Muslim Money Talk (Kestrl )

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, host Areeb Siddiqui interviews Muazzam Mohamed, the CEO of Bank Islam, Malaysia's largest and oldest Islamic bank. Muazzam shares insights on his journey to becoming CEO, his strategies for digital transformation within the bank, and advice for navigating bureaucracy and implementing meaningful change in large organisations.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

00:00 - Intro 

01:24 - Muazzam expresses his hopes for the podcast and discusses his career achievements.

01:51 - Muazzam talks about his determination and career journey.

02:40 - Experiences and philosophies on career setbacks and achievements.

04:20 - Muazzam's unexpected career advancements and perspectives on his achievements.

09:12 - Discussion on challenges and opportunities at Bank Islam.

11:18 - Handling crisis moments and leadership challenges at Bank Islam.

17:46 - Launch of Malaysia's first digital Islamic bank, BU.

18:30 - Collaboration with external fintech partners like Kestrel.

19:22 - Merging traditional and digital banking services at Bank Islam.

20:38 - Collaboration with fintechs and the importance of technology in banking.

25:14 - Addressing credit access and support for gig economy workers.

36:38 - Balancing family life with a demanding career.

40:49 - Managing self-doubt and the importance of faith.

43:57 - Prioritising family and maintaining a work-life balance.

46:42 - Reflecting on career choices and satisfaction with the journey.

48:49 - Final advice for young professionals and entrepreneurs.

Muazzam Mohamed 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/muazzam-mohamed-06b327159/

Bank Islam 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bank-islam-malaysia-berhad-299aa415b/

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, host Areeb Siddiqui interviews Nahim Bassa Group Head of Strategy & Transformation @ Bank Aljazira. Nahim shares his invaluable insights from over two decades of designing, building, and operationalising new businesses and brands in the Financial Services industry globally. 

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Intro 
01:49 - Difference between Riyadh and London Financial Landscape 
06:09 - Saudi 2030 Vision 
11:36 - The change of narrative for the female workforce in Saudi Arabia 
16:12 - Challenges with transforming a legacy bank Bank Al Jazeera 
19:13 - Discussion around traditional banks wanting to digitise 
26:21 - Harmonising commercial and sharia compliant financial regulations 
30:43 - Foreign islamic banks partnering with UK fintechs 
35:32 - The concept of Islamic banking itself 
40:44  - Core metrics for Bank Al Jazeera (for the next 500 years) 
48:19 - Why the role of CEO is tough 
51:13 - One takeaway you could give to a CEO
55:01 - What made Nahim move to Saudi?
01:05:50 - The gap in financial literacy 
01:09:12 - How does Saudi fit your personal and commercial mission ?
01:12:43 - Tips for balancing personal and work life as a CEO 

Nahim Bassa: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nahimbassa/

Bank AlJazira:
https://www.linkedin.com/company/bankaljazira/

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, Areeb Siddiqui interviews Alia Mahmud, a compliance expert who shares her career journey from working in large financial institutions to fintech startups. Alia discusses her transition from criminal law to financial compliance, the importance of compliance in fintech, and the personal challenges she faced balancing work and family responsibilities.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Timestamp Breakdown:

00:00 - Intro
03:25 - Leaving Med School in Pakistan for Law in the UK
03:50 - Alia’s experience moving to the UK for her law degree.
07:13 - Shifting from criminal law to traditional banking
10:39 - Transition to Qatar National Bank and regulatory responsibilities.
15:14 - Move to Oak North and challenges with interest-based products.
16:43 - Revolut's hiring process and responsibilities
19:10 - Importance of compliance in fintech and Revolut’s approach.
20:41 - Crypto and blockchain technology.
21:55 - Balance between work and personal responsibilities.
25:02 - Discussion on the perception of compliance as a business enabler.
28:27 - Challenges faced as a female and ethnic minority in compliance.
31:04 - Conclusions and connections 

Alia Mahmud: 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/alia-m-10431322/

In this podcast episode of "Muslim Money Talk," host Areeb Siddiqui is joined by Saalim Chowdhury, a renowned VC investor and former director of Techstars London. They discuss Saalim's journey from a small village in Wales to his success in venture capital, emphasising the importance of building businesses based on lived experiences and solving real problems. They also touch on the challenges and opportunities for minority and Muslim founders in the entrepreneurial world.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

00:00 - Intro

02:46 - Recounting the application process to Techstars.

03:10 - Screening process for Kestrl and initial misinterpretation.

04:02 - Discussion on the lack of awareness and understanding of Islamic fintech.

04:27 - Importance of diverse founders with lived experiences.

05:54 - Saalim's diverse investment portfolio and focus on lived experiences.

07:08 - Saalim's background and upbringing with a scarcity mindset.

08:00 - Importance of abundance mindset for minority founders.

08:56 - Reflection on Kestrl's mission and empathy in product development.

09:40 - Money as a reflection of value creation.

10:53 - Building institutions to cater to Muslims without guilt or exploitation.

12:05 - Challenges of Islamic banks and legacy systems.

13:18 - Influence of Saalim's father and the importance of community.

15:39 - Saalim's admiration for his father's forward-thinking mindset.

17:20 - Growing up in a Welsh village and community respect.

18:58 - Encouragement from Saalim's father to take risks wisely.

20:55 - Value of diverse opinions and healthy team dynamics.

21:21 - Strengths and insecurities of immigrant founders.

27:34 - Saalim's admiration for Areeb’s dedication during challenging times.

28:43 - Differences between UK and US VCs' backgrounds and risk appetites.

31:07 - Cultural and structural differences in early-stage investments.

34:12 - Professional investors vs. founder investors and their risk assessment.

39:37 - Saalim's framework for selecting companies in an accelerator.

41:08 - Team dynamics as a critical factor in startup success.

42:27 - Advice on co-founders and conflict resolution.

46:00 - Saalim's reflections on being a founder vs. a VC.

48:50 - Importance of finding one's calling and the influence of Salim's father.

Saalim Chowdhury:
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/saalimc/

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, Areeb Siddiqui speaks with Umer Suleman, Chief Risk Officer at Wahid, about the complexities and evolving landscape of Islamic finance. Umer shares his journey from conventional banking to Islamic fintech, highlighting the challenges, ethical considerations, and the future potential for Islamic financial services.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

00:00 - Intro

02:25 - Reflecting on the initial idea of Kestrel and challenges faced.

03:24 - Discussing the ethical dilemmas in financial partnerships.

04:16 - Omar’s early interest in finance and Islamic finance’s emergence.

05:55 - Insights from Omar’s career in public and private sectors, including EY and HSBC.

07:38 - Involvement with UK IFC and mentorship from Omar Sheikha.

10:46 - Vision for Wahed and its growth journey.

12:24 - Challenges and ethics in Islamic finance products.

14:42 - Historical financial challenges faced by the Muslim community in the UK.

16:43 - Financial illiteracy and its generational impact on the Muslim community.

18:00 - Investment behaviour and susceptibility to financial scams in the community.

22:07 - Transition from initial Islamic finance products to more ethical innovations.

24:11 - Commodity Murabaha and its contentious nature.

26:29 - Discussion on the permissibility and context of Islamic finance products.

30:07 - Importance of disruption and innovation in Islamic finance.

34:36 - Strategies to ensure economic autonomy and avoid oppression.

38:15 - Addressing the global response to Gaza and the role of ethics.

41:36 - Broader impact of finance and ethics in societal change.

45:16 - Encouraging young Muslims to unlock their potential and make a difference.

48:19 - The importance of saving and avoiding debt.

51:41 - Developing Islamic finance with an ethical and community-focused approach.

57:45 - The future of Islamic fintech and supporting each other.

1:02:44 - Investing in people and creating high-performing teams.

1:07:08 - Islamic finance as a universal solution for ethical finance.

1:11:00 - Discussion on IOFI and ethical considerations in Sharia standards.

1:15:30 - The broader impact of boycotts and financial ethics.

In this podcast episode, Areeb Siddiqui speaks with Niaz Azad, the founder of Millennial Money UK, about his journey from a legal career to launching a peer-to-peer learning platform for millennials and Gen Zs to better manage their finances. They discuss the intersection of entrepreneurship, faith, and financial literacy, touching on the challenges of making money more Sharia-compliant and the importance of understanding and avoiding Riba.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Timestamp Breakdown:

00:00 - Intro

01:36 - Niaz talks about his background and journey into entrepreneurship.

02:40 - Discussion on family influence and entrepreneurship.•

05:34 - The inception of Millennial Money UK and peer-to-peer learning.

08:46 - The “anti-guru” approach and summary of Millennial Money UK.

10:02 - The challenges of starting a business with friends.

13:32 - Early days of Millennial Money UK and initial success.

15:19 - Discussion on unfair advantages and education in business.

19:17 - Transition to commercialization and revenue streams.

22:29 - Evolution and challenges of the brand, including working full-time.

26:00 - Niaz’s thoughts on going full-time with Millennial Money.

32:54 - Impact of entrepreneurship on personal life and challenges.

40:38 - Discussion on the biggest financial challenges in the Muslim community.

45:08 - The complexities and challenges of Islamic finance.

48:46 - Global issues tied to Riba and financial exploitation.

54:15 - The importance of educating Muslims about ethical financial practices.

58:47 - The potential impact of Islamic finance on global problems.

1:02:36 - Encouragement to build generational wealth with ethical financial practices.

1:09:37 - Final thoughts on managing wealth versus income.

1:10:35 - Book and podcast recommendations for financial education.

1:13:16 - Where to find more information about Niaz and Millennial Money UK.

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, host Areeb Siddiqui engages in a candid conversation with the founding team of Kestrl, discussing the journey of building a startup during COVID, the challenges they faced, and the lessons learned along the way. They reflect on the importance of perseverance, the role of family support, and the excitement of growing both the company and the team.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Timestamp Breakdown:

00:00 - Intro

01:30 - Reflecting on the idea of starting a podcast and the initial resistance.

03:50 - Founding Kestrel during the peak of COVID.

08:15 - The realities of being a startup founder.

11:40 - Early conversations and the idea for Kestrel.

19:00 - Challenges of Islamic finance and the digital banking space.

28:30 - Forming the founding team and the importance of technical expertise.

33:00 - The journey of raising funds and facing rejections.

41:15 - The transition from a consumer app to B2B services.

47:00 - Early struggles and learning from past failures.

54:30 - The pivotal moment of securing investment to avoid bankruptcy.

01:03:45 - The importance of team dynamics and hiring unconventional candidates.

01:12:00 - Reflections on family support and cultural differences.

01:20:00 - Looking ahead: ambitions for Kestrel and beyond.

01:26:50 - Final thoughts and closing remarks.

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk we sat down with Omar Khaliel, the founder of the Riba Free Foundation to discuss WHY interest is forbidden in Islam, its widespread harmful effects and how to uplift communities with financial literacy.

The conversation touches on the global economic system, Islamic financial principles, and the need for education to foster economic justice.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Timestamp Breakdown:

00:00 - intro

00:37 - Episode introduction by Arif Siddiqui, introducing guest Umar Khalil.

00:49 - Overview of Umar Khalil’s journey into Islamic finance and the foundation of Riba Free.

01:44 - Call to action for podcast subscriptions and support.

02:02 - Start of interview with Umar Khalil.

02:27 - Discussion about Riba Free Foundation’s objectives and Umar’s personal approach to the mission.

04:01 - Umar explains what the Riba Free Foundation is and its connection to Islamic Finance Guru.

06:10 - Explanation of marabaha contracts and the difference between Islamic and conventional banking.

08:19 - Umar shares his personal journey and career background.

10:10 - Discussion on the lack of understanding of riba and financial literacy.

14:42 - Importance of fiqh and Islamic jurisprudence in finance.

18:56 - Riba Free’s three pillars: education, advocacy, and directory.

24:35 - Conversation about the importance of providing financial alternatives and resources.

33:40 - Detailed discussion on why riba is forbidden in Islam.

38:22 - Analysis of the global economic debt crisis and its impacts.

50:54 - Addressing feelings of hopelessness and the importance of maintaining faith and perseverance.

57:04 - Conclusion: Encouraging Muslims to adhere to their principles despite challenges.

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, host Areeb Siddiqui is joined by Nina Mohanty, founder and CEO of Bloom Money. 

They discuss Nina’s journey from growing up in Silicon Valley to working for major fintech companies in the UK, and eventually founding Bloom Money, a financial platform that helps immigrants build financial resilience. 

Nina shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of serving underbanked communities, and the role of community-led initiatives in supporting immigrant financial needs.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 


https://kestrl.io/

Timestamp Breakdown


00:00 - Intro

02:18 - Growing up and studying in Silicon Valley 

06:11 - Starting a career in London

07:36 - Should you do an MBA? (Studying at LSE)

11:45 - Mastercard: interviews and early opening banking

17:20 - Starling Bank: launching debit card and managing crises

19:42 - Building trust in Islamic Finance 

22:05 - Networking is a Superpower!

23:47 - Joining Bud: Open Banking & being the 1st woman at a start-up

28:06 - What Kestrl’s App does 

30:21 Joining Klarna: Buy Now Pay Later pros & cons

37:04 - Why interest is forbidden in Islam

39:40 - Launching Bloom Money in Covid 

43:48 - How much money do immigrants have?

46:48 - Bloom: Digitising an ancient global concept

50:05 - Building trust within communities

54:15 - What do people use the money for?

57:20 - Digitising trust in savings circles

1:00:04 - Are immigrants financially invisible?

1:05:31 - Far-right riots and the UK immigrant experience 

1:08:44 - Why Bloom needs to exist

In this podcast episode, Zara Mohammed, Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain, discusses her journey into leadership, the challenges she has faced representing the Muslim community in the UK, and the efforts to change public perception through advocacy. Host Areeb Siddiqui talks about Zara’s media experiences, leadership in FOSIS, and the evolving representation of Muslims in British society.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

00:00 - Intro 

02:07 – Zara shares her early career path in law and Muslim leadership.

04:14 – Challenges of being a visible Muslim and discrimination.

08:01 – Dealing with racism and advocacy as a student leader.

10:06 – Zara’s rise in leadership within FOSIS.

12:00 – What FOSIS does and its advocacy work.

15:30 – Challenges with Prevent and counterterrorism policies.

19:29 – Media challenges and Zara’s tough interviews.

26:00 – Rise of Islamophobia and far-right rhetoric.

32:00 – Reflections on Muslim leadership and representation in British society.

42:00 – Reflections on Ramadan and public Muslim identity.

50:18 – Zara’s leadership challenges and future aspirations.

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, Nadir Abrar, shares his personal journey growing up as an immigrant in the UK, navigating issues of identity, race, and financial hardship. He discusses how these experiences shaped his professional ambitions, leading him to a career in banking, and ultimately changing his relationship with money, community, and family values.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Intro

02:11 – Nadir’s background, growing up in Pakistan and moving to the UK.

06:48 – Culture shock in a predominantly white neighborhood.

08:13 – Experiences with racism in school and feelings of embarrassment.

16:54 – Challenges of university and financial struggles.

19:29 – Visa issues, family sacrifices, and financial pressures.

24:48 – Transition into banking; importance of role models.

34:28 – Nadir’s reflections on how fintech impacts underrepresented communities.

46:33 – Overcoming imposter syndrome and starting a career at Barclays.

57:41 – Leading Barclays Fintech Accelerator and meeting Kestrl’s team.

1:02:21 – Reflections on working in a large financial institution as a Muslim.

1:09:03 – Nadir’s personal life: meeting his wife and building a family.

1:10:22 – Closing thoughts on money, family, and identity.

Today's guest is Shinaz Navas, Founder and CEO of Niyyah and former EdTech VC investor.

Shinaz shared his journey from investor to founder, driven by a passion to help Muslims elevate their learning and build a better relationship with the Qur'an.

From fundraising challenges, early pivots and iterations, to his strong belief on why VC funding is the only way to go when it comes to building a start-up, checkout this latest episode of Muslim Money Talk!

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00 - Intro

03:10 - Uni and Career overview

07:02 - Moving to VC

09:35 - What VC's look for in early stage start-ups

12:06 - Start-up patterns and potential biases

15:04 - Is VC the only way to go?

16:50 - The VC power law

20:01 - Does VC mean Growth at all costs?

23:33 - Inspiration behind Niyyah (India to the UK)

26:44 - UK schooling is broken

30:45 - What does Niyyah do?

32:22 - Early Pivots in Niyyah's journey

38:40 - Drawing inspiration from Noom & Duolingo

41:08 - Finding a technical co-founder

44:02 - Raising the 1st funding round Niyyah vs. Kestrl

47:50- Pivoting to focus on Qur'an

50:57- Becoming VC backable

53:09 - Current focus on product-market fit and future plans.

54:49 - Key metrics to track

59:26 - Key growth channels & strategies

1:02:03 - What's next for Niyyah and rapid fire questions

In a Muslim Money Talk first I’m joined by my own brother! Ali Siddiqui, corporate lawyer, Kestrl’s head of legal and a student of Islamic Finance.

Ali gives an overview of Islamic Finance’s origins and how the industry operates despite a seemingly flawed ecosystem. He also goes into how Islamic Finance proved to be a route to combining his career with his faith.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Intro and guest’s background

02:45 – What is Islamic finance?

06:08 – Finance pre and post Islam 

09:14 – From Gold to Fiat 

12:42 – The Mudharaba model

15:11 - The Musharaka model

16:10 – Interest-free loans 

21:59: Credit sales 

25:46 – Islamic vs Conventional Mortgages

30:02 - Aligning faith and a career in law 

35:00 - Learning from the Ottomans and founding RFF

39:21 – Interest: why is it forbidden in Islam?

51:37 – Next steps for RIBA Free Foundation

54:53 – A hopeful future for Islamic Finance

1:00:24 - Why Muslims Cannot give up on this industry

In today's episode, Areeb interviews Raza Ullah, founder and CEO of Pfida, an Islamic fintech company providing debt-free homeownership solutions as an ALTERNATIVE to Islamic Mortgages. 

Raza shares his journey from a successful actuarial career to creating an innovative, Sharia-compliant alternative to conventional mortgages, driven by his desire to align his work with Islamic values and serve the Muslim community.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 


https://kestrl.io/

Timestamp Breakdown

00:00 - Introduction

03:33 - Raza's career background

06:54 - The conversation that changed EVERYTHING

08:17 - Inspiration on Hajj

11:29 - Choosing to work in Islamic Finance

12:20 - Comparing Hajj experiences

14:20 - Raza’s wife’s reaction

15:35 - The problems with Islamic Mortgages

19:44 - The dangers of dual contracts (commodity Murabaha)

22:21 - Why are Islamic Banks more expensive?

25:04 - A step in the right direction 

26:28 - Why do Islamic Scholars sign off on these products?

28:38 - What is PFIDA and how it works?

31:59 - Pfida cost vs Conventional Mortgages

34:40 - How to buy a house Debt Free 

41:22 - Finding a Co-Founder & Shariah Scholar

45:10 - Community support and fundraising 

52:02 - What does Pfida look like today?

54:21 - Hopes for collaboration between FinTechs

56:06 - The power of a Mother’s Prayer

59:36 - Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in Islamic finance

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, host Areeb Siddiqui speaks with Khalid Howlader, a decentralised finance (DeFi) evangelist and chairman of Marhaba Network. They explore the origins and future potential of decentralised finance and Bitcoin within the framework of halal finance, discussing how cryptocurrency can offer a fairer, Sharia-compliant alternative to traditional centralised banking systems, especially in light of the flaws exposed by fiat currency and financial crises.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Intro

02:44 – Khaled explains decentralised finance (DeFi) and its benefits over centralised banking.

05:19 – Discussion on Khaled’s career shift from centralised finance to DeFi and Bitcoin.

08:00 – How Islamic finance aligns with decentralised technology and Bitcoin.

09:59 – How Bitcoin and decentralised systems represent an alternative to traditional banking.

12:16 – Explanation of Bitcoin’s uniqueness and comparison with other cryptocurrencies.

17:28 – History of fiat currency and the end of the gold standard.

20:05 – Inflation and monetary debasement after the breakdown of the gold standard.

25:08 – How decentralised finance and crypto offer a different economic model.

35:42 – Possibilities for countries like Pakistan to adopt Bitcoin as a currency.

41:06 – Risks and potential issues of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs).

50:01 – Khaled’s experience with the Marhaba project and its Sharia-compliant offerings.

59:24 – Explanation of Marhaba’s wallet, its decentralised features, and Sharia-compliance.

1:04:11 – Discussion on mass adoption of decentralised finance and potential roadblocks.

1:09:07 – Potential role of Islamic insurance in accelerating decentralised finance adoption.

1:16:00 – Conclusion and how Islamic banks could innovate using decentralised finance.

Meet Mudassar Chaudhry, creator of the LARGEST professional Muslim Community in the World at EY. We delved into his journey from a school leaver to becoming a key figure his company. Mudassar discusses the value of personal branding, community building, and navigating corporate life while maintaining his faith and identity.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Introduction

03:09 - Early years and influences 

06:04 - Finding the EY internship and School Leavers programme 

11:47 - the benefits of EY vs University 

15:09 - Family reactions to leaving University 

21:27 - A natural born leader?

24:05 - Identifying the problem for Muslims in EY

29:01 - Becoming the chair for EY’s Muslim Community

32:51 - What was the mission?

36:20 - The impact and value of Personal Brand

38:18 - Getting EY’s CEO in the Ramadan Video 

43:35 - The ‘fast for a day’ Ramadan challenge

45:13 - What made the community so successful?

50:19 - Succession planning 

52:10 - Fighting Islamophobia and creating a safe space for Muslims

1:00:26 - Personal Finance views and challenges 

1:04:46 - Muslims’ misconceptions about money and career

1:10:07 - Why Muslims need communities at work

This podcast episode explores the journey of Fahan Ibrahim Hashi, founder of Nisa Invest, a financial platform tailored for Muslim women navigating personal finance in alignment with Islamic values. Fahan discusses her transition from investment banking to entrepreneurship and the challenges faced by Muslim women in finance.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Intro 

 02:11 – Fahan’s career story and her decision to transition from banking to financial planning.

 03:34 – Education background and early career in investment banking.

 06:12 – Fahan describes investment competitions in university.

08:10 – Explanation of her decision to pursue personal finance content creation.

11:04 – Participation in a boot camp for software development as preparation for Nisa Invest.

13:11 – The moment Fahan decided to focus on financial literacy for Muslim women.

16:13 – Early validation of Nisa Invest’s concept through community events.

19:20 – Fahan’s interest in modest fashion and its parallels with Islamic finance.

24:08 – Encounter with a modest fashion client sparks thoughts on entrepreneurship.

26:54 – Decision to fully commit to Nisa Invest and family’s support.

29:21 – Discussion on financial planning challenges for Muslim women.

30:49 – Explanation of Nisa Invest’s vision and services.

32:42 – Audience feedback and financial literacy tools provided by Nisa Invest.

34:23 – Description of Nisa Invest as a life-stage-focused financial planning platform.

38:30 – Importance of financial planning and breaking down taboos around money.

42:29 – Biggest challenges faced by Muslim women in finance.

51:01 – Simple starting advice for financial planning.

56:50 – Personal anecdotes and strategies for financial literacy.

1:02:16 – Fahan’s future goals for Nisa Invest and her current development work.

1:04:56 – Rapid-fire questions covering Fahan’s favorite books, influencers, and inspiration.

1:08:10 – Closing remarks and where to follow Fahan’s work with Nisa Invest.

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, host Areeb Siddiqui speaks with Sakib Ahmed, co-founder of Simply Smash, London’s highest-rated burger joint. Sakib shares his journey from fintech to food service, discussing the challenges of launching a values-driven restaurant and overcoming adversity, including a review-bombing incident that led the community to rally in support of his business.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Intro 

2:06 - Discussion on mutual connections in the London Muslim tech scene

3:00 - Saqib’s fintech background and degree apprenticeship at Goldman Sachs

8:05 - Founding Minideed, a charity-focused social media platform

15:34 - Developing a meaningful and positive social media experience

16:57 - Saqib’s transition from fintech to entrepreneurship with Minideed

17:56 - Decision to open a restaurant, leveraging family experience in the food industry

23:23 - Challenges of running a restaurant during the pandemic lockdown

24:32 - Tiramisu and “Help Our Heroes” campaigns to keep the restaurant afloat

29:05 - Transition to Simply Smash; inspiration for starting a new restaurant concept

32:13 - The “140-Day Challenge” to launch multiple brands and see which succeeds

38:34 - Simply Smash emerges as the winning concept; focus on data-driven burgers

41:39 - Emphasis on customer feedback and delivery experience as success metrics

45:07 - Saqib discusses the review-bomb incident over pro-Palestinian stance

47:51 - Community support through 200+ positive reviews

49:14 - Saqib’s commitment to integrating values into his business model

51:58 - Muslim values in business as a differentiator

52:18 - Financial and tech industry parallels with data-driven business models

54:19 - Saqib introduces Simply Smash’s Wagyu Beef Brisket burger

58:01 - Future plans: Scaling Simply Smash with potential new locations

1:04:01 - Discussion on balancing growth strategies: franchising vs. bootstrapping

1:06:50 - Saqib’s lessons from working with his brother to balance quality and operations

1:07:05 - Saqib’s high points: Impactful community work and building a values-based legacy

In this episode, Abdul Rahman Abbas, founder and CEO of the Pillars app, discusses building a privacy-focused Muslim prayer app and the entrepreneurial challenges and cultural dynamics Muslims face in the UK. He shares insights on bootstrapping vs. VC funding, the importance of community-oriented solutions, and his mission to foster an “abundance mindset” among Muslim entrepreneurs.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Timestamp Breakdown:

00:00 - Intro 

02:32 – The inspiration for Pillars

05:31 – Building in Public on X (Twitter)

07:03 – Do people care about data privacy?

08:45 – How Pillars hit 1m+ users

13:18 – Balancing Medicine with Entrepreneurship

18:55 – Building infrastructure for Muslims (Prayer, Fiqh, Finance)

23:57 – Why did Abdul-Rahman become a doctor?

26:59 – The Bay Area vs. London mindsets

32:49 –Abundance vs. Scarcity mindsets in US/UK Muslims

37:42 – Female representation in Muslim Tech

39:27 – The Biggest Mistakes founders make

44:01 – Finding a co-founder

49:44 – Debate: VC funding vs. bootstrapping

55:21 – Impact of VC funding on growth and business focus

58:57 – Final thoughts on organic growth vs. VC-backed expansion

1:07:58 – Announcement: New premium features on Pillars app

Meet Arfah Farooq, co-founder of Muslamic Makers and Muslim Tech Fest!

She shares her journey of community building, balancing family life, and the evolving role of Muslims in tech and entrepreneurship. This conversation explores the challenges of ambition, faith, and creating meaningful change while navigating societal and industry obstacles.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Timestamp Breakdown:

00:00 - Intro 

03:04 - Origins of Muslamic Makers

05:22 - Founding Discoverables at University 

09:00 - Community Management as a career path 

12:02 - Building a community in Covid

18:15 - Considering leaving Muslamic Makers for family life 

21:10 - Founding Muslim Tech Fest 

24:52 - Celebrating Muslim Tech Talent

26:53 - Kestrl’s experience sponsoring MTF

29:50 - When to use a Branding Agency

32:29 - Deciding when to Monetise

36:14 - Leaving the VC industry due to Palestine 

41:48 - Deciding when to go full time on your start-up

44:42 - Does Diversity & Inclusion work?

48:31 - Losing sponsors due to pro-Palestinian stance

50:05- San Francisco vs. London

54:02 - Can Muslim Women balance careers and family?

57:55 - Can women really have it all? Dealing with maternity leave 

01:03:18 - Arfah’s legacy and hopes for the community

Meet Kazi Shafiqur Rahman, Co-founder of SunnaMusk and Firnas Airways,  as he shares his journey from being a cleaner at an airport to becoming a successful entrepreneur and airline owner. This conversation literally has it all, the ultimate highs and horrific lows of entrepreneurship, to the importance of family in business.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Coming Up 

01:55 – Introduction

04:48- Coming to the UK and early education

09:28 – Why Aviation? Working at the airport 

18:57 – Getting fired and working with family

24:00 - Making money vs. Religion 

26:27 - Learning how to do business 

29:46 - Becoming a serial entrepreneur 

35:20 - Starting Sunnamusk with brothers

38:58 - Consistency, consistency, consistency!

44:12 - Setting a Northstar and raising capital 

48:10 - Whitechapel market and the route to Westfield 

55:38 – Entering shopping malls and early success 

58:47- Pitching to Westfield mall and becoming a real brand 

01:06:47 – The Channel 4 documentary 

01:10:47 – Leaving Sunnamusk for the Firnas Airways 

01:18:19 - What happened to Firnas?

01:21:20 - Lessons learned 

01:26:49 – Conclusion and closing remarks

In today’s episode we’re flipping the script and interviewing our host Areeb Siddiqui- the founder of Kestrl: The Muslim Money App!

Driven to leave the corporate world by his growing discomfort working around interest- Areeb discusses his MBA at Cambridge, inspiring stories about money from the Quran and Hadith, and why Muslims are so poor with money today.

Special thanks to Ali Siddiqui (Areeb’s brother) for stepping into the host’s seat this week!


This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes: 

00:00 - Coming up 

02:02 - Intro

03:17 – From Physics to Finance

05:57 – The need to experiment 

07:14 - What you study doesn’t matter!

09:21 – Deloitte grad scheme 

13:30 - Islamic Finance at Deloitte

15:31 – Understanding salary bands and consulting culture

22:01 - Lessons from the du’a of Prophet Suleiman AS

28:52 - the Cambridge MBA: Should you do it?

32:57 - Finding a Co-founder and the inspiration for Kestrl

36:17 - Speaking to 3000 Muslims 

39:01 – Going full-time, fundraising and early business models 

48:35 - Tying your camel before you invest 

53:55 - Dark Days: Money struggles and becoming a dad 

56:33 – B2B partnerships, profitability and the blessing of children 

59:40 - Kestrl’s name and branding for Muslims 

1:03:57 – Using open banking for boycotting and upcoming features 

1:06:40 – A.I in Islamic finance 

1:11:08 – Money lessons from the first Muslims 

In this special podcast episode, Harris Irfan, a veteran in Islamic finance, critiques the industry for not adhering to its foundational principles and discusses innovative solutions for real-economy, risk-sharing financial instruments.

He emphasises the need for skills, innovation, and aligning modern Islamic finance practices with prophetic economic principles, while also advocating for Bitcoin as a freedom currency and discussing the future of Islamic fintech.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

TIMESTAMPS: 

00:00 - Coming Up 

02:13 – Haris’s career journey and contrarian perspective in Islamic finance.

06:12 – Challenges faced by Muslims in conventional finance and career advice.

08:28 – Analysis of the disconnect between demand and use of Islamic financial products.

12:50 – Early days at Deutsche Bank and innovation in Islamic finance.

16:50 – Transition from conventional banking to Islamic fintech and ethical dilemmas.

24:41 – Issues in Islamic banking culture and reverse engineering of conventional banking products.

30:31 – Role of fintechs in addressing gaps in Islamic finance.

39:58 – Introduction to Cordoba Capital Markets and the Profit Participating Note (PPN).

52:14 – Discussion on AOFI Standard 62 and its implications for Sukuk.

58:02 – Pakistan’s aim to eliminate riba by 2028 and Bitcoin as freedom money.

1:09:50 – The role of prophetic values in building a better economic system.

1:11:25 – Advice for aspiring Islamic fintech entrepreneurs.

Meet Zaid Patel, owner of Highcastle Estates and host of The Muslim Pound Podcast.

In today’s Muslim Money Talk we discuss how and why property became such an attractive investment opportunity for Muslims, shariah compliant ways of growing a portfolio and whether property is still worth it as an investment?


This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

00:00 - Coming up 

01:55 - Creating The Muslim Pound Podcast 

06:06 - Having a victim mentality 

10:28 - Why Muslims love property 

13:17 - The Rent-to-rent business model

20:55 - Family businesses and working with fathers

25:47 - Why don’t Pakistanis help each other?

29:40 - Making Masjids the hubs of communities

31:35 - How real estate agents work 

37:00 - Is buying in London still worth it?

45:04 - Buying vs renting and community building 

51:30 - Starting a Podcast and personal branding

01:02:54 - Favourite guests so far  

01:05:42 - Saudi Arabia’s booming property market

01:10:06 - Leaving a legacy

Meet Youness Abidou, founder and CEO of Nester, a Sharia-compliant real estate investment platform in the UK. He shares insights on navigating the regulatory landscape, the challenges of Islamic finance, and his vision for addressing financial gaps in the Muslim community.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl. 

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs 

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App 

https://kestrl.io/

00:00 - Coming up

02:17 - Introduction and banking career 

07:41 - Discovering Islamic Finance

12:25 - Community demand for Islamic Finance

18:29 - Meeting co-founder Mohammed Paracha.

24:40 - British Muslims’ problems and Nester as a solution

28:59 - Early days and teething problems 

32:28 - Islamic vs Ethical branding 

38:11 - How Nester works for businesses 

44:51 - How Nester raises money from the crowd

48:35 - Commodity Murabaha and controversy 

53:17 - Getting a new license just for Nester 

56:32 - Funding rounds and first transactions 

59:12 - Future plans, and expansion to Saudi Arabia.

1:06:07 - Thoughts on the state of Islamic finance and community needs.

1:11:44 - Youness’ vision for Nester’s legacy and community impact.

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, Salman Hussein, co-founder of Zeed, discusses the intersection of AI, fintech, and Muslim values, explaining how personalised financial content can empower retail investors. The conversation also delves into entrepreneurship, risk-taking, and the transformative potential of AI in reshaping industries and faith-based engagement.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl.

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

00:00 – Opening

03:24 – From trading to founding: the key inspiration and leap into startups.

08:38 – Early challenges and successes: fundraising and building Zeed’s vision.

14:40 – Innovative AI applications: financial podcasts, broker calls, and content generation.

19:45 – Tackling AI challenges: hallucinations, bias, and delivering accurate personalization.

26:07 – How AI is reshaping finance and its potential impact on the Muslim world.

39:00 – Broader implications of AI: jobs, economics, and societal shifts.

52:56 – Zeed’s rebrand announcement and its future focus on empowering institutions.

Yasmine El-Mehairy, a serial entrepreneur and founder of Deja Money, discusses her journey through startups, her inspiration from the Arab Spring, and her mission to empower Muslim women in finance through Deja. She shares lessons learned from her past ventures and insights on fostering financial literacy and independence among women in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl.

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

00:00 - Opening

02:05 - Networking at fintech events.

03:06 - How entrepreneurship began accidentally.

05:56 - Founding Supermama to fill a content gap.

12:34 - Early funding challenges in Egypt.

17:01 - Supermama’s exit and stakeholder struggles.

24:32 - Cushies: A purpose-driven venture.

28:36 - Transition to UK fintech roles.

34:16 - Deja Money’s origins and goals.

38:38 - Cultural barriers to financial literacy.

44:30 - Saudi focus: Women in the workforce.

52:20 - Lessons on co-founders and networks.

54:52 - Building communities with intention.

58:19 - Yasmeen’s legacy and vision.

A 2024 round up! Alhamdullilah after 27 episodes we've have some incredible moments, from discussions on all things Muslim and Money related. Whether it was debating Islamic Finance, getting Personal finance tips, career advice or learning how to start a business there were some fantastic moments from the last 6 months.

Here are just a few...

Show Notes:

00:00 - Introduction

01:54 - Islamic Finance solving WORLD HUNGER?

02:57 - The Power of a Mother's Prayer

06:16 - My Wife Dared Me to Launch An Airline

10:13 - How Islamic is Islamic Finance?

15:37 - Can Women Have a Successful Career AND Family?

20:26 - Building Wealth that Lasts 1,400 years

26:26 - Banking is a Legalised Fraud!

31:02 - If Interest Is Everywhere- Is It All Hopeless?

35:58 - How Apartheid South Africa SHAPED Ideas About Money

39:02 - Dealing with Racism Growing Up In the UK

43:31 - Interest vs. Profit - What's the Difference?

49:41 - UK Schooling is BROKEN

53:42 - How Many Female Imam's Are There?

57:23 - Racism is a part of British Society

1:00:48 - Backlash from Boycotting CocaCola

1:05:01 - Finding Your Calling As A Founder

1:07:53 - How Can Muslims Unlock Their Potential?.

1:11:03 - The Story Behind Kestrl's Name

This episode dives into the purpose of life through the lens of Islam, with Ishaaq reflecting on the beauty and practicality of applying the Quran in daily life. The discussion spans personal development, virality in content creation while maintaining Islamic values, and navigating the balance between deen and dunya. It concludes with impactful lessons from Islamic history, leaving listeners inspired to align their actions with their ultimate purpose.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl.

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

00:00 – Introduction: The beauty of Islam and the Quran’s guidance.

02:30 – How internships and early experiences shaped Ishaaq’s growth.

05:12 – Pillars of growth and strategies for scaling an app like Nia.

09:12 – Organic vs. paid growth strategies in Islamic startups.

16:00 – Building a meaningful relationship with the Quran.

21:26 – Aligning deen and dunya: Practical advice for young Muslims.

27:27 – Choosing halal careers and maintaining sincerity in intentions.

36:34 – Ishaaq’s journey to becoming growth lead at Nia.

45:03 – Balancing gratitude, humility, and accountability.

49:48 – Formula for achieving virality while staying values-aligned.

59:36 – Quickfire questions: Favorite ayahs, advice for startups, and impactful hadiths.

1:07:29 – Reflection on the humility of Umar ibn Khattab (RA).

1:08:20 – Closing thoughts and gratitude for the conversation.

A very special guest for episode 30- our very own shariah scholar, Mufti Faraz Adam!

Mufti Faraz shares his views on the state of Islamic Finance and weighs in on current debates. From TikTok Fatwas and productivity hacks to how to be more like the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ when doing buiness.


This podcast is powered by Kestrl.

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App

https://kestrl.io/

00:00 – Opening

03:25 – Being A Lifelong Learner

04:25 – What is a Mufti?

08:39 – Emotional Burdens of being a Mufti

12:34 – Education and Personal Goal

17:49 – Changing Hate into Love: Learning from Enemies

23:36 – Why Focus on Islamic Finance?

30:07 – Finding Your Why

35:54 – Fatwa controversies & social media misinformation.

45:14 – Is Islamic finance truly halal?

51:45 – Achieving a Prophetic Level of Islamic Finance

57:15 – Should Islamic Finance be used by Non-Muslims?

1:02:37 – How the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ did Business

1:13:13 – The 4 AM productivity rule

1:18:51 – Q&A: Could a Waqf Resolve Home Financing?

1:20:02 - Q&A: What Qualifications are Best for an Islamic Finance Career? 

1:27:52 - Q&A: Is Sukuk Permissible? 

1:33:01 – Final thoughts on the industry’s future.

In this episode, Sheikh Mohammed Paracha an accomplished Islamic finance lawyer and fintech pioneer—shares his journey from drafting groundbreaking Sharia-compliant contracts to building Nesta, a non‐bank financial institution that reimagines ethical fixed income products. He also discusses the challenges of aligning conventional financial practices with true Islamic principles while advocating for regulatory innovation and grassroots engagement.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl.

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

0:00 - Islamic Finance and Fintech Opportunities

3:05 - Legal Career and Islamic Scholar Journey

12:05 - Pioneering Islamic Finance in the UK

22:10 - Breaking Ground in Islamic Finance

31:26 - Islamic Banking Feasibility Study and Challenges

39:31 - Reforming Islamic Finance and Fintech

43:22 - Innovative Sharia-Compliant Investment Platform

48:58 - Regulatory Challenges and Financial Empowerment

57:09 - Islamic Finance and Foreign Investment

1:04:54 - Innovative Approaches in Islamic Finance

1:10:31 - Islamic Finance and Entrepreneurial Insights

This episode of Muslim Money Talk features angel investor and VC Sokhiba Mukhitdinova, who shares her “Seven Secrets to a Successful Fundraise,” covering topics like laser focus, bootstrapping, smart capital, and the importance of community building. She also provides insights on the challenges of female founders, selecting the right investors, and the power of staying true to yourself in entrepreneurship.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl.

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes: 

00:00 - Opening 

09:00 - Navigating the World of Angel Investing

22:14 - Building Smart Capital for Startups

34:56 - Building a Strong Startup Team

48:41 -The Art of Early-Stage Investment

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, host Areeb Siddiqui is joined by Najib Al-Aswad, Director at IFAAS, and co-host Ali Siddiqui to discuss the intricacies of Islamic finance. They delve into whether Islamic finance is truly different from conventional finance, the challenges it faces in the UK, and why misconceptions persist. The conversation explores regulatory hurdles, awareness gaps, and the role of Sharia scholars in defining what is truly compliant.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl.

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

0:00- Opening

10:53 -Comparing Islamic Windows in Conventional Banks

16:56 - Evolution of Islamic Finance Principles

31:53 - Challenges in Islamic Finance Marketing

41:56 - Embracing Islamic Finance for All

51:29 - Navigating Sharia Compliance in the UK

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, host Areeb Siddiqui speaks with Omar Khaliel, founder of the Riba Free Foundation, about the societal harms of interest (riba) and the importance of financial literacy. They discuss how riba contributes to economic inequality, crime, and family breakdowns, and explore solutions through education, advocacy, and alternative financial systems.

This podcast is powered by Kestrl.

Kestrl is an app that helps Muslim to grow their wealth without compromising their beliefs

Kestrl - The Muslim Money App

https://kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

0:00 - Opening

7:25 - Understanding the Severity of Riba in Society

48:34 - Special Guest Umar Khalil Returns

1:00:37 - The Educative Role of the Riba Free Foundation

1:50:00 - Exploring Riba’s Impact on Marriages and Relationships

6:20:54 - The Enslavement of Debt and Mental Health

6:28:00 - Closing Remarks and Calls to Action

11:29:00 - The Importance of Financial Literacy and Mindset

21:10:00 - The Role of Youth in Addressing Riba's Dangers