Talal Yassine AM (LLB '98) is on a mission to create opportunities for financial inclusion for underserved communities. Beyond business, he's driven by a commitment to meeting genuine needs, particularly for Australia's Muslim community, so that people of faith have choices, dignity and a secure path forward for future generations.
"Don't be afraid to change lanes as long as you know where you're headed."
Talal Yassine
5 minutes with Talal Yassine AM (LLB '98)
What motivated you to pursue this career?
I didn't grow up knowing exactly what I'd become. I was a taxi driver, a rubbish collector, a real estate agent, I've done it all. But I knew I wanted to be useful, to serve people. I thought I wanted to be a lawyer - probably from watching LA. Law (the 90's lawyer drama that is basically Suits), but the deeper truth is that I'm most energised when I'm working with others, in service of others. That's the thread through everything I've done. My 'why' is about building institutions and opportunities for communities that have long been underserved, particularly the Australian Muslim community.
How did your university studies or experience help you get started in this career path?
University was transformational. Coming from Granville Boys High and then arriving at the University of Sydney was like entering another world. I discovered people from all walks of life, I met migrants like me, the university campus really changed me. Education was my ticket. My degrees from Sydney, Macquarie, Deakin, they weren't just academic, they gave me language, confidence, exposure. And they unlocked doors that would've stayed shut otherwise.
What have been some of the biggest highlights and challenges you've faced during your career?
One moment sticks with me. After I graduated in a Master of Law at the University of Sydney, I couldn't get a job. I had no connections. A man, let's call him Hussein, promised me an interview. He told me to show up at 10am on a Saturday. I got there early, waited all day. But he never showed. He eventually stopped taking my calls. That crushed me. I remember feeling small and unworthy. But those moments steel you. They also teach you how not to treat others. On the flip side, the highlight? Founding an Islamic superannuation and finance business to collectivise Islamic wealth and serve more than a million Australian Muslims, stands out because that's my purpose.
How has your work had an impact on community?
At its core, my work is about creating systems and institutions that serve people who've historically been overlooked. Whether that's in business, politics, education or finance, I'm always asking, "how do we lift others up?" The work I've done through the Salaam Group is about building financial inclusion, generational wealth and dignity for the Muslim community in Australia. But more broadly, I hope my story - a kid from Guildford, eldest of eight, refugee roots - shows others what's possible when you don't self-select out.
What has been your biggest career achievement to date?
Creating Salaam Group and Australia's first Islamic-focused superannuation company is probably the most meaningful achievement to date. Not because it's a business, but because it meets a real community need. It gives dignity and choice to people of faith, and it's building something that will hopefully outlast me. That's the kind of win that matters.
What's next for you?
I'm in my fifth career now. Lawyer, politician, banker, entrepreneur, podcaster (my Uncommon Ground podcast is available wherever you get your podcasts from). Whatever form it takes, my focus remains the same: building institutions that serve community, mentoring the next generation, and continuing the journey of service. I've always said, "Don't be afraid to change lanes as long as you know where you're headed."
Hero image: Photography by Zahrah Habibbullah, supplied by Talal Yassine AM.
