Baruch students launch Islamic finance network in New York

More than 160 students, professionals and civic leaders gathered at Baruch College on Sept. 17 for the inaugural Islamic Finance Conference, where student groups unveiled new efforts to build an Islamic finance ecosystem and Muslim professional network in New York. The event also set up follow-on research, mentorship and programming ahead of a planned MPower Summit in fall 2027.

Why it matters: - Baruch College students are building a local pipeline for Islamic finance education, research and careers in New York. - The conference linked student-led organizations with industry leaders, creating a clearer path from campus projects to professional opportunities. - The effort could help Muslim students and young professionals grow in finance without separating career goals from religious principles.

What happened: - More than 160 students, professionals, community leaders and industry practitioners attended the Inaugural Islamic Finance Conference at Baruch College on Sept. 17, 2026. - The Baruch Muslim Business Association hosted the event with the NYU Muslim Student Association and Columbia Muslim Student Association. - The conference focused on the institutions students are building for Islamic finance and Muslim professional development in New York. - Organizers said the event was the start of longer-term work that will continue through research, mentorship and education.

The details: - The Baruch Islamic Investment Research Group, or BIIRG, was one of the main student initiatives featured at the conference. - BIIRG is led by Co-Founder and Chief Investment Officer Oleg Godun and Co-Founder Yazdaan Sarwar. - BIIRG was created to help students build research, analytical and portfolio-management skills through Sharia-aligned investing. - The group covers equities, fixed income and sukuk, real assets, macroeconomics and quantitative research. - BIIRG students research investments, present pitches, analyze the economy and manage simulated portfolios. - The Mahalla Network launched at the conference and was presented by student founders Yazdaan Sarwar, Mahdeer Rahman and Naima Islam. - Mahalla is designed as a professional and community platform for Muslim leaders in business, finance, law, engineering, entrepreneurship, technology and other fields. - Mahalla plans to focus on mentorship, collaboration, career development, community-building and service. - The conference framed BIIRG and Mahalla as complementary efforts, with BIIRG focused on research and technical skills and Mahalla focused on community and networking. - Three industry speakers led the main Islamic finance discussion: Dr. Mohamed Sawwaf of Manzil, Dr. Aamir A. Rehman of Innate Capital and Nusrat Ahmed of Musaffa. - The panel covered Sharia-aligned investing and products, the development of Islamic finance, investment management, capital markets, entrepreneurship, financial technology, education, mentorship and identity in professional life. - Kashif Hussain, New York City Deputy Public Advocate for Infrastructure and Environmental Justice, addressed attendees. - The Office of the New York City Public Advocate formally recognized the Baruch Muslim Business Association, BIIRG, Dr. Mohamed Sawwaf, Dr. Aamir A. Rehman and Nusrat Ahmed for their service to the community.

Between the lines: - The event was not just a conference; it was a proof point for student-led institution building in a niche financial field. - The mix of students, practitioners and civic leaders suggests Islamic finance is gaining a broader support base in New York. - Yazdaan Sarwar said the goal is to build infrastructure that lasts beyond one event and creates ongoing opportunities for mentorship and professional growth. - Oleg Godun said the aim is to keep building research, relationships and institutions that let the next generation of Muslim professionals participate seriously in finance while staying grounded in their values.

What's next: - BIIRG will continue research projects, educational programming, industry engagement and mentorship, including work with students and professionals at other institutions. - The Mahalla Network will expand its professional community ahead of its planned flagship MPower Summit. - The MPower Summit is expected to launch in fall 2027 and bring together students, founders, executives, recruiters, professionals and community leaders from across New York. - Organizers plan to build on the conference through more research, mentorship, professional programming and future industry events.

The bottom line: - Baruch’s inaugural Islamic finance conference signaled the start of a student-built ecosystem that aims to connect faith, finance and career development in New York.