Talal Yassine AM
EXPERIENCED BUSINESS LEADER, ACADEMIC AND PHILANTHROPIST
Professor
ABOUT
PROFESSOR TALAL YASSINE AM IS A PROUD AUSTRALIAN ENTREPRENEUR, BUSINESS LEADER, ACADEMIC, PHILANTHROPIST AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER.
With a career marked by innovation and strategic foresight, Professor Talal Yassine AM is the Founder and Managing Director of the Salaam Group of Companies, a pioneering group which is redefining the essence of Islamic superannuation, Islamic finance, and age & disability care in Australia.
Professor Yassine’s commitment to community development and social welfare is evident through his extensive involvement in various high-impact roles. He is the founder of two not-for profit organisations, The Salaam Foundation and The Salaam Institute, a proud Council Member of the Australian Fathering Awards and Committee Member for the Powerhouse Parramatta, he is also a Director of the Western Sydney Foundation Council Board and a Board Member of Taronga Zoo.
His corporate leadership experience extends from PWC, Babcock & Brown to his Chairmanship of First Quay Capital and LandCorp Australia.
Professor Yassine’s past contributions to public and corporate governance are equally commendable. His roles have included serving on the Board of Australia Post and Sydney Ports, contributing his expertise to Macquarie University Council, and guiding the Western Sydney Area Health Service. Notably, his chairmanship at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s Council of Australia Arab Relations underscores his significant impact on fostering international relations and cultural understanding.
In 2023, Professor Yassine gave a TEDX talk in Sydney called ‘Islamic Finance: A Possible Solution to Australia’s Housing Crisis’ where he challenged the audience to get curious about Islamic finance in order to embrace a different, human-centred way of approaching homeownership.
On the King’s Birthday 2024, Talal was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for his service to business and to the community.
Professor Yassine’s journey reflects a blend of professional excellence, community service, and a deep commitment to ethical leadership. Through his work, he continues to inspire and influence a wide array of sectors.
SPEAKER
TALAL IS A TEDX SPEAKER AND KEYNOTE SPEAKER WHO HAS WORKED WITH NOT-FOR-PROFITS, CORPORATES, CHARITIES, ACADEMIA AND GOVERNMENT.
Talal has chaired panels, emceed fundraisers and taken part in national debates. His keynote addresses are filled with actionable takeaways and steeped in authentic storytelling from lived experience.
Authentic leadership, ethical finance, identity, culture and inclusion, are top priorities for Professor Yassine. In the case of multi-speaker events Talal is only accepting speaking engagements from organisations that are committed to both representation and inclusivity in the speaking line-up, and equity in pay and platform opportunities. To book Talal for speaking arrangements, click here.
MEDIA
TALAL IS A REGULAR CONTRIBUTOR TO SOME OF AUSTRALIA’S MOST REPUTABLE NEWS OUTLETS AS WELL AS WRITING FOR ACADEMIC PUBLICATIONS.
Talal’s regular commentary includes themes of finance, culture, and Australian identity.
Talal regularly appears on ABC’s The Drum.
Talal is also a guest on some of Australia’s most respected podcasts. You can learn more about Talal, his background and life lessons on The Safi Bros and FairDinkum podcasts.
TALAL HOLDS A MASTER OF LAWS AND A MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION FOCUSED ON INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS STRATEGY.
In November 2012, Talal was also appointed as a Vice Chancellor’s Professorial Fellow within the Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University.
In 2014, Talal was appointed Adjunct Professor within the School of Business, Western Sydney University.
In 2023, Talal was appointed Adjunct Fellow, Macquarie School of Law at Macquarie University
ACADEMIC
PHILANTHROPIST
TALAL IS THE FOUNDER OF THE NOT-FOR-PROFIT ORGANISATIONS SALAAM FOUNDATION AND THE SALAAM INSTITUTE.
The Salaam Foundation which Talal established, supports refugee scholarships, refugee mentoring, Islamic art & culture, civics, youth & democracy and helping the homeless. Recently the Salaam Foundation formed the Crescent Awards, which showcases and acknowledges the incredible contributions of Muslim students and educators across Australia. Every year, students from around the country are nominated across categories including excellence in community, entrepreneurial, creative arts, and sporting achievement. Educators are nominated for their roles in fields such as student well-being, professional development, innovation in teaching and distinction in leadership.
Talal also established the Salaam Institute in 2000, which connects, inspires, empowers and educates Australian professionals through high-calibre learning and professional networking opportunities throughout Australia.
Salaam Institute events engage the thought leaders of today and tomorrow on economic, social, culture and academic issues of national importance, and are proud to advocate the value of a more inclusive and diverse Australia, while the Institute serves as a hub for professional development, networking, and thought leadership.
The Salaam Institute has a proud history of hosting Australia’s business, political and religious leaders including, among many others, current and former Prime Ministers, the Hon. Kevin Rudd and Hon. Tony Abbott; Premiers, the Hon. Annastacia Palaszczuk, the Hon. Bob Carr, the Hon Barry O’Farrell, the Hon Jeff Kennett, along with Karen Stocks (CEO, Twitter Australia), Ms Wendy Harmer (Comedian), Mr. David Irvine (Head of ASIO), Mr. Mark Bouris (Executive Chairman, Yellow Brick Road), the Hon Anne Aly MP, the Hon Julie Bishop, Stan Grant (Journalist) and Mehdi Hasan (Political Commentator & Author).
