Why does Islamic finance still struggle with standardisation, accessibility, and product credibility?

In this episode, we speak with Ijlal Alvi, CEO of International Islamic Financial Market (IIFM) about what’s really holding the industry back.

We talked on topics from the overuse of tawarruq and the lack of unified Shariah standards, to why retail sukuk remain out of reach. We also cover IIFM’s mission, milestones, and the future of Islamic capital markets.

Latest IIFM sukuk report-https://www.iifm.net/sukuk-reports

🕒 Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Islamic Finance and Guest Background
06:16 – Early Exposure to Islamic Finance
11:59 – Role and Mandate of IIFM
15:08 – Achievements of IIFM
18:00 – Challenges of Harmonisation in Islamic Finance
23:31 – Importance of Standardisation in Islamic Finance
26:18 – Critiques of Islamic Finance Instruments
26:58 – Challenges in Islamic Finance Assets
29:18 – Critiques of Islamic Finance Practices
31:20 – Liquidity Issues in Islamic Finance
32:56 – The Need for Islamic Financial Benchmarks
34:03 – Sukuk Market Trends and Developments
40:11 – Impact of Geopolitical Factors on Sukuk
44:24 – Sharia Standard 62 and Its Implications
47:37 – Emerging Technologies in Sukuk Issuance
49:15 – Retail Sukuk and Accessibility
51:03 – Future Projects and Developments in Islamic Finance

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#IslamicFinance #IIFM #Tawarruq #RetailSukuk #ShariahCompliance #HalalInvesting #FaithBasedFinance #Sukuk #IjlalAlvi #MajlisAndMarkets

In this episode, we spoke to Said Murad, a Dubai-based Senior Partner at Global Ventures.

The conversation explores the growth of the MENA startup ecosystem, investment opportunities, challenges faced by founders, and the impact of global economic conditions on the region.

The episode covered several topics including:

• The importance of talent acquisition,
• the evolving regulatory landscape, and
• the future of fintech in democratising finance
• The outlook for MENA VC in 2H25

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🎙 Episode 62 – Why Islamic Finance Isn’t Driving Impact
We welcome back Reza Jafarally to explore why Islamic finance is falling short on climate action, development goals, and real-world impact—and what must change.

This wide-ranging conversation touches on everything from AI and sustainability to grassroots initiatives, cultural challenges, and the persistent issue of Islamophobia in global finance.

If you care about the future of faith-based finance and its role in solving urgent global challenges, this one’s not to miss.

🔁 Related episodes:
• Episode 27 – Profit Over Principles? The Ethical Dilemma in Islamic Finance
• Episode 57 – Counting the Cost: Inside Syria’s Economy

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In our 61st episode, we spoke to Datuk Prof. Dr Mohamad Akram Laldin.

He is a Professor at INCEIF University and a globally respected Shariah scholar. He was formerly Executive Director of ISRA and has advised central banks and financial institutions across Malaysia, the GCC, and Central Asia.

He currently serves on the Shariah Advisory Council of Bank Negara Malaysia, chairs the Shariah Boards of EPF Malaysia and Labuan FSA, and advises institutions including Dubai Islamic Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank, and Bank Muscat.

He holds a PhD in Usul al-Fiqh from the University of Edinburgh and is widely recognised for his contributions to Islamic finance scholarship and regulation.

Email us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com

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In our 60th episode, we spoke to Ryan Calder.

Ryan is an assistant professor of sociology and director of the Program in Islamic Studies at Johns Hopkins University. He studies fast-changing global markets where money and morality intersect.

His first book, The Paradox of Islamic Finance (Princeton University Press 2024), draws on over 280 interviews across Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, the UAE, the UK, Malaysia, Oman, and beyond to show how shariah experts make Islamic law compatible with 21st-century finance.

His second book project investigates frequent-flyer programs, and his third the global spread of “halalization” across logistics, consumer goods, medicine, and housing.

In this episode, we covered several topics:

• The origins of Islamic economics
• Whether Islamic finance has drifted from its ethical foundations
• The role of Shariah scholars

Email us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com

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In our 59th episode, we spoke to Paromita Dey.

She is a wealth management journalist with over 14 years of experience covering private banking, asset management, and investment trends across the Middle East and India.

Her work has appeared in top publications including Citywire, AsianInvestor, and Business Today. Known for turning complex finance into clear, engaging stories, she brings sharp insight and strong industry connections to every piece.

We covered several topics including:

• Financial journalism in the Gulf
• Insights into her time at Moniify (and what went wrong)?
• The power of social media

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In this episode, we’re joined by Dounia Mansour, a Dubai-based partner at King & Spalding.

She advises on setting up a wide range of investment funds—from private equity and real estate to Shariah-compliant structures.

We covered several topics including

• The funds landscape in the Middle East
• The rise of Shariah-compliant funds
• Why the UAE—is becoming a major hub for capital and funds

Email us: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com

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