Zubair Mughal Appointed as Shariah Adviser at Open Space Financial, Nigeria

Strategic engagement supports Shariah governance and Non-Interest Financial innovation in Nigeria

Dubai, UAE | January 15th, 2026: AlHuda Centre of Islamic Banking and Economics (AlHuda CIBE) announces the appointment of its Managing Director, Mr. Muhammad Zubair Mughal, as Shariah Adviser to Open Space Financial Services Limited, Nigeria’s AI-powered Neo-Fintech, effective January 1, 2026. The appointment reflects the growing international confidence in AlHuda CIBE’s expertise in Islamic finance, ethical banking, and Non-Interest Financial frameworks. Mr. Mughal has formally accepted the appointment and will commence his advisory role with immediate effect.

This strategic engagement underscores Open Space commitment to embedding strong ethical and Shariah governance principles within its Non-Interest Financial operations, while also highlighting AlHuda CIBE’s expanding role in supporting fintech innovation through sound Islamic finance practices. AlHuda CIBE has long been engaged in advising financial institutions, regulators, and market participants across multiple jurisdictions, providing structured guidance on Islamic financial engineering, regulatory frameworks, product development, market and gap analysis, and Shariah-compliant financial modelling.

With over twenty years of global experience in Islamic banking and finance, Mr. Mughal brings deep technical knowledge and practical insight into the development and oversight of Non-Interest Financial products. In his capacity as Shariah Adviser, he will guide Open Space on Shariah governance structures, compliance frameworks, product validation processes, and the overall alignment of its Non-Interest Financial offerings with internationally accepted Islamic finance principles, regulatory expectations, and investor governance standards.

The collaboration is designed to strengthen Open Space ethical finance architecture, ensuring transparency, responsible financial practices, and inclusive access to finance through technology. It also reinforces AlHuda CIBE mission to promote ethical and Shariah-compliant financial systems by supporting institutions that aim to integrate innovation with strong governance and compliance foundations.

Open Space Financial Services Limited operates an AI-driven fintech platform offering Non-Interest Financial Products alongside conventional services including savings, investments, credit, insurance, and inventory finance. Through this appointment, AlHuda CIBE continues to expand its global advisory footprint, contributing to the advancement of Non-Interest Finance and ethical fintech development within Nigeria and beyond.

About AlHuda CIBE:

AlHuda Center of Islamic Banking and Economics (CIBE) is a well-recognized name in Islamic banking and finance industry for research and provides state-of-the-art Advisory Consultancy and Education through various well-recognized modes viz. Islamic Financial Product Development, Shariah Advisory, Training Workshops, and Islamic Microfinance and Takaful Consultancies etc. side by side through our distinguished, generally acceptable and known Publications in Islamic Banking and Finance.

We are dedicated to serving the community as a unique institution, advisory and capacity building for the last twelve years. The prime goal has always been to remain stick to the commitments providing Services not only in UAE/Pakistan but all over the world. We have so far served in more than 35 Countries for the development of Islamic Banking and Finance industry. For further Details about AlHuda CIBE, please visit: www.alhudacibe.com.

For Media Contact:
Ms. Shaguftta Perveen
Manager Communications,
info@alhudacibe.com
Call: +971 52 865 5523