Bridging worlds, building trust.
Rabbi Maxim Cohen brings together over 20 years of experience in the financial services sector with deep rabbinic scholarship. A qualified accountant, lender, and investor, he also serves as a director and adviser within FCA-regulated firms in the UK.
Rabbi Maxim Cohen — The Finance Rabbi
With over 20 years' experience in the UK financial services sector and formal Rabbinic ordination, Rabbi Maxim Cohen is uniquely positioned at the intersection of modern finance and Halacha (Jewish law). His work is driven by a simple mission: to make kosher lending practical, accessible, and commercially robust for all parties.
Alongside his financial career, Rabbi Cohen received semicha (rabbinical ordination) from leading rabbis around the world, including the eminent posek HaRav Gavriel Zinner, author of Netei Gavriel. His unique dual expertise enables him to guide both lenders and borrowers in structuring finance that is commercially sound while fully aligned with the highest standards of Halacha (Jewish law).
This combination of financial acumen and rabbinic authority is what underpins The Finance Rabbi — making complex areas like Heter Iska practical, accessible, and enforceable for today's UK financial marketplace.
Rabbi Cohen is also the Founder and Chief Executive of the Jewish Lending Institute (JLI), an organisation dedicated to advancing Halachic finance education and best practices within the UK's Jewish community and financial sector.
As the founder of the UK's first FCA-regulated mortgage brokerage under Rabbinic supervision, he has firsthand experience in structuring finance that meets both regulatory standards and the stringent requirements of Beth Din.
Finance that honours Torah values and delivers real-world results.
Too many people think Halachic finance means choosing between religious observance and commercial success. My mission is to prove that's a false choice. With the right structure, knowledge, and support, you can have both.
"When we align our business practices with our deepest values, we don't just serve our community — we elevate it."
A unique combination of Rabbinic authority and commercial expertise.
Rabbinic Ordination
Semicha from leading rabbis including the posek HaRav Gavriel Zinner, author of Netei Gavriel, with specialisation in commercial Halacha
Finance Career
20+ years in financial services as qualified accountant, lender and investor with directorships in FCA regulated firms
Community Leadership
Founder and Chief Executive of the Jewish Lending Institute (JLI), active in communal organisations, Beth Din liaison, and Halachic education initiatives
Rabbinical Ordination
Seal of HaRav Gavriel Zinner — Netei Gavriel
Rabbi Cohen received semicha (rabbinical ordination) from the eminent posek HaRav Gavriel Zinner, author of Netei Gavriel, as well as other leading Rabbanim in the USA and Israel, with specialisation in commercial Halacha.
Jewish Lending Institute
Founder and Chief Executive
The Jewish Lending Institute advances Halachic finance education and best practices within the UK's Jewish community and financial sector, providing training, resources, and guidance for compliant lending structures.
Toen Rabbani (Rabbinical Arbitrator)
Authorised to represent clients before the Beis Din.
Rabbi Maxim Cohen is an authorised Toen Rabbani (Rabbinical Arbitrator) through Yeshiva Pirchei Shoshanim. This certification recognises his authority to represent clients and appear before the Beis Din (Jewish court) in matters of commercial dispute resolution and Halachic arbitration.
As a Toen Rabbani, Rabbi Cohen provides expert advocacy in complex financial disputes, ensuring that both sides receive fair representation under Jewish law while maintaining the highest standards of Halachic integrity.
This role complements his broader mission of making Halachic finance accessible and trustworthy within the UK Jewish community.
Rabbi Cohen is also the Founder and Advocate for Online Beis Din, an innovative platform bringing digital arbitration and Halachic dispute resolution to a global audience.
Rabbinic Journey
Rabbi Maxim Cohen received Semicha (rabbinical ordination) from leading Rabbanim and Poskim, including the renowned posek HaRav Gavriel Zinner, author of Netei Gavriel.
He combines his deep knowledge of Halacha with professional expertise in the UK financial services sector, specialising in complex business scenarios, mortgage structures, and the practical implementation of Heter Iska within today's financial markets.
As a member of the Rabbinical Alliance of America, Rabbi Cohen maintains strong connections with the global Orthodox rabbinical community and remains actively engaged with evolving Halachic perspectives on modern finance.
He works closely with the Beth Din on commercial matters to ensure that financial solutions meet both Halachic requirements and regulatory expectations, with a particular focus on the laws of Ribis (interest) and their practical application in contemporary finance.
Rabbi Cohen is currently undertaking an intensive 4-year Dayanut (Halachic Judge) course, deepening his expertise in Jewish jurisprudence and positioning himself at the forefront of modern Halachic arbitration and dispute resolution.
Finance Career
20+ years across the financial services sector as a qualified accountant, working with major UK institutions including credit risk, structured finance, and regulatory compliance roles.
Currently holds directorships and advisory roles in FCA regulated firms, with deep expertise in bridging finance, BTL mortgages, development funding, and alternative credit structures.
Led teams implementing complex finance solutions while maintaining full regulatory compliance and commercial viability across diverse portfolios.
Why 'Finance Rabbi'?
The name says it all. I'm not just a finance professional who happens to be religious, or a Rabbi who dabbles in business. I'm someone who lives and breathes both worlds every day.
When a lender calls with a complex Heter Iska question at 9pm, I can answer it. When a borrower needs to understand why the Beth Din hearing matters for their bridging loan, I explain it in plain English. When a community organisation needs someone to train their finance team on Halachic requirements, I design the curriculum.
This isn't theoretical knowledge — it's practical expertise earned through years of structuring real deals, training real teams, and helping real people navigate the intersection of faith and finance with confidence.
Comprehensive Halachic finance guidance for the UK Jewish community and financial sector.
Halachic Finance Guidance
Expert guidance on structuring financial transactions according to Jewish law
- Heter Iska structuring
- Commercial Halacha consultation
- Ribbis avoidance strategies
- Beth Din liaison & support
- Regulatory & Halachic compliance
Lender & Borrower Advisory
Practical support for both lenders and borrowers navigating Halachic finance
- Lender training programs
- Borrower education
- Document review & approval
- Beth Din coordination
- Deal structuring support
Education & Training
Advancing Halachic finance knowledge across the UK Jewish community and financial sector
- Shiurim on financial Halachot
- Corporate training programs
- Community workshops
- Published resources
- One-on-one consultations
Jewish Lending Institute
Leading organisation for Halachic finance education and best practices in the UK
- Industry standards development
- Professional certification
- Research & publications
- Community advocacy
- Collaborative initiatives
UK-Focused, Globally Connected
With deep roots in the UK's Jewish financial community, The Finance Rabbi combines Halachic expertise with practical experience in the UK lending market.
We support clients across the country — from banks and bridging lenders to property developers and business owners — and extend our reach internationally through remote consultations, training, and advisory work. Wherever you are, we make compliant finance accessible, reliable, and aligned with both UK regulation and Halachic standards.
Need Halachic finance guidance?
Whether you need help structuring a Halachically compliant transaction or require ethical lending support, we're here to help.