The Swedish Revert: Discovering Islam & Islamic Finance | MMT Ep 59 - Pontus Selander

In this episode of Muslim Money Talk, Pontus Selander shares his journey from atheist stockbroker-in-training in Sweden to embracing Islam and becoming a leader in Islamic finance with Saturna Capital. He and host Areeb Siddiqui dive into halal investing, ESG, the challenges of Islamic wealth management, and how Muslims can start investing responsibly, even with small amounts.

This podcast is hosted by Areeb Siddiqui, the founder and CEO of Kestrl, the app that helps people to grow their wealth without compromise

Find out more about our app here: https://kestrl.io/

And how we help banks here: https://business.kestrl.io/

Show Notes:

00:00 - Opening 

06:20 – Pontus’ upbringing in Sweden, father’s death, early reflections on God.

13:00 – University debates with Muslim friends, prejudice, and first real exposure to Islam.

18:00 – Journey to Shahada, struggles with prayer and alcohol, finding meaning.

27:00 – Family and community reactions, first Eid experience, challenges as a revert.

32:30 – Career in finance, haram investments, dua for change, move into renewables.

39:00 – Marriage, leaving lucrative but haram opportunities, focus on halal income.

50:00 – Challenges in Islamic investing: lack of diversity, Sukuk, BDS concerns.

59:00 – Active vs passive investing, Saturna’s approach to screening & ESG.

10:06:00 – Growth of Islamic investing in UK & Sweden, importance of education.

01:10:00 – Future of Saturna & Kestrel, advice for Muslim fintech and investors.