Inclusive Finance: Unlocking Growth through Values-Based Innovation

Inclusive Finance

Unlocking Growth through Values-Based Innovation

A one-day conference hosted by the University of Bradford Norcroft Auditorium

Date: Tuesday 16th December 2025

Time: 9:30 - 16:00

Venue: University of Bradford, Richmond Rd, Bradford BD7 1DP - Norcroft Building

The Narrative:

In an era defined by rapid innovation and urgent calls for equity, the Ethical Faith and Finance Conference offers a timely platform to reimagine the role of finance in building a fairer, more sustainable world. This gathering brings together a dynamic mix of thought leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and community advocates to explore how ethical values whether rooted in faith, culture, or conscience can shape inclusive economic systems.

At the intersection of ethical values and economic empowerment, the Conference convenes thought leaders, practitioners, and changemakers to explore how finance rooted in responsibility, inclusivity, and faith-based principles can shape the future.

From the rise of responsible fintech to the transformative potential of Islamic and Shariah-compliant finance, the agenda shines a light on opportunities for diaspora engagement, inclusive wealth creation, and investment across manufacturing, technology, and the green economy. With ESG-aligned products like green sukuk and ethical investment funds driving net zero ambitions in West Yorkshire, and the underutilisation of tax-efficient wealth tools among British Muslims, the conference will unpack the systemic drivers behind financial exclusion and champion Shariah-compliant solutions for a more equitable future.

Green and sustainable finance as a catalyst for climate justice is its potential to redirect capital toward communities most vulnerable to climate change, recent research in inclusive financial services highlights as climate-adaptive loans, green microfinance, and ESG-aligned investment products these can empower low-income populations to build resilience, participate in green transitions, and access climate-related social protections.

As fintech reshapes access to banking, credit, and investment, ethical guardrails are essential to ensure innovation serves all communities fairly. From AI-driven lending models to digital wealth platforms, responsible fintech must embed transparency, data privacy, and algorithmic fairness at its core. Global frameworks like the FEAT principles (Fairness, Ethics, Accountability, Transparency) and emerging AI regulations are helping financial institutions balance innovation with integrity ensuring that tech-driven solutions uplift rather than exclude.

Format:

9.30 Registration 16:00 Close

10:00 Welcome & Setting the Scene

Key note sessions from Policy Makers & Experts

• Mayor Tracy Brabin champions ethical finance as a driver of inclusive, climate-resilient growth across West Yorkshire. Her leadership reimagines local governance through green investment and community empowerment, ensuring no one is left behind in the transition to a fairer economy.
• Naz Shah MP focuses on the transformative power of ethical and Islamic finance to tackle economic inequality and foster inclusive growth across the UK. As Chair of the APPG on Islamic Banking and Finance, she advocates for positioning Britain as a global hub for faith-aligned financial innovation rooted in social justice
• Sheikh Bilal Khan MBA: With his strategic insight, legal expertise, and faith-based perspective. Drawing from his global leadership in Islamic finance, law, and diplomacy, here’s what he could cover Faith-Based Finance in a Global Context Shariah-Compliant Innovation and Legal Frameworks Diaspora Wealth and Global Trade Islamic Finance as a Driver of Climate Justice
• Regulatory Frameworks for Ethical Investment: Arshadur Rahman (Ash)

Senior Manager in the Bank of England’s Data and Statistics Division/ Specialist in Islamic finance

Outlining how the Bank of England supports transparency, accountability, and ESG standards in financial markets, and how these align with faith-based and values-driven investment models.

12:30 Networking lunch

13:30 Breakout sessions facilitated by experts – Three Breakout sessions:

• Islamic Finance: Sheikh Bilal Khan

At the intersection of ethical values and economic empowerment, the Faith and Ethical Finance Conference convene thought leaders, practitioners, and changemakers to explore how finance rooted in responsibility, inclusivity, and faith-based principles can shape the future. From the rise of responsible fintech to the transformative potential of Islamic and Shariah-compliant finance, the agenda shines a light on opportunities for diaspora engagement, inclusive wealth creation, and investment across manufacturing, technology, and the green economy. With ESG-aligned products like green sukuk and ethical investment funds driving net zero ambitions in West Yorkshire, and the underutilisation of tax-efficient wealth tools among British Muslims, the conference will unpack the systemic drivers behind financial exclusion and champion Shariah-compliant solutions for a more equitable future.

• Responsible Fintech: Marizah Minhat / Nazam Dzolkarnaini

The traditionally regulated financial industry has been disrupted by the innovative and liberalised use of financial technology (FinTech) in the cyberspace. While tech-driven financial solutions can foster economic development and help improve financial inclusion, a liberalised use of FinTech without responsible management could unintendedly reduce security to vulnerability. Considering the risks, ‘Responsible FinTech’ agenda is formally introduced in this session to inspire a critical discourse for the public interest. This session navigates the definition and scope of the agenda from an ethical and interdisciplinary perspective to offer a prudent approach in embracing FinTech. Research findings regarding some unintended consequences of FinTech activities and regulatory implications will be presented to inspire stakeholder empowerment and activism in this space in support of human rights.

14:30 Plenary Panel Session:

• Facilitator: Prof Sherif El-Khamisy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Research & Innovation
• Islamic Finance: Sheikh Bilal Khan
• Responsible Fintech: Marizah Minhat Bradford University
• Sharia-compliant Social Investment Fund: Kamran Rashid Impact Hub

16:00 Conference Ends

Ambition: is for West Yorkshire as a hub for Inclusive Finance outside London

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