His Excellency Essa Kazim is the Governor of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Chairman of Borse Dubai, Deputy Chairman of the Supreme Legislation Committee in Dubai, and a member of the Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee. He plays a central role in shaping Dubai’s financial ecosystem, capital markets strategy, and legislative frameworks. Known for his leadership in financial market development and regulatory governance, H.E. Kazim brings a strategic perspective on global financial centres and market infrastructure.
Noel Quinn is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Julius Baer Group, with over 37 years of experience in global banking and financial services. He previously served as Group Chief Executive of HSBC, where he led the organization for five years and guided its global strategy and transformation. Prior to this, he held senior leadership roles including CEO Global Commercial Banking, Regional Head of Commercial Banking Asia Pacific, and Head of Commercial Banking UK. Known for his strategic leadership in global banking, Quinn brings deep insights into international finance and institutional growth.
Shri Ashishkumar Chauhan is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE), with decades of experience in capital markets, technology, and financial infrastructure. A founding member of NSE, he has been instrumental in shaping India’s modern markets, including screen-based trading, the NIFTY index, derivatives markets, and digital trading platforms. Previously, he served as MD and CEO of BSE Limited and held leadership roles across Reliance Group and other institutions. Recognized globally for his impact on financial markets innovation, he is regarded as a pioneer of modern financial derivatives in India.
Ryan Breslow is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Bolt, a leading checkout technology company reimagining how people buy, sell, and move money through one-click commerce and crypto-enabled payments. He has founded and led multiple ventures across fintech, digital commerce, and decentralized finance, including Love.com, Prism, Eco, and The Family Accelerator. Known for building next-generation payment and financial platforms, Breslow brings a founder-led perspective on the future of commerce, fintech, and digital money.
Claude Marx is the Director General of the Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF), Luxembourg’s financial regulator, where he oversees the prudential supervision of banks, investment firms, and financial entities. With extensive experience across regulation and private banking, he contributes to shaping Europe’s sustainable finance and regulatory frameworks and serves on the Board of Supervisors of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). Previously, he served as CEO of Lombard International Assurance and held senior leadership roles at HSBC Private Bank Luxembourg. Known for his expertise in regulatory strategy and financial supervision, Marx brings a policy-driven perspective on financial regulation and sustainable finance.
Claude
Marx
Director General
Commission de Surveillance du Secteur Financier (CSSF)
Kentaro Okuda is the President and Group Chief Executive Officer of Nomura Holdings and President of Nomura Securities, and serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Nomura Holdings. With a long-standing career at Nomura since 1987, he has held senior leadership roles across global investment banking, including Global Head of Investment Banking, Global Head of M&A, and Joint Head of Wholesale. Previously, he served as Group Co-COO and President & CEO of Nomura Holding America, leading the firm’s Americas business. Known for his leadership in global capital markets and investment banking, Okuda brings deep insights into international financial markets and institutional strategy.
Bjørn Sibbern is the Chief Executive Officer of SIX, with extensive experience across global exchanges, trading, data, and post-trade infrastructure. Prior to joining SIX, he served as Executive Vice President and President of European Markets at Nasdaq, leading markets and exchanges across the Nordic and Baltic regions, and previously led Nasdaq’s global data, analytics, and index businesses. Earlier in his career, he held leadership roles at E*TRADE Bank Denmark, OMX, and Stocknet Norway. Known for his expertise in market infrastructure, data, and exchange technology, Sibbern brings a strategic perspective on the evolution of global capital markets.
Martin Kocher is the Governor of the Oesterreichische Nationalbank and a member of the Governing Council of the European Central Bank (ECB). He previously served as Austria’s Federal Minister of Labour and Economy, following his tenure as Federal Minister of Labour. Prior to his government roles, he was Scientific Director of the Institute for Advanced Studies, President of the Fiscal Advisory Council, and Chairman of the Statistics Council. A Full Professor of Economics at the University of Vienna, he has held academic positions across Europe and Australia. Known for his expertise in economic policy and macroeconomic research, Kocher brings a policy and central banking perspective on economic and monetary frameworks.
Nicolas Moreau is the Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Asset Management, where he leads the global strategy and growth of HSBC’s investment management business across international markets. With over 30 years of experience in asset management and insurance, he previously served on the Management Board of Deutsche Bank, leading Deutsche Asset Management through its listing and rebranding as DWS. Prior to that, he held multiple senior leadership roles across the AXA Group, including CEO of AXA Investment Managers and Chairman & CEO of AXA France. Recognized for his contributions to the financial industry, he was awarded La Légion d’Honneur in 2015.
H.E. Arif Amiri is the Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority, where he is responsible for setting the strategy and growth direction of the Dubai International Financial Centre. He plays a key role in shaping DIFC’s positioning as a leading global financial hub and driving its expansion across financial services, fintech, and innovation. Known for his leadership in international financial centre development and institutional strategy, Amiri brings a global perspective on financial hubs, market growth, and ecosystem building.
Shri Sundararaman Ramamurthy is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of BSE, where he leads strategy, product innovation, regulatory engagement, and business development. With over four decades of experience in banking and capital markets, he previously served as MD & COO of Bank of America’s India operations and spent nearly 20 years at NSE, playing a key role in the development of derivatives, indices, data, and clearing operations. Known for his leadership in market infrastructure and digital innovation, Ramamurthy brings deep insights into exchange evolution and capital market transformation.
Fernando Zandona is a technology and engineering leader at Mambu, with over 20 years of experience at global technology organizations including Amazon and Microsoft. He leverages deep technical expertise from hyper-growth environments to lead Mambu’s global engineering teams, delivering scalable, customer-centric fintech solutions. Known for his leadership in platform engineering, digital transformation, and innovative product development, Fernando brings a technology-driven perspective on building next-generation core banking and fintech infrastructure.
Roham Gharegozlou is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Dapper Labs, a blockchain company known for pioneering NFT projects and digital collectibles. Launching his entrepreneurial journey at age 14, he has founded and led over a dozen startups across technology and digital innovation. Known for his expertise in blockchain, decentralized finance, and Web3 platforms, he brings a founder-led perspective on the future of digital assets and financial technology.
Alex Manson is the Chief Executive Officer of SC Ventures, the innovation and venture-building arm of Standard Chartered Bank, which he founded in 2018. With over 30 years in global banking, he has shaped corporate and transaction banking across APAC, Europe, and the US. Before SC Ventures, he held senior leadership roles at Standard Chartered, Deutsche Bank, and Credit Suisse, driving growth in lending, derivatives, and structured products. Known for blending strategic vision with innovation, Manson brings a unique perspective on transforming banking through ventures and fintech solutions.
Magnus Grimeland is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Antler, a global venture capital firm that has invested in over 1,800 companies, including unicorns Lovable and Airalo. Recognized as one of the world’s most active venture capital and AI investors, Antler ranks alongside Y Combinator and a16z for seed-stage investments. Before Antler, Grimeland co-founded Zalora, scaling it into Asia’s leading fashion e-commerce platform, and expanded Global Fashion Group across 26 markets. A Harvard graduate, former McKinsey partner, and ex-member of the Norwegian Naval Special Forces, he brings entrepreneurial, operational, and strategic expertise.
Nalin Negi is the Chief Executive Officer of BharatPe, where he drives strategic growth, operational excellence, and expansion in India’s fintech ecosystem. With over 20 years of experience in banking, financial services, and payments, he previously served as CFO of SBI Card, leading its IPO in 2020 as the first pure-play credit card company listed in India. Negi has also held leadership roles at American Express, EXL Service, Nestle India, and ITC. Known for his expertise in financial management, strategy, and innovation, he brings insights on scaling digital payments, lending, and financial inclusion.
Sergio Furio is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Creditas, Latin America’s leading asset-backed fintech with $900 million in funding. He also serves as Chairman of Endeavor Brazil and Partner at Actyus Venture Fund, supporting entrepreneurship and investment across the region. With deep expertise in fintech, digital lending, and financial innovation, Furio has built Creditas into a platform that empowers both consumers and businesses. Known for his entrepreneurial vision and strategic leadership, he brings insights on scaling fintech, transforming credit markets, and shaping financial ecosystems in emerging markets.
Hosam Arab is the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Tabby, a shopping and financial services platform designed to provide consumers with greater financial freedom. With a focus on digital payments, buy-now-pay-later solutions, and financial inclusion, Arab has been instrumental in scaling Tabby across the Middle East, delivering innovative products that empower users and merchants alike. Known for his entrepreneurial vision and leadership in fintech, he brings insights on building customer-centric financial platforms, driving digital adoption, and shaping the future of payments and consumer finance in emerging markets.
Faraz Khalid is the Group Chief Executive Officer of noon, the Middle East’s leading consumer commerce platform, which now spans marketplaces for food delivery, quick-commerce, fintech, and fashion. An engineer by training with an MBA from the Wharton School, he brings both technical and strategic expertise to scaling digital ecosystems. Prior to noon, Faraz co-founded and served as Managing Director at Namshi, shaping it into a leading e-commerce platform in the region. Known for his visionary leadership and focus on innovation, he brings insights on building integrated commerce platforms, driving fintech adoption, and transforming consumer experiences in emerging markets.
Akshay Naheta is the Co-Chief Executive Officer of Bakkt, where he drives strategy, product integration, and growth across the company’s unified trading, custody, and payments platform. Previously, he served as CEO of Distributed Technologies Research (DTR), integrating stablecoin and payment solutions into Bakkt’s infrastructure. Earlier, Naheta spent five years at SoftBank Group as Senior Vice President of Investments, working directly with Masayoshi Son on strategic technology investments worldwide. With degrees in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and MIT, he is recognized for combining technical expertise with capital markets insight to bridge traditional finance and digital assets.
Fadi Ghandour is the Executive Chairman of Wamda Group, a platform that invests in and builds entrepreneurship ecosystems across the Middle East and North Africa. He co-founded Aramex, serving as CEO for 30 years, growing it into a global logistics leader and the first company from the Arab world to list on Nasdaq. Passionate about impact and social entrepreneurship, Fadi also founded and chairs Ruwwad for Development, a community platform supporting marginalized communities through education, civic engagement, and financial inclusion. Known for his visionary leadership, he brings insights on scaling ventures, fostering innovation, and building sustainable ecosystems in emerging markets.
Abdullah Zahran Al Hinai is the Chief Executive Officer of National Bank of Oman, bringing over 20 years of experience in banking and financial services. He has held several senior leadership roles and was previously Chief Wholesale Banking and Strategic Growth Officer, where he established the Strategic Growth function and led landmark transactions across investment and commercial banking. Known for his expertise in financial strategy, market development, and corporate banking, he brings a strategic perspective on driving growth, innovation, and institutional excellence in the banking sector.
Bruce Lowthers is the CEO and Executive Director of the Board at Paysafe, where he has led a successful transformation of the company since his appointment in May 2022. Under his leadership, Paysafe streamlined its operations, recalibrated its growth strategy, and returned to growth by focusing on innovation, customer experience, and a sales-driven culture. A former CPA and entrepreneur, Bruce co-founded multiple startups and payments industry associations, including ATPC and P20. Prior to Paysafe, he spent 15 years at FIS, ultimately serving as President of the $15B global fintech leader. He is also an active philanthropist and was appointed to the board of the Electronic Transactions Association in 2024.
Andrew Kahn is the Co-Founder of Partners for Growth (PFG), where he has spent nearly four decades structuring custom financing for technology companies. Prior to PFG, he and co-founder Don Campbell led Hambrecht & Quist Guaranty Finance, the lending practice of the San Francisco-based tech investment bank Hambrecht & Quist. Kahn also served as General Partner at JP Morgan Partners, managing venture capital and growth equity funds totaling over $400 million. Earlier, he worked at the Massachusetts Industrial Finance Agency, overseeing bond financing and direct lending for small businesses. Known for his expertise in technology finance, he brings insights on venture lending, growth equity, and scaling innovation.
Melissa C. Guzy is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Arbor Ventures, a global venture capital firm focused on fintech innovation. She serves on the boards of Hong Kong and Singapore Venture Capital Associations and has advised the Hong Kong SFC on fintech innovation. Melissa also sits on the Board of Trustees of Jackson Labs and holds board positions in companies including Paidy, TrueAccord, Fundbox, Tabby, EverC, and Planck Re. Recognized as a Top 100 Fintech Influencer and one of Asia’s Most Influential Women in Tech, she brings expertise in fintech, venture capital, and scaling global financial technology ventures.
William Mason is the Director General of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission, with deep expertise in supervisory technology, digital finance, and green finance. He previously led risk and supervision at the UK FSA and the Central Bank of Ireland, playing a key role in reforming supervisory processes post-Euro crisis and contributing to the operational design of the European Central Bank’s banking union. Mason began his career in strategy and energy sectors, and has also served in public office and volunteer roles in the UK. He brings insights on financial regulation, risk-based supervision, and innovation in global financial oversight.
Mark Lenhard is the Chief Executive Officer of Zepz Group, the parent company behind global payments brands WorldRemit and Sendwave, a role he has held since 2022. With over 20 years of experience in fintech and payments, he previously served as COO of Bill.com and CEO of Invoice2go, and led the spin-out of Magento from eBay, culminating in its $1.68 billion sale to Adobe. Lenhard has also held senior roles at JPMorgan Chase and PayPal. Known for his expertise in digital payments, strategy, and growth, he brings insights on scaling global fintech platforms and cross-border payment innovation.
Peter Hughes is the Founder of Apex Group, established in 2003 to provide end-to-end asset servicing solutions through local expertise on a global scale. Under his leadership, Apex has transformed the asset servicing industry, delivering integrated solutions to asset managers, allocators, family offices, and financial institutions across the full value chain. The Group leverages innovative technology and a global team of 13,000 professionals across 50 countries. Beyond finance, Hughes supports social impact through the Apex Foundation, championing climate action, women’s empowerment, education, and social mobility. He brings insights on scaling global financial services and driving innovation with purpose.
Professor Ronghui Gu is the Co-Founder and CEO of CertiK and a Professor at Columbia University, serving also as an International Technology Advisor to the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS). He developed CertiKOS, the first formally verified hacker-resistant operating system kernel, laying the foundation for CertiK, now the world’s largest Web3 security service provider with a valuation exceeding $2 billion. Backed by top-tier investors including Sequoia, Coatue, and Goldman Sachs, CertiK safeguards blockchain ecosystems globally. A Yale Ph.D. and Tsinghua graduate, Gu has received multiple prestigious awards for systems verification. He brings insights on blockchain security, Web3 innovation, and trusted digital finance.
Shivashish Chatterjee is the Co-Founder of DMI Group, where he drives the Group’s vision and strategic direction. A 25-year veteran of international financial markets, he brings deep expertise in global fixed-income trading, analytics, and securitized products. Chatterjee spent most of his Wall Street career at Salomon Brothers, later part of Citigroup, becoming one of the youngest Managing Directors and eventually Co-Head of North America’s securitized products trading. Known for his insight in interest rate derivatives, mortgage-backed securities, and market strategy, he brings perspectives on capital markets, structured products, and building innovative trading and analytics platforms.
Stefan Klestil has over 25 years of experience in international payments and banking technology as an advisor, operator, and investor. He is an early backer and mentor to fintech founders including N26, Wefox, Billie, Moove, Curve, Bitpanda, Khazna, Shopup, and Abhi, and has successfully exited Payworks, iyzico, and Holvi. Focused on scaling ventures in Africa, MENA, and other growth markets, Klestil previously served as President of Central and Southern Europe at First Data, Partner at Roland Berger, and Principal at A.T. Kearney. He brings insights on global fintech growth, digital platform scaling, and strategic investment in emerging markets.
Yazeed AlDomaiji is the Chief Executive Officer of Wamid, Saudi Tadawul Group’s innovation-focused company, driving technological advancement to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s financial ecosystem. With over 17 years of experience in capital markets, corporate finance, fintech, strategy, and project management, he previously served as Strategy, Research & International Relations Deputy at the Capital Market Authority, leading strategic initiatives and market development. AlDomaiji has contributed to national finance committees, including as Vice Chairman of Fintech Saudi Supervisory Committee. Holding an MSc in Finance from Texas A&M and a BSc from King Saud University, he combines technical expertise with strategic leadership in fintech and capital markets.
Dr. George Theocharides is the Chairman of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC) and Chairman of the Risk Standing Committee (RSC) of ESMA. With extensive experience in financial regulation and oversight, he previously served as CySEC’s Vice Chairman and Board Member. Throughout his career, Dr. Theocharides has contributed to shaping supervisory frameworks, aligning regulation with innovation, and safeguarding investor interests. A frequent speaker at international forums including iFX EXPO, Eurofi, and the Economist Eastern Mediterranean Summit, he brings insights on fintech regulation, market supervision, and the evolving intersection of financial innovation and policy.
Bashir Kazour is a leading voice in digital assets in the UAE and a banking and fintech executive with over two decades of experience across capital markets, institutional custody, and tokenization. As Managing Director at Taurus SA for the region, he drives expansion of regulated digital asset infrastructure for banks and institutions, and is a prominent spokesperson on initiatives such as the Qatar Financial Centre Digital Assets Lab and tokenization projects with Zand Bank. Previously, he built his career at RBC Capital Markets and FIS, specializing in trading, post-trade systems, and regulatory workflows. Bashir holds an MBA and advocates disciplined, asset-agnostic digital asset infrastructure across blockchain ecosystems.
