Wahed: A Comprehensive Review of the Leading Halal Investing Platform

Wahed has established itself as one of the largest halal investing platforms, providing a viable alternative for Muslims seeking to invest in public markets. For years, it was the go-to option for halal investments, but as the landscape evolves, more alternatives are emerging. In this review, we will analyze how Wahed compares to its competitors, covering its product range, investor feedback, and whether it still deserves a place in your halal investment portfolio.

Disclaimer

Before we dive into the details, it’s important to note that our investment firm, Cur8 Capital, competes with Wahed in certain areas, particularly in real estate and venture capital. Our mission is to empower Muslims financially, whether through our platform or a competitor’s. We believe in providing a full perspective to help you make informed decisions.

What Can You Invest in Using Wahed?

As of 2025, Wahed has significantly expanded its offerings beyond its initial robo-advisory model. While it still allows users to select their risk level and invest in halal stocks, sukuk, and gold, the platform now offers a broader range of investment options:

Core Portfolios: The mainstay of Wahed, where your money is allocated across various halal funds.
Real Estate: Invest in individual properties in the UK.
Venture Capital: Back startups through their venture offering.
Self-Invested Personal Pension (SIPP): Open a pension account.
Wills: Write your Islamic will online.

This comprehensive ecosystem makes Wahed a one-stop shop for halal investments, but it also introduces complexity.

Wahed’s Core Portfolios Review

Wahed operates similarly to a brokerage platform, allocating your funds across various halal instruments. The main categories include:

Global Equities: e.g., iShares MSCI World Islamic UCITS ETF
Emerging Markets: e.g., iShares MSCI EM Islamic UCITS ETF
Sukuk: e.g., Franklin Global Sukuk Fund
Gold: Physical Gold funds

This model is particularly beneficial for beginners or those seeking a hands-off investment approach. You can choose your risk level, and Wahed manages the allocation.

Are Wahed’s Fees Competitive?

Recently, Wahed adjusted its fee structure, which has raised concerns among investors:

Before:

£2.99/month for balances up to £10,000
0.49% per annum for balances over £10,000

After:

£2.99/month for balances up to £3,600
1% per annum for balances between £3,600 and £250,000
0.75% per annum for balances between £250,000 and £1,000,000
0.5% per annum for balances over £1,000,000

For small investors, the new fee structure can be prohibitive, making it essential to consider whether Wahed is the right choice for your investment strategy.

Wahed SIPP Review

Wahed now offers a SIPP, allowing you to invest in halal portfolios for your retirement. This standalone pension account is particularly useful for self-employed individuals or freelancers. The fees are similar to core portfolios, with an additional £2.50 monthly maintenance fee.

Wahed Real Estate Review

Wahed has launched a real estate investment option, allowing users to invest in individual properties in the UK. Starting with just £500, Wahed manages all aspects of property investment, including tenant management and legal issues. However, the associated fees can add up:

3% due diligence and admin fee
3% transaction fee
Property management fee (approximately 10% of rent)
A cut of profits upon property sale

While this option provides hands-off, Shariah-compliant exposure to real estate, the costs may deter fee-conscious investors.

Wahed Ventures Review

Wahed Ventures offers a platform for investing in early-stage startups, allowing investments from £500. This high-risk, high-reward option is ideal for those looking to diversify their portfolios. However, the lack of pooled vehicles means investors may face challenges in achieving diversification.

Wahed Wills Review

Wahed now provides a will-writing service, enabling users to create a UK-legal, Islamic-compliant will online. The costs are competitive, with a simple online will priced at £125. This service is a valuable addition for those looking to ensure their estate is managed according to Islamic principles.

Wahed ETFs Review

Wahed offers its own ETFs listed on the US stock exchange, including $HLAL and $UMMA. These ETFs provide exposure to Shariah-compliant companies and have performed well, particularly $HLAL, which has seen a 101.67% increase over five years.

Is It Cheaper to Do It Yourself Instead of Using Wahed?

Many potential investors wonder if they can bypass Wahed’s fees by investing directly through platforms like Trading212 or Hargreaves Lansdown. While it is possible to buy similar ETFs directly, doing so requires more effort in terms of portfolio management and rebalancing.

What Do Wahed’s Investors Have to Say?

Wahed’s Trustpilot score averages around 3.3, indicating mixed feedback. Common complaints include slow withdrawal processes and customer service issues. However, many investors appreciate the platform’s halal compliance and ease of use.

What Alternatives Are There to Investing in Wahed?

With the emergence of new platforms, Muslim investors now have more options:

Wahed vs Simply Ethical

Simply Ethical offers a straightforward halal portfolio at potentially lower costs, making it a good alternative for cost-conscious investors.

Wahed vs Amal Invest

Amal Invest charges a one-off setup fee, which can be more economical in the long run. They also provide built-in ethical screening.

Wahed vs Zoya

Zoya is a halal investment research app that allows users to build their own portfolios, making it ideal for those who prefer a hands-on approach.

Wahed vs DIY Platforms

For experienced investors, DIY platforms allow for complete control over investments but require more effort in management.

Wahed vs Cur8 Capital

Cur8 focuses on private markets, offering a different investment strategy compared to Wahed’s public market focus.

Final Verdict

Whether Wahed is the best option for you depends on your investment goals and experience level. For beginners or those seeking a hands-off approach, Wahed remains a strong choice. However, experienced investors may find better value through DIY investing or alternative platforms.

If you’ve used Wahed, we invite you to share your experiences in the comments. For those starting their investment journey, consider using our free investment checklist to clarify your objectives and risk appetite.