Kestrl
By Adam Parker
UK Sharia-compliant money app focused on budgeting and a Sharia-aligned investment marketplace, not an SME lender. It is not a bank: the Kestrl account and card are issued by AF Payments Limited, which is authorised by the FCA as an e-money institution (per Kestrl's own site). Useful to know about as a Sharia-aligned money app, but it doesn't itself lend to businesses.
Founder & Managing Director, Muswell Rose, FundBiz
Adam is the founder and managing director of Muswell Rose and a founder of Best Business Loans Ltd, the company behind FundBiz. His background runs through commercial finance, mortgages and fintech, including as managing director of an invoice finance business. He oversees FundBiz's guides and lender reviews.
Last updated:
Sharia structures offered
- · Sharia-aligned spending, saving and investing features (not a financing product)
Pros
- ✓ Sharia-aligned budgeting and investment app.
- ✓ App-based onboarding.
- ✓ Active product development.
Cons
- ✗ Not a bank; the account and card are issued by a regulated e-money partner.
- ✗ Doesn't lend to businesses.
- ✗ Smaller Sharia governance footprint than full Islamic banks.
Best for
- · People who want a Sharia-aligned money app alongside their business finance research
- · Users comfortable with an app-only service
Weak at
- · Larger commercial lending
- · Sharia structures requiring full Islamic-banking infrastructure
Sharia governance
Kestrl states that independent Sharia advisors review its product structures. Confirm the current arrangement with the provider directly.
How to apply
Apply directly via www.kestrl.io. Kestrl doesn't lend to businesses, so there's no finance application to make.
Not sure this is the right fit?
Tell us what you need in 2 minutes. FundBiz is not a lender and does not run a credit check. We pass your enquiry to a business finance broker, who will contact you about your options. For limited companies, LLPs and partnerships with four or more partners.
Send an enquiry →FundBiz is owned and operated by Best Business Loans Ltd, directed by Oliver Mackman. Editorial only. We are not an FCA-authorised adviser, and Kestrl didn't pay for or pre-approve this review. See our methodology.