous professional development, Sherif holds several prestigious certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP), and Certified Islamic Finance Expert (CIFE). His educational background and extensive professional training ensure that he remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

Sherif Elmansy’s career, spanning over two decades, is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation and leadership. His contributions have not only advanced the organizations he has served but have also set new benchmarks in the banking software industry.

Dr Suresh Naidu Sadasivan

Dr Suresh Naidu Sadasivan

Director of Communication and Innovation, Masverse
Dr Suresh Naidu Sadasivan
Dr Suresh Naidu Sadasivan
Director of Communication and Innovation, Masverse

Dr Suresh Naidu Sadasivan is an experienced Certified Blockchain Expert by the US-based Blockchain Council and a Certified Blockchain Solution Architect by Blockchain Training Alliance, Canada. He is also a vital education professional with a Degree in Law (LLB Hons) from the University of London, an MBA (IT Sector) from Staffordshire University and the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from the City University of Paris. With over 20 years of experience in education and industry, he has lectured at the Asia Pacific University of Technology and Innovation (APU) and served in various leadership roles. He is currently the Director of Communication and Innovation at Masverse. Skilled in blockchain, entrepreneurship and public speaking, he is known for his approachable, layperson teaching style and contributions to blockchain education and implementation.

Vineeta Tan

Vineeta Tan

Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance news
Vineeta Tan
Vineeta Tan
Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance news

Vineeta Tan is Managing Editor and Director of REDmoney Group, one of the world’s longest-running Islamic finance media houses. Vineeta oversees REDmoney Group’s stable of products including Islamic Finance news, IFN Fintech and Islamic Sustainable Finance & Investment. With over a decade of experience in the journalism and publishing industry, Vineeta specializes in ethical and Islamic finance as well as fintech reporting and analysis covering regions including the Middle East, Asia, Africa and Europe. As managing editor of IFN, Vineeta leads the editorial direction and business development of IFN and its sister publications in addition to authoring reports, producing podcasts and conducting video interviews. She has interviewed senior industry players, key stakeholders and senior dignitaries including the finance/economic ministers of the Ivory Coast, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. Vineeta is a regular on the international conference circuit as both a moderator and speaker. She has an MBA and is trained in Journalism and Sociology. Vineeta also holds the Islamic Finance Qualification awarded by the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investments, UK.

Yasir Gorpe

Yasir Gorpe

Senior Investment Specialist - Fund Manager, Islamic Development Bank
Yasir Gorpe
Yasir Gorpe
Senior Investment Specialist - Fund Manager, Islamic Development Bank

Yasir Gorpe is a Senior Investment Specialist / Fund Manager at the Treasury Department of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), with over a decade of experience in the management of its fixed-income investment portfolios. During his tenure, he has played a key role in expanding IsDB’s presence in the capital markets and successfully growing its Sukuk investment portfolios. Prior to joining IsDB, Yasir served as an analyst in an international organization, focusing on macroeconomic data management and analysis. He holds a BS in Finance from George Mason University in Virginia in the US.

Prof Dr Younes Soualhi

Prof Dr Younes Soualhi

Senior Researcher, Lecturer, International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance
Prof Dr Younes Soualhi
Prof Dr Younes Soualhi
Senior Researcher, Lecturer, International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance

Professor Dr Younes Soualhi is a Senior Research Fellow at ISRA, INCEIF University, Malaysia with 27 years of teaching experience in Shariah and Islamic finance. He has published widely on Islamic banking and finance and serves on various Shariah advisory boards, including Al Rajhi Bank, MNRB and ABC Bank (Algeria). He holds a BA in Shariah from Algeria and an MA and PhD from Malaysian universities. Additionally, he is a registered financial planner and a member of the AAOIFI Shariah sub-committee in Malaysia.

Globally, he is Senior Consultant to the World Bank, Washington DC in the US.

Advisory Board

Ahmad Fuad Alhabshi

Ahmad Fuad Alhabshi

Executive Director, Halogen Capital
Ahmad Fuad Alhabshi
Ahmad Fuad Alhabshi
Executive Director, Halogen Capital

Ahmad Fuad Alhabshi is an executive director of Halogen Capital, the first licensed digital asset fund manager in Malaysia. He leads the growth and development of the company, with the goal to provide institutional and individual investors with regulated crypto asset opportunities and innovative investment solutions.

Prior to taking this role, Ahmad was CEO of Abbas Investment Management (now known as Opus Islamic Asset Management).

Throughout his 15-year career in asset management, Ahmad has successfully managed over RM2 billion (US$426.48 million)-worth of assets for a diverse clientele, from government-affiliated organizations to family offices, SMEs, private banking clients and high-net-worth individuals. His experience spans across US dollar, Singapore dollar and Malaysian ringgit bond markets.

Ahmad holds a Master of Science degree in analogue and digital integrated circuit design from Imperial College London, UK and a Bachelor of Science degree in electronic engineering from the University of Warwick, UK. He has been a holder of a Capital Markets Services Representative’s License since 2010.

Dr Aishath Muneeza

Dr Aishath Muneeza

Member, Board Shariah Committee, CIMB Islamic Bank
Dr Aishath Muneeza
Dr Aishath Muneeza
Member, Board Shariah Committee, CIMB Islamic Bank

With a notable career in the field of Islamic finance, Prof Dr Aishath Muneeza currently holds the position of professor and associate dean for students and internationalization at INCEIF University in Malaysia. Throughout her professional journey, she has gained extensive experience and received recognition from esteemed institutions in the realm of Islamic finance.

Notably, Prof Dr Aishath made history as the first female deputy minister of the Ministry of Islamic Affairs in the Maldives, and later as the deputy minister of the Ministry of Finance and Treasury in the same country. She has also served as the head of Islamic finance at the Capital Market Development Authority of the Maldives.

Prof Dr Aishath’s contributions extend beyond governmental positions. She has served as the chairman of the board of directors of the National Hajj Pilgrimage Fund, Maldives Hajj Corporation and the Maldives Center for Islamic Finance and she is also a registered Shariah advisor with the Securities Commission Malaysia.

For over a decade, Prof Dr Aishath has held the chairmanship of the apex Shariah Advisory Council of the Capital Market Development Authority of the Maldives. Her involvement extends to AAOIFI, where she serves as a member of the Public Interest Monitoring Consultative Committee.

Bilal Parvaiz

Bilal Parvaiz

CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq
Bilal Parvaiz
Bilal Parvaiz
CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq

Bilal Parvaiz started his career with Standard Chartered in 2010 as part of the Group Islamic Banking team based in United Arab Emirates, where he was responsible for the Bank’s Structured Trade and Transaction Banking business across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and South Asian markets.
He joined Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia in 2014 and led the Islamic Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) team, driving regional coverage across the ASEAN markets including Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore and Indonesia.

Bilal was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Standard Chartered Saadiq Malaysia on 15 March 2024 and is now steering the Bank’s Islamic banking business in Malaysia to greater heights by strengthening Saadiq’s leading position in the Islamic banking arena.

Bilal has played an instrumental role in originating landmark transactions across the GCC, South Asia and ASEAN, including market firsts such as the world’s first ESG Islamic Collateralised Commodity Murabahah transaction and Sustainable Islamic Supplier Finance. Bilal most notably spearheaded the Halal360 initiative, a key proposition that aims to expand the Halal eco-system globally.

Bilal was also the Country Champion for Sustainable Finance and represented the Bank in multiple sustainability initiatives including Value Based Intermediation (VBI) and Joint Committee on Climate Change (JC3). He also jointly led the Value Based Impact Assessment Framework (VBIAF) for the Renewable Energy sector. Owing to his expertise in Islamic Finance – the Halal economy and Sustainable Finance, he is often invited to share his views at various industry forums.

Bilal holds an MBA and professional qualifications in Sustainable Finance from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management, has undertaken the Sustainability Leadership Programme at the University of Cambridge and the Global Banking Leadership program at Bayes Business School London. He is also an Associate Member of Chartered Institute of Islamic Finance Professionals (CIIF).

Dima Djani

Dima Djani

Group CEO, Hijra
Dima Djani
Dima Djani
Group CEO, Hijra

Dima A Djani is the founder and CEO of Hijra Group, formerly known as ALAMI, a prominent Islamic financial technology ecosystem. Within this role, he has steered Hijra’s transformation from a Shariah compliant SME lending platform into a pioneering Islamic challenger bank. Under his leadership, Hijra has cultivated a robust network of over 144,000 funders, facilitating support for 15,800 projects spanning multiple nations and disbursing in excess of US$333 million in financing. In a significant milestone in 2021, the company acquired Jakarta’s sole Islamic rural bank and digitally transformed it into Hijra Bank, targeting over 230 million underserved Muslims with a suite of dedicated digital banking solutions. Since the launch of the banking app in December 2022, Hijra has onboarded more than 245,000 bank accounts and retail lenders. Prior to his current role, Dima gained valuable experience at prominent financial institutions such as Citi Corporate Investment Banking Division and Societe Generale Corporate Investment Bank. He holds an MBA from INSEAD (GEMBA), where he led ALAMI to victory in the 35th INSEAD Global Venture Competition. Dima earned his Bachelor of Business Management degree from RMIT University in Singapore.

Jamaludin Bujang

Jamaludin Bujang

Managing Partner (Malaysia), Gobi Partners
Jamaludin Bujang
Jamaludin Bujang
Managing Partner (Malaysia), Gobi Partners

A supporter of Gobi’s efforts to expand in ASEAN since 2014, Jamaludin Bujang joined the firm in 2019 and is overseeing operations and investment activities at Gobi’s Kuala Lumpur office. He has 15 years of experience in equity research, investment evaluation, corporate finance, merger and acquisition, and an additional 14 years of experience in venture capital (VC).

Prior to Gobi, Jamaludin was CEO of MAVCAP, Malaysia’s largest VC firm, which has directly and indirectly invested in over 1,100 start-ups since 2001. While at MAVCAP, Jamaludin shifted the company’s strategic direction to focus on raising funds from the private sector and managing funds with local and international VC partners, including 500 Startups, Elixir Capital, Gobi Partners, Vynn Capital and Intres Capital. He also attracted a number of local corporates and sovereign funds to invest in VC funds, including Axiata, Johor Corporation and Khazanah Nasional. In total, Jamal helped MAVCAP to create, manage and participate in nine funds, with a combined size of over US$500 million.

At Gobi, Jamaludin successfully created and launched a US$20 million venture fund in Pakistan, in collaboration with the Fatima Group, one of the country’s largest conglomerates.

Jun Jie Yoon

Jun Jie Yoon

Founder and CEO, Capsphere SME Financing
Jun Jie Yoon
Jun Jie Yoon
Founder and CEO, Capsphere SME Financing

Yoon Jun Jie is the CEO and Founder of Capsphere, Malaysia’s first Asset Based P2P Financing and Investment platform registered with Securities Commission Malaysia. He started Capsphere to support local SME’s and to enable communities to take part in their growth. Previously, he was Vice-President in the Southeast Asia Global Corporate Banking team at Bank of America. He has gained experience in facilitating debt financing, advising on cash management and treasury solutions for global corporations and financial institutions.

He has completed the Professional Credit Certification from the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers. His education includes an MPhil in Economics from University of Cambridge and a BSc in Statistics, Economics and Finance from University College London.

Kaleon Leong

Kaleon Leong

CEO, Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia
Kaleon Leong
Kaleon Leong
CEO, Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia

Kaleon Leong Rahan has been CEO of the Federation of Investment Managers Malaysia (FIMM) since the 1st October 2018. He comes with over 20 years of experience in various senior management roles in the Malaysian investment management industry, specializing in the fields of unit trust and asset management, regulations and auditing.

Prior to his appointment at FIMM, Kaleon was CEO and a director of HSBC (Malaysia) Trustee. He had also served at the Securities Commission Malaysia, AmInvestment Services and PwC.

In addition to the above, Kaleon has participated as a speaker and resource person on fund management in events organized by the Asian Development Bank, Securities Industry Development Corporation, etc. He is also a board member of the International Investment Funds Association.

Kaleon is a chartered accountant (Malaysian Institute of Accountants) and holds a Bachelor of Accounting degree from the International Islamic University Malaysia, as well as a Master’s degree in information technology management from Universiti Tun Abdul Razak.

Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin

Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin

Head of Halal Integrated Platform, Halal Development Corporation
Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin
Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin
Head of Halal Integrated Platform, Halal Development Corporation

Mohammad Hafiz Jamaluddin is currently Head of the Halal Integrated Platform (HIP) which is part of Halal Development Corporation that focuses on the development and facilitation of the Halal industry ecosystem. HIP is the first digital platform in the world that provides a networking platform for Halal industry players, empowering stakeholders in the Halal industry and in the Halal supply chain.

Mohammad Hafiz has over 18 years of experience in management consulting, digital transformation and implementation of large-scale digital projects. He has extensive experience in the development of digital ecosystems for industry and business-specific solutions for large organizations for both government ministries as well as multinational companies.

Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi

Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi

Regional Head, Wholesale Banking, CIMB Islamic Bank
Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi
Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi
Regional Head, Wholesale Banking, CIMB Islamic Bank

Mohd Ekmal Mohd Zazi is the Regional Head of Wholesale Banking at CIMB Islamic and is responsible for developing and growing the Islamic wholesale banking business of CIMB Group. Prior to joining CIMB Islamic in April 2020, he was with CIMB Bank, carrying out capital and balance sheet management roles of the group. He was a key person in the liquidity and interest rate management of the group, ensuring sustainable assets growth through a lean and optimized balance sheet. He started his career as a Management Trainee with CIMB Investment Bank back in July 2007.

Mohd Ekmal graduated with a Master of Science degree in Risk Management and Financial Engineering from Imperial College London in 2012. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Actuarial Science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and is a Chartered Professional in the Islamic Finance Charter.

Dr Rusni Hassan

Dr Rusni Hassan

Professor and Dean, IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance
Dr Rusni Hassan
Dr Rusni Hassan
Professor and Dean, IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance

Professor Dr Rusni Hassan is an esteemed leader in Islamic finance, notably serving as Dean at the IIUM Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance. Her distinguished career is marked by a profound influence on academic, regulatory and practical aspects of Islamic finance globally. Her leadership extends beyond finance to influential positions in Shariah advisory councils and boards of directors for various organizations, reflecting her versatile expertise and commitment to integrating Islamic principles in broader economic practices.

A prolific author, she has contributed over a hundred scholarly articles and numerous seminal books that have significantly shaped the legal and regulatory landscape of Islamic finance worldwide.

A passionate academician, she has mentored countless students and young professionals, emphasizing the importance of ethical practices and the integration of Islamic values in business and finance and nurturing the next generation of Islamic finance professionals and fostering a well-rounded and principled financial leadership.

Her works and contribution to Islamic Finance has been internationally recognized by the Government of Maldives when she was awarded the National-Recognition for Outstanding Contribution of Females to Develop and Sustain Islamic Finance Industry in Maldives in 2018.

Her career is a testament to unwavering dedication as murabbi to excellence in Islamic finance. Her achievements span academic contributions, regulatory enhancements and influential leadership, making her invaluable to the global Islamic finance community and an inspiring leader whose work continues to impact the academia and industry profoundly.

Saujatya Guin

Saujatya Guin

Country Director, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Temenos
Saujatya Guin
Saujatya Guin
Country Director, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei, Temenos

Saujatya Guin is the country director for Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei at Temenos. Saujatya is a business development leader with a strong background in information technology, excelling in executing high-value contracts in the telecoms, technology and banking sectors. Saujatya is adept at expanding businesses in new markets with innovative products and keeps up with industry trends, creating compelling business cases aligned with company goals. Bridging the gap between commercial and technical teams, Saujatya ensures a clear understanding of the technology roadmap. Saujatya is passionate about sustainable solutions in digital and fintech, embracing challenges with creative collaboration and precision.

In his more than 20 years in enterprise/B2B tech sales, Saujatya has led digital transformations in Asia, catering to banking, communication and broadcasting, manufacturing, and digital government and public services. Saujatya has contributed to digital banking and financial innovation in ASEAN since 2017 and has initiated and successfully sold transformative initiatives such as greenfield implementations, digital core systems, open banking with API and SOA, digital and omni-channel revolutions, automation and regulatory-driven technology refresh. He has been actively involved in the rise of MVNOs, embedded finance, fintechs and challenger banks.

Forum Partners

MULTILATERAL STRATEGIC PARTNERS

The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD)

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The Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector (ICD) is a multilateral development financial institution and is part of the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group.

The ICD was established in November 1999 to support the economic development of its member countries through the provision of finance for private sector projects, promoting competition and entrepreneurship, providing advisory services to governments and private companies and encouraging cross-border investments.

The ICD has an authorized capital of US$4 billion. Currently, the shareholders of the ICD are the IDB (50%), 53 Islamic countries (30%) and five public financial institutions (20%).

ICD mandate and objectives

The ICD fosters sustainable economic growth in its 53 member countries by:

  • Financing private sector investment
  • Mobilizing capital in the international financial markets, and
  • Providing advisory services to business and governments.

The ICD selects the financing projects based on their contribution to economic development considering factors such as job creation, Islamic finance development, contribution to exports, etc. The ICD also provides advisory services to governments and private sector groups on policies designed to encourage the establishment, expansion and modernization of private enterprises, the development of capital markets, best management practices and to enhance the role of the market economy. The ICD operates to complement the activities of the IDB in member countries.

The ICD is rated ‘AA/FQ’ by Fitch Ratings, ‘Aa3/P-1’ by Moody’s Investors Service and ‘A+’ by Standard & Poor’s.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Tel: (966-12) 6361400; (966-12) 6441644

Fax: (966-12) 644 4427

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.icd-ps.org

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The Islamic Corporation for The Insurance Of Investment And Export Credit (ICIEC)

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Established 26 years ago in 1994 as a multilateral institution and a member of the Islamic Development Bank Group, the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC) was tasked to promote cross-border trade and foreign direct investments in its member countries.

The ICIEC’s mission is to make trade and investment between member countries and the world more secure through the Shariah compliant risk mitigation tool. Its vision is to be recognized as the preferred enabler of trade and investment for sustainable economic development in member countries.

The ICIEC is the only multilateral export credit and investment insurance corporation in the world that provides Shariah-compliant insurance and reinsurance solutions.

Today, the ICIEC supports trade and investment flows in 47 member countries spanning across Europe, Asia, the Middle East and Africa. Its target clients are corporates (both exporters and investors), banks and financial institutions as well as export credit agencies and insurers.

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International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation

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The International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC) is a member of the IDB Group. It was established with the purpose of advancing trade among OIC member countries, which would ultimately contribute to the overarching goal of improving the socioeconomic conditions of the people across the world. The ITFC commenced operations in January 2008 and has since consolidated all trade finance businesses that used to be handled by various windows within the IDB Group. Earning an ‘A1’ rating from Moody’s Investors Service reflects the ITFC’s efficiency in service delivery by responding swiftly to customer needs in a market-driven business environment.

Since 2008, the ITFC has provided more than US$40.2 billion of trade financing to OIC member countries, making it the leading provider of trade solutions for the needs of OIC member countries. With a mission of being a catalyst for trade development among OIC member countries and beyond, the ITFC helps entities in member countries gain better access to trade finance and provides them with the necessary trade-related capacity-building tools, which would enable them to successfully compete in the global market.

 

Contact us at:

Twitter: @ITFCCORP
Facebook: @ITFCCORP
Linkedin: International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation (ITFC)

Tel: +966 12 646 8337
Fax: +966 12 637 1064
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: http://www.itfc-idb.org/en

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IsDB Group Business Forum (THIQAH)

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The Islamic Development Bank Group Business Forum (THIQAH) is the window of the IsDB Group that facilitates contact and coordination between entities concerned of the IsDB Group and private sector firms and related institutions in IsDB Group member countries. The main objective of THIQAH is to establish a unique platform for effective dialogue, cooperation and inclusive partnership for business leaders committed to partnering in promising investment opportunities. Through facilitation and catalyst roles, THIQAH will be leveraging the IsDB Group’s resources to offer necessary services and confidence to investors and to establish strategic partnerships with the leaders of the private sector. The primary focus will be on maximizing cross-border investment among member countries to be supported by IsDB Group’s financial products and services. (www.idbgbf.org)

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PARTNERS

CIMB Islamic

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CIMB Islamic Bank, licensed under Malaysia’s Islamic Financial Services Act 2013, is the main operating entity of the CIMB Group’s global Islamic banking and finance franchise. It operates in parallel with the group’s universal banking platform where it offers Shariah compliant products and services to the group’s wholesale banking, consumer banking, commercial banking and asset management businesses.

CIMB Islamic’s products and operations are managed in strict compliance with Shariah principles under the guidance of the CIMB Islamic Board Shariah Committee, which comprises some of the world’s leading Shariah experts or scholars. CIMB Islamic provides comprehensive and innovative Shariah compliant financial products and services to meet the needs of individuals, small and medium-scale enterprises as well as large institutional customers.

CIMB Group’s Islamic banking and finance business is supported by the group’s network of over 39,000 staff in 16 countries comprising an experienced senior management team and a global team of Islamic banking and financial services professionals in all core components of the Islamic banking and financial services market. CIMB Group also has the most extensive retail branch network in ASEAN, with more than 900 branches as at the 31st December 2016. Outside of Malaysia, CIMB Islamic operates a universal offering in Indonesia and Singapore with a focus in wholesale banking in the other 14 countries.

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Eiger

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Eiger Trading Advisors (Eiger) is a UK-based asset-trading and technology company founded in 2008, which specializes as an intermediary in Islamic financial products.

As a leading intermediary and technology provider within the commodity Murabahah space, Eiger has the unique capabilities to deliver Shariah compliant commodity trading solutions through the Eiger Trading Platform (ETP), a web-based trading system, that we tailor to our bank clients’ exact operational requirements.

The ETP automates the structuring and execution of Islamic banking products for wholesale and retail commodity-backed transactions, including two new enhanced modules:

  • ETP Retail – A 24/7 STP platform designed to automate the end-to-end commodity Murabahah transactions underpinning retail banking products such as deposits, loans, CASA, credit cards
  • ETP Client Reach – A bespoke middle and back office module designed to streamline Islamic treasury and derivative transactions, including execution and documentation with our clients’ clients.

Eiger is authorized and regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority, and is both a member of the London Metal Exchange and an associate of the London Platinum and Palladium Market.

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Hejaz

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Hejaz is a leading financial institution that delivers a broad range of Islamic financial services across investment management, superannuation services, financial advice and lending to a large and diversified client base that includes corporations, financial institutions and individuals.

Founded in 2014, the firm is headquartered in Melbourne, Australia and maintains a presence all around the world.

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IdealRatings

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IdealRatings was incorporated in 2006 in San Francisco with a corporate objective to provide SRI/ESG and Shariah compliant solutions to ethical investors and enable them to identify such instruments across different asset classes in the global market. IdealRatings serves clients in over 30 countries with a range of capital market solutions including:

  • Equities – A web-based platform covering over 40,000 stocks, where fund managers can screen equities using different, custom-built ESG/SRI/Responsible Investments and Shariah rulebooks or guidelines. This solution caters to different purification calculation methodologies with a comprehensive set of reports for fund managers to manage their portfolio.
  • REITs – Global coverage of all listed REITs that could be screened in accordance with different standard Shariah rulebooks or guidelines.
  • Indexes – Co-branded and jointly marketed by FTSE-Russell Indexes and a separate series with Thomson Reuters for the global markets, designed for fund management and investment benchmarking. In addition, IdealRatings is able to provide custom-built indexes for the fund management industry.
  • Sukuk – A unique solution which includes the global Sukuk and a pioneering Sukuk-screening solution that enables fund managers to customize their Sukuk selection in accordance to their Shariah rulebook, guidelines or investment preference, and
  • Brokerage – The solution provides broking houses the ability to screen global equity markets, a technical analysis of the markets and equities, buy/sell/hold recommendations and purification amounts.
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The International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM)

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The International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM) is an international organization established on the 25th October 2010 by central banks, monetary authorities and multilateral organizations to develop and issue short-term Shariah compliant financial instruments to facilitate effective cross-border liquidity management for institutions that offer Islamic financial services.

The current members of the IILM Governing Board are the central banks and monetary agencies of Indonesia, Kuwait, Malaysia, Mauritius, Nigeria, Qatar, Turkiye and the UAE as well as the multilateral Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector.

Membership of the IILM is open to central banks, monetary authorities, financial regulatory authorities or government ministries and agencies that have regulatory oversight of finance or trade and commerce as well as multilateral organizations.

The IILM is headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

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International Turnkey Systems

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ITS offers cutting-edge technology solutions tailored for financial institutions, governmental bodies, and private sector enterprises across diverse industries. With a proven track record of technological proficiency and an extensive skill set, we provide robust support for critical business operations.

Headquartered in Kuwait, ITS operates research and development facilities in Kuwait, India, and Cairo, and maintains a strong presence throughout the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

At ITS Global Business Solutions Development Center (GBS) in Cairo, we deliver comprehensive Managed Services on a global scale. Our expertise spans every stage of the software development lifecycle, empowering companies to seamlessly transition from legacy systems to cutting-edge technologies.

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Malaysian Takaful Association

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The Malaysian Takaful Association (MTA), a trade association representing Malaysia’s 18 licensed Takaful and re-Takaful operators, is a key driver in spearheading the transformations and strategies identified by the industry to achieve the desired future Takaful landscape and create value for the industry, society and country. Operating in line with the principles of Maqasid Shariah in every aspect of its conduct, the strategic objectives of MTA’s Reform Plan 2022–2023 (Islah23) focus on the areas of visibility, good governance, operational efficiency and organizational sustainability. Being the voice of the industry in forwarding the country’s Takaful agenda in the local, regional and international arenas, MTA works closely with Bank Negara Malaysia and the Ministry of Finance, and interacts with government agencies, local authorities, general public and the media. MTA was established under the Societies Act 1966 in November 2002.

For more information, please visit www.takaful4all.org or follow us @MalaysianTakafulAssociation on Facebook and Instagram.

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S&P Dow Jones Indices

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S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI) is the largest global resource for essential index-based concepts, data and research, and home to iconic financial market indicators such as the S&P 500® and the Dow Jones Industrial Average®. More assets are invested in products based on our indices than products based on indices from any other provider in the world. Since Charles Dow invented the first index in 1884, S&P DJI has become home to over one million indices across the spectrum of asset classes that have helped define the way investors measure and trade the markets.

S&P DJI has the longest history of providing Islamic market indices since the launch of DJIM World Index, the world’s first Shariah compliant benchmark in 1999. In 2006, the Dow Jones Sukuk Index was launched, which became the first index to track the performance of global Islamic fixed income securities.

Nowadays, S&P DJI offers two highly visible and widely used index families for Shariah compliant investors: The DJ Islamic Market (DJIM) Indices and S&P Shariah Indices. The two index families include thousands of broad-market, blue-chip, fixed-income and strategy and thematic indices that have passed rules-based screens for Shariah compliance and are the most visible and widely-used set of Shariah compliant benchmarks in the world. A majority of the largest asset managers in the Middle East, Southeast Asia as well as major banks/asset managers in Europe and the US that serve a Shariah clientele utilize S&P DJI to construct Shariah compliant investment strategies.

S&P DJI is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/spdji/.

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S&P Global Ratings

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S&P Global Ratings is the world’s leading provider of independent credit ratings. Our ratings are essential to driving growth, providing transparency and helping educate market participants so they can make decisions with confidence. We have more than one million credit ratings outstanding on government, corporate, financial sector and structured finance entities and securities. We offer an independent view of the market built on a unique combination of broad perspective and local insight. We provide our opinions and research about relative credit risk; market participants gain independent information to help support the growth of transparent, liquid debt markets worldwide.

S&P Global Ratings is a division of S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI), which provides essential intelligence for individuals, companies and governments to make decisions with confidence. For more information, visit www.spglobal.com/ratings.

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Trowers & Hamlins

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Trowers & Hamlins is an international law firm with over 150 partners and more than 900 people located across the UK, the Middle East and the Far East providing a full-service integrated offering to clients with local knowledge and expertise at its core.

Our distinguishing feature is that with 25 years of experience in the UK and the Middle East, we have a depth of knowledge of the Islamic finance industry that covers the entire spectrum from regulatory and corporate governance to capital market issuances and real estate investment. Our international team of multidisciplinary specialists will guide you on structuring your Shariah compliant activities to help you achieve a successful outcome.

With our growing office in Kuala Lumpur, our team now advises on Islamic investments, financings and products across the UK, Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

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STANDARDS AND KNOWLEDGE PARTNER

LEAD MEDIA PARTNERS

Islamic Finance news

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Islamic Finance news (IFN) is the company’s principal publication. IFN is a digital, subscription-based publication available online and through smartphone and tablet applications. Published weekly, the journal provides exclusive and comprehensive coverage of the global Islamic financial markets through in-house analysis and expert external contributions; in addition to a daily news service, additional quarterly supplements and a variety of special annual issues.

Differentiated by trusted relationships across the industry since 2004, IFN is able to leverage an unrivalled network of contacts and connections to provide unparalleled insight into the issues affecting global Shariah compliant markets: along with in-house analysis, news, interviews, reports, industry and sector data, and much more.

With an archived website containing over 80,000 exclusive reports, the IFN portfolio also hosts a suite of proprietary tools including the industry’s largest interactive terminology glossary, a directory of over 9,000 global Islamic financial institutions and a portal to Islamic Banking Intelligence, the most comprehensive source of segmented Islamic banking financial data.

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IFN Fintech

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Fintech is one of the most exciting sectors of the global financial industry, breaking boundaries and challenging preconceptions in one of the shake-ups of the century. A new class of financial players is disrupting the status quo – and financial institutions must embrace this change or face being left behind as the financial landscape transforms beyond recognition.

But although fintech as a whole has been well-served by the media, the Islamic segment has so far made limited penetration on public consciousness – despite the enormous potential it represents for the industry. There is a clear chasm between the multitude of pioneering entrepreneurs, start-ups and fintech firms making waves in the Islamic space; and the interested investors, institutions and stakeholders keen to explore these opportunities.

Recognizing this information gap, IFN is delighted to introduce to you a bespoke multi-channel platform – IFN FinTech.

Comprised of four tranches, IFN FinTech is a one-stop-shop for industry knowledge, networking and communication – supported by our unrivaled global network, our strong social media platform and our trusted multimedia Islamic finance offering.

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IFN Sustainable

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IFN Sustainable, comprises a dedicated portal, weekly news alert, audio and video podcasts, interviews, data, exclusive reports, case studies, research, virtual roundtables, and hybrid forums. With a focus on the latest news and developments, IFN Sustainable is also be a pivotal platform for thought leadership and the launch of new products and services within the industry. IFN Sustainable also partners with some of the leading organizations associated with the Islamic and sustainable finance industry, providing holistic coverage.

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IFN Investor

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The Islamic investment industry is a fastgrowing and dynamic sector within the Islamic finance space, with a ballooning pool of assets under management, reflecting a rapidly increasing demand for Islamic investment products.

Yet this increased demand has not been matched by increased activity in the media space.

And, although IFN has been reporting on the Islamic investment market for almost 20-years, we noticed we could do more and decided to rectify this imbalance.

After extensive research and surveying of the global Islamic investor industry on what they would like to see, we have designed and built a one stop portal for all those involved or interested in the local, regional, and global Shariah compliant investment market.

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COMMUNICATIONS PARTNER

CT Events Asia

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CT Event Asia empowers its clients to elevate their market presence through cutting-edge business conferences, advanced training programs and invaluable networking opportunities. By seamlessly blending innovation with traditional methodologies, the organization ensures that events are timely, relevant and impactful.

Driven by five core values of customer commitment, innovation, creativity, trust and a will to win, CT Event Asia combines in-depth industry knowledge with creative event planning, ensuring that each event it hosts is uniquely tailored to meet the specific needs of its clients, whether it’s fostering connections, sharing insights or providing strategic growth opportunities.

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MEDIA PARTNER

In The News

IFN Monthly Review: May – Sovereign issuers take top billing

Sovereign Sukuk issuers took center stage this month, with Nigeria, Bangladesh and Oman returning to the market and Pakistan launching...

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60 years of Islamic finance: Malaysia’s winning formula

In September this year, Malaysia’s first Islamic financial institution, Lembaga Tabung Haji (TH), will celebrate its…

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Philippines: SEA’s next major Islamic finance contender?

The Philippines seems ready to take on a bigger role in Southeast Asia (SEA)’s Islamic finance stage, one that…

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Southeast Asian Islamic finance players: Agile and committed

A global Islamic finance powerhouse it may be, but Southeast Asia finds itself in a fast-moving environment with new asset…

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The Previous IFN Asia Forum

IFN Asia Forum 2023

Now in its 18th year, the IFN Asia Forum is IFN’s flagship event which has become a ‘must attend’ business event for Islamic finance professionals from around the world. It is a confluence of the brightest and most influential personalities of the industry, bringing quality and relevant discussions to the stage and invaluable networking opportunities.

Asia is recognized by the world as the bastion of Islamic finance housing the world’s most populous Muslim nation and largest Islamic finance market. With the support of regulators and multilateral Islamic finance organizations, IFN Asia Forum 2023 will take place at the heart of Islamic finance in the region, Kuala Lumpur.

As the center of Islamic capital-raising activities by volume and its diversity of instruments and issuers, the Forum will embody themes exploring Shariah financing through the banking and capital markets from both the perspectives of issuers and facilitators.

Full Details
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About REDmoney Events

REDmoney events designs, organizes and hosts industry-leading conferences, forums, roadshows, seminars and dialogues focusing on the Islamic financial markets across a global, regional and national level. Leveraging an exceptional network of the industry’s elite and supported by the expertise of the REDmoney publishing and seminars divisions, REDmoney Events are able to provide access to a unique array of influential speakers, panelists and participants from a cross-section of the global industry to debate the most significant issues affecting the Shariah compliant financial markets.

REDmoney events are differentiated by their complimentary yet qualified attendance structure, ensuring the highest quality of both delegates and contributors. Comprehensive and cuttingedge, attendance ensures exclusive access to the leaders in their field across all sectors and markets.

The annual IFN Asia and IFN UK Forums are categorically recognized as their continent’s leading industry events since their inception in 2006 and 2007, respectively. The Dialogues series have also become an integral element of the REDmoney events series and have cemented their position as leading, must-attend, events.

In 2024, we welcome the IFN Investor Forums, which coincide with the new IFN Investor portal.

For any inquiries contact us

Our team will be glad to answer any questions you may have about this event.

Contact Us

About Us

REDmoney Events designs, organizes and hosts industry-leading conferences, forums, roadshows and seminars focusing on the Islamic financial markets across a global, regional and national level.

+603 2162 7800
[email protected]

Our Publications

  • Islamic Finance news
  • IFN Investor
  • IFN Sustainable
  • IFN Fintech

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