Alex Roussos focuses his practice on Capital Markets and Finance. He has more than 20 years of experience advising on debt, regulatory capital, hybrid, and equity-linked capital markets transactions for governments, international and regional financial institutions and large corporate entities across the Middle East and internationally. Alex advises clients on cross-border transactions, including publicly listed bond and sukuk (Shariah-compliant) offerings, high yield and investment grade debt offerings, both Rule 144A and Regulation S, regulatory capital (Basel III) issuances and liability management exercises and has been at the forefront of developments around Islamic financing techniques and new Shariah standards.

Ashar Nazim is the Founder and Group CEO of Aion Digital. He is a fintech entrepreneur, investor and board advisor. Formerly, he was a Senior Partner at Ernst & Young and Global Head of Islamic Banking Practice. Ashar is engaged in the buildout of the fintech ecosystem in MENA, advising several Islamic banks on structuring and implementation of fintech solutions. Over the past 20 years, he has helped in the operational buildout of more than 30 Islamic financial institutions and national level programs.

Bilal Kahlon is a partner in the firm’s Bahrain office. Bilal has over 10 years of experience in banking and finance matters in the Gulf region with a particular expertise in project finance, Islamic finance and debt capital markets. Bilal leads our Saudi finance practice and has consistently been recognised as a leading lawyer in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain by international legal directories including Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 and IFLR. Having grown up in Bahrain, Bilal has strong ties with Bahrain and the Gulf region as a whole. Bilal is admitted to practice in England.

Ghanem Fahad Alghanem is the Managing Director and Head of Investment Advisory Services at Jadwa Investment, where he has advised and managed over SAR 150 billion in Sharia-compliant assets for institutional investors, endowments, and family offices. He leads the design and implementation of strategic investment frameworks that strengthen governance, enhance portfolio construction, and align investment strategies with clients’ long-term objectives. His work emphasizes sustainability, risk discipline, and institutional excellence across asset classes. Ghanem serves on several boards and investment committees, contributing to oversight, governance, and strategic decision-making across the financial sector. A former president of CFA Society Saudi Arabia, he played a key role in advancing professional standards and thought leadership within the investment community. Ghanem holds an MBA and MSc in Finance from Drexel University and professional designations including CFA, FRM, and Chartered Director (IoD, UK).

Mahmoud Mohamed Zoair is an Islamic Finance Phd researcher, holding an MBA in Islamic Finance Products. He is also a Certified Shariah Adviser and Auditor (CSAA), Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA) as recognized by AAOIFI and holds a higher Diploma in Islamic Studies and Executive Leadership Certification from Harvard University. Mahmoud brings more than 20 years of experience in the Islamic finance industry in many globally recognized Institutions, and possesses strong knowledge of financial analysis, credit, risk and jurisprudence of financial transactions, blockchain technology and Shariah rulings in general. Mahmoud was instrumental in developing a wide range of products including asset management, investment, corporate, retail, treasury, SME, Takaful as well as trade products, and has delivered specialized training courses in addition to being a Shariah committee member of a number of fintech firms. Mahmoud currently serves as Shariah Board Secretary and Head of Shariah Research at Jadwa Investment, Shariah Board member of Haqq Network, 21Shares and many other VCs. Previously, he was Senior Review and Control Manager at SAB, Senior Adviser in Shariah Compliant Product Development at Alinma Bank, KSA, Relationship Manager at Dar Al Shariah Legal and Financial (DIB subsidiary), providing Shariah services including structuring, coordination, Shariah supervisory and audit at many domestic and international financial institutions. He also served as Shariah Structuring Coordinator and Shariah Auditor and Adviser at Emirates Islamic and Emirates NBD Asset Management (ENBD Subsidiaries).

Mert Dedebas is a Director at the Frankfurt School of Finance and Management International Advisory Services and the Head of the MENA Regional Office, with almost 30 years of global finance and management consulting expertise. Mert’s proficiency extends across diverse finance and development finance subjects including sustainable finance (green bonds, renewable energy/energy efficiency, climate change mitigation/adaptation), financial inclusion (MSME, gender, youth, refugee finance) and the green transition (transition strategy development, ESG reporting).

Mohamed Afzal is a seasoned Risk Management professional with over 15 years of experience in banking and financial services across Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, specializing in enhancing risk maturity frameworks and enterprise risk practices. Since 2020, he has been an active IFN correspondent, contributing over 50 articles on risk management in the global Islamic finance industry, and was recognized as Enterprise Risk Leader of the Year in 2024 and 2025. He is also the founder of mymech, a Sri Lanka-based tech startup driving digital transformation in the auto care industry. Mohamed holds an MBA from the University of West London and is a Certified Board Director (GCC BDI), Certified Member of the Institute of Risk Management (UK), ACMA (UK), CGMA (AICPA), CPA (Australia), and a Certified Islamic Finance Expert (CIFE).

Mohsin Patel is the Co-Founder of Cur8 Capital, a UK-based asset management firm with over 190 million in assets under management, and Islamic Finance Guru (IFG), a leading personal finance platform that engages a community of more than 400,000 followers across social media. Combining expertise in law, finance, and technology, Mohsin is dedicated to building a modern, high-performing investment platform grounded in traditional rigour and ethical principles. A former corporate lawyer and Oxford graduate, he brings a meticulous approach focused on precision, performance, and trust creating investment products that are both principled and commercially compelling.

Mohsin is the Group CEO of Wahed. He joined Wahed in 2023, serving initially as Chief Operating Officer. Prior to this, Mohsin was with UK–based RegTech Comply Advantage serving as its Chief Revenue Officer, tasked with leading its revenue growth objectives after its Series-C round of funding. Mohsin started his career at OANDA, a New York–based online trading fintech, where he served as the Chief Customer Officer and Managing Director. At OANDA, Mohsin grew OANDA’s core presence in the U.S and Canadian markets and spearheaded its expansion into several APAC markets.

Shahariah Shaharudin is the President of Saturna, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Saturna
Capital Corporation. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Studies from Knox College, Illinois and a Master of Arts degree in Economics from University of Illinois, Springfield.

Shahariah has more than 30 years of experience in the areas of fund management, stockbroking and commercial banking. She started her career in a commercial bank with extensive experience in retail banking, trade finance and corporate banking and later joined a stockbroking company, overseeing both the stockbroking and futures broking business. She also worked for a fund management house under the Strategic Business and Market Development Division where her core responsibility was sourcing business and servicing both retail and wholesale clients. She was CEO and an Executive Director of Kenanga Islamic Investors before joining Saturna in October 2018.

Shahariah speaks at Islamic finance and ESG conferences. She is passionate about Islamic investment and has participated in the Brunei Roundtable; presented in events in Shenzen, China; and was nominated in the ‘Top 10 List for Women in Malaysian Financial Institutions’ by a local magazine.

Shahariah is currently a holder of the Capital Market Services Representatives License for fund management.

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.

Shibeer Ahmed focuses his practice on Banking, Islamic Finance and Project Finance/PPPs. He regularly works on major projects and financings in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East region. He is recognized as a leading banking, Islamic finance and project finance practitioner by various industry publications, including Chambers Global, Legal 500, IFLR1000, and Lexology Index.

With over 23 years of professional experience, Faisal Islam is a recognized leader in digital finance, product innovation, and financial inclusion. Faisal’s work focuses on closing the financing gap for MSMEs through a range of Shariah-compliant digital products, including Islamic consumer financing, Islamic BNPL, invoice financing, agricultural finance, and Islamic card solutions. He has also pioneered the design of AI-driven, Shariah-compliant alternative credit scoring models, aimed at expanding financial access to underserved segments. In addition, he has successfully established regulatory-aligned Islamic financing operations in emerging markets. His expertise spans the full spectrum of product development from Shariah structuring and partner bank enablement to building embedded finance ecosystems, always ensuring alignment with Islamic ethical standards. His initiatives have been instrumental in advancing cashless economies and promoting financial inclusion through innovative loyalty programs, digital onboarding solutions, and incentive-based payment ecosystems. Beyond Islamic finance, Faisal brings a strong background in technology leadership, with extensive experience across banking, fintech, retail, and asset management sectors.

Dr John A. Sandwick is a recognized pioneer in Islamic finance. He created the first application of the Modern Portfolio Theory in the context of global portfolio allocations with Shariah certification. He is also noted for organizing innovative domestic and international Sukuk, the world’s first global Sukuk fund, a Sukuk participation certificate and the first-ever mid-market Sukuk facility in Saudi Arabia. Dr John served as a Visiting Professor of Finance at Al Yamamah University in Riyadh, and a former instructor in the Graduate School of Finance at University Paris-Dauphine. He frequently taught Master Classes on Islamic Finance for groups including central banks, pension funds, family offices and treasuries.

Dr John’s most recent publications on Islamic finance include a popular article in the Journal of Asset Management. He has a Master’s degree in Development Banking from American University in Washington, DC and a Doctorate in Business Administration from Grenoble Ecole de Management in France. He previously worked in the private banking units of Deutsche Bank (Suisse), Credit Suisse and Encore Management (in association with UBS). He is currently a Corporate Finance and Asset Management Consultant for Saudi families and businesses.

Mahmoud Mohamed Zoair is an Islamic Finance Phd researcher, holding an MBA in Islamic Finance Products. He is also a Certified Shariah Adviser and Auditor (CSAA), Islamic Professional Accountant (CIPA) as recognized by AAOIFI and holds a higher Diploma in Islamic Studies and Executive Leadership Certification from Harvard University. Mahmoud brings more than 20 years of experience in the Islamic finance industry in many globally recognized Institutions, and possesses strong knowledge of financial analysis, credit, risk and jurisprudence of financial transactions, blockchain technology and Shariah rulings in general. Mahmoud was instrumental in developing a wide range of products including asset management, investment, corporate, retail, treasury, SME, Takaful as well as trade products, and has delivered specialized training courses in addition to being a Shariah committee member of a number of fintech firms. Mahmoud currently serves as Shariah Board Secretary and Head of Shariah Research at Jadwa Investment, Shariah Board member of Haqq Network, 21Shares and many other VCs. Previously, he was Senior Review and Control Manager at SAB, Senior Adviser in Shariah Compliant Product Development at Alinma Bank, KSA, Relationship Manager at Dar Al Shariah Legal and Financial (DIB subsidiary), providing Shariah services including structuring, coordination, Shariah supervisory and audit at many domestic and international financial institutions. He also served as Shariah Structuring Coordinator and Shariah Auditor and Adviser at Emirates Islamic and Emirates NBD Asset Management (ENBD Subsidiaries).

Dr. Marjan Muhammad is the Deputy President Research at ISRA Institute, INCEIF University. In her current capacity, she oversees different portfolios including research and innovation, research management, assessment and publication, research commercialization, and Islamic finance online database (I-FIKR) developed by ISRA. She was previously the Director of Research Affairs Department at ISRA from 2013-2017. She is currently a member of the Shariah Advisory Council of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) effective from 1 November 2019 and a member of the Shariah Advisory Council of Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) effective from 1 July 2023. Prior to that, she was a member of Shariah Committee at a few local Islamic banks. At the international level, she sits on the Advisory Committee of Experts of Lotus Bank Limited and Shariah Supervisory Board of Lotus Capital Limited, both are based in Nigeria. Marjan obtained her bachelor’s degree in Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Heritage (Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and graduated from her master’s and PhD degrees at the same university.

Mohamed Afzal is a seasoned Risk Management professional with over 15 years of experience in banking and financial services across Saudi Arabia and Sri Lanka, specializing in enhancing risk maturity frameworks and enterprise risk practices. Since 2020, he has been an active IFN correspondent, contributing over 50 articles on risk management in the global Islamic finance industry, and was recognized as Enterprise Risk Leader of the Year in 2024 and 2025. He is also the founder of mymech, a Sri Lanka-based tech startup driving digital transformation in the auto care industry. Mohamed holds an MBA from the University of West London and is a Certified Board Director (GCC BDI), Certified Member of the Institute of Risk Management (UK), ACMA (UK), CGMA (AICPA), CPA (Australia), and a Certified Islamic Finance Expert (CIFE).