As the financial system transitions, deeper Islamic capital markets and a broader investment industry will become increasingly interconnected. We examine Sukuk, infrastructure financing and secondary markets, alongside Islamic funds, pensions and real-asset strategies. How can Pakistan increase the supply and diversity of Shariah-compliant assets, broaden institutional and retail participation, and encourage innovation? We discuss how refined distribution and market infrastructure can improve access and liquidity and support a wider Islamic investment ecosystem.

Moderator:
Sadaf Sawant, Senior Product Associate, Group Islamic Banking, Habib Bank AG Zurich

Panelists:
Jawad Hashmi, Chief Operating Officer, Pakistan Stock Exchange
Naeem Khanani, Chief Executive Officer, DigiEstate Private
Rukhsana Narejo, Chief Treasury and Alternate Investments, Raqami Islamic Digital Bank
Syed Umair Alam Zaidi, EVP, Head of Debt Capital Markets and Syndications, Faysal Bank
Dr Tariq Naseem, Head of Islamic Finance Department, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan

We examine how innovation is reshaping Pakistan’s Islamic financial sector, from AI-enabled processes and mobile-first platforms to fintech partnerships and open banking. We consider the opportunities and challenges of the transformation journey, including legacy infrastructure, implementation, skills, regulatory expectations and the integration of Shariah governance. We explore emerging opportunities in tokenisation and embedded finance, and how technology can support greater access, efficiency and financial inclusion.

Moderator:
Asim Hameed, Head of Products & Transformation, HabibMetro Bank

Panelists:
Adnan Syed, Senior Fintech Specialist, Sindh Social Protection Authority
Fasih Azhar Siddiqui, Asia Advisor, Regulation & Market Development, Al Mabrook Principal, SID & Co
Ghulam Muhammad Abbasi, Executive Director Islamic Finance and Financial Inclusion Groups, State Bank of Pakistan
Husain Alkhaja, GCC Regional Director, DDCAP
Zaid Naveed, Head Business Strategy and Market Intelligence, Habib Bank AG Zurich

Mufti Muhammad Najeeb Khan, Chairperson Shariah Board, HabibMetro Bank
Shahzaib Rajper, Shariah Board Member, HabibMetro Bank

As Pakistan’s Islamic finance market transitions, we examine the implications for regulators, financial institutions, markets and the wider economy. We consider regulatory reform, financial inclusion, SME and infrastructure financing, and the development of markets. We ask what successful transformation requires beyond regulation: from Shariah governance and capacity building to AI and institutional readiness. How can Pakistan use this transition to build a more competitive, innovative and inclusive Islamic finance industry?

Moderator:
Salman Ahmed, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Panelists:
Adnan Fasih, Group Head, Islamic Banking, Habib Bank AG Zurich
Azeem Pirani, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Director, EFU Life Assurance
Muhammad Faisal Shaikh, Head, Shariah Compliance and Advisory, Faysal Bank
Dr Zahid ur Rehman Khokher, Director, Islamic Finance Policy Department, State Bank of Pakistan

Imtiaz Haider, Commissioner – Specialized Companies Division, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan

Saleem Ullah, Deputy Governor, State Bank of Pakistan

Islamic investment is evolving as investor expectations, digital distribution and technologies reshape products and frameworks. We examine next generation Shariah-compliant funds, including product innovation, personalisation and ESG, alongside digital platforms and screening technologies. We consider how Shariah governance, screening standards, ESG and technology-enabled compliance can maintain integrity and investor confidence. What will Islamic investors demand, and how can asset managers, regulators and Shariah practitioners respond while supporting growth across Malaysia and Southeast Asia?

Moderator:
Vineeta Tan, Managing Editor and Director, Islamic Finance news

Panelists:
Eslam Anbar, CEO, Phi Wallet
Lydia Long, Investment Specialist, Deal Operations Department, Credit Guarantee and Investment Facility
Mariam Veronica Abu Bakkar Seddek, Director, Group Head Institutional and Islamic Asset Management, Kenanga Investors
Dr Mohamad Zabidi Ahmad, Regional Chief Representative, DDCAP Group
Noor Surya Mohd Noor, Senior Fixed Income Manager, KWAP

Islamic investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional asset classes toward private credit, infrastructure, real estate, venture capital and other Shariah-compliant alternatives. We examine how Islamic finance can play a greater role in funding start-ups, innovation and high-growth businesses, while addressing structuring trends, risk management, liquidity and the opportunity for Southeast Asia to establish itself as a leading centre for alternative Islamic investments.

Moderator:
Tom Reynolds, Partner, Trowers & Hamlins

Panelists:
Dr Bilal Ilhan, County Advisor – Investment and Finance Office, Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
Faris Lodin, Founder, AxeHoldings
Hamed Mashal, Chief Investment Officer, Al Salam Bank
Suryono Darnor, Chief Operating Officer, MIMOS International Venture