Islamic finance has a long history, and is gathering momentum as a new generation embrace the power of digital technology. UKIFC has uniquely curated a Pioneers of Islamic Finance series with two key objectives:

1. Use the wisdom and learning of the pioneers inform the next generation of business models, entrepeneurs and leaders in Islamic finance
2. Preserve and document the journey of the pioneers and celebrate their contribution to the field

This fascinating series exlores the personal highs and lows and the professional successes and struggles they experienced. We ask what they would have done differently if they could turn back time and what advice they have for the next generation.

The series of interviews is ongoing, contact us at info@ukifc.com if you would like to suggest a Pioneer whose story should be told. We are launching the series on International Women’s Day 2021 with a conversation with Stella Cox of DDCAP Group.

Stella sits down with Omar Shaikh of the UKIFC to discuss her experiences as one of the UK’s pioneers in Islamic finance. Stella speaks about her early days at Kleinwort Benson, her friendship with Shariah scholars, her journey founding DDCAP, one of the leading intermediaries in Islamic finance, and what the future holds for Islamic finance in the UK and beyond. Watch now.

What lessons can we learn from the UK’s first Shariah-only retail bank? We sat down with Sultan Choudhury, former CEO of Al-Rayan Bank in the UK, to discuss his experiences at the helm of one of the UK’s pioneering Islamic finance institutions, and the lessons he draws from this for the future of Islamic finance in the UK and beyond.

Former Head of HSBC Amanah UK, Amjid Ali, sat down with UKIFC to discuss his life and career, from his roots in Bristol, to offering Islamic products through HSBC, to the heights of his professional life and his later work promoting acceptance of organ donorship among Muslims in the UK.

Iqbal Asaria, one of the pioneers of Islamic finance both in the UK and around the world, sat down with UKIFC to discuss his life and Islamic finance journey.

Islamic banking veteran from South Africa’s Al Baraka, Shabbir Randeree, sat down with UKIFC to discuss his life and Islamic finance journey.