Majlis and Markets

Emerging technologies like cryptocurrency and blockchain are rapidly growing in financial services, including Islamic finance. These technologies promise to democratize and improve services, but some argue that Islamic finance still mirrors conventional products.In our 22nd episode we spoke to Khalid Howladar, Founder and Managing Partner of Acreditus, an advisory firm specialising

In recent years, private capital and institutional finance in the Gulf have surged, with investors venturing into infrastructure and emerging areas like private credit and equity. This has attracted attention from major players like BlackRock, especially focusing on key Gulf markets such as Saudi Arabia.In our 21st episode, we spoke to Richard Banks, a seasoned expert in financial

Since the May 2023 Presidential elections, Turkey's economic policy has changed significantly. Mehmet Şimşek, now the finance minister, signals a return to orthodox economic policymaking. This includes raising interest rates and implementing key reforms.However, challenges persist with a weak currency, high inflation, and declining FDI. The March 2024 local elections marked a cri

In recent years, Islamic finance has gained traction in Australia. With Muslims comprising 3.2% of the population and a median age of 27, their financial needs align closely with their religious beliefs. Moreover, Australia's trade with Muslim nations like Indonesia and the UAE underscore the growing importance of Islamic finance.Yet despite these positive trends, the industry face

Since the 2011 revolution ousted long-time leader Muammar al Gaddafi, Libya has been in turmoil, with rival factions fighting for control amidst vast oil reserves. However, conflicts intensified notably after 2014, worsening the nation's instability.Last year, the IMF highlighted Libya's economic paradox: despite high GDP per capita, challenges persist due to heavy reliance on hydr

Over the last two decades, sovereign wealth funds (SWFs), particularly those from the Gulf, have emerged as significant economic players.With Gulf SWFs holding nearly $4 trillion in assets, they wield considerable influence on both local and global economies, investing across sectors like finance, infrastructure, and even sports teams! But what hurdles do they encounter?In our 17th

In recent decades, the global venture capital industry has experienced a significant surge, propelling ground-breaking start-ups like Uber and Airbnb into mainstream recognition.Despite the promising emergence of venture capital hubs in OIC countries like Dubai, Pakistan, and Malaysia, challenges persist, including regulatory hurdles and restricted access to funding.In our 16th epi

The shift from the US dollar to non-dollar currencies in trade, known as de-dollarization, impacts capital markets, global trade, and geopolitics.Moreover, the influence of BRICS, a coalition of major emerging economies, is reshaping the global economic landscape. With more nations exploring alternative currencies and key Islamic countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Iran, and Egyp

The Arab monarchies of the Arabian Peninsula have become key players globally in politics, economics, and security, largely due to their extensive oil and gas reserves. With their substantial wealth, these Gulf states exert significant influence in energy markets and global investments. Furthermore, the hosting of major events like the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and COP 28 in Dubai ha

Since 2011, Egypt has faced political and economic challenges, worsened by a surge in foreign debt and unfavourable policies. COVID-19 in 2020 and the Russia-Ukraine conflict in 2022 hit hard, especially as Egypt is the world's largest wheat importer.Today, Egypt is dealing with soaring inflation, a weakened currency, and heightened climate and geopolitical risks. Yet, recent aid,