Smart Money – Old Mutual’s Maahir Jakoet unpacks Shariah investing amid global market uncertainty

In this Smart Money with Alishia Seckam interview, Maahir Jakoet discusses Shariah investing and why it has remained resilient in the face of global market uncertainty.

Jakoet is an Old Mutual Global Islamic Equity portfolio manager and has worked at Old Mutual Investment Group for over 13 years.

Along with the 13 years he’s spent at Old Mutual, Jakoet boasts an impressive list of other positions he’s held at other finance companies. Prior to assuming his current role in 2020, Jakoet was an Investment Analyst at Riscura for four years and, before that, a Portfolio Implementation Specialist for nearly three years at Old Mutual.

Jakoet also interned at JPMorgan Chase, where he received training in key areas relating to its Investment Banking Division, ECM, Accounting, and Valuations, and assisted its Mergers and Acquisitions team on live transactions.

He boasts a Bachelor of Commerce and an MBA from the University of Cape Town.

The interview

In this Smart Money interview, Jakoet outlines the core principles of Shariah investing and how these principles naturally create a ‘safe harbour’ during periods of global market uncertainty.

Jakoet touches on the constraints of Shariah investment when it comes to portfolio diversification and reveals the global opportunities that are currently emerging for such investments.

He also unpacks Old Mutual’s investment philosophy and how it underpins Shariah investing and influences stock selection.

Jakoet concludes the interview by explaining the biggest reasons for the Shariah portfolio’s resistance against negative market forces.

Watch the interview with Maahir Jakoet below.