Speakers
Advisory Board 2026
Some of our Esteem Speakers
Osama Al Rahma
Alaa AlRousan
Christos Christou
Mir K Rasool
Hasan Fardan Al Fardan
Melike Kara Tanrikulu
Melike joined e& (previously known as Etisalat Group) in September, 2021 to lead the development, transformation, and expansion of financial services, and build up the leading financial Superapp in the UAE and subsequently the region. She is also playing an instrumental role to expand e&’s financial services portfolio via organic and inorganic growth initiatives. Since 2021, she is leading Fintech business with an ambition to become top player in the region offering comprehensive consumer and business solutions.
Melike has over 20 years of experience in the payments and fintech domain, including 9 years as a CEO in two leading telco groups, where she built successful fintech businesses from the ground up with tailor-made strategies for each market. She has extensive experience in payments, digital banking, e-wallets, remittances, microfinance, ecosystems, and expertise spanning technology, customer propositions, and analytics.
Melike completed her degree in Business Administration from Middle East Technical University in 2004. She also completed a financial inclusion program from Harvard Business School, Leadership Program in Digitization and Transformation from IMD Business School. In 2019, she was given “The Leading Woman in Tech Award” by Facebook and Deloitte.
Roberto Mancone
As CEO of du Pay, Roberto is part of du’s executive leadership ecosystem, driving digital financial innovation and expanding the company’s market presence across the UAE. As du Pay enters the next chapter of its fintech journey, Roberto will play a pivotal role in leading digital transformation, strengthening operational excellence, and ensuring regulatory compliance within an evolving fintech landscape. His extensive experience will be instrumental as we continue to innovate and contribute to the sector’s rapid growth.
Roberto Mancone is a seasoned professional with over 30 years of experience in fintech leadership, digital banking, corporate finance, and operational transformation across the USA, EU, UK, and GCC regions. At du Pay, he is instrumental in establishing the platform as a comprehensive digital financial ecosystem, driving strategic partnerships, and embedding innovation culture within the organization. He is focused on financial inclusion, and active contribution to fostering an environment where digital payments and banking accessibility are key drivers of success in the UAE’s fintech industry.
Previously, he served as CEO of BEYON Money in Bahrain, where he led the creation of a full-fledged digital fintech from inception to licensing, establishing it as a market leader in prepaid cards, remittances, and investment products. As COO and co-founder of we.trade, he built a blockchain-based trade finance consortium of 12 global banks. His banking career includes roles as Global Managing Director at Deutsche Bank in Germany, covering Technology Transformation and Head of Products and Channels for Private, Consumer, and SME Banking, and Corporate Banking leadership at BNP Paribas across the USA, UK, and Italy with Fortune 500 companies. He has consistently driven initiatives that enhance operational efficiency, regulatory excellence, and business transformation.
Roberto holds an Executive Master in Management Science from SDA Bocconi, Milano, Italy, and a BSc in Economics, Statistics and Econometrics from University Federico II, Napoli, Italy. He is certified in IoT from MIT Sloan School of Management, Boston, USA.
Jamal Saleh
Ruben Bombardi
Ruben Bombardi brings over two decades of legal expertise and strategic insight to the Virtua Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) as General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Enablement.A dual-qualified lawyer, Ruben has a wealth of experience spanning financial markets, fintech, and regulatory compliance, positioning him as a key player in shaping VARA’s legal and regulatory frameworks. His career has seen him lead cutting-edge initiatives at some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions, including Standard Chartered, MUFG, Barclays
Capital, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
At these institutions, Ruben played a pivotal role in advising on complex legal matters, overseeing cross-border transactions, and driving forward major fintech projects aimed at transforming traditional financial services. His deep understanding of regulatory environments and commitment to fostering innovation in finance are instrumental as VARA continues to establish itself as a leader in the virtual assets space. Ruben’s experience in balancing regulatory compliance with innovation ensures that VARA’s legal frameworks support responsible growth, investor protection, and the sustainable development of Dubai’s burgeoning digital economy.
Andrea Cianchetti
Andrea Cianchetti serves as the Chief Products Officer at Al Etihad Payments, where he oversees the end-to-end business aspects of AEP’s flagship offerings: the Aani instant payments platform and the Jaywan card scheme. He is responsible for guiding the product vision and its value proposition, overseeing the business operations, and leading product development and market rollout to ensure their success and adoption.
Prior to joining AEP, Andrea was a Principal at Kearney, specializing in financial services consulting. His expertise spans digital payments strategy and implementation, technology-driven operational transformations, customer experience improvements, business process re-engineering, and anti-money laundering initiatives.
Andrea began his career in the payments industry, and then moved to consulting in Italy and, afterwards, transitioned to the Middle East
He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Bologna, with international experience at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Andrea is known for his business acumen in the payments industry, analytical mindset and strong problem-solving abilities, with a passion for travel and an open-minded approach to business and life.
Finali Fernando
Finali Fernando is a HSBC life banker and is on her 30 th year with HSBC with over 24 years’ experience specialising in
payments in the UAE and MENAT region. Finali is currently the Regional Head of Products for Global Payment
Solutions in MENAT.
Finali is also the Chair of the UAE Banker Federation (UBF) – Transaction Banking Committee, the Co-chair of the
MESA Banking Committee and a board member of the Women in Payments (WiP) Middle East chapter.
Abdulla Kanoo
Abdulla is Co-CEO and Co-Founder at ARP Digital and a fifth-generation member of the Kanoo Group, GCC’s 135-year institutional family with deep roots in trade, shipping, and finance across the Gulf.
He co-founded ARP alongside his twin brother Abdulaziz Kanoo.
His technical background is distinct: he specializes in statistical arbitrage and delta-neutral strategies in the digital asset space, holding an MS in Operations Research and Financial Engineering from Columbia University’s Fu Foundation School of Engineering.
Abdulla leads ARP’s product and technical architecture. The quantitative rigour behind ARP’s netting engine, rate optimisation, and settlement infrastructure reflects his background in financial engineering applied to digital asset markets.
Syed Muhammad Ali
Syed Muhammad Ali is Co-Founder and CEO of myZoi, a UAE-based fintech focused on advancing financial inclusion for underserved and underbanked communities.
He brings more than 24 years of financial services experience spanning fintech, corporate banking, transaction banking, cash and liquidity management, and trade finance. Prior to myZoi, Syed held senior roles with Standard Chartered and Emirates NBD, covering clients and markets across Asia and the Middle East.
At myZoi, he leads the development of digitally enabled payroll, payments and cross- border remittance solutions designed for low-income workers and their families. His work sits at the intersection of financial inclusion, responsible innovation and the evolving payments ecosystem, with a particular focus on making essential financial
services more accessible, affordable and transparent.
Haseeb Ansari
Arvind Kashyapa
He has over 40 years of experience in the insurance industry. After completing his MBA, Arvind joined The New India Assurance Company in India, in 1981. He was associated with New India for the next 27 years with the last 10 years as General Manager of the Company’s Dubai Agency. He subsequently started the Dubai operations of Howden Insurance Brokers London, in Dubai, as a Partner and CEO in 2008. He was an Advisor with The Private Office of Sheikh Saeed Bin Ahmed Al Maktoum in Dubai.
Fares Al Ansari
As the General Manager of Redha Al Ansari Exchange, one of the leading exchange houses in the UAE, I oversee the strategic direction and operational performance of the company. I lead a team of more than 700 employees across 62 branches, ensuring the highest standards of customer service, compliance, and risk management.
With a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a minor in Economics from San Jose State University, I have a strong foundation in financial analysis, markets, and regulations. I also have extensive experience in financial audits, having worked as a Senior Auditor at EY for five years before joining Redha Al Ansari Exchange. I have completed multiple certifications in money markets, foreign exchange, and business culture, which have enhanced my skills
and knowledge in the industry.
My goal is to leverage my expertise and leadership to drive innovation, growth, and excellence at Redha Al Ansari Exchange, while contributing to the economic development and financial inclusion of the UAE. I value teamwork, integrity, and customer satisfaction, and I strive to foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and diversity within the organization.
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi
Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem is a distinguished expert in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, now serving as the National Risk & Policy Director for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF). With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Al Alkeem has consistently demonstrated leadership and innovative thinking in various significant roles
His scholarly contributions to the field are substantial, with numerous articles published in esteemed research centers and academic journals. He has also served on various advisory boards, underscoring his dedication to advancing industry standards and disseminating knowledge.
A respected voice in the AI community, Dr. Al Alkeem is a frequent keynote speaker and panelist at top-tier international conferences and summits, where he shares his forward-thinking perspectives and expert insights, influencing contemporary discussions in technology
Dr. Al Alkeem holds a Ph.D. in Engineering with a double major in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity from Khalifa University. His academic achievements are complemented by a suite of global AI certifications, reflecting his commitment to continuing education and mastery of his field.
Kayvon Farshbaf
Senior Director of Cards, Payments, and Financial Crime focused on providing Financial Institutions the best solutions to support their businesses.
Arsalan Siddiqui
Arsalan Siddiqui is Chief Product Officer at myZoi, where he focuses on scaling the company’s financial inclusion proposition and building strategic relationships across markets and the financial services ecosystem.
With more than 18 years of experience, Arsalan has worked across financial services, consumer banking and operational risk, including roles with Standard Chartered and Citi. His career has involved leading complex programmes across multiple markets and geographies, giving him a strong understanding of both established financial institutions and emerging fintech models.
At myZoi, Arsalan is closely involved in expanding access to digital financial services for underserved communities, including payroll, payments and cross-border remittances. He has also represented myZoi in the UAE’s National Financial Inclusion Task Force, contributing to industry discussions on advancing financial inclusion at a national level.
Dishang Patel
Leading the banking charge for RAKBANK in the world of Digital Assets. With a background in Banking, Consulting, and Venture, Dishang brings a very rounded perspective whilst considering DeFi enablement possibilities to TradFi environments.
Jennifer Greco
Shamvil Raza
Saqr Ereiqat
Saqr Ereiqat advises governments on emerging technology with a focus on institutional trust, regulatory clarity, and implementable strategy.
He spent 13 years at IBM across the Middle East and Africa, most recently as Head of Public Sector Consultancy. He led projects in 23 countries, co-authored IBM’s first blockchain methodology for governments, and helped define Dubai’s official government blockchain strategy from 2015.
Over more than a decade he has advised blockchain and digital strategies for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Riyadh, Kuwait, Kenya, and Morocco, and has influenced regulatory frameworks and law in three countries. He currently serves on the Expert Advisory Panel of the Pakistan Digital Authority.
Featured on CNN, CNBC, and Bloomberg.
Muhammad Waqar Ashraf
With over 15 years of experience, Ashraf currently serve as Senior Director for theMiddle East and North Africa at Swift, managing key relationships with banks and financial institutions. His role focuses on strategic advisory at the C-suite level, navigating regulatory and technical landscapes, and driving revenue growth and product adoption across diverse markets.
Combining expertise in branding, strategic partnerships, and cross border payments, he lead multi-stakeholder deals and advocate for client priorities within the organization. His efforts are aligned with fostering collaboration, innovation, and interoperability across financial ecosystems in the MENA region.
Sid Pillai
Ramana Kumar
Ramana Kumar serves as the President of Stablecoin Ecosystem at the ADI Foundation, bringing over two decades of leadership in banking, payments, and fintech across the
UAE and the Middle East. Previously with Magnati, First Abu Dhabi Bank and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Ramana has spent his career overseeing digital banking, payments, and global transaction banking initiatives. Passionate about the future of digital finance, he focuses on scaling modern payment platforms and fostering collaboration between financial institutions to build the trusted infrastructure necessary for a seamless, cashless digital economy. Ramana is the vice chair member of Middle East Stablecoin Assosiation (MESA).
Ramana Kumar serves as President of Stablecoin Ecosystem at ADI Foundation. Here he focuses on advancing the development and adoption of stablecoin infrastructure and strengthening collaboration with financial institutions and technology providers across the region to support institutional adoption and modern digital payment frameworks.
Prior to his role at ADI Foundation, Ramana was CEO – Middle East at Paytm, leading the company’s regional strategy and expansion. Prior to that, he was the founding CEO
of Magnati, where he led the transformation of payment infrastructure and helped build the business into a more agile and growth-focused payments platform. Earlier in his career, Ramana held senior leadership roles at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) and the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD), overseeing digital banking, payments, and global transaction banking initiatives. Across these roles, he delivered first-to-market initiatives in payments modernization, data-driven growth, cashless programs, and financial inclusion.
He is passionate about the future of digital finance, and the role trusted infrastructure will play in shaping the next generation of global payments.
Amol Bahuguna
Amol K Bahuguna is a global banking executive with over two decades of leadership experience in wholesale, digital, and transaction banking across KSA, The UAE and India. Amol has led the transformation across corporate banking and global transaction banking franchises in the UAE and KSA, that contribute significantly to fee income. As a co-head of Transaction Banking and Executive Lead, Amol has spearheaded large-scale digital programs to modernize banking platforms and enhance operations. Recognized among the Top 50 Tech Leaders in KSA and Top 50 Payments Leaders in the GCC. Amol is also an Author of book, “Transaction Banking, Redefined”. Currently, Amol is a Senior Director, Financial Services Advisory at EY, MENA.
Rizwan Qazi
Rizwan S. Qazi is a senior financial services executive with over 27 years of international experience across banking, payments, fintech, strategy and business transformation. His career spans leadership roles with Citibank, Mastercard, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, TerraPay and Emirates NBD, as well as C-suite positions in payments and technology businesses. Having worked across North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and Asia, Rizwan brings a practical perspective on financial services innovation, digital transformation, growth and evolving customer expectations. He currently advises financial institutions and businesses on strategy, transformation and growth initiatives and is a frequent contributor to industry discussions on the future of banking and payments.
Tim Holder
With over 20 years of experience in the anti-money laundering (AML) and financial services industry, I am a passionate and driven leader who strives to deliver excellence and innovation in my work. As the Managing Director of Middle East and Africa at AML Analytics, I oversee the growth and expansion of our unique software tool that stress tests and verifies the quality of PEP and sanction screening systems. I am motivated by the mission of providing assurance and compliance to our clients, regulators, and senior management, and by the vision of creating a more transparent and secure financial environment.
In my previous role as the Head of Emerging Markets at AML Analytics, I was responsible for developing and executing the strategy for entering and growing our presence in new and untapped markets across Middle East, Africa, and Latin America. I leveraged my skills in new business development, customer relationship management, and market research to identify and pursue opportunities, build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, and deliver tailored and effective solutions to meet their needs and expectations. I also led and supported a diverse and talented team of AML professionals, who shared my commitment to excellence, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Nawal Kebouri Ammor
As the Group Head of Financial Institutions at Al Ansari Financial Services, the largest NBFI in the Middle East region, Nawal Kebouri Ammor leads strategic partnerships with local and international financial institutions. In this role, they drive the Group’s expansion efforts and ensure regulatory excellence in collaboration with central banks and global partners.
Nawal brings over two decades of global experience in financial services, specializing in Cash Management, Trade Finance, Correspondent Banking, and Payments. Prior to joining Al Ansari Financial Services, Nawal held senior leadership roles at NIUM, Mastercard, Deutsche Bank, and Citibank, consistently delivering transformative growth across the MENA region.
Nawal is recognized for the ability to navigate complex financial ecosystems, spearhead innovative Cross-Border payment solutions, and build sustainable, high-
impact banking relationships. Nawal holds an MBA in Marketing from Université du Québec à Montréal and is fluent in English, Arabic, and French.
Adeeb Ahamed
Adeeb Ahamed is Managing Director of LuLu Financial Holdings, a financial services company operating across the GCC, India and APAC, driving innovation in cross- border payments and digital financial solutions. He also leads Twenty14 Holdings, an investment firm focused on luxury hospitality.
A prominent voice on digital innovation and financial inclusion, Mr. Ahamed contributes to global economic discourse through the World Economic Forum. He serves as Chair of FICCI’s Middle East Council and Board Member of the UAE International Investors Council, and is also a member of The Wall Street Journal CEO Council and Washington Post Intelligence Council, reflecting his growing influence in global business and policy discourse.
Yasser Baia
He is based in Dubai, specializing in digital assets, cyber and professional lines. His work focuses on understanding emerging risks and developing insurance solutions for businesses operating at the forefront of innovation, including blockchain and Web3. Yasser holds the Registered Professional Liability Underwriter (RPLU) designation and certifications in blockchain technology and security. Named one of Bermuda+ ILS’s Rising Stars in 2024, he also contributes to industry discussions and educational workshops on emerging technologies, risk management and the evolving role of insurance.
Hitesh Khanchandani
Sarfraz Gill
Sarfraz Gill is a financial crime compliance leader with over 20 years of experience in the UAE banking and financial services sector. As Chief Compliance Officer and MLRO at Orient Exchange Co. (L.L.C.), he oversees AML/CFT, sanctions compliance, regulatory governance, and financial crime risk management. He has extensive experience strengthening risk-based compliance frameworks, enhancing transaction monitoring, and establishing international correspondent banking relationships. He actively participates in global compliance forums and contributes to regulatory dialogue and financial crime prevention initiatives across the UAE.
Nadine A. Jaafar
Nadine A. Jaafar is Chief Business Officer at Moyasar, a payments company licensed in Saudi Arabia and soon Bahrain and UAE. She leads its commercial strategy and its expansion across the GCC, including the UAE, Qatar, and Oman. She has more than 16 years of experience scaling revenue across payments, fintech infrastructure and digital assets in the GCC and EMEA. Her work spans cross border payments, merchant acquiring, card issuance, BNPL, expense management and payroll, much of it in regulated markets across several jurisdictions.
Before joining Moyasar, Nadine was Director of Business Development for the Middle East and Africa at Mercury. There she built the go-to-market strategy for issuing and acquiring and brought major fintechs and exchange houses live on the UAE domestic card scheme. She also coordinated the consortium of stakeholders for Oman’s domestic card scheme launch. Earlier, she held senior commercial roles at PAPEL Holding for both acquiring and issuing across MENAT, DT One and Toppan Gravity.
Nadine has been named one of the Top 10 Voices in the GCC redefining global payments ecosystems and one of The Women’s Post Top 10 Women Leaders Creating Impact in 2026. She is a founding member of the Women Choice Association and a long standing advocate for women in fintech.
Maria Kuznetsova
David Avasthi
David Avasthi – Managing Director & Chief Underwriting Officer With a Bachelor’s form NYU and a MBA from Baruch in New York, David began his professional career as a Mergers and Acquisition Analyst on Wall Street but very soon began his insurance career at various multinational Insurers including AIG and Crum & Forster in the States, AXA in Paris and Munich Re in their Innovative Business Solutions Division, before moving to Dubai to implement credit insurance and casualty programs for UAE’s A rated companies and designing and implementing UAE’s government programs known as the Worker Protection Program and the Unemployment programs.
He is currently, as a Central Bank licensed Insurance Consultant, from offices in Dubai, the Managing Director of CME Capital Insurance Consultancies setting terms and conditions for UAE Insurers in the field of Credit insurance, D&O Med Mal and Misc. Professional Indemnity programs
Sailesh Pillai
Muhammad Rashid
Muhammad Rashid is a global fintech executive, entrepreneur, and regulatory strategist with over 20 years of experience across banking, payments, financial technology, and financial crime compliance. As Group Chief Compliance & Risk Officer at Jingle Pay, he leads strategic initiatives spanning regulatory engagement, risk governance, cross-border payments, digital financial services, and emerging technologies. His experience includes leadership and advisory roles across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific, working with financial institutions, regulators, and international organizations. Rashid is passionate about the intersection of financial innovation, responsible AI, and effective governance to build trusted, inclusive, and resilient financial ecosystems.
Omer Farooq
Omer Farooq is a CEO and FSRA-authorised Senior Executive Officer with 25+ years in banking and cross-border payments across the GCC and South Asia.
He leads Blue Remit Ltd, the ADGM-licensed remittance subsidiary of Al Ansari Financial Services, accountable to the board and the regulator for strategy, P&L and
compliance. He stay close to what drives a remittance business: corridor economics, payout partnerships, liquidity and settlement, and the product and technology roadmap.
Before this he ran both ends of the corridor: General Manager of an exchange company in Oman, Country Manager of a bank’s representative office in the UAE, and head of transaction banking and remittances at Faysal Bank in Pakistan.
Across these roles he has owned P&L, launched products and digital channels, and worked directly with boards and regulators.