As global financial markets from equities to gold to cryptocurrencies continue to surge from record high to new heights, retail investing is becoming mainstream. Yet for many in Europe, financial literacy remains limited. In schools and universities, courses in investing, financial instruments, risk management or portfolio theory are still rare. Muslim investors face an extra layer of complexity: many conventional investment vehicles (for example, bonds) are interest-based, and not all companies qualify as shariah-compliant. Islamic finance institutions have developed screening criteria and governance rules to assess whether a company can be included in halal investment portfolios.
This half-day workshop is designed to bring you to the front lines of practical Islamic finance. Participants will gain hands-on insight into how halal investing really works in modern capital markets, what instruments are available, and how to access them in Europe.
Speakers
We are honored to host:
- Monem Salam, MBA — Executive Vice President, Director & Portfolio Manager, Saturna Capital
Salam has led Saturna’s Islamic investing initiatives since joining in 2003. He holds a BA from University of Texas at Austin and an MBA from University of Texas at Dallas, and previously served as a Morgan Stanley representative. Over nearly two decades, he has held various roles including Director of Islamic Investing, and was responsible for Saturna’s Malaysia operations before returning to the U.S. He currently manages Amana Income and Amana Developing World Funds, and is Deputy Portfolio Manager of Amana Growth Fund. He is also a co-author of A Muslim’s Guide to Investing & Personal Finance.
- Pontus Selander — European Representative, Saturna Capital
Based in Europe, Mr. Selander is a regional consultant for Saturna Capital and leads engagements throughout Europe. With a long trackrecord from the financial sector, renewable energy investments and charity sector he is a convert to Islam and has championed ethical / halal investing in the Nordic region. On the podcast Muslim Money Talk, he shares his journey from a behind-the-scenes finance career to leading Islamic finance efforts with Saturna.
Together, they will lead an immersive English-language workshop covering:
- The fundamentals of investing (equities, funds, alternative assets)
- How to define shariah-compliance (screening: forbidden sectors, financial ratio filters, purification)
- Available halal instruments (halal equity funds, sukūk, Islamic ETFs, etc.)
- Practical access for Swiss resident investors (account setups, custodians, fund vehicles)
- Panel discussion on the future of value-based ESG investing
- Live Q&A: bring your questions, case studies, and investment challenges
This event is ideal for Muslim professionals, aspiring investors, financial advisors, students, and anyone interested in ethical finance.
Date & Time: Sunday, 23 November 2025, 12:00 – 17:00
Location: Zürich
Language: English
Format: Workshop with lecture, breakout discussion, panel, Q&A
Minimum Age: This event is not made for children. Admission from 16 years onwards only.
