THE Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) and Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies announced the appointment of Dr Abdulkader Thomas as the first Sultan Nazrin Shah Fellow, a pioneering initiative aimed at advancing thought leadership, innovation, and sustainability in Islamic finance.
The appointment, effective 1 November 2025, is endorsed by His Royal Highness Sultan Nazrin Shah, who serves as royal patron for Malaysia’s Islamic finance programme.
Dr Thomas, 69, will lead research studies on Islamic financial markets, focusing on promoting Malaysia’s thought leadership guided by Maqasid al-Shariah, while exploring wider themes in impact investing, sustainability, and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles.
The fellowship aims to position Maqasid al-Shariah as a globally applicable framework aligning Islamic capital markets with sustainable and responsible investment objectives.
“The fellowship programme offers an opportunity to engage with renowned scholars and industry leaders worldwide in influencing the future of Islamic finance,” said SC Chairman Datuk Mohammad Faiz Azmi.
“It will serve as a catalyst for pioneering research, fostering strategic partnerships, and promoting knowledge-sharing to advance the development of Islamic finance.”
The Sultan Nazrin Shah Fellowship builds on the SC’s long-standing collaboration with the Oxford Centre for Islamic Studies (OCIS), a partnership spanning over 15 years.
Since 2010, the SC-OCIS Roundtable has provided a platform for sustained dialogue on the evolution of Islamic finance, shaping innovative solutions for the Islamic capital market.
Under the fellowship, Dr Thomas will also engage with policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, and academic partners, while strengthening international collaboration across the United Kingdom and beyond. The programme commenced in November 2025.
Dr Thomas brings extensive experience in Islamic finance, having previously served as Publisher and Chief Executive Officer of the American Journal of Islamic Finance.
He has held senior positions, including membership of the Administrative Committee of Guidance Financial Group and Acting Chief Executive of the Islamic Investment Banking Unit at United Kuwait Bank.
The appointment reflects the SC’s ongoing commitment to shaping the future of the Islamic finance industry through knowledge, innovation, and collaboration, reinforcing Malaysia’s status as a global leader in Shariah-compliant finance. - February 19, 2026
