Socially Responsible Impact Investing in Volatile Pandemic Times

Join and participate in a panel discussion on Socially Responsible Impact Investing considerations during volatile pandemic times with our esteemed speakers and experts: Br. Mohamed Iqbal Asaria, Br. Naushad Virji, Br. Monem Salam

At a time of growing global social inequity and an impending climate crisis in volatile times, what should be the considerations of a socially responsible impact investor?

What are the socially responsible investment options and how should one approach/navigate the complex world of these options?

Investments  can take active and passive forms. What are the pros and cons of each?  ETFs are a way to diversify risk and still benefit from overall market growth. What ETF investment options align with faith based universal values for a more equitable society?

How is the financial sector in western countries evolving to cater to a more discerning investor who not only wants to live the values of her/his faith but also be environmentally and socially more responsible?

Listen               : Live Stream

Join                   : Interactive Session

Program:         : 12:00 Noon Open with Qur'an

                         : 12:05 PM     Panel Discussion followed by Q&A

                         :  1:00  PM     Conclude

Br. Mohamed Iqbal Asaria

Br. Mohamed Iqbal Asaria of UK, a professor at the London Institute of Banking and Finance and a recipient of Queen's Honors Award, was a member of the working party set up by the Governor of The Bank of England to look into issues relating to the introduction of Islamic financial products in the UK. He was previously a resource person on International Financial Institutions and GATT/WTO for the Third World Network. He provided  specialist advice on International financial flows, multi-lateral lending and international trade (1985 – 1995); and served as Chairman of the influential World Bank – NGO Committee (1985 – 1990).

He is a Fellow of the Chartered Association of Certified Accountants and a graduate of the Victoria University of Manchester where he also completed his masters in Economics (Accounting & Finance). He was awarded the CBE in the 2005 Queen’s honours list for services to international development.  

Iqbal has advised several financial institutions in the UK and overseas on Islamic financial services. Since 2005, he has been Special Advisor on Business & Economic Affairs to the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain.  

Iqbal teaches post graduate courses in Islamic Finance, Banking and Insurance at several leading universities including CASS Business School, CASS Executive MBA program in Dubai, Aston Business School and Bangor Business School.  

For the last eight years Iqbal has been the convener of the annual International Takaful Summit and is a leading thought leader in the Takaful industry.  

Br. Monem Salam  

Monem Salam is Executive Vice President and a Director of Saturna Capital.  He received his degrees from the University of Texas: BA (Austin) and MBA (Dallas). He worked as the Chief Investment Officer for ITG & Associates (Dallas) until 1999; then as a representative with Morgan Stanley (suburban Dallas) until joining Saturna Capital in June 2003.  He served as the Director of Islamic investing and a Deputy Portfolio Manager to the Amana Mutual Funds Trust until moving to Kuala Lumpur in 2012 to oversee Saturna Sdn. Bhd. In 2018, he returned to the United States. He is Portfolio Manager of the Amana Income and Developing World Funds, as well as investment management accounts, and a Deputy Portfolio Manager of Amana Growth Fund. 

Monem is Adjunct Professor at IE Business School and speaks at Islamic finance/investment conferences worldwide and he is co-author of A Muslim's Guide to Investing and Personal Finance. Monem has authored chapters on Islamic Investing in both Contemporary Islamic Finance and Islamic Capital Markets and he contributes articles to leading Islamic financial magazines. As a mark of recognition of his achievements in Islamic economy, Monem was ranked among 500 of the Islamic world's most prominent and influential leaders by ISLAMICA 500 in 2015.  

Br. Naushad Virji 

Naushad Virji is CEO of Sharia Portfolio. ShariaPortfolio is a leader in offering comprehensive Sharia-compliant investment solutions.    

Naushad Virji was born in Italy in 1971 but has lived in Florida since 1975. Naushad earned a degree in business administration from the University of Florida and then went on to successfully complete his series 65 NASD examination to become a registered investment advisor representative.  

With an interest in activism and community service, Naushad co-founded the United Muslim Foundation, where he currently serves on the board of directors. Naushad is also on the advisory board of Advance Law, a Washington DC based legal consulting firm that works with some of the largest companies in the world to help retain quality law firms that have been carefully vetted to provide superior value.