United Kingdom · Finance · Director/VP (16-20 years)

Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions

Here is the whole job, in plain words. What it is, what you decide, how you're judged, how people get here and where they go next. Then the part no course gives you: twelve AI tutors who learn your work.

Free to start: a plan built for this role, and a Future Fluency module to try first. No card.

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One email: what AI is changing in this job, the new skills it asks for, where it leads, and where to start free. With a link back here. Nothing else follows unless you confirm your address.

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  • Experience bandDirector/VP (16-20 years)
  • Direct reports25-100+ reports
  • Reports toChief Investment Officer (CIO) or Head of Retail Banking
  • UK framework levelUsually a director, accountable for a division and its numbers

Also advertised as Regional Head of Islamic Finance · VP, Shari'ah-Compliant Investments · Head of Wealth Management (Islamic Focus) · Business Unit Director, Islamic Products

Built on 43,079 real UK job descriptions we analysed · grounded in qualifications employers recognise

1From this job to a course

The qualifications matched to this job

No confident skill match yet for Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions. The closest we hold is below.

OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance OTHM Qualifications · Level 7 · covers 1 of 1 standard

Matched from the standards this job is measured against: a suggestion, not an official ruling.

The units you would start with

Investment Analysis OTHM Level 7 Diploma in Accounting and Finance
Investment Business: Strategy, Clients and Commercial Performance CFA UK Level 3 Award in Investment Business: Strategy, Clients and Commercial Performance

The future skills this job leans on

AI Fluency working with AI as a thinking partner
Data Fluency turning numbers into a decision
AI Governance Fluency using AI responsibly
Automation Fluency building AI into how work runs
Sustainability Fluency building care for people and planet into the work
Your Plan Illustration

Built for Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions

2 units that map to this job, from the qualifications that cover it.

  1. Investment Analysis OTHM Qualifications · covers 1 of 1 standards Level 7
  2. Investment Business: Strategy, Clients and Commercial Performance CFA Society of UK · covers 1 of 1 standards Level 3
These are the real units behind this job, in the order they rank for it. Nothing here is marked done, because this plan has not been started by anyone yet. Yours would fill in as you go.

2AI and this work

Will AI change your work as a Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions?

Nobody can say exactly how. Here is what this job is being asked for next, and where to start.

The new skills this role is being asked for

  • Global Islamic FinTech Integration & Strategy
  • ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) within an Islamic Framework
Why each one is rising

The future skills this job leans on

We'll only ever tell you what we can actually back up. No hype, no scare tactics.

What happens when you start

Next, a free account. We build your Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions plan as you set up, starting with a Future Fluency module on using AI in your job. No card.

Your first Future Fluency module is free. After that, your AI tutor is £70 a month.

3What this role really is

This role means building and leading a business unit dedicated to Shari'ah-compliant wealth management. It involves setting strategic direction, overseeing product development, and driving commercial growth of an Islamic finance offering across a region or market. The work covers client experience, regulatory compliance, and alignment with faith-based principles.

4What you'd actually use

The tools this job runs on, and how well you'd need to know each one.

LSEG Workspace (formerly Refinitiv Eikon) / Bloomberg Terminal Strategic

Leveraging terminal data for high-level market intelligence, identifying strategic investment themes, and informing firm-wide investment theses for Shari'ah-compliant portfolios. Negotiating enterprise-level data contracts.

Salesforce Financial Services Cloud Strategic

Designing the end-to-end client journey within the CRM, overseeing data governance policies for the entire Islamic Wealth division, and integrating third-party apps to enhance client experience and sales efficiency.

Morningstar Direct / IdealRatings Strategic

Setting the firm's approved product list for Shari'ah-compliant funds, using platform data to identify gaps in the market for new product development, and overseeing due diligence methodologies for fund selection.

Advanced Microsoft Excel (Power Query, VBA) Strategic

Designing and validating the master financial planning and Zakat calculation templates used by the entire team, and modelling the financial impact of new business strategies or regulatory changes.

eMoney Advisor / MoneyGuidePro (with custom overlays) Strategic

Evaluating and selecting the firm's primary financial planning software, working with vendors to request features relevant to Islamic finance, and ensuring the tools support our strategic advisory goals.

Diligent / BoardVantage Architect

Preparing and presenting investment committee materials, board reports, and strategic proposals to the C-Suite and Board of Directors. Using the platform to manage governance and high-level strategy documents.

Anaplan / Workday Adaptive Planning Architect

Owning the P&L model for the Islamic Wealth division, using the platform for strategic headcount planning, long-range financial forecasting, and scenario analysis for the entire business unit.

5What you get to decide, and how that grows

Power in a job isn't your title. It's what you're allowed to decide. Here's how it grows as you move up.

The choiceComing in Where you are nowThe step above
Strategic Direction for Islamic Wealth Solutions N/A N/A N/A
Business Unit P&L Management N/A N/A Full authority within agreed budget and targets (typically £2M-£10M+), with quarterly review by CIO.
New Product Development & Launch N/A N/A Full authority for concept and development, requiring Shari'ah Board approval and C-Suite sign-off for major launches and resource allocation.
Strategic Partnerships & Alliances N/A N/A Full authority for identifying and negotiating partnerships, with C-Suite approval for significant financial commitments or equity stakes.
Hiring & Organisational Structure (within business unit) N/A N/A Full authority for all hiring decisions within the approved headcount budget for the business unit. Authority to define and restructure teams and reporting lines.
Regulatory Engagement & Policy Input N/A N/A Lead engagement with regulators on Islamic finance matters, providing input on policy and representing the firm's position. Inform CCO and Legal.

6How you'll be judged

The scoreboard, and what is not on it. The hard targets, how often each is actually looked at, and the quiet signals that never reach a dashboard.

Business Unit P&L Growth
The year-on-year growth in profit and loss for the entire Islamic Wealth Solutions business unit.
Target · 15-20% Year-on-Year Growth

Achieved £2.5M profit for the Islamic Wealth division in Q2, up from £2.1M in Q2 last year, representing 19% growth.

Assets Under Management (AUM) - Islamic Products
The total value of assets managed specifically within Shari'ah-compliant portfolios and products.
Target · £500M+ Net New AUM Annually

Grew Islamic AUM by £120M in Q3, bringing the total to £3.2BN, exceeding the quarterly target by £20M.

Market Share Growth (Islamic Wealth)
Our percentage of the total addressable market for Islamic wealth management services in your designated region.
Target · Increase market share by 1-2 percentage points annually

Increased our market share in the UK Islamic wealth sector from 8% to 9.5% over the last 12 months, based on competitor analysis.

New Product AUM & Adoption Rate
The AUM gathered by newly launched Shari'ah-compliant products and the rate at which clients adopt them.
Target · £100M AUM for each major new product in Year 1; 20% client adoption within 6 months

Our new Sukuk fund launched in Q1 gathered £115M AUM by Q3, and 25% of eligible clients have invested.

Shari'ah Governance & Compliance Audit Score
The outcome of internal and external Shari'ah audits, assessing adherence to principles and regulatory requirements across all products and processes.
  • Achieving a 'Fully Compliant' or 'Excellent' rating in annual Shari'ah Supervisory Board reviews and internal compliance audits. No significant findings or breaches reported. Proactive engagement with the Shari'ah Board on complex issues.
Strategic Partnership Effectiveness
The success of developing and nurturing key relationships with Islamic institutions, community leaders, and third-party providers.
  • Successful co-development of new products with partners. Measurable client referrals from strategic alliances. Positive feedback from partners regarding collaboration and shared objectives. New distribution channels opened through partnerships.
Team Leadership & Talent Development
Your ability to build, mentor, and retain a high-performing team of Islamic wealth professionals.
  • High employee engagement scores within the business unit. Clear succession plans for key roles. Successful promotion of at least two direct reports to higher levels annually. Positive 360-degree feedback from direct reports and peers on leadership effectiveness.
External Representation & Thought Leadership
Your contribution to the firm's reputation and visibility within the broader Islamic finance industry and public sphere.
  • Invited to speak at major industry conferences (e.g., World Islamic Economic Forum). Published articles in reputable Islamic finance journals. Positive media mentions for the business unit. Active participation in industry working groups shaping future regulations or standards.

7Would you like it

Both sides. What people enjoy, and what grinds them down.

What people enjoy
Building a Market-Leading Ethical Business

You'll spend your days driving strategic initiatives, identifying new product opportunities, and reviewing P&L reports with an eye towards growth and ethical impact. You'll get a real buzz from seeing your vision come to life.

Successfully launching a new Shari'ah-compliant private equity fund that becomes a market leader within 18 months, generating significant AUM and positive social impact.

Influencing Industry Standards & Practices

You'll be engaging with regulators, industry bodies, and Shari'ah scholars, advocating for best practices and shaping the future direction of Islamic finance. Your voice will carry weight.

Leading a working group with the FCA to establish clearer guidelines for Shari'ah-compliant FinTech products, directly influencing future regulation.

Developing and Empowering High-Performing Teams

A significant part of your role involves mentoring your direct reports, fostering a culture of excellence, and ensuring your team has the resources and opportunities to succeed. You'll genuinely enjoy seeing people grow.

Seeing a manager you've mentored successfully launch a new regional office, exceeding their targets and developing their own leadership team.

What frustrates people
  • Navigating internal bureaucracy and securing resources for new initiatives.
  • Dealing with 'Shari'ah-washing' from competitors that undermines genuine compliance efforts.
  • The slow pace of regulatory change or conflicting interpretations across jurisdictions.
  • Managing the expectations of the Board while dealing with market volatility or unexpected challenges.
  • Finding and retaining top-tier talent with deep expertise in both finance and Islamic jurisprudence.
What this role does not give you
  • A purely client-facing advisory role – your focus is on the business unit, not individual clients.
  • A quiet, predictable environment – expect constant strategic challenges and market shifts.
  • Complete autonomy without accountability – you'll have significant authority, but with immense responsibility to the board and clients.
  • A 'set it and forget it' approach to strategy – you'll need to constantly review and adapt.

8Who you work with

This role directly impacts the firm's P&L for the Islamic Wealth Solutions business unit, driving revenue growth, market share, and brand reputation. You'll be instrumental in defining our competitive positioning and ensuring we meet the specific financial and ethical needs of our clients, which in turn influences overall company strategy and growth trajectories.

Inside the business
  • Chief Investment Officer (CIO)
  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
  • Board of Directors
  • Head of Retail Banking
  • Chief Risk Officer (CRO)
  • Chief Compliance Officer (CCO)
  • Head of Product Development
  • Marketing Director
  • HR Director
Outside the business
  • Shari'ah Supervisory Board
  • Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and other relevant regulators
  • Key institutional clients and strategic partners
  • Industry bodies (e.g., IFSB, AAOIFI)
  • External auditors
  • Media and public relations

9What you need before you start

Not a wish list. The things you would be expected to already have.

  • Proven track record of leading and growing a significant business unit or function within wealth management, ideally with an Islamic finance focus.
  • Extensive experience (12+ years) in a senior leadership role, demonstrating P&L ownership and strategic decision-making.
  • Deep understanding of the global financial markets and the specific dynamics of the Islamic finance sector.
  • Demonstrable experience in product development, market entry strategies, and building strategic partnerships.
  • Strong understanding of Shari'ah principles as they apply to finance, and experience working with Shari'ah Supervisory Boards.
  • Exceptional communication and influencing skills, with a proven ability to engage C-suite executives, regulators, and external stakeholders.

10What to practise next

Where the job is going, and what to do about it starting this week.

AI-Driven Risk Management for Shari'ah Products

Traditional risk models can struggle with the unique complexities of Shari'ah-compliant products (e.g., Sukuk structures, purification). AI can help identify subtle patterns, predict potential compliance breaches, and enhance portfolio risk management in ways human analysis alone cannot. This is about protecting our assets and our reputation.

Understanding how AI can identify 'creeping non-co · Evaluating AI models for stress-testing Shari'ah-c · Using AI for fraud detection in Islamic finance tr · Assessing the ethical implications and biases of A · Overseeing the implementation of AI-powered regula

  • This month: Engage with our risk management team to understand their current AI initiatives and identify potential applications for Islamic products.
  • Next quarter: Sponsor a proof-of-concept project using AI to enhance Shari'ah compliance monitoring for a specific product line.
  • Within 6 months: Develop a business case for investing in AI-driven risk management tools for the business unit.
  • Within 12 months: Oversee the deployment of an AI solution that demonstrably reduces Shari'ah compliance risk or enhances risk reporting.

Quick win: Start reading white papers on AI in financial risk management. Discuss with your Head of Risk how AI could specifically address unique Shari'ah-related risks.

11Staying current once you are in

What people here do to keep up
  • Regularly engage with the Shari'ah Supervisory Board and academic scholars to deepen your understanding of contemporary fiqh issues.
  • Attend executive education programmes focused on strategic leadership, business unit management, or digital transformation in finance.
  • Participate in industry working groups or committees that shape the future of Islamic finance regulations and standards.
  • Mentor emerging leaders within the firm, both within and outside your direct business unit, to hone your leadership and coaching skills.
  • Actively network with C-suite peers, industry influencers, and FinTech innovators to stay abreast of market trends and potential partnerships.

12The rising capability

The rising capability

Zavmo analysis

What's rising in its place

This is where the work is heading, and the higher pay with it. Get fluent here and the shift stops being a threat and starts being your edge.

Global Islamic FinTech Integration & Strategy

FinTech is rapidly transforming financial services, and Islamic FinTech is a burgeoning sector. Competitors are already using AI for Shari'ah screening, blockchain for Sukuk, and robo-advisors for Halal investments. If we don't embrace and strategically integrate these, we'll lose our competitive edge and fail to meet evolving client expectations.

  • Understanding blockchain applications for Sukuk is
  • Evaluating AI/ML models for automated Shari'ah com
  • Exploring digital platforms for Zakat and Waqf man
  • Assessing the regulatory landscape for Islamic dig
  • Developing strategies for integrating FinTech solu

ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) within an Islamic Framework

Clients, especially younger generations, are increasingly demanding investments that align with both their faith and their values (ethical, sustainable). Islamic finance inherently has strong ESG principles, but articulating and measuring this effectively is becoming critical for differentiation and attracting new capital. This isn't just a 'nice to have' anymore; it's a competitive necessity.

  • Mapping Shari'ah principles to global ESG framewor
  • Developing robust methodologies for 'Islamic ESG'
  • Communicating the dual financial and ethical retur
  • Navigating potential conflicts or synergies betwee
  • Reporting on the social and environmental impact o

13What you’ll use

What you’ll use

Skills this role draws on

Technical

  • Shari'ah-Compliant Asset Allocation & Portfolio Construction
  • Islamic Estate & Inheritance Planning (Fara'id & Wasiyyah) - Strategic Oversight
  • Zakat & Waqf Advisory - Institutional Strategy
  • Sukuk & Alternative Investment Product Development
  • Purification of Impermissible Income - Policy & Process
  • Takaful & Shari'ah-Compliant Risk Management Solutions

14The pathway

The pathway

How you actually get there, here

How you become one varies far more by country than what one does. This is the UK route. Most people take one of these ways in; the right one depends on where you're starting from.

  1. 1

    Principal / Head of Islamic Wealth (L5)

    3-5 years at L5

    Skills to master

    • Mastering P&L management for a smaller function, building and leading a team of managers, developing a strong product pipeline, and demonstrating strategic influence within the organisation.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Consistent achievement of AUM and P&L targets for your function.
    • Successful launch of at least 2-3 new Shari'ah-compliant products.
    • Positive 360-degree feedback on leadership and team development.
    • Demonstrated ability to influence senior stakeholders and secure resources.
  2. 2

    Senior Director / VP, Conventional Wealth Management (with Islamic Specialisation)

    5-8 years in a similar senior role

    Skills to master

    • Transferring broad wealth management leadership skills to an Islamic context, quickly acquiring deep Shari'ah knowledge, and building credibility with the Shari'ah Board and Islamic finance community.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Proven track record of driving significant business growth and P&L ownership in a conventional setting.
    • Demonstrable commitment to and understanding of Islamic finance principles (e.g., through certifications, previous project work).
    • Strong network within the broader financial services industry that can be leveraged for Islamic wealth.
    • Exceptional change management and cross-functional leadership skills.
  3. 3

    Head of Product / Strategy (Islamic Finance Focus)

    4-6 years in a product or strategy leadership role

    Skills to master

    • Expanding from product-specific leadership to full business unit P&L responsibility, developing broader commercial acumen, and mastering team leadership beyond product development.

    You're ready to move on when

    • Successful track record of developing and launching market-leading Islamic finance products.
    • Deep understanding of market needs and competitive landscape in Islamic finance.
    • Strong analytical and strategic planning capabilities.
    • Demonstrated ability to influence across functions (e.g., sales, marketing, operations).

15Where this role leads

The long view: This work can lead to chief executive roles at an Islamic bank, board or non-executive positions across financial services, or leadership of global ESG and sustainable investing strategy.

The ten Future Fluencies

Zavmo analysis

The credential is what you can do today. These are what keep you valuable.

A qualification proves you can do the job as it's defined today. These ten are what decide whether you're still the obvious person for it in five years. They're the capabilities employers are now writing into senior roles faster than people are learning them. Zavmo weaves them through whatever you study, so you come out with both: the credential and the fluency.

The highlighted ones are the Fluencies your role leans on hardest, from how Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions is actually changing.

How you would learn this

One to one, on the work you already do

A tutor sets the task against your own job and marks the reasoning, at your pace. There is no cohort to fall behind.

A lesson from Investment Analysis, worked against Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions.

Investment Analysis Level 7

Applied to your work in Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions

The objective of this unit is to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of investment analysis, covering different types of securities, the regulation of security trading, and the principles of investment theory. Learners will be able to apply this knowledge to make informed investment decisions, understand the principles of taxation related to investment income, and navigate the laws and regulations governing the financial services industry.

How the thinking builds
  1. 1 Remember
  2. 2 Understand
  3. 3 Apply
  4. 4 Analyse
  5. 5 Evaluate
  6. 6 Create
An illustration of a Zavmo lesson, built from this role’s own route. The unit, its objective and every criterion above are the awarding body’s own words, not an example.

It is £70 a month, billed monthly. Your free first module is Future Fluency, and you can cancel any time.

See Your Progress Grow Illustration
Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions
  • Shari'ah-Compliant Asset Allocation & Portfolio Construction
  • Islamic Estate & Inheritance Planning (Fara'id & Wasiyyah) - Strategic Oversight
  • Zakat & Waqf Advisory - Institutional Strategy
  • Sukuk & Alternative Investment Product Development
  • Purification of Impermissible Income - Policy & Process
  • Takaful & Shari'ah-Compliant Risk Management Solutions
This is your Mind Palace on learn.zavmo.ai. Every skill above comes from this role's own record, not an example borrowed from another job. A node lights up when you evidence it, and what you build stays yours between jobs. That is the part a course cannot do.

16The detail, folded away

Everything else the record holds

The career branches in full, how AI is already showing up in the day-to-day, and the questions people ask about this job. Here when you want them, out of the way while you decide.

Where it leads next, rung by rung

Where it leads

The career path, and where it branches

Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions is a start, not a ceiling. Each step below asks for new skills and hands back more autonomy.

  1. Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Islamic Finance

    3-5 years

    L7 (C-Suite)

    • Global portfolio construction and risk management
    • Advanced derivatives and hedging strategies (Shari'ah-compliant)
    • Manager selection and due diligence for external funds
    • Capital markets engagement and thought leadership
  2. Regional Head of Wealth Management (with Islamic Focus)

    3-5 years

    L7 (C-Suite)

    • Full spectrum of wealth management products (conventional and Islamic)
    • Digital wealth platform strategy and implementation
    • Regulatory harmonisation across multiple jurisdictions
    • Strategic marketing and brand management for wealth
Working with AI on the job

Working with AI

Where AI is starting to help

Let's be honest, even at the Director level, there's always administrative overhead and data crunching that takes you away from truly strategic work. What if you could offload a significant chunk of that? Our AI Productivity Hub isn't just for analysts; it's designed to give leaders like you back precious time.

Imagine having an intelligent assistant that handles the grunt work, allowing you to focus on market expansion, product innovation, and nurturing key relationships. Our AI tools are specifically tailored for Islamic finance, helping you maintain compliance and gain deeper insights faster than ever before. It's about augmenting your leadership, not replacing it.

Automated Shari'ah Screening Oversight

Instead of relying on manual checks or waiting for reports, use AI to automatically monitor the Shari'ah compliance of thousands of global equities and funds. You'll get instant alerts for potential breaches, allowing you to proactively manage risk and ensure the integrity of our offerings across the business unit. This means less time chasing data and more time making strategic decisions.

Strategic Fatwa Synthesis & Risk Assessment

Leverage advanced NLP to quickly analyse hundreds of scholarly opinions on complex or emerging Islamic finance issues (like digital assets or new Sukuk structures). The AI can summarise consensus, highlight areas of contention, and even flag potential 'Fatwa risk' for new products, giving you a comprehensive view for investment committee and Shari'ah Board discussions. No more sifting through dense texts for days.

Halal Sector Market & Competitive Intelligence

An AI agent continuously scans global news, regulatory changes, competitor product launches, and market reports specifically impacting Shari'ah-compliant sectors. You'll receive a curated, executive-level briefing daily, identifying opportunities, threats, and competitive moves, allowing you to adjust your business unit's strategy proactively and stay ahead of the curve.

Board & Investor Communication Drafting

Use a generative AI assistant, trained on our firm's tone of voice and compliance guidelines, to draft initial versions of board reports, investor updates, and strategic proposals. This frees up your time from the initial writing phase, letting you focus on refining the message, adding your strategic insights, and ensuring maximum impact. It's about getting to the 'what matters' faster.

Common questions

Common questions

How do you become a Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions?

Common routes in include Principal / Head of Islamic Wealth (3-5 years at L5), Senior Director / VP, Conventional Wealth Management (with Islamic Specialisation) (5-8 years in a similar senior role) and Head of Product / Strategy (Islamic Finance Focus) (4-6 years in a product or strategy leadership role). Times vary with prior experience.

Where can a Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions progress to?

This role can lead on to Chief Investment Officer (CIO), Islamic Finance (3-5 years) and Regional Head of Wealth Management (with Islamic Focus) (3-5 years), depending on the skills you build.

What new skills matter most for a Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions?

Increasingly, Global Islamic FinTech Integration & Strategy and ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) within an Islamic Framework. These are the skills our record of this role lists as growing.

Free tools

Want a read on where you stand?

Three free tools, no account needed. Each one ends with a role, a level and a way in.

17Where to go from here

Other roles at Level 7

Same depth of qualification, different job. Useful if the work appeals but this particular role does not.

More jobs in finance

Stay in the field you know and move sideways rather than up.

If you leave this industry

Skills built in this role carry across Islamic banks, sovereign wealth funds with Shari'ah mandates, and consulting firms specialising in ethical finance. Strategic leadership, P&L management, product innovation, and regulatory knowledge apply widely across financial services, particularly as ESG and faith-based investing grow.

This role profile is © 2026 Growth Engineering Technologies Ltd. Built from UK occupational standards and regulated qualification data, and written for Zavmo.

You're not behind. You're right on time. The shift is only just beginning. Your role won't look the same in two years. Be the one who leads the change, not the one it happens to. Start my Director of Islamic Wealth Solutions plan, free What happens next: a free account, then we build your plan as you set up. No card. Build your plan, see your roadmap and meet the twelve tutors matched to you. All free. When you're ready to start learning, it's £70 a month, billed monthly. Cancel any time and billing stops.