Industry Thought Leaders at MEBIS

Jamal Saleh

Norman Tambach

Norman Tambach embodies the qualities of a modern fintech leader. As Group CFO of Mashreq, he plays a central role in shaping how one of the region’s most progressive banks uses technology to strengthen financial strategy, risk governance, and long-term growth. His leadership brings together deep financial expertise and a strong focus on innovation, supported by his global experience at ING and KPMG. He was recently named among Finance Middle East’s Top 20 UAE CFOs for 2025, reflecting his growing influence in the finance and technology space.

Tambach has also been a strong advocate for the responsible adoption of AI in banking. Through interviews, panels, and industry engagements, he consistently highlights how AI can improve decision-making, enhance forecasting, and elevate customer experience. He often speaks about the importance of culture, data ethics, and risk when embracing new technologies. Under his guidance, Mashreq has expanded its work in AI tools and automation, integrating platforms such as SAP Fieldglass to improve agility and reinforce regulatory control.

His strategic direction has helped position Mashreq as a leading digital bank in the Middle East. He has supported the development of intelligent chatbots, automated lending platforms, personalized digital services, and advanced financial planning systems that simplify processes for both retail and corporate clients. These efforts have strengthened the bank’s market position and expanded its digital customer base. Through a mix of financial discipline and forward-looking thinking, Tambach continues to guide Mashreq’s transformation and its drive toward the future of banking.

Noman Rasheed

Noman Rasheed's career reflects his dedication and innovation in banking and telecommunications. With over twenty years of experience, Noman has consistently delivered transformative results and led significant digital advancements.

Currently serving as the Chief Information Officer at Dubai Islamic Bank, Noman leads the charge in implementing cutting-edge technology solutions. His previous role as the Chief Information Officer & Head of Operations at Noor Bank showcased his ability to drive operational excellence through digital innovation. Under his guidance, both institutions embraced innovation, enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations.

Before joining Noor Bank, Noman served as the Director, Regional Head of IT and Operations, MENA at Barclays. During his tenure, he implemented forward-thinking strategies that propelled the bank's success in the region. His role as a Senior Project Manager at Mashreq Bank also saw him overseeing large-scale transformation projects, laying the foundation for his future achievements.

Noman's reputation as a visionary leader stems from his ability to anticipate industry trends and implement practical solutions. His passion for digital transformation has reshaped the banking landscape, setting new standards for innovation and efficiency. As he continues to make strides in his career, Noman Rasheed's impact on the industry will be felt for years to come.

Noman holds the postgraduate degrees of Masters in Computer Sciences as well as Masters in Management.

Mohamed Roshdy Elbastaweesy

Multi-faceted information technology professional with more than 20 years of extensive experiences in different industries and business segments, financial services (conventional, Islamic), conglomerate, real estate, consulting/advisory services, and software services, attaining 15 years’ experience as a Chief Information Officer (CIO) and CXO advisor in leading organizations in GCC. Demonstrated success leading and fostering teams in completing major business and digital transformation programs conforming to unique and challenging goals and timelines while keeping Customer Experience and Innovations as a key pillar. Solid background and knowledge in Technology, different business industries, financial services as well as strategic management. Charted success constructing the IT organization and systems of four financial services start-ups (Banks) in MENA as well the first conversion ever for conventional to Islamic Bank. Manchester Business School Distinguished Ambassador of the Middle East Centre were obtained MBA degree focusing on strategy management. Experienced professional about Fintech (Payments, SME Finance, BNPL), Proptech and disruptive technologies: Open Banking & Finance, Banking As A Service (BaaS), Banking As A Platform (BaaP), Blockchain & Digital Assets, CBDC, AI/ML, IOT and Big Data, as well one of the main Fintech and Digital Banking contributors in the Middle East, and member of the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) Fintech Working Group (FWG). Proven technology leader equipped with advanced communication and interpersonal skills, fluent in both English and Arabic. Technically proficient in multiple back-office solutions, core banking, ERP, and digital solutions spanning across different industries.

Ross McNaughton

Ross McNaughton is a business-focused Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity and information security within the financial services sector. He is recognized for aligning cybersecurity strategy with business objectives, enabling organizations to manage evolving digital risks while supporting innovation and growth. With deep expertise spanning cyber resilience, threat management, and security governance, Ross brings a pragmatic, leadership-driven approach to safeguarding complex banking environments in an increasingly AI-driven threat landscape.
Currently serving as Chief Information Security Officer at Gulf Bank in Kuwait, Ross leads enterprise-wide cybersecurity strategy, risk management, and resilience initiatives. His career includes senior leadership roles across leading regional financial institutions, where he has built and scaled security functions, strengthened regulatory alignment, and enhanced organizational awareness of cyber risk. An active voice in the cybersecurity community, he contributes to industry dialogue on topics such as AI in security, threat evolution, and the future role of the CISO, bringing practical insights grounded in real-world experience.

Ferenc Böle

Ferenc Bole has nearly 25 years of experience in IT. Started his career at EY then moved to banking when joined K&H Bank as senior project manager. Then he moved to CIB Bank to lead Application Development department. He continued at OTP Bank where he was responsible to manage the PMO, Enterprise architecture and IT units of the foreign subsidiaries in 8 countries and participated in the acquisition process of Sociate General subsidiaries. He was member of Board in Sebia, Bulgaria and Russia during the merges. Then he continued at MBH Bank as Head of IT Development during the integration of 3 former banks which led MBH Bank to be the second largest bank in Hungary. He moved to Oman in 2023 to join National Bank of Oman as Head of IT.

Hani Khalil

Hani Khalil is a distinguished banking transformation executive and a recognized leader in digital innovation within the financial services industry. In his capacity as Chief Transformation Officer, he has successfully led enterprise-wide initiatives spanning digital banking, core modernization, and advanced analytics, consistently delivering strategic impact and sustainable growth.

Hani has been instrumental in forging high-value partnerships across financial services, fintech, telecommunications, and adjacent industries - enabling the creation of scalable ecosystems and pioneering embedded finance solutions that expand access and redefine customer engagement.

With deep expertise in Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS), digital payments, and emerging financial models, he has also contributed to shaping forward-looking regulatory and market frameworks, including early-stage Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) initiatives in developing markets.

Driven by a vision to position banks at the forefront of innovation, Hani continues to champion the integration of technology, data, and AI to unlock new opportunities, elevate customer experience, and accelerate the evolution of digital banking.

Adil Belhouri

Adil Belhouari has over 22 years of extensive Executive Management and Leadership experience at varying positions in multiple lines of businesses and technologies.

A seasoned Data, Analytics, Artificial Intelligence & Digital Banking Strategist well known in the Industry of Banking Intelligence & Financial Analytics, Digital Banking, Customer Experience & Loyalty, Enterprise Data Management, Data Science & Insight Strategy, Business Planning, Financial Reporting as well as leading solutions in the area of Digital Transformation, Risk Management, Customer Acquisition, Segmentation, Retention, Relationship Management (CRM), Artificial Intelligence, Business Intelligence (BI), Innovation, Fintech Partnership and Open Banking Strategy.

Proven track records of superior achievements with cash flow and credit driven lending products development, Business planning, Data Monetization, Business Information Strategy, Sales’ Strategy and delivery management.

Adil is currently working as Senior Vice President/ Head of AI, Analytics & Data Science for Riyadh Bank, one of the largest financial institutions in Saudi Arabia.

Prior to Riyad Bank, Adil was a leading Analytics and Data mining Expert at SAS Institute Inc., one of the largest software and consultancy companies in the world focused on delivering superior software & Solutions in Business Analytics.

Adil also worked as a professor of analytics and statistics at HEC - Montreal. He has contributed in several applied scientific researches and papers published in high-level Journals.

Adil has been a speaker and presenter at many highly rated events, conferences and summits across different countries and continents.

Saad Farooq

Saad is the Head of COO Transformation at SAB. Since joining in 2023, he has led transformation programmes delivering USD 54m in savings and uplifting staff productivity by 25%, while accelerating automation, strengthening insight-driven performance through enterprise dashboards, embedding stronger quality assurance across transformed processes.
Earlier this year, his team’s work was recognised by International Business Magazine as the “Fastest Transformation to Digital Operations in Saudi Arabia” and most recently received the “Best Innovation in Operational Excellence” award at the CX Live Awards 2025.

Mohammad Shooqur

Mohammad Shooqur is an AVP - Data Science in the Chief Data Office at the National Bank of Kuwait. Leads AI and advanced analytics initiatives that translate data into real business impact.
With deep experience in machine learning and applied AI, he focuses on responsible and scalable AI adoption. Mohammad works at the intersection of technology, strategy, and execution.
His passion lies in demystifying AI and turning innovation into value.

Ana Cristina Hernandez Belmar

Ana Cristina Hernandez Belmar is a globally experienced leader in loyalty, partnerships, and strategic engagement, currently heading Loyalty and Partnerships at Doha Bank in Qatar. With a career spanning the USA, Africa, China, Europe, and the GCC, she brings a uniquely international perspective, operating fluently across cultures and in six languages, including Arabic and Spanish. Ana Cristina is known for building high-impact partnerships and unlocking new market opportunities, with a strong focus on aligning business objectives with long-term value creation.
With over a decade of experience at the intersection of government and the private sector, Ana Cristina specializes in key account engagement, reputation management, crisis communication, and strategic advisory. Her work is rooted in translating complex, big-picture strategies into practical, results-driven initiatives - particularly across finance, ESG, and technology. Passionate about sustainable growth and innovation, she is recognized for identifying emerging trends early, driving agile execution, and delivering initiatives that create lasting impact for organizations and stakeholders alike.

Atul Chandorkar

Atul Chandorkar is a seasoned Data & AI leader with over 20 years of experience in the banking industry across the Middle East. He currently leads Data Science and AI initiatives at a leading financial institution in Qatar, where he drives enterprise-wide AI strategy &  delivering impactful, data-driven solutions across business functions.

Atul has a strong track record of translating advanced analytics and AI capabilities into measurable business outcomes, including customer personalization, risk analytics, and digital transformation initiatives. He has worked closely with senior executives to enhance data-driven decision-making and establish robust data and AI governance practices.

His expertise spans AI strategy, machine learning, data engineering, and analytics transformation, complemented by hands-on experience in implementing large-scale data platforms and AI solutions.

A certified AI Governance professional (AIGP) and CDMP Practitioner, Atul brings a rare combination of technical depth and strategic leadership. He holds a Master's degree in Data Science from Liverpool John Moores University and an Executive MBA from Bayes Business School, City University of London.

Dr. Mohamed Hamed

Dr. Mohamed Hamed is a seasoned strategic executive with over 20 years of experience across leading financial institutions in the UAE, KSA, and Egypt. He specializes in translating corporate vision into actionable, measurable strategies, with deep expertise in strategy development and execution, enterprise transformation, balanced scorecards, and business intelligence. Known for his data-driven approach, Dr. Hamed enables executive decision-making through advanced analytics, KPI frameworks, and enterprise-wide performance systems, consistently driving organizational alignment and performance optimization.
Currently serving as Head of Strategy at National Bank of Umm Al Quwain, Dr. Hamed leads enterprise strategy, transformation initiatives, and PMO functions while advising executive committees on strategic direction and governance. His career includes senior leadership roles where he has successfully built corporate strategies, implemented real-time intelligence platforms, and enhanced operational efficiency across complex organizations. A recognized thought leader in performance management and strategic execution, he brings a forward-thinking perspective on building agile, insight-driven organizations equipped for sustainable growth.

Kamran Khan

As the Executive Director of Product Innovation & Implementations at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), Kamran Khan is responsible for delivering transaction banking products across the EMEA and international regions. With well over a decade of experience in transaction banking, Kamran has a strong track record of launching innovative solutions that improve financial lives and deliver best-in-class customer experiences.

Kamran is currently leading the implementation of the CB UAE Open Finance framework and UAE central bank digital currencies (CBDC) initiative, ensuring FAB Payments achieves market-leading capabilities. He is also a member of the MENA FinTech Association and The Berlin Group openFinance Advisory Board, actively engaging with startups and enterprises.

A proven digital product leader and strategic thinker with a broad range experience in working with Engineering, Design, and GTM teams, passionate about launching new businesses and deliver best-in-class customer experiences.

Saket Saith

Saket Saith is a seasoned professional at the forefront of digital transformation, specializing in the convergence of strategy and execution.

Currently serving as the Group Chief Technology and Data Officer at RAKBANK, UAE, Saket has over 25 years of experience in leading technology and data initiatives, ensuring the delivery of innovative and customer-centric solutions. Prior to this, he held pivotal roles, including Chief Technology Officer at Barclays in the United Kingdom, and various leadership positions at DBS Bank in Singapore, where he played a crucial role in digital transformation, enterprise architecture, and IT Strategy. He is passionate about emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence,
blockchain, cloud computing, and big data, and how they can be leveraged to create value for customers, businesses, and society at large.

Saket's career spans the globe, contributing significantly to the growth and innovation of renowned financial and technology organizations. His expertise encompasses enterprise architecture, IT business strategy, software engineering, and operating models.

Saket holds a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering from the National University of Singapore and a Bachelor's degree in Electronics & Communications from Delhi College of Engineering.

Ali Alqaraawi

Ali Alqaraawi, a seasoned professional with over two decades of experience, currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Aljazira Capital. His extensive background spans various sectors, including distinguished roles at Saudi Aramco and other private enterprises, focusing on digital technology, operations, business development, and project management. Holding a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Hong Kong University and a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering from KFUPM, Mr. Alqaraawi brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his current position.

Abdulla Al-Awadi

With over two decades of banking, real estate, and private equity experience, Abdulla has developed an aptitude, zeal, and skills culminating in a methodical, structured, and effective management style. He is an agile, generalizing specialist, cross-functional, progressive, innovative, and creative thinker capable of applying strategic planning methods to formulate competitive strategies, implement strategic objectives through effective project management,
and manage the change brought about by these initiatives.
In 2001, Abdulla started his career at the National Bank of Kuwait gaining exposure to consumer banking, asset management, investment banking, treasury, and corporate banking. In 2004, he joined Ahlia Investment Company handling international investments and progressed to the post of Chairman and CEO until 2018. By 2009, Abdulla was recognized by the Leaders Institute as a leading figure in the local business community. He was also a board director at Credit Bank in Lebanon taking active part in crafting and monitoring the bank’s strategy.
Abdulla was also a board director at Kuwait Real Estate Association from 2012 till 2019 where he was instrumental in drafting and pushing related legislations advocating for the broader interest of real estate stakeholders. In 2020, Abdulla joined KIB and progressed to become the General Manager of Strategy and Change Management handling strategic planning, monitoring, and implementing lean change initiatives to achieve process improvement and enhance efficiency.
Abdulla holds a bachelor’s degree in Business and Finance from Boston University where he also obtained a graduate diploma in Entrepreneurial Management. He’s also a certified Harvard Strategy Specialist, Certified Change Practitioner (CCP), Agile Certified Practitioner (ACP), Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM), certified Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified PMO practitioner, a Disciplined Agile Senior Scrum Master (DASSM), and also a certified PMO professional (PMO-CP).
Acknowledging the interdependence of strategy-related domains, Abdulla created a proprietary value-based method for strategy development. TheStrategist.me is a comprehensive, cohesive, and sequenced method applying an eclectic toolkit of established and bespoke tools for developing value-based strategies to help organizations pave the way to successfully accomplish their missions. Abdulla divided his method into four clear phases, covering five interdependent process groups, following 12 sequenced processes, applying 36 carefully selected tools to develop and implement the right strategy delivering the right value to the right customer. Furthermore, Abdulla also created ESSAM.Ai which is an Ai powered process engineer designed to map out current business processes, analyze them, identify wasteful activities, and optimize them with a new process design.

Manoj Bhojwani

Manoj Bhojwani was appointed as the new Chief Information Officer. Manoj will work on leading the bank’s information technology strategy, services, and operations.

With over 30 years in experience in IT and digital innovation in banking, he is an industry veteran who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role as Chief Information Officer at ADIB.

Prior to ADIB, Manoj held leadership roles in industry- leading global organizations namely HSBC, Credit Suisse, JP Morgan Chase and Oracle. He has an established track record of enabling business growth and driving cost efficiencies through innovative thinking, delivering award-winning digital capabilities, championing cloud adoption and Agile transformation, as well as building out world-class engineering teams.

Shaarawy Mohamed

​​Chief Technology and Information Officer with proven experience in digital transformation and the application of advanced technologies within the banking industry. Expertise has been demonstrated in modernizing technology stacks, driving innovation, integrating cutting-edge solutions, and enhancing cybersecurity to optimize processes and improve customer experiences

Narinder Auluck

Narinder Auluck is the Chief Technology Officer at Invest Bank, a leading commercial bank in the UAE. In this newly created role, he is spearheading the bank’s digital transformation strategy, focusing on modernizing core banking systems, enhancing cybersecurity, and integrating AI-driven analytics to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency. Prior to joining Invest Bank, Narinder served as Group CTO at Pepper Advantage, where he led the development of AI-powered credit management platforms. With over 20 years of experience in the banking and finance sector, including leadership positions at UBS, Barclays, HSBC, and NatWest, Narinder brings a wealth of expertise in driving technological innovation within financial institutions.

Gyan Prakash Srivastava

Technology leader in AI, Big data, Analytics strategy & Data Governance with more than two decades of experience In banking & financial industry. Transforming Data into value & self-service analytics. Implemented enterprise scale Data, Analytics & AI strategy projects including Data Mesh, Data Fabric, AI /GenAI across multiple geographies.

Dr. Muhammad Fathy

Banking Technology Leader | Author | Speaker
Dr. Muhammad Fathy is a visionary IT leader with over 20 years of experience, recognized for his transformative contributions to the banking technology sector. As the Head of Technology Services & IT Operations Sector at Banque Du Caire, Dr. Fathy combines strategic foresight, technical expertise, and a strong academic foundation to lead with distinction. He holds a Professional Doctorate in Management from the European International University in Paris, an MBA from ESLSCA Business School in Paris, and a bachelor's in computer engineering from Ain Shams University.

Since joining Banque Du Caire in 2018, Dr. Fathy has been at the forefront of the bank's digital transformation journey. Under his leadership:

• Core IT systems have been modernized to align with cutting-edge industry practices.
• Innovative products and services have been launched, enhancing customer experiences.
• The bank's digital footprint has significantly expanded, strengthening its competitive position.
  Dr. Fathy's expertise extends to cybersecurity management, where his proactive and forward-thinking approach has bolstered the bank's resilience against emerging threats. By implementing advanced cybersecurity frameworks, he ensures the protection of critical digital assets, maintaining the institution's security posture in an ever-evolving technological landscape.
  Previously, Dr. Fathy was the Head of IT Infrastructure, Network, and Security at Alex Bank, where he led transformative initiatives in IT infrastructure development and network security. His career is defined by his ability to align technological advancements with business objectives, delivering measurable outcomes.
  In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Fathy is a published author, recently releasing his book, Tech's Revolution in Middle East Finance (2025). The book explores the role of emerging technologies in reshaping the financial sector and reflects his thought leadership in technology-driven innovation. His earlier work, Leadership for Beginners from A to Z, underscores his passion for management and leadership excellence.
  Dr. Fathy's influence extends to the global stage, as he is a confirmed speaker at LEAP in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He will lead discussions on AI-driven advancements in fintech and navigate the nuances of cyber risk in the financial sector, reinforcing his position as a thought leader in technology and finance.
  A strong advocate for continuous learning, Dr. Fathy actively pursues certifications and advanced studies to stay at the cutting edge of industry trends. His leadership style is characterized by proactivity, assertiveness, and a commitment to fostering talent within his teams.
  Dr. Muhammad Fathy is a transformative leader in technology and IT operations, driving innovation, operational excellence, and organizational success across the financial sector. His career exemplifies the power of strategic vision and technological mastery in shaping the future of banking.

Olivier Busolini

Olivier Busolini has over 25 years of experience in IT security, working in different industries and countries, both in the private and public sectors, in France, the UK, Switzerland and the UAE.He has gained leadership skills in IT and Information Security risk, (cyber)security, privacy and resilience management, as part of operational risks, data governance and digital business activities, and has adapted to various business environments.Olivier began his career as an Officer in the French Ministry of Defence for 15 years, where he founded the first Red Team of the French National Information Security Agency in 2001. He then worked as an information security consultant for several years, including in a Big4 firm, and served as CISO for traditional and innovative Swiss banks for over 13 years.He is currently continuing his journey in the United Arab Emirates as Group CISO for Mashreq Bank.His main focus is to enable the business to take the necessary risks to grow the bank, within the risk tolerance of the management and in a cost effective manner.

Dr. Nasser S.Al-Azwani

Dr. AlAzwani is working as Head of IT at Alizz Islamic Bank. Previously Director of the Center for Information Systems at Sultan Qaboos University and before this position he worked as Head of Systems Security and Administrations at University Hospital. He is holding a PhD from City, University of London in the field of Cyber Security. MSc from Liverpool University and Diploma from University of Technology and Applied Sciences. He has more than 22 years of experience in the field of Information and Communication Technology (The most recent 12yrs in Cyber Security) and has contributed to the university hospital in developing Information Security Management System (ISMS) aligned with optimizing and strengthening the IT services and efficiency of its cyber security controls.

His areas of academic specialty include but not limited to Cyber Security, Information Security Risk Management, National security and governance, Cyber Deterrence, Strategies and Optimization. He has an interest in conducting research in areas like: 

• Cyber Attack modeling: understanding the methods and strategies of different types of attackers, for the purposes of optimizing penetration testing automation, attack attribution, Disasters Recovery and Intrusion Detection.
• Cyber Deterrence: strategies for discouraging attacks including research issues around attack attribution, coalition strategies, game theory modeling.
• Cyber Conflicts (Terrorism): how terrorists use the Internet (e.g., social networks, websites, Twitter), and their level of capabilities in utilizing the Internet for cyber conflicts.
• Malware: with special interest in state-sponsored malware, for examples, Stuxnet, Duqu, that are much more sophisticated than common malware, and developed by nations (state) possibly for cyber warfare against other nations (state).
• Internet of Things (IoT) security: understanding how to secure IoT devices, and in particular, authentication protocols for IoT.

Technically, he is actively involved in managing technical cyber security procedures with his technical team for a mission of maintaining effective controls all over known cyber threats.  He is deeply involved in conducting on-going optimization in IT services compliance, cyber security controls efficiency and assurance over institute systems, services and its technologies. 

Rajesh Kumar Bhaskaran

Rajesh Kumar Bhaskaran is a senior banking and technology executive with 25+ years of leadership experience across digital transformation, core banking modernization, cloud, AI/ML, and digital channels. He has led $500M+ transformation programs for top institutions including Emirates NBD, First Abu Dhabi Bank, Mashreq, Barclays, and Oracle. Renowned for creating award-winning digital solutions, Rajesh specializes in building future-ready, customer-centric, and efficient banking systems.

Deepa Arora

Deepa Arora is SVP - Head of Advanced Analytics, Digital Risk & Regulatory Journey at Mashreq Bank. She leads AI-driven transformation in the banking sector, bringing people, data, and technology together to drive responsible innovation and practical business impact.

Vladislavs Mironovs

Vladislavs Mironovs is responsible for driving CBD Group digital transformation and innovation. He has over two decades of experience in financial services. Prior to joining CBD, Vlad developed a digital challenger bank in the Baltics, Citadele, and launched the payments and BNPL FinTech arm, Klix. His previous experience also includes various leadership positions at GE Capital across multiple geographies, including the UK and USA. Vlad holds an Executive MBA from Riga Business School.

Amna Al-Balushi

Amna Albalushi is a distinguished leader in the field of information security, with over 19 years of experience spanning the banking sector, private corporations, and government entities. Her career reflects a strong track record of success across multiple organizational levels, enabling her to develop a well-rounded and strategic understanding of the information security landscape.
She has played a pivotal role in guiding organizations toward achieving ISO 27001:2015 certification, showcasing her deep expertise in implementing and maintaining international standards for information security management systems. In her current role as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Bank Nizwa, Oman's first Islamic bank, Amna demonstrates a steadfast commitment to advancing cybersecurity resilience and protecting digital infrastructures from evolving threats.
Amna holds a Master’s degree in Global MBA from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom, and a Bachelor's degree in Computer Engineering from Caledonian College of Engineering, Oman. Her commitment to continuous professional development is reflected in her attainment of several high-level certifications, including Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, COBIT 5, ISO 38500 Lead IT Corporate Governance Manager, and Project Management Professional (PMP) – PRINCE2. These qualifications underscore her broad-based expertise and strategic capabilities in information security management, governance, and project execution.
Through visionary leadership and unmatched expertise, Amna Albalushi continues to drive excellence and innovation in the field of information security, setting high benchmarks across the industry.

Archana Shetty

Archana is the Vice President – Technology Projects at one of the largest banks in the MEA region. She is an accomplished leader, certified executive coach, and startup mentor with over 25 years of experience spanning technology, leadership, and business management.

Recognized among the Top 100 Global Thought Leaders by PeopleHum, Archana is also a Bronze Stevie® Award winner for Coach and Mentor of the Year, and a proud recipient of the SHELeads Qatar Award, honoring women leaders in technology.

She specializes in digital leadership, digital transformation, Blue Ocean Strategy, leadership development, emotional intelligence, high-performing team building, portfolio and project management, and driving innovation through AI and emerging technologies.
Under her leadership, payment ecosystems have been revolutionized through faster, smarter technologies. She played a pivotal role in implementing Fawran, Qatar’s instant payment system, which now has over 2.9 million registered accounts and represents approximately 14–17% of the country’s monthly digital payment volume.

Her strategic guidance propelled innovative startups like the AI-powered talent growth platform Talentscale.ai from a bold idea to market-ready success in under nine months turning it into a breakthrough solution that's reshaping how businesses unlock human potential and drive scalable growth.

Whether scaling enterprises or catalyzing disruptive innovation, Archana turns bold ideas into measurable impact.
Through her proprietary Smart Scaling™ framework - a powerful blend of strategic foresight, technological innovation, and human-centered leadership, Archana turns challenges into growth opportunities and empowers leaders and organizations to unlock transformative growth, elevate competitive advantage, and create lasting
value.

A dynamic speaker, she regularly shares breakthrough insights on strategy, leadership, and technology at global leadership forums and industry conferences, inspiring audiences to lead with vision, courage, and impact.

Ledi Lapaj

Dr. Emmanuel Manyonganise

Recognized Global CX Leader, Seasoned CX Judge and AI enthusiast. Customer & Digital Experience executive with 20 years of global experience in CX Strategy, Design & Implementation across Banking, Telecommunications and Management Consultancy. Successful track record of governing, leading and delivering Business, Digital & Customer Experience Transformation programs. Specializes in redefining customer engagement through AI, digital transformation, and hyper-personalization. Expertise in Experience Journey Design, Lean Six Sigma, Agile Scrum Master, and Program Management. Driven by CX innovative and groundbreaking solutions which powers CX to deliver exceptional experiences. Extensive experience of working with senior executives and managing cross-functional teams.

Nadeem Khitan

With over 25 years of cross-industry experience spanning FMCG and banking, Nadeem brings a unique blend of customer insight, commercial acumen, and strategic leadership
to the financial services sector.
Starting a career in the fast-paced world of Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) in big names such as Coca-Cola, JnJ, Fine Tissues, RB, Nielsen Company, Nadeem honed a deep understanding of customer behavior, segmentation, and brand growth.
This foundation in consumer-first thinking became a cornerstone of his leadership style when transitioning into the banking industry.
Over the past 8 years in banking, Nadeem has held key roles in customer segmentation, proposition development, and ultimately served as Head of Consumer Banking in Bank of Jordan, and Capital Bank. In this capacity, they have led large-scale transformation initiatives, designed tailored banking experiences for diverse customer segments, and driven adoption of digital and lifestyle-focused financial solutions.

Core Expertise:

• Consumer and SME Segmentation Strategy
• Retail & Digital Banking Transformation
• Cross-functional Leadership
• Strategic Partnerships & Product Innovation
• Customer Experience Design
• Revenue Growth & Profitability Management

Leadership Philosophy:
Nadeem believes in creating value through clarity, empathy, and execution—bridging data-driven insights with human-centered design to deliver banking experiences that truly resonate with customers.

Binnie Sharma

With over 17 years of experience in fintech and banking technology, Binnie Sharma has built a reputation for transforming complex financial systems into seamless, customer-centric digital experiences. As a Principal Product Manager at Nucleus Software, Binnie has led product innovation and digital transformation projects across the Asia Pacific, the Middle East and Europe helping banks and financial institutions embrace the future of finance.
At the forefront of digital lending, core banking modernization, and AI-driven transformation, Binnie has successfully delivered projects that span digital lending initiatives in Australia to enterprise-scale rollouts in Vietnam, Japan, and India. In India she has enabled large and small NBFCs in enterprise scale rollouts. Her expertise lies in aligning product vision with market needs—balancing roadmaps, business cases, and compliance requirements—to create solutions that scale with confidence.
Known as the “glue” between business leaders, technology teams, and end-users, Binnie ensures innovation isn’t just about new technology but about simplifying processes, accelerating decision-making, and enhancing customer trust.
At MEBIS 2025, her expertise directly connects to the region’s priorities: embedding explainable AI in banking, enabling open banking ecosystems, designing customer-centric digital journeys, and modernizing fragile legacy systems into resilient, cloud-ready, robust platforms.
Driven by integrity, customer focus, and a passion for reimagining finance, Binnie Sharma is part of the leadership at Nucleus Software enabling global banks to transition from legacy to intelligent platforms—and in doing so, helping them shape the future of banking.

Dongjun (DJ) Choi

Dongjun (DJ) Choi joined RAKBANK in March of 2022 as Chief Customer Officer and is leading the Customer & Strategic Analytics function, which includes Group Strategy, Digital Transformation & Enterprise Program Management Office, Center of Excellence (CoE) for Advanced Analytics, Brand & Marketing, and Customer Excellence & Protection functions.

DJ has a diverse portfolio of experiences across financial services. In his 28+ years of international experience, DJ has managed teams in Asia-Pacific, Greater China, UK, Middle East and Africa, and the US. He joins us from AXA Asia where he was the Chief Strategy and Customer Officer of Asia & Chairman of China, accountable for all business functions and driving the growth of AXA’s strategic region. In his previous roles, DJ has held executive positions of MD Strategic Analytics CoE at Barclays UK, Chief Marketing Officer for International Markets at Cigna Corporation, and senior executive positions at Standard Chartered Bank in Dubai, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

DJ holds a Master of Business Administration degree from Northwestern University.

Sarah Al Zaabi

Sarah is the Chief Human Resources and Administration Officer at CINET. With more than 17 years of HR experience spanning consultancy, banking, healthcare, and government, she led organizational development and culture transformation initiatives that shapes organizational capabilities.

Sarah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Kent, and has also served as a board member in various investment companies.

Sriranga Sampathkumar

Sriranga Sampathkumar is the Vice President and General Manager for Middle East and Africa at Infosys Finacle, a global leader in digital banking solutions. With over 25 years of experience spanning entrepreneurship, strategy, and sales in the technology industry, Sriranga has driven major transformative initiatives for banks across 50+ countries in the MEA region.
He has been instrumental in powering leading institutions like Emirates NBD, Standard Bank, Guarantee Trust Bank, and Zand Bank, by leveraging Finacle’s composable platform alongside cutting-edge technologies such as Embedded Finance, Blockchain, and cloud to redefine digital banking.
A recognized thought leader in fintech and a well-respected speaker in forums, Sriranga regularly contributes insights on digital disruption to publications including Gulf News and MIT Technology Review. His commitment to leadership development is evident through his successful completion of executive programs at Harvard Business School Online (Disruptive Strategy), Stanford Business School (InVarsity Financial Leadership Program), and MIT Emeritus (Leading Organizations and Change), undertaken as part of the Infosys Leadership Program [ILI].
Beyond his professional achievements, Sriranga is a passionate mountaineer, having scaled some of the highest peaks across various continents.

Dr. Haidar Almohri

Dr. Haidar Almohri is the acting Chief Data and Innovation Officer at Gulf Bank, Kuwait, where he leads AI-driven digital transformation across banking industry. With over 12 years of experience in Artificial Intelligence, data science, and machine learning, he specializes in generative AI applications, predictive modeling, and data strategy in the financial sector. He has spearheaded large-scale innovation initiatives that leverage Data Science and AI to drive strategic impact in the banking sector. Holding a PhD in Industrial and Systems Engineering, Dr. Almohri is a frequent speaker and workshop leader on AI and big data, combining academic insight with hands-on leadership in the banking industry.

Shoaib Rizvi

Shoaib Rizvi is an accomplished technology leader with over 20 years of experience in driving digital innovation and transformation in banking. As Group Head of Digital Products at Emirates NBD, he leads the strategy, design, and delivery of all customer-facing and assisted digital channels across Retail, Wealth, Business and Corporate Banking. Shoaib has played a pivotal role in shaping and executing the bank’s enterprise-wide digital transformation, leading the transformation of key customer facing channels as well as crafting and implementing Bespoke Scaled Agile Operating Model, enabling Emirates NBD to lead the region in digital banking innovation.

Vishal Soni

Vishal works on the Solutions Marketing team, where he focuses on developing and presenting the Alteryx product portfolio across different verticals and lines of business. He collaborates with customers and partners and serves as an active thought leader within the data, analytics, and AI space.

Graziella Grech

Graziella Grech is the Chief Operations Officer at FinanceMalta, where she leads the Foundation’s strategic and operational agenda to promote Malta as a leading jurisdiction for international financial services. Since her appointment in 2023, she has been instrumental in driving global outreach, strengthening investor relations, and building lasting partnerships with industry stakeholders and FinanceMalta members.
 
With a financial career spanning over 28 years, Graziella brings deep expertise in retail and business banking, operations,  investments, insurance, regulatory affairs, and business development. Her professional journey began at Mid-Med Bank and continued at HSBC Bank Malta plc, where she held various senior leadership roles and managed complex transformation initiatives.
 
A dynamic speaker and seasoned moderator, Graziella is a prominent voice for Malta’s financial sector at high-profile local and international events. Her leadership is marked by a strong commitment to collaboration, innovation, and sustainable growth across the ecosystem.
 
A Henley MBA graduate and holder of the CertFinTech by ACCA, Graziella is known for her dynamic leadership, diplomatic acumen, and innovative thinking in positioning Malta on the global fintech map. Graziella is currently pursuing a master’s in diplomacy and international Relations at Lancaster University. She was recently recognised by CIOLook Media as one of the most influential women shaping the future of fintech globally, which is a testament to her vision, drive, and impact in the industry.

Jimmy Li

Jimmy Li is Chief Technology Officer at Zand, a digital bank powered by AI that has been fully licensed since June 2022. Zand focuses on Corporate Banking, Wealth and Asset Management, Fintech, and Digital Assets, like stablecoins, tokenization, and custodial services.
Jimmy Li is a seasoned leader in banking, Fintech, and digital assets, with over two decades of experience driving technological innovation and transformation across global financial institutions and Fintech companies.
Since beginning his career as a software engineer in the US in 2000, Jimmy has held prominent global technology leadership roles at Fortune 500 banks and Fintechs. His career highlights include leading the largest mobile banking platform in North America and driving the business e-Wallet ecosystem for the world’s largest Fintech, showcasing his ability to scale digital solutions for millions of users.
A recognized expert in financial technology and digital ecosystems, Jimmy has been instrumental in implementing cutting-edge solutions that enhance customer experiences and drive operational efficiency. His work spans leadership roles in digital transformation, product innovation, and technology strategy, making him a key contributor to the evolution of modern financial services.

Amr Mohamed Naguib

Amr Naguib is a passionate digital transformation leader committed to reshaping how people experience banking. With a career spanning over 15 years across leading institutions in the region, he has been at the forefront of driving innovative change - from modernizing digital channels to launching instant payments and next-generation lending solutions.
In his current role as Head of Digital Solutions and Innovation, Amr leads with a bold vision: to create smarter, faster, and more human-centered financial journeys. He believes that real impact happens when technology meets empathy—and that the future of banking belongs to those who dare to challenge the status quo.
A frequent speaker at regional fintech forums, Amr is known for his hands-on approach, collaborative mindset, and ability to translate complex challenges into meaningful solutions that serve both business goals and customer needs.

Erkal Hascan

Erkal Hascan is a practised Head of Product with over 20 years of experience leading digital transformation and product innovation across digital banking, Open Banking, fintech, e-commerce, and retail. He has built different financial products in Turkey and Sultanate of Oman. Erkal has played key roles in launching Turkey’s first BNPL platform, managing Open Banking ecosystem with 150+ services, and scaling award-winning mobile and wallet solutions. With a strong foundation in IT and business intelligence, he combines technical expertise with a sharp focus on user experience and business growth.

Devendra Kumar

Devendra is the Head of Digital Channels at Mashreq, where he spearheads the bank’s digital strategy for corporate and institutional clients across the MENA region. With over two decades of experience in digital banking and transaction services, Devendra has been instrumental in developing award-winning digital solutions for corporates that delivered enhanced client experience, operational efficiency, and real time connectivity for transaction banking product and services. Under his leadership, Mashreq has built and rolled out several API-driven innovations including instant payments, IBAN validation, and seamless ERP integrations—positioning Mashreq as a pioneer in corporate digital banking.
Devendra brings deep expertise in digital transformation, product and platforms strategy and client-centric innovation, making him a key voice in shaping the future of banking in the Middle East. He is a passionate advocate for financial inclusion, open finance, immersive digital experience, continuous improvement and sustainable innovations in finance and banking industry. His insights continue to shape the future of corporate banking in the region.

Ben Gamble

Ben is a long-time builder of AI-powered games, simulations, and collaborative user experiences. He previously built a global logistics company, large-scale online games, and augmented reality apps. Today, Ben works to make fast data and AI accessible to everyone and works as the Field CTO at Ververica.

Mais Kayed

Mais Kayed is a well-recognized expert in customer experience, digital transformation, business excellence and customer care. As an expert Mais has been helping organizations and individuals deliver remarkable customer experience for over 20 years.

Mais works with Telcom organization and Banking institution to create extraordinary customer experiences, streamline contact center operations, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. Where she has been instrumental in designing and implementing strategic initiatives that enhance customer engagement, optimize digital touchpoints, and improve operational performance. Her expertise spans across customer journey mapping, service excellence models, retention strategies, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI-driven chatbots and CRM enhancements, to improve customer interactions and internal workflows.

She is a member in FWOC (Female Wave of Change), she is also a volunteer in INJAZ Program to support Jordanian youth sector to support entrepreneurial business and its practices.

Mehbob Uddin Ahmed

Mabs Ahmed is a recognised leader in data privacy and AI governance with over 15 years of experience shaping privacy programmes across major financial institutions in MENA and Europe. He has received multiple industry awards for his work in data protection and AI ethics and is known for bridging regulatory standards with real-world innovation in digital banking.

Mohamed A Moniem

Mohamed has +20 Years of experience in software solutions for the banking and financial services industry. At nCino, Mohamed is responsible for growing and expanding the nCino business into middle east region. Prior to nCino, Mohamed worked with banking solutions providers including IBM, HPE, Intellect Design Arena, Fiserv, Oracle and Temenos in leadership positions around MENA Region. Mohamed holds B.SC Engineering degree in telecommunications and electronics from Ain Shams University as well as MBA degree in International Business from Maastricht School of Management.

Drew Seelig

Drew Seelig is Senior Director of Digital FINs Strategy & Wealth at Salesforce, leading the development of AI-powered, agent-first solutions in Financial Services Cloud. With 20+ years of experience at firms like Morgan Stanley, Fidelity, and BNY Mellon, he drives digital transformation and strategic partnerships with leaders such as LSEG and Schwab.
He regularly engages with wealth managers, RIAs, and banks to shape Salesforce’s vision, while also speaking at global FinTech conferences. Within Salesforce, Drew collaborates across Agentforce, DataCloud, and Industry Platform teams to deliver integrated solutions.

Suhail Basit

Suhail Basit is the Managing Director for the Middle East at Synechron, a global technology consulting firm specializing in Banking and Financial Services. In this role, Suhail has led high-impact teams delivering digital and technology solutions to major regional banks, including establishing and executing remote capability centers and global development centers.
Prior to his current position, Suhail has overseen large-scale transformation programs for global investment banks in the US and UK. He holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in computer science from a premier Indian institute and has completed specialized courses at NYU and MIT.
Suhail is passionate about technology and people alike, he believes in fostering a strong work culture, centered around cohesive and growth-oriented teams. He believes that for ‘AI-First’ organizations, technological advancement should underpin the overall business vision. And that achieving significant market distinction requires organizations to first establish themselves as technology-driven entities.

Dr. Jihad Al Wahshi

Dr Jihad Al Wahshi is the Head of Data Management at the Central Bank of Oman and President of DAMA Oman Chapter. He holds a PhD in Information Governance with a research focus on the role of information governance in mitigating money laundering risks within the banking sector. Dr Al Wahshi has extensive expertise in data management, governance, and analytics, and has led national initiatives to strengthen data-driven decision-making and regulatory compliance. He is an active speaker in regional and international conferences, advocating for the strategic integration of data governance to enable operational excellence, innovation, and organisational resilience in the financial sector.

Brian Adam Pratama

Brian is Product Marketing Manager for Mobile Security and Authentication solutions at OneSpan, where he shapes go-to-market strategies for biometric and passwordless authentication, mobile app security, and fraud-prevention technologies, protecting over 60 of the world's 100 largest banks. With nearly a decade of experience in high-growth B2B SaaS, Brian has led go-to-market, content, and enablement initiatives for various technology solutions used by Fortune 500 companies. He holds an MSc in International Business Economics and Management from KU Leuven, Belgium.

Ahmed Aideed

Ahmed is an accomplished innovation and digital channels leader in the UAE’s banking and fintech sector, currently spearheading the digital assets and tokenization strategy at ADCB. Previously with Fuze, MENA’s first licensed digital assets infrastructure provider.

Islam Nabil Awad

Islam is a seasoned Digital Solutions Architect at Banque Saudi Fransi, with over 20 years of expertise in Full Stack Software Development, Digital Transformation, and Cloud Technologies. He holds multiple certifications and advanced degrees in computer science and software engineering.

Jyoti Ranjan

Jyoti Ranjan Is an experienced banking professional with over 15 years of cross-cultural experience in Business Banking, specialized in customer acquisition , portfolio management , and implementation of SME product and process.  He is presently working as Head of Business Banking at Ajman Bank. He was previously working as Vice President – Business banking at RAKBANK and has worked with ADCB, HSBC and RBS at various positions.

Tamer Abou Zaid

Tamer Abou Zaid coming with over 22 years of experience in the IT Digital solutions and IT Digital delivery with distinguished track record of management of large-scale, complex and high-impact projects focus on IT Solutions and Digital payment transformation, he specializes in providing comprehensive Digital consulting services to various banks and financial institutions, focusing on the delivery and implementation of end-to-end digital solutions. His extensive background in the payment industry equips him with a deep understanding of the complex requirements and challenges involved in modern banking technologies, He consulted for multiple countries in guiding those countries through the complex process of establishing national payment switches. His work involves designing systems that facilitate interbank transactions, streamline payment processing, and enhance the efficiency of the national financial system to cater to specific regional needs.
Tamer holds various certificates from IBM, PMI, ITL, Visa, Master Card, IT Management and Banking Management along with Mastering of Business Administration.

Suraj Rajan

Suraj Rajan is the Field CTO for Financial Services at Snowflake, where he supports customers across banking, fintech, and asset and wealth management. He brings deep expertise in data, technology, and AI, partnering with financial services organizations to strategize, plan, and deliver impactful use cases that drive both technical innovation and business value.

Before joining Snowflake, Suraj built and scaled data and technology teams from the ground up, led strategic planning and operating model design across industries, and managed large-scale implementations. He also serves as an advisor to startups in the technology sector.

Yousuf Al-Araimi

Yousuf Al Araimi is a forward-thinking human capital strategist with over 17 years of experience leading transformational HR initiatives in the banking sector. Currently serving as the Assistant General Manager – Head of Human Capital at Oman Housing Bank, Yousuf is a key driver of the bank’s cultural transformation and digital HR agenda, directly reporting to the CEO and advising the Board on strategic workforce matters. Renowned for leading large-scale cultural transformation programs, Yousuf has successfully embedded performance-driven mindsets and employee-centric values across all levels of the organization. His leadership has helped elevate employee experience, build organizational agility, and align human capital initiatives with the Bank’s transformation goals.
He has also spearheaded the design and execution of strategic workforce plans, talent development frameworks, and enterprise-wide recognition programs that foster
engagement, innovation, and long-term retention. His commitment to building future- ready workplaces is reflected in his success in digitalizing HR services and designing impactful employee value propositions.
Yousuf holds an MBA from the University of Strathclyde in the UK and is certified as a SHRM-Senior Certified Professional. He is also a certified psychometric assessor, enabling him to leverage behavioral insights in executive hiring and leadership development.
A recognized voice in the regional HR community, Yousuf brings deep insight into how culture, leadership, and technology converge to unlock organizational growth.

Grace Saade

Grace Saade is the Senior Vice President at Azentio Software, leading the Islamic Banking Business Unit. With over two decades of experience, she has played a pivotal role in advancing Islamic banking technology, notably through the development and global deployment of the iMAL Core Banking platform.
Beginning her career at Path Solutions, Grace quickly rose through the ranks, driving major technology transformations and launching key products. Her leadership seamlessly bridges technical innovation with client needs, earning her recognition as one of The Most Influential Women Leaders to Watch in 2024.
Today, Grace oversees the global implementation, and support for iMAL Core Banking platform worldwide. She champions a culture of innovation, diversity, and strategic transformation, positioning Azentio at the forefront of Islamic fintech.

Amna Ahmed Al Zubaidi

Amna Ahmed Al Zubaidi leads customer experience for the retail division at Bank Muscat, the largest financial institution in Oman. With over 15 years of experience across various sectors, she is passionate about building meaningful customer journeys and driving innovation through empathy and smart design. Amna is also a certified Customer Experience Performance Leader (COPC), with a strong focus on creating service cultures.

Dr. Michael Kivi

Mike has recently joined e7 as Director Secure Identity Solutions from Austria Card, having worked in the MEA region for 14 years, based in Dubai. Mike is working with governments, banks and partners across the region to develop their digital transformation strategies within the banking, ID and fintech verticals using his knowledge of solutions selling into telecom, banking and technology sectors across the globe. His previous experience takes in such companies as Convergys, Oberthur, Valid and Gemalto, with various roles in project management, technical product management, solutions sales and global account management. 
Educated at the University of Liverpool, Mike holds a PhD in Experimental Physics and has presented at various conferences on a diverse range of topics across the subject matters in which he has worked, and was a visiting lecturer at the Royal Holloway University, London, for their Masters course in IT Security.

Professor Fiona Robson

Professor Fiona Robson joined Heriot-Watt University Dubai in May 2023 as Head of the School of Social Sciences and Edinburgh Business School. Professor Fiona sits on the Dubai Executive Committee and represents
Dubai on the global School of Social Sciences Executive Board. Professor Fiona’s subject expertise lies within the field of HRM where she holds a BA, MA and PhD as well as the highest professional qualification (Academic CIPD). She is also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.
As the Head of School, Professor Fiona assumes overall leadership and accountability in making sure that academic programmes are delivered to the highest levels of quality and standards. Fiona leads, manages, and coaches colleagues in the four departments that make up the School of Social Sciences in Dubai. Prior to joining Heriot-Watt, Professor Fiona was Head of Business Management at AFG College with the University of Aberdeen, she has previously undertaken senior roles at Newcastle, Roehampton and Northumbria Universities.
Professor Fiona is regularly commissioned to write articles for the UAE media, for example The HR Observer. This provides an excellent opportunity to show how theory and practice are interlinked. Fiona has also published many articles in international academic journals and delivered invited presentations on her work across the globe.
In 2021, Professor Fiona led the development of the International Standards Organisation’s (ISO) new standard on employee engagement. She also has extensive experience in working with the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) where she has authored a number of books, toolkits and case studies. Fiona has supervised a number of doctoral students to complete it across a diverse range of HR areas.

Praneeth Vanteru

A seasoned professional with close to 16 years of experience across diverse roles within vendor, distributor, and reseller organizations, spanning multiple regions in the GCC. Currently serving as a Technical Consultant at ManageEngine, responsible for the Middle East and Africa region.

Mangesh Jadhav

Mangesh Jadhav is the Head of Platform – Core Banking at Emirates NBD, where he leads the strategic vision and execution for building next-generation core banking platforms. With a strong focus on digital and data transformation, Mangesh champions loosely coupled, scalable architectures that empower agility and innovation across banking ecosystems.

Prior to joining Emirates NBD, Mangesh served as Head – Core Banking Transformation at RBL Bank, where he spearheaded enterprise-wide modernization efforts, aligning technology with evolving business goals.

With deep expertise in core banking strategy, platform engineering, and technology-led innovation, Mangesh is recognised for driving impactful transformations that redefine how banks operate in the digital age.

Dr. Jelena Janjusevic

She teaches both Undergraduate and Postgraduate programmes in finance and economics. She has been a part of the University since 2017.
In her 20-year-long working experience, Dr. Janjusevic has worked with - government of Montenegro officials, municipalities, social partners, foreign government officials, and international institution representatives – World Bank, IFC, EBRD, USAID, UNDP, CHF, EC, etc.
Besides teaching, Dr. Janjusevic has strong managerial and research experience. She has previously been engaged with many different projects dealing with macroeconomics, sustainable development, and public administration capacity building (initiating several reforms in the energy sector, urban planning, financial, health, pension system,
education system, investments, business environment, and legislation improvement).
Previously, she used to teach at Montenegro Business School and the University of Mediterranean in Montenegro. Dr. Janjusevic spent nearly seven years working in the first think tank in Montenegro as a researcher and analyst. Additionally, she has successfully organised and attended many conferences, seminars, workshops, and press conferences. Furthermore, Jelena has a deep understanding of econometrics and statistics, organising surveys, focus groups, trend analysis, training, etc., and preparing
many macroeconomic, socioeconomic, and financial analyses and papers.
Her areas of interest are - Quantitative Finance, Portfolio Selection, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Finance, and Sustainable Tourism.