#447 Islamic Finance Meets Blockchain: Ethical DeFi with Haqq Network’s Alex Malkov & Andrey Kuznetsov

In this episode, I sit down with Alex Malkov and Andrey Kuznetsov, co-founders of Haqq Network, to explore how Islamic finance and blockchain are merging to create ethical DeFi solutions. Haqq Network aims to bring Sharia-compliant financial products into the Web3 space, addressing fairness, transparency, and financial inclusion. We discuss real-world tokenization, the role of AI in DeFi, and how blockchain can revolutionize Islamic finance for 2 billion Muslims worldwide.

Key Takeaways

✅ Bridging Islamic Finance & Web3 – Why Sharia-compliant finance matters in DeFi

✅ Tokenization of Real Assets – Gold, Sukuk, and commodities in the blockchain era

✅ Regulatory Landscape – How MENA and Southeast Asia are shaping crypto adoption

✅ AI in Blockchain – The role of machine learning in ethical finance and user experience

✅ Beyond Meme Coins – Why sustainable, mission-driven crypto matters

What You’ll Learn

📌 The core principles of Islamic finance and how they apply to DeFi

📌 How Haqq Network is pioneering Sharia-compliant blockchain solutions

📌 The challenges and opportunities in tokenizing real-world assets

📌 Why AI is a game-changer for user-friendly DeFi adoption

📌 The future of ethical investing in blockchain

About the Guests

🔹 Alex Malkov – Alex Malkov combines over a decade of legal experience with a focus on Web3 projects. He has worked with major blockchain and fintech firms like AAVE and Bequant, ensuring legal compliance and innovative approaches in the space. His leadership at HAQQ focuses on building an ethics-first blockchain platform that addresses real-world challenges, particularly in emerging markets. His areas of expertise include DeFi, crypto adoption in South East Asia, Real World Tokenization, Rise of Islamic Fintech, Blockchain solutions.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/probono42/

🔹 Andrey Kuznetsov –Andrey is a serial entrepreneur and engineer focused on fintech, cybersecurity, and network communication solutions. He has led teams that have built payment services, corporate messengers, blockchain staking services, and financial analysis software.Andrey is a serial entrepreneur and engineer focused on fintech, cybersecurity, and network communication solutions. He has led teams that have built payment services, corporate messengers, blockchain staking services, and financial analysis software. His areas of expertise include real world tokenization, crypto adoption in GCC and SEA regions, and a tech side of blockchain. 

https://www.linkedin.com/in/brainsmith/

https://haqq.network

Episode Highlights

⏳ [00:00] – Welcome & Introduction to Haqq Network

⏳ [02:00] – Alex & Andrey’s backgrounds and roles at Haqq

⏳ [05:00] – The inspiration behind Haqq Network & Islamic Coin

⏳ [08:00] – How Sharia principles apply to blockchain finance

⏳ [12:00] – Tokenizing real assets: Gold, commodities, and beyond

⏳ [18:00] – Regulatory insights: MENA vs. Southeast Asia adoption

⏳ [26:00] – AI’s impact on blockchain & DeFi accessibility

⏳ [35:00] – The future of ethical crypto & sustainable DeFi

⏳ [45:00] – Final thoughts: Advice for entrepreneurs in Web3