IFN OnAir
Islamic Finance News (IFN) OnAir provides the latest insights into the world of Islamic banking and finance from the leading industry provider. The podcast covers topics related to Islamic finance, including banking, capital markets, and sukuk. It features interviews with industry experts and analysis of current trends. Listeners can visit the website at www.islamicfinancenews.com for more information.
Episodes
Tokenization won't move the needle unless it becomes a trend, Fitch says
In this episode, Aminah Farid speaks with Bashar Al Natoor, global head of Islamic finance at Fitch Ratings, on the geopolitical resilience of the Sukuk market, the significance of tokenization, genuine ESG impact versus greenwashing, the challenges of cross-border Shariah standardization and the markets best positioned to drive the next phase of global Islamic finance growth.
Inside Ghana's non-interest banking rollout
In this episode, IFN journalist Radhika Das speaks with John Gartchie Gatsi, adviser to the governor on non-interest banking at the Bank of Ghana, about the implementation of Ghana's non-interest banking guidelines, prospects for Sukuk and Takaful and the progress toward licensing the country's first Islamic banking institutions.
Intra-OIC trade, SME participation, digitalization and trade development as a driver of regional integration
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Aymen Kasem, Division Manager of Trade Development at the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, on intra-OIC trade, SME participation, digitalization and trade development as a driver of regional integration
The award-winning commodity Murabahah facility for Agrobank, Islamic finance development in Uzbekistan, Shariah compliant liquid
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Ahmed Jan, General Manager of Treasury at the International Islamic Trade Finance Corporation, on trade finance priorities, resource mobilization, strategic partnerships and advancing regional integration across OIC markets
Building Islamic Wealth in North America: Products, Access & the Next Opportunity
A concise assessment of the Shariah-compliant investment and wealth management solutions available to North American investors: ETFs, mutual funds, REITs, SMAs and model portfolios. The panel will evaluate where products meet investor needs on performance, diversification and cost, and where under-served areas remain, including income, alternatives and thematic exposures. Discussion will highlight
Tech-Powered Shariah Investing: Platforms, Tokens & Beyond
We examine how fintech, digital RIAs, and wealth-tech apps are reshaping access to Shariah-compliant investments in North America. Panellists will address the practical state of tokenisation in real estate, private credit, and fund structures, as well as the evolving role of P2P and crowdfunding platforms. The conversation will address investor-protection and Shariah-governance considerations, and
Panel Discussion: Launch of IFTANA
Moderator:Irshad Rasheed, President, Stearns Salaam BankPanelists:Aamir Rehman, Chair, Innate Capital PartnersAijaz Hussain, Executive Vice President of Sales & Director, UIF CorporationAhmad Quqa, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Crescent Private WealthMonem Salam, Executive Vice President, Director, and Portfolio Manager, Saturna CapitalMushfique Shams Billah, Chair of Private Credit T
Presentation: North American Contributions to Global Islamic Finance - Two Examples
Michael McMillen, Partner, Curtis, Mallet-Prevost, Colt & Mosle LLP
Presentation: Launch of IFTANA
Irshad Rasheed, President, Stearns Salaam Bank
Beyond Public Markets: Shariah Opportunities in Alternatives and Private Markets
This session explores the opportunities and constraints for Shariah-compliant investing across US private markets, including private credit, venture, growth equity, real assets, and real estate. Speakers will consider structuring approaches, liquidity expectations, governance issues, and how managers are adapting Shariah requirements to modern private-market practices. The panel will also examine
Presentation: Investment Characteristics of US Dollar-Denominated Sukuk Originating from the GCC
Patrick Drum, Fixed Income Lead and Portfolio Manager, Saturna Capital
Strategically Positioning Shariah Investing in America for a New Era
From a high-level perspective, we assess the state of Shariah-compliant investment management in North America and how it is adapting to the needs of a digital-first Muslim investor base. Discussion will focus on how ETFs, SMAs, model portfolios, and fintech platforms are shaping product design, distribution, and investor education. Panellists will assess how Islamic strategies are being positione
Presentation: The Impact of MENA Developments on Islamic Finance and Investment
Professor M Kabir Hassan, Professor of Finance, Department of Economics and Finance, University of New Orleans
IFN Investor Americas Forum 2026 - Keynote Address
State Senator Kevin Parker , New York State Senate
Emerging Islamic finance markets, regulatory development, Islamic climate finance and opportunities for industry growth
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Dr Moutaz Abojeib, CEO of IFAAS, on emerging Islamic finance markets, regulatory development, Islamic climate finance and opportunities for industry growth
Trade and investment opportunities in Asia, risk mitigation and strengthening connectivity between Asian and OIC markets
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Zishan Iqbal, Manager for Asia Region in the Business Development Department at the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, on trade and investment opportunities in Asia, risk mitigation and strengthening connectivity between Asian and OIC markets
ICIEC’s growth strategy, infrastructure financing opportunities, partnerships and future initiatives
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Yasser Madani Alaki, Director of the Business Development Department at the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), on ICIEC’s growth strategy, infrastructure financing opportunities, partnerships and future initiatives
Geopolitical risks, underwriting trends, political risk insurance and the outlook for global trade and investment
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Mohamud Hussein Khalif, Director of the Underwriting Operations Department at the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit, on geopolitical risks, underwriting trends, political risk insurance and the outlook for global trade and investment
Infrastructure exports, risk mitigation, trade finance and the role of insurance solutions in supporting expansion into developing markets
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Ahmed Samir, Group Treasury Manager at Elsewedy Electric, on infrastructure exports, risk mitigation, trade finance and the role of insurance solutions in supporting expansion into developing markets
Financial inclusion, SME financing, growth strategy and supporting regional development in West Africa
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Boubacar Correa, Board Director and Aminata Faye Seck, CEO of Banque Islamique du Senegal, on financial inclusion, SME financing, growth strategy and supporting regional development in West Africa
Islamic finance growth in West Africa, financial inclusion, SME financing and regional economic integration
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Ousseni Ilboudo, Group Head of Islamic Finance at Coris Holding, on Islamic finance growth in West Africa, financial inclusion, SME financing and regional economic integration
Islamic social finance, child welfare initiatives, Waqf and sustainable social impact
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Azim Rali, Assistant Vice President, Marketing & Corporate Communications at Amana Bank and Secretary at OrphanCare Trust, on Islamic social finance, child welfare initiatives, Waqf and sustainable social impact
The award-winning commodity Murabahah facility for Agrobank, Islamic finance development in Uzbekistan, Shariah compliant liquid
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Sujithav Sarangi, Executive Director at Standard Chartered, on the award-winning commodity Murabahah facility for Agrobank, Islamic finance development in Uzbekistan, Shariah compliant liquidity solutions and regional integration
Diversifying the IILM's asset base, expanding its Sukuk program and supporting global Islamic liquidity management
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Mohamad Safri Hamid, CEO of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation, on diversifying the IILM's asset base, expanding its Sukuk program and supporting global Islamic liquidity management
Islamic finance in Central Asia, the bank's Islamic window and Sukuk plans
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Nurym Ayazbayev, Executive Director of the Directorate of Lending to Financial Institutions at the Eurasian Development Bank, on Islamic finance in Central Asia, the bank's Islamic window and Sukuk plans
The STEP program, SME export development, capacity building and strengthening intra-OIC trade
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Mary Kamel, Executive Director of the Foreign Trade Training Centre, on the STEP program, SME export development, capacity building and strengthening intra-OIC trade
Azerbaijan's Islamic finance development, SME financing, Sukuk opportunities and regional integration
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Anar Yusufzada, Member of the Board of the Alternative Banking Council (ABC); Nariman Imranov, Business Development Manager at ABC; and Gorkhmaz Aghayev, Chairman of the ABC, on Azerbaijan's Islamic finance development, SME financing, Sukuk opportunities and regional integration
Participation banking opportunities in Turkiye, funding diversification, international partnerships and Islamic finance
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Eralp Delikkaya, Financial Institutions Director at Destek Bank, on participation banking opportunities in Turkiye, funding diversification, international partnerships and Islamic finance
Cooperation with ICIEC, export development, regional integration and expanding trade across OIC markets
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Madina Yerzhanova, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Export Credit Agency of Kazakhstan, on cooperation with ICIEC, export development, regional integration and expanding trade across OIC markets
The Awqaf Free Zones initiative, the modernization of Waqf assets, Labuan's role in Islamic finance and sustainable development financing
Radhika Das, IFN Journalist, interviews Affendi Rashdi, Director General of Labuan Financial Services Authority, on the Awqaf Free Zones initiative, the modernization of Waqf assets, Labuan's role in Islamic finance and sustainable development financing
ICIEC Risk Outlook
In this episode, IFN journalist Radhika Das speaks with Mohamud Hussein Khalif, director of the underwriting operations department at the Islamic Corporation for the Insurance of Investment and Export Credit (ICIEC), about the impact of geopolitical uncertainty on political risk and export credit insurance demand, evolving underwriting practices and the outlook for global trade and investment acro
Uganda structures debut Sukuk to keep debt figures clean
In this episode, Aminah Farid speaks with officials from the Ugandan government and financial regulators on how Uganda is structuring its debut sovereign Sukuk to manage debt sustainability, the progress of the Standard Gauge Railway project and the role of Islamic finance in broadening the country's infrastructure financing mix.
Islamic Finance Trade Association of North America plans Sukuk
Irshad Rasheed, a founding board member of Islamic Finance Trade Association of North America, gives IFN an exclusive first look into the country’s first industry-wide trade association, which already has a healthy pipeline of initiatives including the launching of Sukuk and a Shariah compliant education savings plan.
Digital Infrastructure for Islamic Banking & Takaful: Moving from Pilot to Nationwide Adoption
We explore how Uzbekistan’s accelerating digital transformation can drive Islamic finance adoption. We discuss digital onboarding, blockchain applications, fintech partnerships, and how the national payments ecosystem can support scalable Shariah-compliant banking and Takaful solutions.Moderator:Dr Adnan Aziz, Managing Director, Inclusive Resource ManagementPanelists:Alkhazur Tazbaev, Shariah Advi
Islamic Investment Products & Asset Management in Uzbekistan: Building a Market for the Future
We review the regulatory enablers for funds and asset management, prospects for Shariah-compliant collective investment schemes, demand from institutional and retail investors, and the potential for partnerships with regional asset managers as Uzbekistan develops its capital markets.Moderator:Hayotjon Azimov, Head of Advisory, Al Muamalat ConsultingPanelists:Hakan Ozyon, Group Chief Executive Offi
Presentation: The Development of the Private Sector in Uzbekistan - Islamic Finance as a Tool for Growth
Muzaffarjon Nizamidinov, Senior Principal, Line of Finance, Islamic Corporation for the Development of the Private Sector
Central Asia’s Future: Positioning Uzbekistan as a Regional Islamic Finance & Capital Hub
A regional deep dive exploring how Uzbekistan can anchor an Islamic investment and capital-raising corridor across Central Asia. The session highlights opportunities for regional cross-border trade and capital flows, infrastructure financing, investment partnerships, and the policy measures needed to elevate Uzbekistan’s competitiveness as an Islamic finance and capital market hub in the New Asia
Building a Robust Islamic Finance Ecosystem in Uzbekistan: Regulation, Governance & Market Readiness
We examine the next phase of Uzbekistan’s Islamic finance agenda, including regulator-driven ecosystem development, the integration of international Shariah and prudential standards, capacity-building priorities, and the active role of state-owned enterprises and corporates in establishing a sustainable industry foundation.Moderator:Alisher Djumanov, Managing Partner, AD WealthPanelists:Bakhrom Nu
Keynote Address: Advancing Islamic Finance in the Capital Market of Uzbekistan: Regulatory Vision, Market Development, and Future Opportunities
Saibjan Khudayberdiyev, Head of Capital Market Development Department, National Agency for Prospective Projects of the Republic of Uzbekistan
IFN Uzbekistan Forum 2026: Welcome Address
Musakhadzhaev Sanjar, Deputy Director of Department, Uzbekistan Banking Association
IFN Indonesia Forum 2026: Closing Remarks
Irvan Susandy, Director of Trading and Membership, Indonesia Stock Exchange
Mobilising Shariah Capital: Positioning Indonesia as a Regional Capital Hub
We explore how Indonesia can evolve its investment sector beyond existing models to become a regional hub for Shariah-compliant funds and private equity. We discuss the need for product innovation, including new fund structures, private market strategies and diversified asset classes, to attract global Islamic capital. We also examine how technology, regulatory support, collaboration and ESG integ
Presentation - Impacting lives through partnership with Islamic Institutions
Dr Nabil Hani Qaddumi, Chairman of the Board of Directors, TaawonDr Tareq Emtairah, Director General, Taawon
Presentation - Reimagining Money: Stablecoins and Digital Assets in Islamic Finance
Mufti Faraz Adam, Shariah Advisor – Digital Assets, Tokenisation & Web3, Fasset
Islamic Capital Markets in ASEAN: From Potential to Regional Market Depth
We examine the development of Islamic capital markets across ASEAN and the shared challenge of transforming regional scale and demand into sustained issuance, liquidity, and market depth. The discussion will explore opportunities and constraints in corporate sukuk and Shariah-compliant capital raising across ASEAN markets, including issuer readiness, pricing dynamics, cross-border structures, and
From Policy to Participation: Scaling Indonesia’s Islamic Finance Ecosystem
Through an expert panel, we explore Indonesia’s Islamic finance landscape, spanning banking, capital markets, Takaful, social finance and MSME financing. We examine policy and regulatory priorities shaping a resilient Shariah-compliant ecosystem, alongside strategies to expand financial inclusion and improve access to finance for MSM enterprises. We discuss the growing role of Islamic fintech, col
IFN Indonesia Forum 2026: Keynote Address
Henry Rialdi, Head of Department of Capital Market Regulation and Development, Financial Services Authority (OJK)
IFN Indonesia Forum 2026: Welcome Remark
Risa E Rustam, Director, Indonesia Stock Exchange
Islamic social finance and Gaza resilience efforts
In this episode, IFN journalist Radhika Das speaks with Dr Nabil Qaddumi, the chairman of Taawon, Dr Tareq Emtairah, the director-general of Taawon and Amer Shomali, the director-general of The Palestinian Museum, about the Noor Gaza Orphan Care program, long-term Islamic social finance structures and the role of cultural preservation and digital archiving in supporting Palestinian resilience effo
New wave of Saudi Sukuk issuers
In this episode, Andrei Ugarov, the head of credit advisory at Impact46, talks to IFN editor Nessreen Tamano about what is driving the shift in Saudi Arabia’s Sukuk market and how recent landmark issuances are shaping future deals.
Islamic fintech draws global interest
This IFN Podcast episode hosted by Nessreen Tamano features Fawad Khan, the managing director for the Middle East at Fasanara Capital, and looks at how Islamic fintech in the GCC region is evolving.
Opportunities amid Pakistan’s system-wide conversion
Usama Ehsan, a partner at Safwa Advisory and Shariah board member at Bank Alfalah, speaks to IFN’s Nessreen Tamano about the opportunities and challenges in scaling Pakistan’s Islamic finance industry globally.
Islamic capital for healthcare assets
In this IFN Podcast episode, Dr Amjad Hammad, the founder and CEO of Baraka Prosperity Partners, talks to IFN Editor Nessreen Tamano about the potential of healthcare infrastructure as an emerging class for Islamic investors.
IFN Weekly Round-Up: 28th February – 6th March 2026
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 28th February – 6th March 2026.
IFN Weekly Round-up: 21st – 27th February 2026
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 21st – 27th February 2026.
Uzbekistan’s Islamic banking law and the road ahead
In this episode, IFN journalist Radhika Das speaks with Iskandar Tursunov, the CEO and Founder of Al Muamalat Consulting, about Uzbekistan’s newly approved Islamic banking law, Sukuk developments, fintech innovation, international standard-setting partnerships and the country’s ambition to become a leading Islamic finance hub in Central Asia
IFN Weekly Round-Up: 14th-20th February 2026
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 14th-20th February 2026.
IFN Weekly Round-Up: 7th–13th February 2026
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 7th–13th February 2026.
IFN Weekly Round-up: 31st January – 6th February 2026
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 31st January – 6th February 2026.
IFN Weekly Round-up: 24th – 30th January 2026
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 24th – 30th January 2026.
Islamic Finance for Climate Resilience
In this episode, Aminah Farid speaks with Shahira Johan, senior financial sector specialist at the World Bank and co-author of the Islamic Finance and Climate Agenda report, on how Islamic finance can support climate action, scale sustainable instruments and build climate-resilient communities across OIC economies.
IFN Weekly Round-up: 10th – 16th January 2026
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 10th – 16th January 2026.
IFN Weekly Round-up: 3rd – 9th January 2026
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 3rd – 9th January 2026.
Building a global market for Islamic liquidity
In this episode, IFN journalist Radhika Das speaks with Mohamad Safri Hamid, the CEO of the International Islamic Liquidity Management Corporation (IILM), about IILM’s upsized Sukuk program, rising global demand for Shariah compliant liquidity instruments, the growth of its primary dealer network and its role in addressing cross-border Islamic liquidity gaps.
Panel 1: Tawarruq at Crossroads: Reform, Regulation, or Replacement?
Moderator:Faezah Abdullah, Head of Shariah, Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad MalaysiaPanelists:Dr Sheikh Nizam Yaquby, Chairman Global Shariah Supervisory Committee, Standard Chartered Bank & Chairperson of Shariah Board, Standard Chartered Bank PakistanDato’ Prof. Dr Ashraf Md Hashim, Internal Shariah Supervision Committee Member, Standard Chartered Bank UAEDr Ahcene Lahsasna, Chairman Sharia
IFN Weekly Round-Up: 29th November – 5th December 2025
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 29th November – 5th December 2025.
IFN Weekly Round-Up: 22nd – 28th November 2025
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 22nd – 28th November 2025.
IFN Weekly Round-Up: 15th – 21st November 2025
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 15th – 21st November 2025.
IFN Weekly Round-Up: 8th – 14th November 2025
Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 8th – 14th November 2025.
Malta's Sukuk move
In this episode, IFN journalist Radhika Das speaks with Jesmond Gatt, the chairman of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), and Clare Farrugia, the head of strategy, policy and innovation at the MFSA, on Malta’s plans to introduce a dedicated Sukuk framework, a first for the jurisdiction. The discussion explores the MFSA’s objectives, Shariah governance measures and Malta’s vision to posi
Pakistan’s REIT market hits inflection point
Pakistan’s US$1.9 trillion real estate market has long operated on cash and opacity. Now, a decade after the nation launched its first Islamic REIT, the sector is entering a new phase of regulation and digital reform that could transform how Pakistanis own property, with Shariah structures leading the way. Naeem Illyas Khanani, CEO of DigiEstate and Arif Habib Dolmen REIT Management’s audit chairm
The Opportunity Ahead: Expanding Islamic Investment Products in Pakistan
We explore the evolving landscape of Islamic investment management in Pakistan—from shifting asset allocation trends to the rise of mutual funds, ETFs, and REITs. What progress has been made in product innovation and investor access, and how effectively has Islamic asset management been positioned? Join us as we assess the next steps needed to scale Islamic investment and wealth management solutio
Presentation: Islamic Finance 2.0: Charting the Next 50 Years - A Generational Discourse
Adnan Fasih, Group Head, Islamic Banking, Habib Bank AG ZurichZaid Naveed, Head Business Strategy and Market Intelligence, Habib Bank AG Zurich
Pakistan’s Capital Market Advantage: Innovation, Inclusion and Growth
With key reforms underway, can Pakistan emerge as a regional hub for Islamic capital markets? We explore the strategic direction set by the Islamic Capital Market Development Committee and what it means for growth, innovation, and resilience. We ask how non-sovereign Sukuk issuance can be accelerated, and how capital markets will play a pivotal role in supporting the broader financial system conve
Artificial Intelligence and the New Era of Islamic Finance: A Shariah Perspective
Moderator:Azhar Aslam, Head Islamic Banking, Pakistan, Standard Chartered SaadiqPanelists:Dr Mufti Irshad Ahmad Aijaz, Member Shariah Board, Standard Chartered Bank PakistanDr Mufti Muhammad Sarfaraz Nihal, Resident Shariah Board Member, Standard Chartered Bank PakistanMufti Muhammad Abdul Mubeen, Group Head Shariah, Standard Chartered Bank, Member Shariah Board, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan &
Presentation: Dr Syed Amir Ali, Deputy CEO, Meezan Bank
Transforming Islamic Finance Through Digital and Fintech Innovation
How are Islamic financial institutions leveraging digital tools and fintech partnerships to transform service delivery, drive innovation, and expand financial inclusion? We explore how AI, mobile apps, and tech-enabled platforms are improving efficiency and customer experience, assess the regulatory and infrastructure challenges ahead, and ask how digital innovation can offer sustainable, scalable
Presentation: Faysal Bank’s Historic Conversion to Islamic Banking – A Journey of Faith & Belief
Yousaf Hussain, President and CEO, Faysal Bank
Islamic Finance in Pakistan: A Market Ripe for Opportunity and Growth
What does Pakistan’s shift to a fully Islamic financial system by 2028 mean for financial institutions? We explore the impact of the FSC’s ruling and State Bank reforms, offering strategic insights into regulatory transformation, market leadership, and new opportunities in financial inclusion and the Islamic economy. We hear from industry leaders on how to position for success in a changing landsc
IFN Pakistan Forum 2025: Keynote Address
Zeeshan Rehman Khattak, Commissioner – Specialized Companies Division, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan
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