Manzil Enters U.S. Market with Strategic Aghaz Invest Acquisition

Toronto, Ontario — In a landmark move that underscores the rise of halal finance in North America, Manzil’s U.S. Market Entry marks a significant milestone as Canada’s leading provider of Shariah-compliant financial solutions acquires the investment advisory license and technology of U.S.-based fintech company Aghaz Investments. This acquisition not only grants Manzil entry into the U.S. market but also aligns with the firm’s mission to empower Muslim investors with halal financial products. By leveraging Aghaz’s established regulatory status as an SEC-registered investment advisor, Manzil can now offer an expanded suite of services tailored to the U.S. market, positioning itself as a formidable player in the rapidly expanding halal finance sector.

As more consumers look for investment options that reflect both ethical and religious values, Manzil’s U.S. market entry could not be more timely. With the acquisition of Aghaz, Manzil enhances its product offerings and brings a distinctive platform to U.S.-based Muslim and values-driven investors who seek transparent, ethical, and Shariah-compliant ways to grow their wealth.

Why Manzil’s U.S. Market Entry?

The growth of the halal economy, coupled with a rising interest in ethical finance, has set the stage for Manzil’s expansion. In the U.S., the Muslim population is estimated at 3.5 million and is projected to double by 2050, according to Pew Research Center. With many Muslim Americans seeking to invest in ways that align with their beliefs, demand for Sharia-compliant products is increasing. Yet, despite this market potential, the U.S. remains underserved in terms of halal investment options that meet these specific needs. Enter Manzil: through the acquisition of Aghaz, Manzil will introduce its comprehensive financial solutions, effectively filling the gap in the market.

The significance of this acquisition extends beyond financial offerings. It represents an opportunity for Manzil to set a new standard in halal finance, supporting a growing demographic that prioritizes ethical investments. Manzil’s U.S. market entry, driven by Aghaz’s expertise, will not only provide Muslim investors with more options but also educate them on how they can build wealth ethically while aligning with their faith.

Aghaz Investments

Founded in 2020, Aghaz Investments swiftly made its mark as the first automated, goals-based halal investment platform for Muslim Americans. The platform allows users to plan, save, and invest with Shariah compliance at the core, creating a seamless user experience for a wide array of financial needs, including retirement, education, and wealth building. By prioritizing Islamic principles, Aghaz empowers Muslim Americans to invest with confidence and peace of mind.

Through this acquisition, Manzil gains access to Aghaz’s proven technology, robust infrastructure, and established relationships in the U.S. market. The platform’s user-friendly interface and automation make it easy for investors to manage their financial goals while adhering to Shariah principles. This focus on ethical, automated investing provides a strong foundation for Manzil’s expansion, allowing the company to seamlessly integrate and enhance its existing portfolio of Sharia-compliant financial products.

The Vision of Manzil’s CEO

Manzil’s CEO, Dr. Mohamad Sawwaf, views the acquisition as a transformative milestone, aligning with his broader vision of making halal finance accessible to all. “Acquiring Aghaz is a major milestone for Manzil as we create our footprint in the U.S. market. Aghaz’s SEC registration provides us with a foundation of compliance that will allow us to establish and distribute our Manzil Invest solution to U.S.-based retail investors. This acquisition enhances our product offerings and furthers our mission of making halal financial services more accessible across North America,” Dr. Sawwaf shared.

For Dr. Sawwaf, accessibility to ethical finance is more than just business—it’s a mission. He believes that halal finance should be within reach of every Muslim and ethically conscious consumer. By entering the U.S. market, Manzil can now reach millions of American Muslims, helping them align their financial goals with their faith and values. Dr. Sawwaf’s commitment to ethical finance is evident in the company’s approach to innovation, compliance, and community impact.

A Unified Vision

To ensure that Aghaz’s foundational values remain intact, Khurram Agha, the founder and CEO of Aghaz, will take on the role of Head of Manzil Invest USA. Agha, who founded Aghaz with a mission to make halal investing accessible to all, expressed his enthusiasm for the new chapter: “Joining forces with Manzil is an exciting opportunity for Aghaz. Our shared vision of providing ethical, Halal financial solutions will now reach a larger audience in the U.S. market. Together, we will leverage Manzil’s expertise and our regulatory foundation to introduce new and innovative investment products that meet the needs of U.S.-based Muslims.”

Agha’s transition into this role underscores a commitment to seamless continuity. His understanding of U.S. regulatory requirements and the unique needs of American Muslim investors will be invaluable as Manzil navigates the intricacies of its new market. With Agha’s leadership, Manzil Invest USA will build on Aghaz’s reputation for compliance, innovation, and customer trust, ensuring a smooth transition for existing clients and an appealing proposition for new investors.

Related: Manzil To Expand Halal Financial Services

Halal Financial Solutions in the U.S.

As the Muslim population in the U.S. grows and becomes more financially active, the need for investment products that align with Islamic values is greater than ever. The State of the Global Islamic Economy report projects that the global Muslim consumer market will reach $3.2 trillion by 2024, spanning sectors from food to finance. This growth reflects a larger trend in socially responsible investing (SRI), with many Muslim Americans and non-Muslims alike drawn to ethical investment options.

Halal investing goes beyond simple compliance with Shariah law; it aligns with broader values of fairness, transparency, and social responsibility. The concept of halal finance focuses on avoiding industries such as alcohol, gambling, and tobacco, and emphasizes investments in sectors that promote societal welfare. This approach resonates with a growing audience of younger investors who are increasingly prioritizing ethical values alongside financial returns. Manzil’s U.S. market entry is poised to meet this demand with a wide-ranging suite of oSharia-compliantnt financial products.

Manzil Invest

The Manzil Invest platform, a key component of Manzil’s offerings, will now be available to U.S.-based investors, offering a comprehensive range of Shariah-compliant investment options. From halal portfolios to ethical funds, the platform enables users to grow their wealth while adhering to Islamic principles. The integration of Aghaz’s advanced technology will enhance Manzil Invest’s capabilities, making it even easier for investors to pursue their financial goals in alignment with their beliefs.

With an emphasis on user experience, Manzil Invest provides tools that help users understand their investments, set realistic financial goals, and track their progress. By integrating Aghaz’s automation and analytics, the platform offers a seamless, hands-off experience that aligns with modern financial trends. This user-centric approach makes halal investing accessible to all levels, from beginners to seasoned investors.

Product Innovation

Manzil plans to expand its product offerings in the U.S., addressing a diverse range of investment profiles. Planned innovations include halal retirement accounts, automated portfolios, and advisory services tailored to U.S. market needs. These products are designed to meet the distinct needs of American Muslims while providing competitive options for any investor interested in ethical finance.

Manzil’s emphasis on innovation extends to its use of artificial intelligence and data analytics to better understand investor behaviors and optimize product offerings. This focus on technology will play a key role in attracting millennial and Gen Z investors, who are digital natives and are more likely to seek out online financial services. By continuously expanding its product portfolio, Manzil aims to be the go-to halal financial service provider in North America.

American Halal Finance Ecosystem

Beyond the U.S., Manzil’s presence in both Canada and the United States creates a foundation for a North American halal finance ecosystem. This ecosystem will connect investors, financial advisors, and Shariah compliance experts, building a support network for Muslims seeking financial services that align with their beliefs. With a presence on both sides of the border, Manzil is well-positioned to drive change in how halal finance is perceived and practiced across the continent.

A key part of Manzil’s strategy involves educational initiatives. By providing resources, webinars, and community outreach, Manzil will help U.S.-based investors understand the principles of halal finance and make informed choices. This approach aligns with Manzil’s long-term vision of fostering a community of knowledgeable, empowered investors who are confident in their financial decisions.

A Broader Perspective

Manzil’s entry into the U.S. market represents a pivotal moment for the halal finance industry. The company’s commitment to innovation, ethical finance, and Shariah compliance positions it as a leader in the field, setting new standards for what halal finance can achieve. As more consumers seek out investments that align with their values, Manzil is prepared to meet this demand head-on, providing a platform that combines ethical finance with advanced technology.

The timing of this expansion is ideal. The U.S. market, characterized by its growing population of ethically-minded consumers, offers a fertile ground for halal finance to flourish. As the financial landscape evolves, Manzil’s approach to halal finance—one that integrates technology, compliance, and community engagement—will likely resonate with a diverse audience.

Manzil and Halal Finance

The acquisition of Aghaz Investments marks a bold step forward for Manzil, ushering in a new era of halal finance in North America. Through its enhanced offerings, the company is set to become a vital resource for Muslim Americans, who can now access a platform that fully aligns with their faith and values. This entry into the U.S. market signifies a broader shift in finance, where ethical and religious considerations are becoming mainstream.

As Manzil continues to innovate and expand, it not only advances its mission of accessible halal finance but also paves the way for a future where ethical investment options are readily available to all. In an industry that has traditionally lacked diversity, Manzil’s U.S. market entry is a breath of fresh air, promising a future where finance aligns with both faith and values.