The Mal Show

Mal.ai
  • 5.0 (1)
  • BUSINESS

The Mal Show is a conversation-driven podcast about money and the human condition.Hosted by ADNOC CFO Youssef Salem  — The show brings together founders, investors, operators, policymakers, and thinkers to examine what really happens inside finance, entrepreneurship, and capital allocation.Each conversation explores how money moves through modern systems, how capital is raised and deployed, and how ambition, power, faith, and ethics intersect in real life. Islamic finance appears as a living moral lens within these discussions — not as theory, but as practice.Powered by Mal, the first AI-native Islamic digital financial platform, the podcast reflects Mal’s broader mission: to create space for serious, nuanced conversations about money, values, and modern financial systems without slogans or easy conclusions.This is where finance is examined with depth, clarity, and intellectual honesty.

Episodes

  1. 14H AGO

    People Are Tired of Unethical Banking | The Mal Show (Podcast) With Dr. Angel Wesley

    In this episode of The MAL Show, we go beyond finance… and into the deeper forces shaping how we make decisions about money. How much do your beliefs influence your financial choices? Can a modern financial system truly align with faith and values? And what happens when AI enters the equation? We explore the intersection of faith, law, and innovation—and unpack what it really takes to build a financial system that is not only advanced… but principled. Our guest is Dr. Angel Wesley—Chief Legal Officer at MAL, with over 20 years of experience in corporate and commercial law, and a graduate of Harvard Law School. We discuss: The real meaning of Sharia-compliant finance in today’s world The legal and ethical challenges of building an AI-native bank How culture shapes our relationship with money Whether innovation can coexist with deeply held values And what MAL is trying to build at a much bigger level This is not just a conversation about finance. It’s a conversation about belief, systems, and the future of money. Powered by MAL An AI-native financial platform rethinking money through the lens of ethics, values, and intelligent systems. Please don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of The MAL Show. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:45 Dr. Angel's Introduction to Islam 05:35 Does the West understand Islam? 14:04 The UAE culture 32:40 Joining Mal 35:29 How is Mal changing Islamic Finance? 39:09 Commercial Transactions in Islam 45:01 What does Ai Native mean? 53:07 The underserved demographic Mal is solving for 1:02:55 Ethical Banking? To get in touch with us:  podcast@mal.ai Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/ https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883 To get in touch with Yousef Salem https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=true https://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=en To get in touch with Dr. Angel Weslely https://ae.linkedin.com/in/angel-wesley-abudhabi #themalshow #islamicfinance #ai #podcast #fintech #shariafinance

    1h 14m

  2. APR 28

    Why Civilizations Fall? | The Mal Show (Podcast) with Dr. Roy Casagranza

    In this episode of The MAL Show, we step beyond finance and into the deeper forces that shape how we think, believe, and act. This conversation takes us on a journey through philosophy, religion, political economy, and civilizations—exploring ancient history, Islamic history, Egyptian history, and the roots of how societies form, evolve, and understand themselves over time. Our guest is Roy Casagranda—an academic and lecturer known for his powerful ability to connect civilizations, belief systems, and historical moments into one coherent, thought-provoking perspective. Through years of teaching political science and history, he has developed a unique lens on power, meaning, and the evolution of human societies. Together, we explore: The roots of civilizations and why they rise and fall The relationship between religion, philosophy, and power How historical narratives shape modern societies The search for meaning—and whether it can ever be fully understood The deeper forces—seen and unseen—that continue to shape the world today This is not just a conversation about history… It’s a conversation about understanding the world—and our place in it. Powered by MAL — the first AI-native Islamic digital financial platform. https://www.mal.ai/ Please don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of The MAL Show. To get in touch with us:  podcast@mal.ai Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/ https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883 To get in touch with Yousef Salem https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=true https://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=en To get in touch with Dr. Roy Casagranda https://www.instagram.com/roycasagranda/ https://www.youtube.com/@UCUGwVgtUewevtLvu7NaxVrw  #themalshow #history #economy #war #podcast

    2h 16m

  3. APR 21

    The Hidden Rules of VC | The Mal Show (podcast) with Dalia El mohamady CFO at Sawari Ventures

    What really happens when founders raise money? How do venture capitalists evaluate startups, and why do so many founders fail to secure funding? In this episode of The MAL Show, we go deep into the world of venture capital and startup fundraising. We break down how investors think, what VCs look for in founders, and the real reasons startups get rejected during the funding process. From pitch preparation to deal-making, this conversation gives a clear, insider perspective on how venture capital actually works. We also explore the realities of building startups in emerging markets, including currency volatility, raising capital in dollars while operating in local currencies, and how venture capital firms support founders through these challenges. Our guest is Dalia El-Mohamady, CFO at Sawari Ventures, one of Egypt’s leading venture capital firms. She shares practical insights on fundraising, venture capital decision-making, startup investment strategies, and what founders need to understand before raising money. If you're a founder, entrepreneur, or interested in venture capital, startup funding, and how investors make decisions — this episode breaks it down. Please don’t forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of The MAL Show. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:32 Ethics in Business 13:49 Between Judgement & Scrutiny  23:08 Transparency for founders 25:09 Balancing investment portfolio as VC 27:13 Due-diligence for founders 29:13 Preparing the right pitch 36:05 What do VCs want?! 43:37 Signs of troubled companies 46:10 The role of Finance 51:23 Currency's risk management 58:00 Expansion and diversification 59:08 Who is Dalia El Mohamady? 1:01:00 VCs' real clients? 1:04:49 Founders & VCs relationship 1:11:33 How VCs choose founders? 1:14:16 Final advice from Dalia To get in touch with us:  podcast@mal.ai Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/ https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883 To get in touch with Yousef Salem https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=true https://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=en To get in touch with Dalia El Mohamady  https://eg.linkedin.com/in/dalia-elmohamady-76270370 #themalshow #vc #entrepreneur #fundraising #podcast

    1h 18m

  4. APR 14

    Mortgage Secrets You Need to Know | The Mal Show (podcast) with Mohamad Kaswani

    In this episode of The MAL Show, we sit down with Mohamad Kaswani — entrepreneur and fintech & proptech leader, and former Managing Director of Mortgage Finder, part of the Property Finder Group — for a deep conversation on how money, systems, and technology intersect in the real world.  We dive into the mortgage and real estate ecosystem, unpacking why the mortgage process has historically been complex, how technology and data are reshaping the experience, and what’s really driving the Dubai real estate market today.  From there, the discussion expands into the broader startup and investment landscape, exploring the relationship between companies, customers, and investors, and what it takes to build and lead ventures in a fast-moving environment like Dubai.  Along the way, we touch on the role of initiatives and organizations in enabling entrepreneurship across industries, and how ecosystems are built through collaboration between different players.  Toward the end, the conversation shifts into something more personal, reflecting on the situation in Syria and the support initiatives taking place there. Mohamad Kaswani is a venture builder who has spent years operating at the intersection of technology, real estate, and financial services, contributing to the growth of platform-driven businesses and supporting initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and innovation across different markets. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 2:37 Startup ecosystem & Mohamad initiatives in Syria  10:12 The advantage of adversity  12:23: Mentorship 19:43 Ethical standards 21:02 ChatGPT vs Claude 26:32 Transparency loop 27:37 Most important factor in home buying 31:15 Buying Vs Renting 40:35 How Mortgage is calculated? 46:22 Mortgage period 48:26 Balancing Business vs Ethics 54:42 Choosing the right bank 1:08:36 Rent Now, Pay Later 1:11:45 Growth Debt in Startups 1:22:21 Mohamad Kaswani at heart 1:29:41 Investors as partners 1:38:38 Final advice from Mohamad To get in touch with us:  podcast@mal.ai Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/ https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883 To get in touch with Yousef Salem https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=true https://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=en To get in touch with Mohamad Kaswani https://www.linkedin.com/in/mohamadkaswani/ #themalshow #proptech #mortgage #realestate #entrepreneur #podcast

    1h 41m

  5. MAR 25

    How People Actually Make Money in Crypto | The Mal Show (Podcast) with Talal Tabbaa

    Cryptocurrency is one of the most talked-about industries in the world today. Some people see it as the future of finance. Others see it as speculation and hype. But beyond the headlines and price charts, an entire financial infrastructure is being built — exchanges, platforms, and systems that allow millions of people to buy, sell, and store digital assets. One of the people helping build that infrastructure in our region is today’s guest. Talal Tabbaa is the CEO of CoinMENA, a cryptocurrency exchange serving users across the Middle East and beyond, providing access to digital assets within a regulated environment. In this episode of The MAL Show, we explore Talal’s personal journey into the crypto industry and what it takes to build a company in such a fast-moving and often controversial space. We also break down cryptocurrency itself — why it exists, the problems this technology is trying to solve, and how the crypto market actually works. From trading and exchanges to the risks and realities of the industry, this conversation aims to help viewers better understand the world of digital assets. Topics discussed in this episode include: Talal Tabbaa’s journey into crypto How cryptocurrency works and why it exists How crypto exchanges operate How trading works in the crypto market The risks and opportunities in the industry Building a regulated crypto company in the Middle East Subscribe to the channel to get the latest episodes of The MAL Show. To get in touch with us:  podcast@mal.ai Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/ https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883 To get in touch with Yousef Salem https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=true https://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=en To get in touch with Talal Tabbaa https://www.linkedin.com/in/talaltabbaa/ #themalshow #crypto #bitcoin #cryptocurrency #entrepreneur #podcast

    1h 33m

  6. MAR 10

    Fundraising, Careem and the AI Bubble | The Mal show (Podcast) with Wael Nafee

    In this episode of The MAL Show (Podcast), we sit down with Wael Nafee — former Careem executive and now Partner at Raed Ventures, one of the region’s leading venture capital firms. Wael has seen both sides of the table: • building companies as an operator • and backing founders as an investor After studying and working abroad, he made the decision to come back and build in the region. In this conversation, we discuss: • Why some founders choose to return and build in emerging markets • The culture of money and capital in the Middle East • What Sharia-compliant fundraising actually looks like in venture capital • Whether ethical constraints make companies weaker — or more disciplined • The responsibility that comes with building products used by millions And perhaps the most important question: When your capital shapes companies used by millions of people… what do you owe society? A conversation about nation building, capital with consequence, and the moral weight behind scale. We hope you enjoy this episode and don't forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of the Mal Show. Chapters: 00:00 Intro and Wael's journey  10:28 Sources of Fundraising  17:51 Sharia compliance Fundraising 23:09 Careem's positioning & acquisition 27:06 Careem's culture 33:23 Joining Raed Ventures 40:15 What do Investors look for? 44:32 Self assessment, correction & reflections 52:26 Money & Culture 57:55 Women & Money 1:01:12 Final advice on money To get in touch with us:  podcast@mal.ai Follow us on Social Media: https://www.instagram.com/themal.show/ https://www.tiktok.com/@themalshow.podcast https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566478614883 To get in touch with Yousef Salem https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=true https://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=en To get in touch with Wael Nafee https://www.linkedin.com/in/wael-nafee-2b78abb/ #themalshow #fintech #islamicfinance #entrepreneur #podcast

    1h 3m

  7. FEB 24

    $230M to Build the First AI Islamic Bank | The Mal Show Podcast with Abdullah Abu-Sheikh

    Islamic finance is worth trillions; but does it actually fix anything? In the first episode of The Mal Show (podcast), we sit down with Abdallah Abu Sheikh, Founder & CEO of MAL, who raised $230 million in one of the largest seed rounds in the region to build what to be the world’s first AI-native Islamic digital bank. But this conversation goes deeper than fintech. We explore: • Are Islamic banks truly different — or just conventional banks with different terminology? • Is Sharia compliance enough to make finance ethical? • How do you handle venture capital pressure while staying aligned with faith-based principles? • What is Islamic finance really trying to fix in today’s system? • Is debt always bad — or is it about structure and intention? • Is investing in stocks and crypto halal? • Why do so many high earners still feel financially stressed? We also unpack Mal specifically: • Why build another Islamic financial institution? • What does “AI-native banking” actually mean for users? • Can Islamic fintech scale globally like Revolut or Stripe? • What changes the moment someone switches to Mal? This is a conversation about capital and conscience. About growth and responsibility. About whether we can build serious financial infrastructure from the UAE — without copying the West. If you care about money, ethics, investing, Islamic finance, or the future of banking in the region — this episode is for you. Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:32 Building & Solving the region's problems  16:44 What is Islamic Finance? 19:33 Ethics vs Sharia Compliance 24:37 Reality of Islamic Banking 26:35 What problem is Mal trying to solve? 30:13 The System challenges  36:46 Financial safety  43:54 Mal as the first Ai native digital bank  45:21 Is a college degree still necessary? 49:26 Dealing with industry pressure & frustrations 55:09 What Talent is Mal looking for? 48:43 Voluntary vs involuntary Struggle and debt 1:05:41 Social Media & financial traps 1:10:03 Crypto and Islamic Finance 1:11:03 On being progressive.. We hope you enjoy this episode and don't forget to subscribe to our channel to get the latest episodes of the Mal Show To get in touch with us:  podcast@mal.ai To get in touch with Yousef Salem https://www.linkedin.com/in/youssefsamysalem/?skipRedirect=true https://www.instagram.com/youssefsamysalem?hl=en To get in touch with Abdullah Abu-Sheikh  https://www.linkedin.com/in/abdallahabusheikh/ https://www.instagram.com/abdallahabusheikh/ #themalshow #fintech #islamicfinance #entrepreneur #podcast

    1h 13m
  • 7 Episodes

About

The Mal Show is a conversation-driven podcast about money and the human condition.Hosted by ADNOC CFO Youssef Salem  — The show brings together founders, investors, operators, policymakers, and thinkers to examine what really happens inside finance, entrepreneurship, and capital allocation.Each conversation explores how money moves through modern systems, how capital is raised and deployed, and how ambition, power, faith, and ethics intersect in real life. Islamic finance appears as a living moral lens within these discussions — not as theory, but as practice.Powered by Mal, the first AI-native Islamic digital financial platform, the podcast reflects Mal’s broader mission: to create space for serious, nuanced conversations about money, values, and modern financial systems without slogans or easy conclusions.This is where finance is examined with depth, clarity, and intellectual honesty.

Information

  • Creator
    Mal.ai
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    7
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Mal Show
  • Show Website
    The Mal Show

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