Experience

DinarStandard

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Board Director / Senior Partner - Innovation, Strategy & Transformation

  • Sep 2020 - Present

  Dinar Standard is a growth strategy research and advisory firm empowering organisations for profitable and responsible global impact. Besides being a member of the board, I lead the Strategy, Innovation and Transformation practice specifically focusing on Government, Education and Financial Services Sectors. We’ve helped some of the most dynamic governments and institutions in the world achieve purposeful transformation to be relevant in the new world, while carving out new strategies for growth. This includes clients in the UAE, KSA, Malaysia, Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan and beyond. Our pioneering work includes the State of the Global Islamic Economy Report, Government in 2071, Global Islamic Fintech Report and Salaam Gateway. Show less



Unity Grammar

• Australia
• Primary and Secondary Education
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Chief Executive Officer

  • Jul 2022 - Present

  Like the faith that drives it, Unity is a humble educational institution that has global aspirations for impact - it’s impact through nurturing leadership for the betterment of humanity. Unity Grammar envisions our learners as pioneers of the future, inspired by our Islamic faith, driven to achieve for the betterment of humanity. As Chief Executive, I lead the charge to transform this school to deliver our vision of impact. I am responsible for the strategic management of the institution, from conceiving it’s vision mission and values, it’s 5 year strategic plan, administering and executing a transformation strategy and cultural transformation to it’s financial management, human development and most importantly, the development of a human centered culture that’s focuses on high empathy and high responsibility. Unity has set itself ambitious targets deliver on our vision and we have a detailed plan for get us there. Show less



Falcon Network

• Venture Capital and Private Equity Principals

• Venture Investor / Co-Founder

  • Nov 2018 - Present

  Falcon Network is an angel investment network connecting impact-driven investors with gifted entrepreneurs. Falcon's vision is to enable promising start-up enterprises that operate in high growth markets in Asia and Africa to realise their potential by providing seed capital and strategic advice. Portfolio Companies AION Digital (Bahrain) Hubpay (Dubai) Jatri (Bangladesh) Truck Lagbe (Bangladesh) Arogga (Bangladesh) ifarmer (Bangladesh) Durioo+ (Malaysia) Saaya Health (Bahrain) Virtual i Technologies (Switzerland) Show less



Australia for UNHCR

• Australia
• Fundraising
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Member of the Board of Directors / Leadership and Nominations Committee

  • 2022 - Present

  Australia for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national partner in Australia, raising funds and awareness to support displaced people across the globe. Australia for UNHCR unites caring Australians – individuals, community groups and businesses – to support people fleeing conflict, disaster and persecution. We advocate and fundraise for refugee protection, emergency aid, and long-term support and solutions, helping UNHCR reach millions of displaced people each year. Australia for UNHCR was established in 2000 and, with the support of generous Australians, today is one of the major private sector donors to UNHCR globally. Australia for UNHCR is also at the forefront of education and advocacy, working with media, ambassadors and influencers to educate Australians about the plight of displaced people around the world and UNHCR’s role in protecting them. Australia for UNHCR is committed to operating at the highest ethical standards, and is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID), the Fundraising Institute of Australia (FIA) and the Public Fundraising Regulatory Association (PFRA). Show less



YPO

• United States
• Non-profit Organizations
• 700 & Above Employee

• Member

  • Jan 2023 - Present



Responsible Finance & Investment (RFI) Foundation

• United Kingdom
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Founding Director

  • Feb 2015 - Present

  The Responsible Finance & Investment (RFI) Foundation was established with the aim of bringing together various forms of responsible finance & investment practices, encouraging consensus as the basis for convergence between standards, practices and regulations. The RFI operates under the principle that financial services is the most beneficial when the best ideas are incorporated from various forms of responsible finance, including Islamic finance. Key Activities of the RFI Foundation: To facilitate connectivity and understanding between the sustainability & ESG focused investment industry and the Islamic financial services industry. To facilitate the convergence of socially responsible finance and Islamic finance supported by data and with specific policy recommendations for implementation of common standards and facilitating connectivity between key stakeholders To be a powerful voice representing the perspectives and solutions of its members within the socially responsible financial services industry to senior government bodies, policy makers, and institutional investors. The RFI acts as an advocate for regulatory and financial policies that will remove barriers that inhibit the development of socially responsible finance. To enhance engagement with institutional investors such as pension funds and sovereign wealth funds in order for them to assess appropriately all types of socially responsible financial instruments and institutions (including Islamic instruments and institutions) as a legitimate investable universe. To expand adoption of the various forms of socially responsible finance by developing and enhancing the required human capital consisting of people who understand the different approaches to socially responsible finance and are committed to expanding its footprint across the globe. Show less



EmeraldPublishing

• United Kingdom
• Book and Periodical Publishing
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Editorial Advisory Board Member

  • Jun 2009 - Present

  Responsible for blind peer review of academic and professional research related to Islamic finance, accounting and business research.

• Editorial Advisory Board Member

  • 2011 - Jun 2016

  Responsible for blind peer review of professional and academic research related to the Islamic and Middle Eastern financial markets



Crescent Foundation

• Australia
• Non-profit Organization Management
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Executive Director

  • Nov 2018 - Aug 2022

  The Crescent Foundation is passionate about bringing a positive change to the Australian community. We aim to be the flag bearers' on four major causes: Education and Refugees; Helping the homeless & houseless; The conservation of Islamic Art & Culture; and Civics, youth and democracy The Crescent Foundation is passionate about bringing a positive change to the Australian community. We aim to be the flag bearers' on four major causes: Education and Refugees; Helping the homeless & houseless; The conservation of Islamic Art & Culture; and Civics, youth and democracy



Crescent Wealth

• Australia
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Head Of Group Strategy

  • Nov 2020 - Jun 2022

  Crescent Group includes Crescent Wealth Super, Crescent Finance, Crescent Institute and the Crescent Foundation. Crescent Group offers ethical and Islamic compliant financial services solutions with a vision to open up Australia for all. Established in 2013, Crescent Wealth Super is growing rapidly and has more than 11,000 members and several hundred million under management. Crescent Group includes Crescent Wealth Super, Crescent Finance, Crescent Institute and the Crescent Foundation. Crescent Group offers ethical and Islamic compliant financial services solutions with a vision to open up Australia for all. Established in 2013, Crescent Wealth Super is growing rapidly and has more than 11,000 members and several hundred million under management.



Western Sydney University

• Australia
• Higher Education
• 700 & Above Employee

• Inaugural Industry Curriculum Fellow - 21st Century Curriculum Project

  • Jun 2021 - Dec 2021

  This role assists Western Sydney University’s innovative and world leading 21St century curriculum Challenge teams of staff and students collaborating on designing curriculum to develop a new type of graduate with the transdisciplinary ‘hybrid’ capabilities needed for their success in a disrupted future of work and society. Industry Curriculum Fellows contribute their expertise in various ways, including: • participating in an External Advisory group; • providing industry knowledge, insights and expertise to the Challenge teams; • participating in review panels; • being a keynote/panelist at information sessions. Show less



The Executive Office of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

• United Arab Emirates
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Advisor (/Director), Future Foresight & Innovation Projects

  • Jul 2015 - Sep 2020

  Conceiving, developing and executing strategic initiatives and projects for the Executive Office of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to achieve its objectives in relation to its strategic, innovation and social mission. The Executive Office has been behind some of the most iconic projects and initiatives in the UAE and the world including: Dubai International Financial Center Dubai Media City Dubai Internet City Smart Dubai Global Village Dubai Cares The Executive Council Dubai The Prime Ministers Office My role involved: 1. Development of master strategies for the Emirate of Dubai and the United Arab Emirates 2. Execution of major strategic initiatives with government and private sector partners 3. Seeding and incubating multiple initiatives before they are launched across the Emirates. Key initiatives that I have materially contributed to or significantly designed include: 1. UAE Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 2. University Entrepreneurship Program - 50th Charter Initiative 3. Dubai 10X 4. Dubai / DIFC Future of Finance Strategy 5. Area 2071 6. Dubai Islamic Economy Development Center 7. Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Center for Endowment Consultancy 8. Research Innovation and Commercialisation Strategy 9. Platform Dubai 10. University of the Future Show less



EFICA - Ethical Finance Innovation Challenge and Awards

• Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

• Founder and Advisory Board Member

  • Jun 2013 - Nov 2017

  In 2013, Thomson Reuters and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) partnered to launch the world’s first Ethical Finance Innovation Challenge and Awards (EFICA) to inspire and recognise fresh ways of thinking and promote the most dynamic actionable solutions that advance ethics in the world’s financial services businesses. In 2013, Thomson Reuters and Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank (ADIB) partnered to launch the world’s first Ethical Finance Innovation Challenge and Awards (EFICA) to inspire and recognise fresh ways of thinking and promote the most dynamic actionable solutions that advance ethics in the world’s financial services businesses.



Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre

• United Arab Emirates
• Government Administration
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Projects Advisor

  • Jul 2015 - Jan 2017

  Advise and assist the Center in achieving the strategic objectives of the Government of Dubai to develop itself as a Capital of the Global Islamic Economy. Advise and assist the Center in achieving the strategic objectives of the Government of Dubai to develop itself as a Capital of the Global Islamic Economy.



Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy

• Dubai

• Advisor

  • Mar 2016 - Dec 2016

  The Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRGCEC) was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai as an endowment for good to execute the Dubai Global Vision for Awqaf and Endowments and to enhance and encourage strategic philanthropy in the Arab region. To find out more about the vision and strategy, please visit www.mbrgcec.ae The Mohammed Bin Rashid Global Centre for Endowment Consultancy (MBRGCEC) was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai as an endowment for good to execute the Dubai Global Vision for Awqaf and Endowments and to enhance and encourage strategic philanthropy in the Arab region. To find out more about the vision and strategy, please visit www.mbrgcec.ae



Finance Accreditation Agency (FAA)

• Malaysia
• Financial Services
• 1 - 100 Employee

• Moderator

  • Jun 2014 - Jun 2016

  Reviewing educational programs to ensure they reflect the highest standards in their particular area of learning. I am specifically consulted on capital markets and Islamic finance educational programs. Reviewing educational programs to ensure they reflect the highest standards in their particular area of learning. I am specifically consulted on capital markets and Islamic finance educational programs.



Thomson Reuters

• Canada
• Software Development
• 700 & Above Employee

• Global Head Islamic Capital Markets

  • May 2010 - May 2015

  Responsible for full spectrum leadership for Thomson Reuters Islamic markets business, providing knowledge and information services to governments and businesses to execute their strategies related to Islamic markets. These include the delivery of knowledge and analytics, research and consulting services. Dr. Sayd Farook's focus in Thomson Reuters has been the intersection of technology, financial services, media and intelligence to produce actionable results across the Islamic markets from high street Sukuk to main street SMEs. He has built up this innovation based profitable business from scratch to now become the award winning technology provider for the Islamic banking industry. Some of the initiatives he has led to success include: Islamic Interbank Benchmark Rate Thomson Reuters EIKON Islamic Finance Gateway Islamic Finance Gateway Community Thomson Reuters Bahrain Islamic Finance Knowledge Hub Islamic Finance Country Reports (in conjunction with IRTI - IDB and CIBAFI) Zawya Islamic - One Stop Platform for knowledge and investment solutions for Islamic finance and investment professionals. Ethical Finance Innovation Challenge and Awards (EFICA) in partnership with ADIB Thomson Reuters ICD Islamic Finance Development Indicator Global Islamic Economy Summit - in partnership with the Dubai Government (Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Executive Office) SalaamGateway.com Show less



Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions

• Bahrain

• Adjunct Lecturer - Professional Program

  • Dec 2008 - Jan 2015

  Responsible for preparing and delivering the AAOIFI's CIPA qualification training program Responsible for preparing and delivering the AAOIFI's CIPA qualification training program



Supervisor/Examiner/Lecturer

• Various

• Islamic Finance Lecturer

  • Jan 2007 - Dec 2012

  Responsible for various Islamic finance educational initiatives including lecturing at postgrad and undergrad University level and examining and supervising theses for masters and phd students. Responsible for various Islamic finance educational initiatives including lecturing at postgrad and undergrad University level and examining and supervising theses for masters and phd students.



Dar Al Istithmar

• Financial Services

• Senior Consultant (Structuring and Legal)

  • May 2009 - May 2010

  Responsible for Legal and Structuring for Dar Al Istithmar's Shari'a Advisory Services. Also responsible for Oxford Islamic Finance research and consulting initiatives. * Inhouse legal review of all Dar Al Istithmar documentation including management of legal risk * Preparation of documentation and structuring of products for clients * Front office client contact and business development; managing relationships while providing clients with an enhanced view of opportunities in the Islamic financial markets. Show less



Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance (BIBF)

• Bahrain
• Education Administration Programs
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Research and Development Manager, Center for Islamic Finance

  • May 2007 - May 2009

  Responsible for leading the Center’s growth and innovation strategy, including formulation, sourcing funds, planning and execution. The growth strategy focuses on three stages with each having defined target for the Center and for the Islamic Financial Industry. Led the Center to achieve the Best Islamic Finance Training institution for two years in a row. Developed the first dual concentration Masters in Islamic Finance offered in conjunction with DePaul University and some of the world's leading thinkers in Islamic Finance. Led the development of over 10 text books covering specialist topics in Islamic finance, including Islamic treasury and liquidity management, Islamic investment banking, Islamic commercial banking, Islamic commercial jurisprudence, Accounting, auditing and governance for Islamic financial institutions, Risk management for Islamic financial institutions and many more. Surpassed revenue targets every year with over 30 percent buffer. Show less



Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions

• Governance Standard Consultant

  • Jun 2006 - Oct 2008

  Key Functions: • Responsible for the development, design and structuring of the Corporate Social Responsibility Governance standard for Islamic financial institutions • Conduct qualitative and quantitative empirical research to ensure that the Governance standard fulfils the vision of Islamic principles, while considering the needs and limitations of all stakeholders • Prepare preliminary feasibility study to detail the motivation, justification and structure of the Governance Standard for presentation to the AAOIFI Standards board • Submit Investment Account Holder, Ijarah, Musharaka, Mudaraba and Murabaha, Risk Management related depositions to the Accounting Standards Board to revise current accounting and disclosure standards and further improve Islamic bank transparency. • Liaise with AAOIFI board members and analysts to resolve outstanding issues related to the development of the Governance standard and incorporate new provisions into the standard. Show less



UTS School of Accounting

• Lecturer

  • Jan 2004 - May 2007

  Prepared and delivered seminars on first, second and final year Business subjects on both undergraduate and masters levels, including Business Analysis and Valuation, Accounting for Business, Cost Management Systems etc. Prepared and delivered seminars on first, second and final year Business subjects on both undergraduate and masters levels, including Business Analysis and Valuation, Accounting for Business, Cost Management Systems etc.