Islamic Finance Guru

Islamic Finance Guru (IFG) is a UK-based financial technology and media company positioning itself as a central hub for Muslims seeking guidance on investments, personal finance, and entrepreneurship. The company was founded by Ibrahim Khan and Mohsin Patel, who met at Oxford University and launched IFG in 2015 as a blog while pursuing careers as corporate lawyers. Khan holds degrees from Oxford and an MA in Islamic Banking, alongside an Alim degree in Islamic sciences, while Patel is also an Oxford graduate and former corporate lawyer. Identifying a gap in the market for accessible, Sharia-compliant financial guidance, they ran the platform as a community service for four years before committing to it full-time in late 2019.

IFG's business model is diversified, generating revenue through several streams. These include educational courses, the creation of Islamic wills, advertising partnerships, and its investment arm, Cur8 Capital. The company emphasizes that the majority of its income derives from its own products rather than third-party advertising, which it says allows for editorial neutrality. Cur8 Capital provides users access to in-house funds across real estate, private equity, and fixed income, structured in a Sharia-compliant manner. The platform has facilitated over $120 million in investments through Cur8. Another key service is a tool for creating Islamic wills, with over 3,000 drafted through partnerships with major charities. The company also previously offered a subscription-based 'Fund Replicator' service to help users screen for and identify halal stocks.

The firm primarily serves the global Muslim community, aiming to bridge the gap between classical Islamic scholarship and contemporary financial practices. Its content, which includes articles, courses, and tools like a Zakat calculator, is designed to demystify complex financial topics and make them accessible. The company has successfully raised capital to fuel its growth, securing approximately $4.13 million in a Series A funding round in July 2021, led by Outward VC and B&Y Venture Partners. This funding followed an earlier Angel round in 2020. Recognized for their work, the founders were included in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2020.

Keywords: Islamic finance, halal investing, Sharia-compliant investments, Muslim personal finance, fintech, wealth management, Cur8 Capital, Islamic wills, Zakat calculator, ethical finance, halal mortgage, sukuk, Islamic bonds, venture capital, financial literacy, Muslim entrepreneurs, Ibrahim Khan, Mohsin Patel, Islamic wealth, Halal portfolio, Sharia screening, Islamic private equity, UK fintech, financial education, asset management