Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 8th – 14th November 2025.

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 position itself as a European gateway for Islamic finance.

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 chairman discusses with IFN Managing Editor Vineeta Tan how the country’s real estate market is at an i...

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 solutions across the country. Moderator: Rukhsana Narejo, Chief Treasury and Alternate Investments, Raqa...

Adnan Fasih, Group Head, Islamic Banking, Habib Bank AG Zurich Zaid Naveed, Head Business Strategy and Market Intelligence, Habib Bank AG Zurich

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 solutions for the growth of Islamic finance. Moderator: Syed Faraz Anwer, Partner, A.F. Ferguson...

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 landscape. Moderator: Dr Irum Saba, Director of the Centre for Excellence in Islamic Finance, Institute...

Moderator: Azhar Aslam, Head Islamic Banking, Pakistan, Standard Chartered Saadiq Panelists: Dr Mufti Irshad Ahmad Aijaz, Member Shariah Board, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Dr Mufti Muhammad Sarfaraz Nihal, Resident Shariah Board Member, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan Mufti Muhammad Abdul Mubeen, Group Head Shariah, Standard Chartered Bank, Member Shariah Board, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan & Shariah Committee, Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad Malaysia

Zeeshan Rehman Khattak, Commissioner – Specialized Companies Division, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan

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 conversion—unlocking new opportunities for both banking and non-banking sectors. Moderator: Farmida Bi...

Yousaf Hussain, President and CEO, Faysal Bank

In this episode, Ihsan Waqf founder and CEO Aminnurllah Mustapah discusses with IFN’s Nessreen Tamano how the foundation is transforming Islamic endowments in to productive assets, starting with unconventional projects.

Listen to IFN’s round-up of the top Islamic finance headlines around the world, from the 17th to the 23rd October 2025.

Moderator: Ahsan Ali, MD & Head, Islamic Corporate & Investment Banking, Standard Chartered Bank Panelists: Dr Mohamed Ali Elgari, Global Shariah Supervisory Committee Member, Standard Chartered Bank Dato’ Prof. Dr Aznan, Global Shariah Supervisory Committee Member, Standard Chartered Bank Mufti Muhammad Abdul Mubeen, Group Head Shariah, Standard Chartered Bank Member Shariah Board, Standard Chartered Bank Pakistan & Shariah Committee, Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad Malaysia Pro...

Bilal Parvaiz, CEO, Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad Malaysia

Khurram Hilal, CEO Group Islamic Banking, Standard Chartered Bank

Mustafa Adil, Head of Islamic Finance, Data and Analytics, London Stock Exchange Group

Moderator: Dr Mufti Yousuf Sultan, Shariah Board Member, Standard Chartered Saadiq Berhad Malaysia Panelists: Dato’ Prof. Dr Aznan, Global Shariah Supervisory Committee Member, Standard Chartered Bank Dr Mohamed Ali Elgari, Global Shariah Supervisory Committee Member, Standard Chartered Bank Dr Noralizam Aliakbar, Syariah Advisory Body Member of Standard Chartered Securities (B) Sdn Bhd Brunei Dr Ahmad Lutfi Abdul Razak, Syariah Advisory Body Member of Standard Chartered Securities (B) Sdn Bh...

YB Senator Dr Zulkifli Bin Hasan, Deputy Minister in the Prime Minister's Department (Religious Affairs)