A Collective Force for Ethical Finance in Canada

Imagine a Canadian financial ecosystem where ethical principles drive innovation, where communities are empowered with inclusive tools, and where finance becomes a true catalyst for justice and shared prosperity. This is the future we are building together.

The Canadian Islamic Finance Community of Practice (CoP) is more than a network, it is a dynamic, action-oriented engine dedicated to advancing the field of Islamic Finance in Canada. We are a collaborative hub where knowledge meets action, and where diverse voices unite to build financial solutions that are equitable, resilient, and firmly rooted in the ethical principles of Islamic law.

We exist to maintain, strengthen, and scale this ecosystem, transforming promising ideas into tangible realities that benefit underserved Muslim communities and contribute to a more just financial system for all.

Our Shared Objectives: What We Aim to Achieve

Together, we will:

• Demystify & Educate: Build a deep, shared understanding of Islamic finance principles and their practical application within Canada’s unique social, cultural, and regulatory landscape.

• Innovate & Build: Co-create practical financial instruments, services, and regulatory frameworks that expand access to ethical capital and halal investment opportunities.

• Connect & Collaborate: Convene the full spectrum of stakeholders—from scholars, practitioners, and regulators to entrepreneurs, investors, and community leaders—to forge powerful, unexpected alliances.

• Advance Knowledge: Champion cutting-edge academic research, community-based education, and pilot projects that push the boundaries of thought and practice.

• Shape an Inclusive System: Proactively advocate for policy and regulatory frameworks that recognize and integrate Islamic finance, making Canada’s financial ecosystem more inclusive.

• Champion Justice: Embed pluralism and economic justice at our core, ensuring our work actively dismantles barriers and creates prosperity for equity-seeking groups.
  

Our Foundation: Guided by Principle & Expertise

The CoP is proudly co-convened and stewarded by SETSI (Social Economy Through Social Innovation).

SETSI is a national coalition dedicated to advancing prosperity, justice, and abundance through social innovation and inclusive finance. They bring essential expertise in network-building, participatory governance, impact measurement, and mobilizing ecosystems for change.

• SETSI’s Mission: To ensure all organizations generate intentional positive social benefit through equity, decolonization, and innovation.

• Relevant Focus: Access to capital, decolonizing data, equitable power-sharing, and multi-stakeholder convening.

How We Work: A Model of Shared Leadership

We believe the best solutions emerge from collective wisdom. Our governance model is designed to be inclusive, transparent, and action-focused.

• Distributed Leadership: Authority and accountability are shared, ensuring diverse perspectives guide our path.

• Action-Oriented Working Groups: Dive deep into key areas through our core teams:

  • Policy & Regulation Advocacy

  • Education & Knowledge Mobilization

  • Ethical Investing & Halal Entrepreneurship

  • Product Development & Tools

• Community-Led Voice: Regular consultations and learning circles ensure our agenda is shaped by grassroots needs and insights.

The Role of Co-Stewards: Custodians of Vision & Integrity

Co-Stewards are the guiding guardians of the CoP’s vision, ensuring we remain true to our ethical principles and strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Setting strategic priorities and the annual collaborative agenda.

• Guaranteeing the representation of underserved communities at decision-making tables.

• Championing the integration of Islamic finance within broader social finance movements.

• Curating knowledge, identifying resources, and connecting thought leadership.

• Overseeing the development of influential knowledge products (white papers, policy briefs).

• Serving as ambassadors for the CoP in public, media, and policy forums.

• Upholding the highest standards of transparency and ethical accountability.

Meeting Rhythm:

• Monthly Co-Steward Meetings: For strategic coordination and progress tracking.

• Annual Forum: A major gathering to engage the full membership, celebrate wins, and set the future direction.

• Ad-Hoc Deep Dives: Specialized sub-committee meetings to tackle emerging opportunities or challenges.

Your Place in the Community: Engage According to Your Passion

Who Should Join?
Individuals and organizations—whether seasoned experts or curious newcomers—who are committed to the values of collaboration, mutual respect, anti-racism, and economic justice. Your interest in ethical finance is your entry ticket.

Choose Your Level of Impact:

1. Core Members: Be at the heart of the action. Engage in governance, lead working groups, and co-design the future with us.

2. Contributors: Share your expertise. Provide case studies, offer thought leadership for sessions, or contribute to specific projects as your capacity allows.

3. Observers & Learners: Join to listen, learn, and network. Build your familiarity with Islamic finance in a supportive, rich environment.

Our Engagement Ecosystem: Activities That Drive Change

We move beyond talk to tangible action through a layered strategy:

• Monthly Learning Circles: Interactive sessions featuring expert panels, guest lectures, and hands-on co-design workshops.

• Living Knowledge Library: A curated, ever-growing repository of Canadian-specific guides, global case studies, and practical toolkits.

• Innovation Spotlights: Regular features celebrating community successes and pioneering projects.

• Policy Roundtables: Direct, facilitated dialogue with regulators, policymakers, and financial institutions to drive systemic change.

• Co-Creation Labs: Intensive collaborative sprints to design new financial products, frameworks, and pilot initiatives from the ground up.

• Next-Generation Engagement: Dedicated mentorship programs and youth-led innovation challenges to cultivate future leaders.

• Strategic Amplification: Active participation in national conferences to showcase Canadian Islamic finance models on a prominent stage.

Our Commitment to Growth & Accountability

We are a learning community, dedicated to continuous improvement and demonstrable impact.

We Measure & Adapt Through:

• Annual Member Pulse Survey: To assess our inclusivity, relevance, and value to you.

• Public Impact Dashboard: Tracking key metrics on engagement, collaborations formed, innovations catalyzed, and policy influence.

• Annual Learning Report: A transparent document sharing our achievements, key lessons, and insights into emerging trends.

• Strategic Reflection Retreats: Dedicated time for Co-Stewards and working groups to reflect, recalibrate, and renew our strategy for maximum impact.