Chris Deakin

Hejaz Financial Services, a leading Australian Islamic financial services provider, has today announced the appointment of Chris Deakin to the newly created role of Sales Director. With immediate effect, she is responsible for leading the sales practice and overseeing the company’s anticipated growth to $100 million funds under management as Australian Muslims take up the opportunity of sharia-compliant financial products in 2022.

Chris joins Hejaz Financial Services from LUCRF Super where she was most recently Executive Manager, Distribution. She brings more than 30 years of financial and business development experience to the Hejaz leadership team, having previously worked at IOOF, First State Super, Health Super and Superpartners. Chris engages with workplaces, platforms and Licensees, community organisations, Islamic schools and businesses to educate the market about the holistic Sharia-compliant financial products and services on offer.

A passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion, Chris contributes to the advancement of the wider financial services industry. She has served as the National Board Director of the Victorian branch of Women in Super (WIS), a national advocacy and networking group for women employed in the superannuation and financial services industries, as well as an Expert Advisory Committee member at Superfriend, supporting the organisation’s contribution to the mental health and wellbeing of Australia’s workforce.

Chris is currently the Chair of Board of Directors at Banyule Community Health—a not-for-profit community health organisation that services some of the most disadvantaged people in the community. She is now using her financial services and social justice experience to improve the financial wellbeing of the community.

“While Chris’ commercial acumen and background is nothing short of impressive, it was her values and passion for social inclusion that stood out to us. A significant portion of Muslim Australians do not engage with the financial system because traditional banking products fail to address their religious needs, so we want to get the word out that alternatives exist.”

“Hejaz has doubled in size over the past 12 months fuelled by demand from Muslim Australians for sharia-compliant investment products. At our current growth rate, we’re expecting to add more than $100 million to our funds under management in 2022. We are delighted for Chris to join the team and continue to build towards our goal of becoming the country’s first Islamic bank – helping overlooked and often unbanked Australians grow wealth and accomplish their goals through best-in-class financial products,” said Muzzammil Dhedhy, Chief Operating Officer at Hejaz Financial Services.

“Demand for financial products that are tailored to people’s values is rising. Hejaz is at the forefront of this movement, creating first-of-their-kind Sharia banking alternatives that enable Muslim Australians to achieve their aspirations without compromising their faith. I am excited to be joining an organisation that is both helping customers and shifting the industry conversation forward,” said Chris Deakin, Sales Director at Hejaz Financial Services.

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