Programs, conversations, and community.

On September 17, 2026, more than 160 students, professionals, community leaders and industry practitioners gathered at Baruch College for the inaugural Islamic Finance Conference. Hosted by the Baruch Muslim Business Association in collaboration with the NYU Muslim Student Association and Columbia Muslim Student Association, the event brought together Islamic finance, investment research, professional development and cross-campus collaboration in one forum.

The conference was built around a broader goal: creating stronger institutional pathways for students interested in Islamic finance and ethical investing. Rather than treating the field as a niche academic subject, the event connected students directly with practitioners working across investment management, financial technology, entrepreneurship and Sharia-compliant finance.

The Baruch Islamic Investment Research Group (BIIRG) presented its work in Sharia-aligned investment research and its effort to build an institutional-style student research platform across equities, macroeconomics, sukuk and fixed income, real assets and quantitative research. The conference also introduced The Mahalla Network, a professional network designed to connect Muslim students and young professionals across universities and industries.

The evening’s panel featured Dr. Mohamed Sawwaf, Founder and CEO of Manzil; Dr. Aamir A. Rehman of Innate Capital; and Nusrat Ahmed of Musaffa. Their discussion focused on how Islamic finance works in practice, how the industry is evolving and how students can prepare for careers within it.

NYC Deputy Public Advocate Kashif Hussain also addressed attendees on the importance of leadership, community and institution-building. The Office of the New York City Public Advocate formally recognized the Baruch Muslim Business Association, BIIRG and the three panelists for their service and contributions to the community.

The conference was intended to be a starting point. BIIRG will continue expanding its research, education and industry engagement, while The Mahalla Network is building toward its flagship MPower Summit in Fall 2027. Together, these initiatives reflect a broader effort to build lasting infrastructure connecting Muslim students with investment research, Islamic finance, professional networks and institutional opportunities.