Senior appointments strengthen Sharia-compliant finance provider

The UK 's first Sharia-compliant short-term bridge property finance provider OFFA have announced the arrival of Amir Firdaus as their new chief financial officer (CFO) and Sagheer Malik as the chief commercial officer (CCO).

The pair, who have over 35 years combined experience in UK Islamic finance, join OFFA executive chairman Sultan Choudhury OBE and chief executive officer Bilal Ahmed ahead of the company 's planned relaunch into the financial services market in Britain.

Both new recruits have moved across from Al Rayan Bank - the UK 's largest Islamic bank.

Amir will work with global banks, private equities and family offices to obtain and structure funding lines for OFFA.

Formerly CFO and head of treasury at Al Rayan Bank, he has been at the forefront of growth in Islamic finance in Britain. The chartered accountant 's twenty-year career has also seen him work at Aldermore Bank and Sainsbury 's Bank.

With over 15 years ' experience in Islamic banking, Sagheer has developed and overseen a multi-channel distribution of Sharia-compliant products in the UK and worldwide, generating more than £1bn from property finance.

In his new role, Sagheer will be responsible for driving OFFA 's sales and marketing of existing bridging finance products, as well as developing new real estate financial products and services.

Sagheer said: “It 's great to be joining OFFA at the start of their new journey. The British market is ripe for growth in Islamic financial services, and the vision and ambition of the chairman and chief exec. made the decision to join OFFA an easy one. ”

Amir said: “I 'm looking forward to working with this formidable team to create the optimum Sharia-compliant financial institution that will make a major impact in the UK and internationally. ”

Pictured (L-R): Sagheer Malik and Amir Firdaus