Majlis & Markets

Hosted by Hassan Jivraj

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Jun 2026

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About the show

Welcome to Majlis & Markets , the podcast showcasing the Global Islamic Economy through storytelling and insightful conversations. 🌐💬 Join us as we explore the intersection of culture, capital and commerce. We sit down with industry leaders, founders and investors to break down the trends shaping Islamic finance and global markets. What we explore: Islamic Finance: The ethics, products and strategies driving the sector. Global Markets: Financial and macro trends across the Middle East and beyond. Venture Capital: The future of funding, innovation and Shariah-compliant start-ups. Hit subscribe to join the conversation in the Majlis! Connect With Us LinkedIn: Follow Majlis & Markets (https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF) Instagram: @majlismarkets (https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/) Twitter (X): @majlismarkets (https://x.com/MajlisMarkets) TikTok: @majlismarkets (https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets) Email: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com

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June 9, 202658 min

Ep 95. Halal Investing in the AI Age | Mujtaba Khalid

The $6 trillion Islamic finance market faces an existential tension: it was built to champion equitable risk-sharing, yet it remains heavily dominated by rigid, rule-based legal screening. Can artificial intelligence resolve this bottleneck? Can advanced machine learning models move beyond basic compliance checklists to automate substantive, purpose-driven ethical screening?In this episode of Majlis & Markets, host Hassan Jivraj sits down with Mujtaba Khalid for an executive briefing on the intersection of Halal Value Investing and generative AI. We strip away the fintech marketing jargon to analyse how algorithmic frameworks are actively reshaping portfolio optimisation, equity screening, and asset management across the MENA region.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------🚀 MUJTABA KHALID'S PLATFORMS & TOOLS• Access the live Maqasid Equity Dashboard (Use Access Code: MK-Maqasid786): https://mujtabak-maqasid-equity-dashboard.hf.space/?access=MK-Maqasid786• Explore the official Bagh-e platform: https://www.bagh-e.com/-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------📌 RELATED ARCHIVE & REFERENCE EPISODESIf you are tracking the structural evolution of global ethical markets, catch up on our definitive reference sessions:• Watch our industry critique with Farukh Raza analysing Pakistan’s transition to an interest-free economy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2iaMjvFJ9s• Watch our foundational industry critique featuring Dr Ryan Calder: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSZW-OpRFXM&t=1960s• Listen to our pilot audio masterclass on Buzzsprout: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14019052-pilot-episode-a-deep-dive-into-the-history-and-practice-of-islamic-finance-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------💡 KEY THEMES ANALYSED IN THIS EPISODE:• Halal Value Investing: How deep learning systems and algorithmic indexing filter corporate equity data at unprecedented velocity.• Automated Maqasid Screening: Assessing the structural shift from binary legal checklists to sophisticated, objective-driven ethical evaluations.• Code vs. Scholarship: Evaluating the systemic limitations of AI in replicating the highly coordinated, human negotiation required by elite Sharia boards.Who should listen? Institutional allocators, Sharia fintech founders, and value investors navigating global Islamic markets.-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------💡 JOIN THE MAJLIS & MARKETS INSIDER FEEDSubscribe to access institutional-grade market updates, sovereign investment briefs, and macroeconomic intelligence curated explicitly for global ethical markets.• LinkedIn: [https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF]• X / Twitter: [https://x.com/MajlisMarkets]• Instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/]• YouTube: [https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod]-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------#IslamicFinance #HalalInvesting #MaqasidAlSharia #AIinFinance #Fintech #ValueInvesting #ShariaCompliance #MENAMarkets #AssetManagement #MajlisAndMarkets #MujtabaKhalid

May 31, 202638 min

Ep 94. MENA VC: Cashed Up but Cautious? | Hasan Haider

While global headlines fixate on macro volatility and regional tensions, the underlying data tells a completely different story for Gulf technology.In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we sit down with Forbes Top Venture Capitalist Hasan Haider, Founder and Managing Partner at PlusVC, to unpack his contrarian investment thesis. Hasan lays out exactly how the GCC startup ecosystem, spearheaded by an unprecedented liquidity boom in Saudi Arabia, has structurally decoupled from broader regional conflicts.We look deeply into the realities facing Sharia-compliant startups and the distinct innovation landscape of Islamic fintech. Hasan also tackles the taboo topics facing the ecosystem head-on, addressing the harsh criticisms surrounding the regional lack of a proven exit track record and how founders must realistically navigate failure.Finally, we look outward to draw parallels from global success stories like Revolut, the structural scale of SpaceX, and the strategic implications of tech giants like OpenAI acquiring media networks like the TBPN show. If you are an institutional allocator, a growth-stage founder, or an angel investor navigating the current Middle Eastern capital crunch, this conversation provides the definitive playbook for deploying risk capital.🤖 EPISODE BRIEFINGHow is geopolitical risk affecting venture capital deployment in the MENA region? While the Iran War and macro instability has created a short-term capital contraction from Western funds, domestic sovereign wealth and regional venture capital are moving aggressively. The GCC market is experiencing a structural decoupling, where domestic regulatory reforms and internal liquidity shield tech infrastructure from external geopolitical shocks.What are the primary structural challenges for Islamic fintech and Sharia-compliant startups? The main challenge lies in transitioning from niche alternative banking into a core driver of regional financial infrastructure. By blending automated AI asset validation with authentic Sharia compliance, these platforms are moving past regional boundaries to capture massive, unserved retail and commercial liquidity pools across the GCC.Is the criticism regarding the lack of a startup exit track record in MENA valid? Historically yes, but the infrastructure is shifting rapidly. Saudi Arabia’s capital markets have transformed via deep regulatory restructuring, creating an accessible pipeline for corporate IPOs, robust secondary markets, and late-stage tech exits that reduce reliance on Western exchanges.📖 STRATEGIC REGIONAL READINGPlusVC Targets 40 Startup Deals Amid Growing Saudi Pipeline (Bloomberg): https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-03/plus-vc-targets-40-startup-deals-in-2026-as-saudi-pipeline-growsWhy Saudi Arabia is an IPO Magnet: https://gfmag.com/capital-raising-corporate-finance/saudi-arabia-ipo-magnet/🔗 THE MAJLIS NETWORKYouTube Channel: https://majlisandmarkets.com/youtubeConnect on LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFOfficial X (Twitter) Channel: https://x.com/MajlisMarketsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.marketsPodcast Hub: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/

May 18, 202659 min

Ep 93. Private Credit: Bubble or GCC Boom? | Sharif Eid

Is the multi-billion dollar private credit market a global financial crisis in the making, or is the GCC region building a bulletproof alternative capital haven? In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we sit down with Sharif Eid, Portfolio Manager at Amwal Capital Partners, for a comprehensive look at the realities of alternative lending, macro liquidity risks, and the massive capital migration toward the Middle East.🔴 PART 1: THE GLOBAL PRIVATE CREDIT DEBATE (00:00 - 27:02)We break down the global macro picture, tackling the fierce media debate surrounding "shadow banking." Sharif shares his insider take on global asset quality, true default risks, and how Business Development Companies (BDCs) are reshaping corporate finance. We look past the headlines and market panics involving players like Blue Owl and BlackRock to analyse whether unregulated mid-market lending poses a real systemic threat to global financial stability.🔴 PART 2: THE GCC INVESTMENT BOOM & TOKENISATION (27:03 - End)We pivot to the MENA region to examine the structural shift turning the Gulf into an onshore direct-lending powerhouse amidst regional geopolitical events. We dive into Abu Dhabi’s rapid evolution as a private credit capital via the ADGM’s specialised fund frameworks, and look at the legacy of trust and data transparency in the region. We also dissect Saudi Arabia’s dominance as the region's ultimate IPO magnet under Vision 2030, and how cutting-edge asset tokenisation and digital platforms are fundamentally transforming regional Sukuk structures and private market alpha in 2026.💡 TOPICS COVERED IN THIS EPISODE:• Why mainstream financial media demonises private credit.• Is private credit genuinely just shadow banking in disguise?• The truth about redemption panics, liquidity constraints, and default rates.• How Abu Dhabi and the ADGM are attracting international credit managers.• Why Saudi Arabia remains the primary IPO destination in the Middle East.• How asset tokenisation and blockchain technology are transforming Sukuk markets.📱 STAY CONNECTED WITH MAJLIS & MARKETS:• Podcast Feed: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com• LinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcF• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspod• X (Twitter): https://x.com/MajlisMarkets• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/majlismarkets• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@majlis.markets🎧 RECOMMENDED EPISODES & RELATED LISTENINGS:• Is Shariah-Compliant Tech Ready? (Web Summit Qatar 2026): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTA0D4v5RtA• How Saudi Arabia Is Betting on AI (George Huang, SenseTime): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5M0j05KQ_i4• $62T in One Room: Insights from ADFW 2025 (Ted Koenig, Monroe Capital): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d-4dASWizj8• Episode 8: Exploring the MENA Capital Markets Landscape (Sharif Eid): https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/14698193-episode-8-exploring-the-mena-capital-markets-landscape• Inside the Rise of Gulf Private Capital: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15141935-episode-21-gulf-investment-boom-inside-the-rise-of-private-capital• Exploring the GCC Private Credit Boom: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/15487197-episode-29-exploring-the-gcc-private-credit-boom• Fund Focus: The GCC Investment Boom: https://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/16955383-episode-58-fund-focus-the-gcc-investment-boom🔗 ARTICLES & RESOURCES MENTIONED:• Institutional Investor – Abu Dhabi's Onshore Push: https://www.institutionalinvestor.com/article/abu-dhabi-moves-become-gulfs-private-credit-capital• Global Finance – Saudi Arabia: The Gulf's Ultimate IPO Magnet: https://gfmag.com/capital-raising-corporate-finance/saudi-arabia-ipo-magnet/• Amwal Capital Partners: https://amwalcp.com/👥 CONNECT WITH THE GUEST:• Connect with Sharif Eid on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharif-eid-22056a19/#PrivateCredit #ShadowBanking #BlackRock #BlueOwlCapital #AssetTokenisation #GlobalMacro #GCCMarkets #SaudiArabia #AbuDhabi #Sukuk #MajlisAndMarkets #FinancePodcast

May 7, 202642 min

Ep 92. Iran War: Egypt’s Breaking Point? | Angus Blair

As the 2026 Iran War escalates, the Middle East faces a defining moment of economic reckoning. While the world watches the missiles, the markets are watching the financial lifelines of Cairo, Beirut, and the Gulf. Expert Angus Blair (Signet Institute) returns to Majlis & Markets to discuss whether the regional economy has finally reached its breaking point.The instability of 2026 has created a $7 billion revenue void in the Suez Canal, but the ripples extend far beyond Egypt’s borders. We move past the headlines to explore "what they missed": the true impact of the Strait of Hormuz closure and the strategic shift toward Chinese credit lines.In this episode, we take a deep dive into the Iran factor, dissecting how Tehran's regional strategy is reshaping trade routes and risk premiums. We also explore the volatile Syria-Israel relationship, examining how the friction on that border serves as a barometer for wider regional kinetic escalation.We also assess the GCC’s economic resilience amidst these war clouds and ask the hard questions about Lebanon: What are the realistic pathways for Lebanon’s banking recovery in 2026? Whether you are an investor navigating MENA markets or a follower of global geopolitics, this episode breaks down what these shifting alliances mean for global capital and market stability.Suez Canal 2026: How does a 60% drop in maritime traffic rewrite Egypt’s national budget?The Iran Factor: How is the current conflict altering the long-term trade dynamics of the Middle East?Syria-Israel Friction: How does the tension between Damascus and Tel Aviv impact regional investment risk?Lebanon’s Recovery: What are the realistic pathways for Lebanon’s banking recovery in 2026?Market Impact: What does this regional upheaval mean for MENA market volatility and capital flight?🎧 Related Listening: The Egypt Deep-Dive SeriesTo understand the full context of Egypt’s economic journey, explore our previous episodes:Ep 13 | Unpacking Egypt’s Economy (feat. Angus Blair): Listen HereEp 31 | Pyramids of Pressure – Egypt’s Economic Balance: Listen HereEp 35 | Egypt’s Fintech Focus – Growth and Challenges: Listen Here🤝 Connect with Majlis & MarketsSubscribe for weekly insights into the shifting economies of the Middle East.LinkedIn: Majlis & Markets OfficialX (Twitter): @MajlisMarketsInstagram: @majlismarketsTikTok: @majlis.marketsYouTube: @MajlisMarketspod

April 30, 202650 min

Ep 91. Istanbul: The New Safe Haven? | Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu

As regional volatility grows, is Turkey emerging as the ultimate refuge for global capital? In this episode of Majlis & Markets, we are joined by Serhat Süha Çubukçuoğlu to explore Turkey’s strategic positioning amidst the Iran conflict and shifting global market dynamics. We discuss how Ankara is blending "geonomics" and active diplomacy to secure its role as a resilient regional hub for investment and innovation.The Safe Haven Advantage: Turning regional uncertainty into a strategic investment hook. Geopolitics of Conflict: Navigating the fallout of the Iran war and the internal Turkish policy response. IFC vs. The Gulf: A realistic assessment of the Istanbul Financial Centre’s potential to rival Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Economic Resilience: Managing energy security risks, tourism slumps, and fiscal health during a crisis. The AI Revolution: Why Turkey’s engineering talent provides a "capacity insurance" edge in the digital race.Catch up on Part 1 of our discussion with Serhat:Turkey’s Economic Shift: Crisis or Comeback?Connect with Majlis & MarketsLinkedIn: Majlis & MarketsX (Twitter): @MajlisMarketsInstagram: @majlismarketsTikTok: @majlis.marketsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MajlisMarketspodPodcast Hub: majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.comConnect with Serhat Süha ÇubukçuoğluLinkedIn: Serhat Süha ÇubukçuoğluX (Twitter): @suhac

April 25, 202653 min

Ep. 90 | Building the "Bloomberg of Iraq" with Jameel Amir

Is the "Bloomberg of Baghdad" finally a reality? 🇮🇶☕️In Episode 90 of Majlis & Markets, we sit down with Jameel Amir, the co-founder and host of the Tajarib podcast. Jameel is doing more than just creating content; he is architecting the "knowledge infrastructure" Iraq desperately needs. His mission? To build a high-trust, digital-first powerhouse that provides the institutional weight of Bloomberg or CNBC, curated specifically for the Iraqi economy.Jameel shares his journey from a social media intern at The Station to becoming one of the most recognised and influential business voices in the country. We dive deep into why the Iraqi economy is at a historic turning point and which sectors—from Fintech to B2B Logistics—are poised to lead the digital transformation in 2026.In this episode, you will learn:🚀 The Institutional Gap: Why Iraq needs a "Bloomberg" style resource for market intelligence right now.🏗️ The Baghdad Tech Surge: A deep dive into the startup ecosystem and its 2026 growth drivers.💰 The Funding Reality: Navigating the gap between venture capital interest and local legal barriers.⚽ The World Cup Effect: How national pride is translating into real business sentiment and FDI interest.🌐 Join the Majlis & Markets CommunityStay ahead of the curve with market insights across Islamic and Global Markets:🔹 X (Twitter): @MajlisMarkets 🔹 TikTok: @majlis.markets 🔹 LinkedIn: Majlis & Markets 🔹 Instagram: @majlismarkets 🔹 YouTube: @MajlisMarketspod 🔹 Podcast Feed: majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com🔗 Related Episodes to Download NextLearn more about the Iraqi market by listening to these next:Macro Analysis: Iraq’s Economy: Progress or Pressure? Ft. Ahmed TabaqchaliVenture Capital: Venture into Iraq - Start-ups on the RiseReal Estate Tech: Bricks and Bytes - Iraq’s Real Estate Tech BoomStartup Strategy: Accelerating Iraq’s Startup Revolution🔗 Guest ResourcesTajarib Podcast: Watch on YouTubeThe Station Iraq: the-station.iq

April 21, 20261 hr 16 min

Can Islamic Finance Rebuild Syria's Economy ?| Ep 89 ft. Najib Al Aswad

Is Syria the $215 billion "clean slate" the global financial system needs? 🇸🇾🏗️In Episode 89 of Majlis & Markets, Hassan Jivraj is joined by Shariah governance expert Najib Al Aswad (CEO of IFCAB) to deconstruct the roadmap for Syria’s economic rebirth. Following years of conflict and a 98% currency devaluation, we explore if Islamic finance can move beyond "halal stickers" to provide the essential financial plumbing for a nation in rebirth.In this episode, we discuss:🏗️ The $215B Blueprint: Scaling Sukuk to fund hospitals, schools, and energy.⚡ The Energy Prerequisite: Why fixing the power grid is the first step to financial recovery.🛡️ AAOIFI SS62: Moving the needle on Internal Shariah Audit to win back global investor trust.🧠 The Value Proposition: Bridging the "expectation gap" between ethical theory and systemic reality.📱 Fintech Leapfrogging: Can digital payments bypass broken traditional banking?Related Episodes🔗 Episode 49: Setting the Standard: AAOIFI’s impact on Islamic Financehttps://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/16355515-episode-49-setting-the-standard-aaoifi-s-impact-on-islamic-finance🔗 Episode 57: Counting the cost: Inside Syria's economy with Jihad Yazigihttps://majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com/1907033/episodes/16822898-episode-57-counting-the-cost-inside-syria-s-economyConnect with Majlis & Markets💼 LinkedIn: Majlis & Markets Official🐦 X (Twitter): @MajlisMarkets🎵 TikTok: @majlismarkets📸 Instagram: @majlismarkets📡 RSS Feed: Subscribe HereResources:Najib Al Aswad: [https://www.linkedin.com/in/najibalaswad/]IFCAB Advisory: [https://ifcab.org/]AAOIFI: [https://aaoifi.com/e-standards/?lang=en]#IslamicFinance #SyriaReconstruction #NajibAlAswad #MajlisAndMarkets #Episode89 #Sukuk #AAOIFI #EconomicRecovery #Fintech

April 14, 202648 min

Hormuz Blockade: The Gulf Reset? | Ep 88 ft. Issam Al-Tawari

Is the GCC facing a structural point of no return? With the Hormuz Blockade effectively "locking in" the region's economy, the old rules of Gulf growth are being rewritten. In Episode 88 of Majlis & Markets, Issam Al-Tawari re-joins us for a high-stakes briefing on the Gulf economic reset.We move beyond the headlines to analyse why the 2026 conflict is more than just a volatility shock—it is a fundamental devaluation of regional security and credit profiles.Key Briefing Points:The Chokepoint: The fiscal reality of stranded hydrocarbon exports.Credit Contagion: Why regional banks are tightening and the surge in war risk premiums.Kuwait’s Survival: Assessing the viability of Vision 2035 in a disrupted supply chain environment.The Global Reset: How shifting geopolitical hegemonies are forcing a new GCC financial strategy.Feedback & EngagementWe want to hear from you. Send your feedback, questions, or guest suggestions to: hassan@majlisandmarkets.comConnect with Majlis & MarketsLinkedIn: Majlis & Markets OfficialX (Twitter): @MajlisMarketsYouTube: @MajlisMarketspodInstagram: @majlismarkets#GCCEconomy #HormuzBlockade #IssamAlTawari #KuwaitFinance #GlobalReset2026 #MajlisAndMarkets

April 6, 20261 hr 1 min

Iran War 2026: Who Rules the Economy? | Bijan Khajehpour (Ep 87)

Is the Iranian state effectively in receivership? As the 2026 conflict intensifies and the IRGC maintains its "toll booth" blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, the question of who actually holds the economic lever has never been more critical. Is President Pezeshkian’s administration a mere figurehead for the economy?In this episode, renowned strategist Bijan Khajehpour joins Majlis & Markets for an institutional autopsy of the Iranian state. We move past the headlines to deconstruct the "Emboldened" strategy of the IRGC, the resilience of the banking sector under total sanctions, and the brutal geoeconomics of survival in 2026.In this episode, we reveal:The $120B Demand: Why the release of frozen assets is the non-negotiable price for reopening the Strait.State vs. Shadow State: The internal deadlock between the formal government and the military council.Banking in Conflict: How Iran’s financial structures have pivoted to survive a total 2026 blockade.The "Toll Booth" Economy: How the IRGC funds the war effort through shadow maritime revenues.Geoeconomic Leverage: Why Tehran believes it holds the ultimate upper hand in the global energy war.🎙️ Connect with Majlis & MarketsStay ahead of the geoeconomic shift. Follow our feeds for real-time analysis:🔔 Subscribe on YouTube: @MajlisMarketspod💼 LinkedIn: Majlis & Markets Official🐦 X (Twitter): @MajlisMarkets📸 Instagram: @majlismarkets🎙️ Listen Here: majlisandmarkets.buzzsprout.com🎓 About the GuestBijan Khajehpour is a leading authority on Iran’s geoeconomics and state structures.📰 Analysis: Amwaj Media [https://amwaj.media/en/author/21066201]🐦 X (Twitter): @BijanKK

March 27, 202658 min

Iran War & The Global Market Reset (ft. Hasnain Malik) Ep 86

The old world order is dead. As the Iran-Israel conflict reaches a point of no return, we aren’t just looking at a news cycle—we are witnessing a permanent Global Reset of the financial and geopolitical map.In this briefing, Hasnain Malik (Head of Geopolitical Risk and EM Equity Strategy Research at Tellimer) joins us to navigate the high-stakes intersection of war and wealth. With oil prices volatile and the Strait of Hormuz facing a historic "chokehold," the traditional rules of geopolitical risk no longer apply. We explore why the market is still fundamentally mis-pricing the supply shock and what it means for your portfolio.Inside this episode:The Regime Reset: Why the Iranian leadership has moved beyond the point of negotiation.Energy Chokepoints: The 2026 reality of $120 oil and the Hormuz maritime crisis.Asset Strategy: How Gold, Bitcoin, and the USD are behaving in the "Reset" era.The GCC Future: Economic diversification vs. urgent food and security dependencies.🔗 Resources & ConnectTellimer Research: https://www.tellimer.com/Follow Hasnain Malik: http://www.linkedin.com/in/hasnainmJoin the Majlis & Markets Community:YouTube: / @majlismarketspodLinkedIn: https://lnkd.in/eXKNRVcFX (Twitter): @MajlisMarketsInstagram/TikTok: @majlis.marketsEmail: hassan@majlisandmarkets.com