Get To Know Our Speakers

UPDATED ON 2025-06-28

Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf is the Founder and CEO of Manzil, Canada’s premier Islamic FinTech company, which offers Shariah-compliant financial solutions such as mortgages and investment funds.

He earned a Doctorate in Islamic Finance from Henley Business School in the UK, focusing on the determinants influencing the adoption of Islamic banking and financial services among Canadian Muslim consumers. Additionally, he holds an MBA with a specialization in finance from the Rotman School of Management in Canada and an MSc in Corporate Governance from Henley Business School.

Dr. Sawwaf regularly advises the UAE government on Islamic finance practices and teaches corporate and Islamic finance, as well as entrepreneurship, at business schools in Toronto. He is widely recognized as a leading authority on Islamic finance in Canada.

In his role as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Canada Arab Business Council (CABC), Dr. Sawwaf advises Canadian and Arab governments on policies to enhance and expand economic relations and trade.

Ibrahim Diop is a software developer and consultant with nearly 15 years of experience specializing in delivering technology solutions for clients predominantly within Montreal’s finance and transportation sectors.

Throughout his career, Ibrahim has consistently demonstrated his expertise in designing and implementing robust software systems that address complex industry challenges.

Driven by a commitment to community and social impact, he actively explores innovative ways to integrate his technical skills with initiatives that support daily life improvements for Muslim communities.

At this conference, Ibrahim will discuss practical strategies for leveraging technology to simplify and enhance the daily practices of Muslims, helping them maintain their faith more easily in today’s fast-paced world. His talk will provide valuable insights and actionable ideas for technology professionals looking to positively impact their communities.

 Mufti Mirza-Zain Baig is Resident Mufti of the Canadian Center for Islamic Research and Ifta in Montreal, Canada. He is also a Sharia Consultant and Research Analyst at the Shariah Review Bureau (Bahrain), Internal Sharia Auditor for Manzil (Canada) and Principal of Dar Al-Ulum Montreal. He is an AAOIFI Certified Sharia Advisor and Auditor (CSAA) and holds a Certificate of Zakat Management with the International Institute of Islamic Business and Finance. He has completed the alim program at Darul Uloom Canada and his Ifta studies at Darul Ifta Mahmudiyyah under Mufti Ebrahim Desai in South Africa. Mufti Baig holds a Bachelors Degree from Concordia University and is pursuing an Executive Masters Degree in Islamic Finance from the International Center for Education in Islamic Finance (INCEIF) in Malaysia.

NURU Abizeyimana brings valuable experience in the banking sector, with a strong background in savings and small credit management. As an entrepreneur in the transport industry, he combines financial insight with practical business leadership. Deeply engaged in community initiatives, NURU is committed to sharing and applying his knowledge to support inclusive and sustainable development. His passion for empowering others makes him a dedicated contributor to community growth and economic resilience.

Mohammed Layachi

Mohammed Layachi, M.A.Sc, MBA
Secretary of the Board of Directors, Qurtuba
 
Mohammed Layachi brings over 18 years of experience in the telecommunications and call center industries. With a strong background in IT management, data management, and business analysis, he is known for his strategic mindset and results-driven approach. Mohammed excels in transforming business requirements into impactful process and quality improvements, backed by a solid foundation in business intelligence.
 
His communication skills, customer-focused approach, and proven analytical abilities have made him a valuable contributor to high-performing, fast-paced organizations. As Secretary of the Board at Qurtuba, he continues to play a key role in promoting technology-driven solutions and enhancing client experiences.
 
In addition to his professional achievements, Mohammed is actively engaged in the Montreal community, where he significantly contributes to promoting Halal economic solutions and ethical financial practices. His work reflects a commitment to both innovation and community empowerment.

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