Advertise on podcast: Majlis & Markets

Is the global financial axis permanently shifting? At Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW) 2025, decision-makers representing $62 trillion in assets—equivalent to over 50% of global GDP—gathered to answer that question. Hosted within the high-growth ecosystem of ADGM, this exclusive series of interviews moves past the headlines to analyse how Abu Dhabi is officially "Engineering the Capital of Capital."  Join Majlis & Markets for a deep dive into private credit, geopolitics, and the future of institutional wealth. Featured Global Experts: Ted Koenig (Chairman & CEO, Monroe Capital): Explains why Monroe Capital chose to establish a presence in ADGM and why he views the Middle East as the next hotspot for private credit activity and regional dynamics.Richard Banks (Soling Partners): A deep dive into the maturing private markets landscape in the region, the outlook for private credit both in the GCC and globally, and how the regional ecosystem is evolving.Zongyuan Zoe Liu (Council on Foreign Relations): Analyses the Chinese economy's growing relations with Gulf and MENA economies, providing a 2026 outlook for this critical geoeconomic corridor.🔗 Follow Majlis & Markets for more insights on Islamic and Global Markets: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod/videosLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/majlis-and-markets/X (Twitter): https://x.com/MajlisMarketsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

Can a $6 trillion industry survive its own stagnation? In Episode 82 of Majlis & Markets, we confront the "elephant in the room": why Islamic finance is standing still despite massive global asset growth. We are joined by industry veteran Khalid Howladar to unpack why the sector remains stuck in "business as usual" and why technology, (specifically AI and digital assets) is the only path forward for the Ummah. In this deep-dive conversation, we break down the controversy surrounding AAOIFI Sharia Standard 62, the structural limitations of traditional Sukuk, and the urgent need for a shift toward a truly asset-oriented economy. What you’ll learn in this episode: The Innovation Gap: Why $6 trillion in assets doesn't equal industry success.Sharia 2.0 & AI: How technology can solve the governance crisis and democratize expert knowledge.The Future of Assets: A critical look at the role of Crypto and Gold in reclaiming the Ummah’s economic future.Investment Dynamics: Insights into the world of Venture Capital and the lessons learned from firms like Sequoia.🔗 Resources Mentioned: Sukuk Standards Document: https://acreditus.docsend.com/v/8vcxb/sukukstandards Deep Dive on Sukuk Credit Ratings: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/khalidhowladar_sukuk-credit-ratings-activity-7398971887407575041-JFFa/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_android&rcm=ACoAAAAFZMoB5RmqEhJNfCrLeK9AeUCobjuvkLM 🤝 Connect with Khalid Howladar: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/khalidhowladar/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/khalidhowladar 📺 Watch & Listen More: The Sequoia & VC Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2WjPn7UeeTQ Previous Khalid Howladar Interview: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15162664-episode-22-redefining-islamic-finance-the-tech-disruption 📱 Connect with Majlis & Markets: 🔗 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod 🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/majlis-and-markets/ 🔗 X (Twitter): https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 🔗 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/ 🔗 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets ⚠️ Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this episode are for informational purposes only and do not constitute financial or investment advice. Viewers and listeners are encouraged to do their own research or seek professional advice before making any financial decisions.

Pakistan is moving towards an interest-free Islamic financial system, but can Islamic finance really fix economic challenges or are public expectations misplaced? In Episode 81 of Majlis & Markets, Farrukh Raza from IFAAS explains why Islamic finance is not designed to create jobs overnight, how liquidity surpluses and sovereign debt complicate reform, and why this transition is ultimately about aligning Pakistan’s financial system with its Constitution, the Qur’an, and the Sunnah. We explore the ethical foundations of Islamic finance, the risks of misunderstanding its role and what success should realistically look like as Pakistan moves toward an Islamic economy.  This episode builds on an article from April 2025 on the challenges facing Pakistan’s interest-free banking push: 👉 https://salaamgateway.com/story/pakistans-push-for-an-interest-free-banking-system-faces-challenges Topics covered Islamic finance and Pakistan’s economyInterest-free banking in practiceJob creation myths and public expectationsLiquidity and sovereign debt challengesConstitutional principles, Qur’an and SunnahEthics, transparency, and trustFollow Majlis & Markets 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod 💼 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

Islamic finance is now a multi-trillion-dollar global industry. But has it drifted away from what it was originally designed to achieve? In Episode 80 of Majlis & Markets, Hassan Jivraj is joined by Harris Irfan, CEO and Co-founder of Cordoba Capital Markets, to examine why Islamic finance struggles to reform and why meaningful change remains so difficult. The conversation questions whether blind support for an established industry has created unhealthy, asymmetric financial relationships, and whether a more ethical, partnership-based alternative can realistically emerge. We discuss the purpose and limits of Islamic finance standards, the role of regulation and enforceability, and why investors may increasingly seek alternative financial models that better align with ethical investment principles. The episode also explores Bitcoin, crypto, digital currencies, and whether the future of finance will move towards healthier economic relationships for borrowers, lenders, and society more broadly. This is a conversation about markets, incentives, and systems, not outrage. It asks whether Islamic finance can still deliver on its promise, or whether new models will ultimately replace it. Topics covered The current state of Islamic financeWhy reform has stalledPartnership-based finance vs asymmetric relationshipsEthical investment and economic healthAAOIFI standards and enforceabilityBitcoin, crypto, and alternative financeThe future of Islamic finance in the UKGuest Harris Irfan CEO and Co-Founder, Cordoba Capital Markets 🌐 https://ccmkts.com/ 🐦 https://x.com/harris_irfan Related episodes 🎙️ Halal or Hype? Demystifying Islamic Finance (Episode 7) https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14625977-episode-7-halal-or-hype-demystifying-islamic-finance 🎙️ Setting the Standard: AAOIFI’s Impact on Islamic Finance (Episode 49) https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/16355515-episode-49-setting-the-standard-aaoifi-s-impact-on-islamic-finance Follow Majlis & Markets 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod 💼 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

Sequoia Capital, Islamophobia, and the limits of Muslim capital in global markets. In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we examine the controversy surrounding Sequoia Capital following public comments by Shaun Maguire, the firm’s response, and what this episode reveals about power, free speech, and discrimination in venture capital. FT article from October 2025 [https://www.ft.com/content/8e6de299-3eb6-4ba9-8037-266c55c02170] But this conversation goes well beyond one firm or one incident. We discuss how investment strategies can contradict public statements, why freedom of speech carries different consequences in public versus private settings, and how rhetoric and culture can shape access to capital in global markets. The episode also explores the role of Muslim investors in global entrepreneurship, why their economic importance often fails to translate into influence, and why venture capital ecosystems continue to struggle across much of the Muslim world. From Silicon Valley to Islamic finance, we look at how capital, politics, and culture increasingly intersect. We also discuss Zohran Mamdani’s political rise, what it signals about disruption and representation, and why debates about inclusion are no longer separable from markets and power. 🔍 Key themes • Sequoia Capital and venture capital governance  • Islamophobia and culture in Silicon Valley  • Public speech, power and consequences  • Muslim capital and global entrepreneurship  • Discrimination, incentives and access to finance  • Political disruption and Zohran Mamdani  • Why VC ecosystems struggle in Muslim markets If you’re interested in venture capital across Muslim and OIC markets, listen to this earlier Majlis & Markets conversation: 🎙️ Episode 16 | Venturing Forward: Unlocking the OIC’s Venture Capital Potential 🔊 https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14955988-episode-16-venturing-forward-unlocking-the-oic-s-venture-capital-potential 🎧 Listen & follow 🔊 RSS: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/ 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod 💼 LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/ 🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets #Sequoia #VentureCapital #MuslimCapital #Islamophobia #GlobalMarkets #IslamicFinance #FreeSpeech #Entrepreneurship #SiliconValley #MajlisAndMarkets

Is Iraq’s economy truly progressing or is new pressure starting to build? In this episode, economist and strategist Ahmed Maan Tabaqchali breaks down the real state of Iraq’s economy, covering stability since 2019, the Iraqi dinar, de-dollarisation, banking sector challenges, fintech adoption, digital payments, tokenisation, the Iraq Stock Exchange and Iraq’s post-election outlook following the 11 November 2025 parliamentary vote. As Chief Strategist of Asia Frontier Capital’s Iraq Fund, Ahmed offers a clear and data-driven view of what has improved and what still needs reform for Iraq to achieve sustained, broad-based growth. Key Topics • Iraq’s stability and growth indicators  • Banking sector bottlenecks and trust deficits  • Fintech expansion and digital payments  • Blockchain and tokenisation in Iraq  • Opportunities across the Iraq Stock Exchange  • The Iraqi dinar, dollar access and US oversight  • De-dollarisation trends and economic priorities for 2026 About Ahmed LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ahmedtabaqchali/ Profile: https://auis.edu.krd/iris/iris-fellow/ahmed-tabaqchali Asia Frontier Capital: https://www.asiafrontiercapital.com/ More Majlis & Markets episodes on Iraq Ep 4 Navigating Iraq’s Emerging Tech Ecosystem  https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14213929-episode-4-navigating-iraq-s-emerging-tech-ecosystem Ep 10 Accelerating Iraq’s Startup Revolution  https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14750565-episode-10-accelerating-iraq-s-startup-revolution Ep 24 Bricks and Bytes: Iraq’s Real Estate Tech Boom  https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15264026-episode-24-bricks-and-bytes-iraq-s-real-estate-tech-boom Ep 38 Venture Into Iraq: Start-Ups on the Rise  https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15817011-episode-38-venture-into-iraq-start-ups-on-the-rise Follow Majlis & Markets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod Follow Majlis & Markets YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod Podcast RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2247491.rss LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF X: https://x.com/MajlisMarkets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

In this episode, we sit down with Dr Lisa Gulesserian and John Gollifer from the GCC Board Directors Institute (GCC BDI) to discuss how governance, board effectiveness and investor relations are developing across the GCC. We explore key regional differences in board maturity, the role of IR as Gulf markets deepen, and the challenges boards face around composition, diversity, succession and disclosure.  This discussion offers a clear, research-based view of the issues shaping boardrooms across the region today. Referenced Material: GCC BDI Board Effectiveness Review 2025: https://gccbdi.org/gcc-bdi-board-effectiveness-review-2025 GCC Board Directors Institute: https://gccbdi.org Follow Majlis & Markets: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/majlis-and-markets X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/majlis_markets Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlisandmarkets RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2247491.rss

Why is Dubai still booming while global real estate slows? And is Saudi Arabia’s transformation—from home ownership to hospitality—actually sustainable? In this episode, we speak once again with Faisal Durrani, Partner & Head of Research at Knight Frank Middle East, to unpack what’s really driving the Gulf’s property cycle.  We discuss affordability, foreign ownership, migration trends, rental pressures, hospitality demand, and the rise of Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah. Reports mentioned: Destination Saudi 2024 – https://www.knightfrank.com.sa/en/destinationsaudi The Saudi Report 2025 – https://www.knightfrank.com.sa/en/thesaudireport Destination Dubai 2025 – https://www.knightfrank.ae/destinationdubai Related reading: Financial Times – “The lingering wealth gap in Saudi Arabia” http://www.ft.com/cms/23ac98f8-c65f-4c44-992f-e3e1182fddbd.html?FTCamp=engage/CAPI/website/Channel_muckrack//B2B Previous episode with Faisal: EP. 32 — UAE & Saudi Real Estate Insights https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15612124-episode-32-building-trends-uae-saudi-real-estate-insights Listen & watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod RSS feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033 Follow Majlis & Markets: LinkedIn – https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets X (Twitter) – https://x.com/MajlisMarkets TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

In our 75th episode, we’re joined once again by Abdul Kadir Hussain, Head of Fixed Income Asset Management at Arqaam Capital, to unpack the transformation reshaping GCC bonds and sukuk. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030-driven borrowing and UAE corporate issuance, to Kuwait’s market comeback and the future of AAOIFI sukuk standards, we explore how the region’s fixed income landscape is evolving and what it means for investors, policymakers, and global markets. Revisit our last episode with Abdul Kadir-https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15556209-episode-30-inside-the-gulf-bonds-bonanza 🎧 Find us on your favourite podcast platform or listen here: 👉 https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033 📺 Watch more Majlis & Markets episodes: 👉 https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod 📱 Follow Majlis & Markets for more insights on Islamic & global markets: LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/majlismarketsX (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarketsTikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets

In this episode, we welcome back Issam Altawari to unpack Kuwait’s political and economic crossroads. We explore Kuwait’s unique political dynamics, the challenges of reform and the country’s efforts to diversify beyond oil.  From parliamentary deadlock to infrastructure and tourism projects, citizenship issues, and the role of the sovereign wealth fund, the conversation dives deep into what’s holding Kuwait back and what could unlock its potential. We also discuss Kuwait’s geopolitical positioning, relations with the US, and its approach to climate change and ESG, as well as the urgent need to create a business-friendly environment to attract FDI. 🔗 Connect with Issam 🐦 Twitter/X → https://x.com/AltawariIssam 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/issam2009/ 📢 Follow Majlis & Markets for more ▶️ YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod 🎧 RSS Feed → https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/ 🐦 Twitter/X → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/ 💼 LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/majlisandmarkets 🎵 TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets 👉 For the latest updates, insights, and exclusive content, follow us across platforms and subscribe to Majlis & Markets wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, Hassan Jivraj speaks with George Huang, CEO of SenseTime MEA and a key player in Saudi Arabia’s AI ecosystem. They discuss George’s journey into AI, the role of SenseTime in the Middle East, and how AI fits into Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.  The conversation explores the opportunities and challenges facing the Kingdom, the importance of cultural sensitivity and ethics, and why localisation and talent development are critical for long-term success. George also shares insights on Saudi Arabia’s evolving business environment, the role of international partnerships, and his predictions for the future of AI in the region. 🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketsPod  🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts  🌍 RSS feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com  📱 Follow Majlis & Markets  📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/  🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets  💼 LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF

We’re joined once again by Beth Morrissey of Kleiman International Consultants to unpack Trump’s tariffs, dollar dominance, and the latest wave of EM debt restructurings. Why is EM unique, and what can history teach us about today’s turbulence? We also dive into her new book, Emerging Economies and Financial Markets-A Career-Tested Approach to Analyzing the Markets 🔗 Follow Beth’s work: 📰 Substack → Kleiman International 🐦 X (Twitter) → @KleimanIntCon 🎧 Related Episodes on Emerging Markets: Pyramids of Pressure: Egypt’s Economic BalanceTrade War 2.0: BRICS on the Brink in 2H25Counting the Cost: Inside Syria’s Economy📱 Follow Majlis & Markets 🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketsPod 🎙️ Listen wherever you get your podcasts 🌍 RSS: Buzzsprout Feed 📸 Instagram → @majlismarkets 🐦 X (Twitter) → @MajlisMarkets 🎵 TikTok → @majlis.markets 💼 LinkedIn → Majlis & Markets Group

Are your stocks really halal? In this episode, we sit down with Saad Malik, co-founder of Zoya, to unpack the realities of halal investing.  From stock screening and Shariah standards to Islamic ETFs, fintech, and the future of the Islamic economy, this conversation explores the opportunities — and challenges — facing Muslim investors today. 🌐 Zoya: zoya.finance | Download the app 🐦 Saad Malik: https://x.com/SaadMalik 🔗 Subscribe & Listen 🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketspod 🎙️ Listen on all major podcast platforms 🔗 RSS Feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com 📱 Follow Majlis & Markets 📸 Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/ 🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 💼 LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF 📩 Contact: [email protected] ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research before investing.

In this episode, we sit down with Robert Mogielnicki, Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute in Washington (AGSIW), to unpack the political and economic forces shaping the Gulf. We discuss the region’s economic diversification journey, the influence of political dynamics on decision-making, and the role of international capital, as well as Gulf relations with China, Russia, and the U.S. From Kuwait’s investment landscape to currency pegs, and from energy dependence to future economic strategy, this conversation offers a detailed look inside the Gulf’s political economy and diversification. A Political Economy of Free Zones in Gulf Arab States (2021): https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-71274-7 🔗 Subscribe & Listen 🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketspod 🎙️ Listen on all major podcast platforms 🔗 RSS Feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com 📱 Follow Majlis & Markets 📸 Instagram → /majlismarkets 🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 💼 LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF 📩 Contact: [email protected]

In this episode, we reconnect with Odilbek Isakov, Managing Partner at Infrasia Capital and former Deputy Minister of Finance of Uzbekistan. Since launching market reforms in 2017, Uzbekistan has opened up to foreign investors, embraced privatisation and begun reshaping its banking and financial landscape.  But can the momentum last?  In this episode We unpack: The state of Uzbekistan’s reform agenda in 2025What global politics (including Trump tariffs and BRICS shifts) mean for TashkentThe outlook for debt management, sukuk issuance and Islamic financeHow fintech, crypto and banking are evolving🔗 Subscribe & Listen 🎧 YouTube: @MajlisMarketspod 🎙️ Listen on all major podcast platforms 🔗 RSS Feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com 📱 Follow Majlis & Markets 📸 Instagram → /majlismarkets 🐦 X (Twitter) → https://x.com/MajlisMarkets 💼 LinkedIn → https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF 📩 Contact: [email protected] 👍 Like, subscribe and stay updated on the latest episodes covering Islamic finance, sovereign capital, global markets and more.