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Speakers

Advisory Board 2026

Shafique Ibrahim

Founder, FXB Payments Summit

Osama Al Rahma

Chairman, Foreign Exchange & Remittance Group (FERG)

Alaa AlRousan

Head of Middle East and North Africa Region, SWIFT

Christos Christou

Chief Compliance Officer, Lulu Financial Holdings

Mir K Rasool

Chief Business Officer Index Exchange

Shafique Ibrahim

Founder, FXB Payments Summit

Osama Al Rahma

Chairman, Foreign Exchange & Remittance Group (FERG)

Alaa AlRousan

Head of Middle East and North Africa Region, SWIFT

Christos Christou

Chief Compliance Officer, Lulu Financial Holdings

Mir K Rasool

Chief Business Officer Index Exchange

Some of our Esteem Speakers

Hasan Fardan Al Fardan

CEO, Al Fardan Exchange

Jamal Saleh

Director General, UAE Banks Federation

Osama Al Rahma

Chairman, Foreign Exchange & Remittance Group (FERG)

Christos Christou

Chief Compliance Officer, Lulu Financial Holdings

Alaa AlRousan

Head of Middle East and North Africa Region, SWIFT

Haseeb Ansari

Chief Compliance Officer, Emirates Islamic

Rashed Al Ansari

Group CEO for Al Ansari Financial Services and Vice Chairman of FERG

Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi

National Risk and Policy Director, Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing

Preetham Prabhu

Heads Aani - UAE Instant Payment Scheme, Al Etihad Payments

Rishabh Singh

Vice President of Product, Botim Pay

Fares Al Ansari

General Manager | Redha Al Ansari Exchange

Abdulla Kanoo

Co-CEO and Co-Founder at ARP Digital

Zameer Punjabi

Senior vice president Remittances

Ruben Bombardi

General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Enablement, Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)

Melike Kara Tanrikulu

e& money, CEO

Hasan Fardan Al Fardan

CEO, Al Fardan Exchange

Rashed Al Ansari

Group CEO for Al Ansari Financial Services and Vice Chairman of FERG

Melike Kara Tanrikulu

e& money, CEO

Jamal Saleh

Director General, UAE Banks Federation

Abdulla Kanoo

Co-CEO & Co-Founder at ARP Digital

Christos Christou

Chief Compliance Officer, Lulu Financial Holdings

Alaa AlRousan

Head of Middle East and North Africa Region, SWIFT

Osama Al Rahma

Chairman, Foreign Exchange & Remittance Group (FERG)

Haseeb Ansari

Chief Compliance Officer, Emirates Islamic

Preetham Prabhu

Heads Aani - UAE Instant Payment Scheme, Al Etihad Payments

Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem Al Zaabi

National Risk and Policy Director, Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter Terrorism Financing

Rishabh Singh

Vice President of Product, Botim Pay

Ruben Bombardi

General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Enablement, Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)

Fares Al Ansari

General Manager | Redha Al Ansari Exchange

Zameer Punjabi

Senior vice president Remittances

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Osama Al Rahma

Chairman, Foreign Exchange and Remittance Group (FERG)
Osama Al Rahma has performed leadership roles across the financial sector and other organizations and currently at Emirates Investment Bank as Head of Business Development and Wealth Management. He has over 30 years of experience in the financial services.
Prior to Emirates Investment Bank, Osama worked at Al Fardan Exchange LLC and Al Fardan Group since 1993 in many leadership roles and was CEO since 2011 and Director at the Group. He has occupied other roles such as EX-Chairman of Foreign Exchange and Remittance Group ( FERG) under Dubai Chamber of Commerce and currently act as Advisor to the board . He was a former Vice Chairman of Dubai Quality Group. He is an Independent Director and Advisor to other Fintech and payment companies.
He holds a degree in Electronics Engineering and a Postgraduate Diploma in Management Studies from the University of Hull. He is also an alumnus of J.F. Kennedy School of Governments Executive Program in Leadership of Harvard University and holds a Harvard Fintech Certificate. HE has Diploma in Corporate Governance from the Corporate Governance Institute in Dublin.

Alaa AlRousan

Head of Middle East and North Africa Region, SWIFT
Alaa AlRousan is Head of SWIFT in the Middle East and North Africa Region. He is responsible for driving SWIFT’s initiatives in the region and working with banking communities and regulators to provide solutions to regional industry challenges such as payments innovation, operational excellence and cyber security.
Alaa specializes in payments solutions design, financial messaging, RTGS, ACH and instant payment networks. Alaa has been with SWIFT for more than nine years, during which he has held the positions of Technical Expert & Solution Designer for the Middle East, Turkey & Africa, and Country Manager of some of the largest markets in the region. Prior to joining SWIFT, he worked in consulting and project management roles across the financial services industry. Alaa holds an MBA degree from Bayes Business School and an Engineering degree in Computers & Control Systems.

Christos Christou

Chief Compliance Officer, Lulu Financial Holdings
A professional Chief Compliance Officer with 30+ years in banking and non-banking financial services. A degree holder in Banking and Finance, an MBA from University of Liverpool, and CAMS, CGSS, and CCAS certifications from ACAMS. An executive management record of directing a diversified team of Compliance/RegTech/FinTech professionals and a Board member within Lulu Financial Group, chairing the Compliance, Audit and Risk Committees in all Lulu Financial Group companies in GCC and APAC regions.
A specialist in Payment Services, Crypto Assets, Regulatory and AML/CFT Compliance, Sanctions, Advanced Analytics and Forensics. A great career also as an adjunct lecturer for the Chartered Bankers Institute, Professional Academies, and Universities/Colleges in Europe and Middle East. An active member of the Public-Private Partnership Committee (ACPF) of the UAE, and member of the ACAMS Task Force as a subject matter expert for certifications and conferences.

Mir K Rasool

Chief Business Officer, Index Exchange
A distinguished leader in the field of growth marketing and business transformation, with over 20 years of experience, Mir has excelled as a Chief Business Officer, Marketing Director, and Growth Marketing Specialist, driving the products and services marketing for renowned brands across sectors of retail, consumer electronics, telecom, cross border payments and payment solutions in India and the Middle East.
Well-connected in the payment solutions industry, he collaborates closely with ecosystem partners, banks, fintechs, startups, accelerators, aggregators, regulators, and established incumbents, leveraging his extensive knowledge of markets in South Asia, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. His commitment to innovation and strategic alignment has yielded impressive results, including significant increases in market share and revenue.
His expertise encompasses various domains, including marketing strategies, project management, digital initiatives, brand management, e-commerce, and strategic planning. Recognized as one of ‘Asia’s 100 Power Leaders in Marketing & Communications 2022’ and awarded “CMO of the Year 2021” by the World Marketing Congress, Mir is known for his ability to lead organizations toward sustainable growth while managing P&L effectively.
Among his many accolades, he has also received the SIBA Emirates Business Leader Marketing Award 2023 and was recognized in Forbes Magazine for his contributions in marketing, communications, and business strategies.

Hasan Fardan Al Fardan

CEO, Al Fardan Exchange
Hasan Fardan Al Fardan is the CEO of Al Fardan Exchange, where he leads the company's strategic direction and spearheads its digital transformation to enhance operational efficiency and diversify revenue streams.
Prior to joining Al Fardan Exchange, Hasan held pivotal roles at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), where he gained deep expertise in investment strategy and financial management. As a member of one of the UAE’s most prominent family- owned business groups, he plays a key role in shaping the country’s economic and financial landscape through several influential positions.
He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Emirates Family Office Association (EOFA) and is a board member of the UAE Foreign Exchange & Remittance Group (FERG), where he chairs the FinTech Subcommittee. Hasan also provides strategic oversight as a director at Ajyad Capital B.S.C., a leading investment firm based in Bahrain, and sits on the Supervisory Board of Evocabank, a digital banking pioneer in Armenia. Additionally, he is a member of the Advisory Committee for the Dubai AI Festival.
Recognized for his leadership in fintech and digital innovation in financial services, Hasan is a sought-after speaker and thought leader. He has shared insights at prominent platforms such as the Future Innovation Summit, where he discussed The Future of Money, and the Dubai AI Festival, speaking on AI in Financial Services. He also contributed to Best Practices for Family Offices at Abu Dhabi Finance Week.
Hasan holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate, Finance, and Investment from Henley Business School, University of Reading, UK. His visionary leadership continues to position Al Fardan Exchange as a catalyst for innovation, driving regional financial inclusion and transformation.

Jamal Saleh

Director General, UAE Banks Federation
Jamal Saleh joined UBF (UAE Banks Federation) in July 2018 and became UBF's Director General on 1st January 2019. Prior to joining UBF, his last role was Head of Credit & Risk and Acting Regional Chief Risk Officer with a leading GCC bank. Jamal Saleh spent 29 years in banking (Conventional and Islamic) and covered Credit and Enterprise Risk Management (Credit, Market, Operational, Liquidity, and IT Risks).
His first 10 years were in the USA (in Private Banking and Credit) and the last 19 were in the UAE in Corporate Banking, Credit, and Risk Management with three leading UAE banks. He served as PRMIA's UAE Director General for 7 years (2007-2014) and was concurrently Member on British University's Advisory Board.
Jamal Saleh graduated valedictorian, summa cum laude, from New Jersey (USA) in Finance and Banking, and held 6 professional certifications in credit, finance, investment, and risk management.
He was a frequent TV quest on local and international business channels and newspapers, as well as a key speaker at tens of regional and international forums in UAE, MENA, Singapore, Europe, USA, etc., including 11 years at the renowned RiskMinds of Geneva/Amsterdam from 2006-2016, and the Commonwealth of Nations at Westminster Palace's Central Hall in London.

Haseeb Ansari

Chief Compliance Officer, Emirates Islamic
Haseeb Ansari is the Chief Compliance Officer at Emirates Islamic (part of the Emirates NBD Group) and has more than 29 years of international banking experience, which includes effective management of Regulatory and Financial Crime Compliance frameworks, as well as Governance and Operations. He has extensive experience in dealing with regulators, industry bodies, foreign correspondent banks and service providers. He has been an active member in the Compliance community and currently, he is the Vice Chairman of the UAE Banks Federation (UBF) Compliance Committee and member of the Market Conduct & Consumer Protection Committee.
Prior to joining Emirates Islamic, Haseeb was the Chief Compliance Officer at United Arab Bank and previously, he completed more than 9 years at Barclays Bank PLC, where his last assignment was the Regional Head of Compliance for the Middle East. He originally started his career at Citibank, managing a diverse spectrum of functional portfolios for over a decade.

Rashed Al Ansari

Group CEO for Al Ansari Financial Services and Vice Chairman of FERG
Rashed A. Al Ansari is the Group Chief Executive Officer and a Board Member of Al Ansari Financial Services, the parent company of Al Ansari Exchange, one of the UAE’s most trusted financial services group.
Since joining in 2010, Rashed has driven the Group’s strategic transformation and market expansion, leading the successful public listing of Al Ansari Financial Services on the Dubai Financial Market in 2023. Under his leadership, the Group is the largest non-banking financial institution in the GCC, serving millions of customers across remittances, foreign exchange, payments, and digital financial solutions.
Rashed’s career includes senior roles at Dubai Holdings, Dubai Industrial City, and the Dubai Mercantile Exchange, where he led operational, commercial, and strategic initiatives. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering from the University of Bradford and an MBA from Leeds University Business School, and is a graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Program.
Recognised among Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 CEOs in 2023 and 2025, he serves on the Dubai Chamber of Commerce Board and as Vice Chairman of the Foreign Exchange & Remittance Group (FERG), contributing to the UAE’s financial services industry.

Rishabh Singh

Vice President of Product, Botim Pay
Rishabh Singh is the Vice President of Product at botim, Astra Tech’s flagship fintech-first platform, now serving over 157 million users globally. In this role, he leads product strategy and execution, integrating payments, investment, credit, and card solutions to deliver seamless and inclusive cross-border financial services built on the app’s communications foundation.
A seasoned product leader with more than 15 years of experience, Rishabh has consistently transformed digital platforms. Previously, he was Head of Product at major platforms such as Paytm and noon, where he helped build and scale super- apps. At botim, he continues to play a pivotal role in evolving the platform into a fintech ecosystem, driving user growth, monetization, and product innovation.
Throughout his career, Rishabh has demonstrated a keen understanding of consumer and merchant needs across various sectors, including e-commerce, fintech, loyalty programs, and gaming. His innovative approach and passion for creating meaningful impact has consistently driven revenue growth and market expansion for the products and platforms he has been involved with.

Fares Al Ansari

General Manager | Redha Al Ansari Exchange

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.

 

Abdulla Kanoo

Co-CEO & Co-Founder at ARP Digital | Fifth-generation member of the Kanoo Group

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.

Ruben Bombardi

General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Enablement, Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)

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.

Melike Kara Tanrikulu

e& money, CEO

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.

Zameer Ajaz Punjabi

Vice President, Product Owner I Payments & Remittance, Mashreq Bank

Zameer has more than 20 years of experience in Remittance Industry ranging from Money Exchange houses to Banks in UAE and Saudi Arabia.

He has been involved in setting up the remittance products, managing them and bringing various innovations to it.

With Mashreq, for the last 7 years, he has been Heading the Remittance Business for Mashreq Retail Banking Group in his current position.

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