Speakers 24/25

Jamal Saleh

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Yogesh Kale

An accomplished banking veteran with more than 26 years of experience, Yogesh Kale serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Bank of Bahrain, United Arab Emirates (NBB UAE). Before assuming the current position in 2021, he has held various executive and senior roles at leading global banking institutions, both regionally and internationally.

Leveraging his extensive knowledge and experience in corporate and transaction banking, sales and operations, Mr. Kale leads the development and execution of long-term strategies for NBB’s future growth and expansion in the UAE under the supervision of the Bank’s

Overseas Committee and in line with its Group Strategy. Providing strategic leadership, he oversees NBB UAE’s transformation and day-to-day operations and ensures effective financial management with the aim of reinforcing the Bank’s role as a conduit for the corridor business across Bahrain, the UAE and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and diversifying its business portfolio.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Kale served as the Head of Corporate Banking at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) Islamic Banking. He also served as the Head of Corporate Banking at HSBC, servicing successively the Jebel Ali district in Dubai and the Northern Emirates of the UAE after joining the global bank as the Regional Head of Sales, Global Transaction Banking, MENAP. Previously, he held various roles in transaction banking and global banking at Standard Chartered Bank in India.

Mr. Kale earned an MBA in finance from Jamnalal Bajaj Institute of Management Studies and a Bachelor of Commerce degree in accounting and economics from Sydenham College of Commerce and Economics, Mumbai, India.

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.

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.

Mabs 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Zahra Eid

Zahra Eid, is a renowned leader in customer experience with more than 14 years expertise in Bahrain and gulf market in the research and strategic planning arena. She holds M.Sc. in Project Management, Finance and Risk from City, University of London. Also, she is PRINCE II certified and amongst the first few Bahrainis who are CCXP certified. Zahra is versatile in developing and executing corporate strategies focused on enhancing customer satisfaction, driving business growth, and fostering customer loyalty. Skilled at turning customer feedback into actionable plans to achieve profitability and expansion. Demonstrated ability in recognizing market trends, optimizing customer interactions, and promoting a customer-oriented culture within companies. Proficient in working across different teams, making data-informed decisions, and aligning customer experience efforts with corporate goals. Dedicated to enhancing brand image and nurturing lasting customer connections through strategic expertise.

Mbali Makhathini

Mbali is a corporate sustainability professional with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from the  University of KwaZulu-Natal, a Post Graduate Diploma in Sustainable Business from the University of Cambridge, and has  completed a number of executive development programmes with the most recent being the Oxford Executive Leadership  Programme. A certified natural scientist with 14 years of environmental, social and governance (ESG) experience, 10 years  being in the financial services sector, her expertise spans the Middle East and Africa regions. 

Currently serving as Vice President: Sustainability, Strategy and Positioning at a leading bank in the UAE, she is  responsible for developing and driving the implementation of the bank’s overarching sustainability strategy. Supporting  business in the integration of ESG and providing support to Executive Management and Board Sustainability Committees.  

Prior to relocating to the Middle East, Mbali was the Head of ESG at Standard Bank, Melville Douglas, in South Africa. In  this role, she was responsible for developing and implementing ESG strategies across investment processes, providing  advisory services, and ensuring oversight to mitigate risks and maximize opportunities through responsible investment  practices. Additionally, she served as the Environmental and Social Risk Manager at FirstRand Limited, where she  managed group-wide environmental and social risks, focusing on market, credit, reputational, and regulatory risks due to  environmental and social misconduct. 

Mbali is a vocal advocate for sustainability and active thought leader, engaging in sustainability dialogue and platforms,  including Tedx. She has held several international leadership roles, including being an elected steering committee member  of the Equator Principles Association and the Middle East and Africa Regional Representative.  

Mbali’s career honours include: 

• Citywealth, Top 10 Sustainability Champions 2022 
• Brand South Africa, Play Your Part Ambassador 2021 
• Accenture Rising Star Award, Banking and Financial Service 2020 
• Top 100 Most Influential Young South Africans 2020 
• Inspiring Fifty South Africa 2019 (Dutch Embassy Top Women in STEM) 
• True Love Magazine: Class of 2019, Top 30 Inspiring Women 
• FirstRand Limited: First Class Custodian Finalist, 2017 
• Miss Earth South Africa: 1st runner up, 2011

Miguel Rio-Tinto

Dr. Joseph George

Dr. Joseph George is currently serving as the Group Chief Digital and Information Officer (CDIO) at Doha Bank, having joined in early 2023. His role involves leading the bank's digital transformation, with a focus on building a stable, resilient, and scalable digital technology platform that aligns with the bank’s strategic, operational, and security goals to enhance customer experience.
Before his tenure at Doha Bank, Dr. George was the Head of IT Information Systems and Technology (CIO) at the National Bank of Fujairah (NBF) from 2015. He played a key role in overhauling the banks technology landscape, implementing advanced, scalable digital architecture to support future growth.
His extensive experience in banking and technology, accumulated over more than two decades, was pivotal in driving a digital transformation at NBF.
Earlier in his career, Dr. George held various senior roles in the banking and financial sectors. Notably, as Head of IT Development at the Commercial Bank of Dubai, he spearheaded the launch of several innovative digital services, such as the region's first Facebook branch, an intelligent virtual assistant, and advanced analytics and customer onboarding solutions.
Dr. George's academic background is equally impressive. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, a Diploma in Cyber Law, a Masters degree in Computer Management, an MSc in Psychology, an M.Phil specializing in Software Project Management, and a Doctorate in Software Project Management from the University of Pune. Additionally, he has earned a postgraduate certificate in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from Texas Tech University, Austin, and completed a Post Graduate Program in Financial Management & Analysis from the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode (IIMK).

Mai AlOwaish

Mai AlOwaish is the Chief Executive Officer of CINET, Kuwait's Credit Bureau; She is a seasoned banking information systems and data analytics executive with over 20 years of experience between Kuwait and the United States where she spearheaded a variety of data analytics and e-commerce initiatives and enabled digital transformation and innovation for financial institutions, retailers, airlines, and more.

Mai is a published author, speaker and an award winner; her thought pieces were featured in Harvard Business Review, the Applied Marketing Analytics journal and the Analytics Interpreted book. Mai was also a board member of the Digital Analytics Association(DAA) and the recipient of the DAA President’s Awards. Mai was a featured presenter on Google Summits and The Economist events.

Deepak Mehra

Deepak Mehra serves as the Chief Economist at Commercial Bank of Dubai, where he is primarily responsible for analyzing the macroeconomic landscape to identify emerging risks and opportunities that impact the bank's various functions. He is also a member of the executive board of CBD Financial Services LLC, the equity brokerage subsidiary of the bank.

Previously, at CBD, he was the Head of Investments starting in 2007 and was instrumental in establishing the product and advisory platforms. He was also instrumental in launching the region's first Robo Advisory app from a bank in 2021.

In his career spanning over three decades, Deepak has held leadership positions in banks like Citibank and Credit Suisse.

He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology and an MBA degree from IMT. A regular speaker at conferences and on television he is also the author of two successful self-help books Ready, Steady, Go and Think Like a Golfer.

Christoph Koster

Chris has been building financial services and investment platforms for banks, governments and tech companies. He is currently serving as the CEO of ruya, the UAE’s digital-first Islamic community bank. With a focus on ethical Islamic banking practices, exemplary customer service and community engagement, together with his team at ruya he champions a fairer and more sustainable world.
Prior to ruya, Chris held executive roles at G42 and Abu Dhabi Investment Office. He led award-winning strategy and customer experience teams in Emirates NBD’s Private Banking, Asset Management and Retail Banking verticals.
He started his career in restructuring and turnaround consulting, corporate development and M&A.

Sanjeeb Chaudhuri

Sanjeeb Chaudhuri is a Board member and Advisor to various organisations across Europe, the US and Asia. He is currently Chairman of IDFC First Bank, one of India's fastest growing banks. He is Global Advisor to Intellect Design Arena, a global technology company which provides the world's largest Open Finance Platform for the financial services industry.

He has over four decades of senior multinational business experience across global banks and consumer companies. Sanjeeb has developed products and created numerous iconic, Global brands like Unilever's Taj Mahal Tea and Citibank Cards. He has deep knowledge and operating experience of consumer and commercial markets for products and services across developed and emerging markets in Europe, India, rest of Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

He has been Regional Business Head for India and South Asia and Global Head of Brand and Chief Marketing Officer at Standard Chartered Bank. Prior to that, Sanjeeb was CEO of Retail and Commercial Banking for Citigroup Europe, Middle East and Africa. Before entering the financial services space, Sanjeeb held senior roles at Unilever, Colgate-Palmolive and Procter & Gamble.

His operating experience includes driving digital transformation at global organisations across Europe, Asia, Middle East and Africa. Most recently, he has been intimately involved in IDFC First Bank's digital transformation and created innovative approaches driving Customer Engagement and Delight.

Sanjeeb is a very passionate about ESG and its positive impact on society and business. He was a key driver of Standard Chartered Bank's sponsorship of the United Nations Global Goals in 2015 which reached 3 billion people globally with the UN's Sustainability Goals message in 3 weeks. This was achieved through an innovative mix of online media and partnerships across sports, culture, non-profit and commercial organisations. As Chief Marketing Officer, Sanjeeb was a key driver of the Standard Chartered Marathon across multiple markets in Asia, Middle East and Africa.

Sanjeeb's current portfolio includes Retail, FinTech and Marketing Tech businesses. His consulting roles cover Corporate Strategy, ESG, Risk, Big Data, IT Strategy and Customer Experience.

Sanjeeb has been Director of Citigroup Europe plc, Bank Handlowy, Poland and Standard Chartered Securities Ltd, India. Sanjeeb is Global Mentor at Columbia Business School's Center for Technology Management and Northeastern Business School Center for Digital Leadership.

He is International Advisory Board member at The Open University School of Business and Law, UK. He is a visiting faculty on Business Strategy, Financial Services and New Age Marketing at Wharton School of Business and Judge Business School, Cambridge.

Sanjeeb has an MBA in Marketing and has completed an Advanced Management Program. He is a featured speaker at premier global fintech, marketing and media events in Europe and Asia. He has been listed among the Top 25 Media Visionaries in Asia Pacific.

Mohamed ElSabban

Mohamed Elsabban is a seasoned executive with over 31 years of experience driving innovation and growth in the financial services industry. Throughout his distinguished career, he has held leadership positions across the entire digital value chain, spearheading ground-breaking digital transformation initiatives.
Currently, Mohamed serves as the Chief Innovation and Strategic Ventures Officer at Banque Misr, where he architects the bank's digital future and positions it as a regional leader in
innovation. Prior to this role, Mohamed's leadership extended to other prominent institutions:
● Group Head - Digital Banking & Digital Innovation at Commercial International Bank (CIB) in Egypt (2012-2018), where he established a thriving FinTech Collaboration Hub and led the
creation of the digital banking division from the ground up.
● Executive Manager - Alternative Channels at Boubyan Bank in Kuwait (2011-2012), where he significantly expanded the bank's reach through virtual, digital, and social media presence.
● Director - E-Channels & Payments at National Bank of Egypt (NBE) (2010-2011), where he
designed a comprehensive multi-channel transformation strategy.
● VP, Alternative Channels Strategic Development at National Commercial Bank in Saudi
Arabia (2007-2010), where he led strategic planning for retail banking e-channels.
● Solutions & Services Business Unit Head at Raya e-Finance in Egypt (2005-2007), where he
played a key role in establishing Egypt's first national payment gateway.
● Business Unit Head at Raya Integration in Egypt (2000-2005), where he led a team delivering systems integration and project management services.
Mohamed's expertise encompasses:
● End-to-End Digital Transformation: He possesses a comprehensive understanding of
digitalization, guiding organizations through strategic planning, infrastructure development,
and user-centric implementation.

James Popham

James Popham is the Executive Vice President and Head of Technology Delivery at RAKBANK, where he spearheads the bank's technological advancements and drives the delivery of innovative products and exceptional customer experiences in the financial services sector. With a distinguished career spanning over a decade, James has demonstrated expertise in transforming technology landscapes and enhancing operational efficiency.

Before joining RAKBANK, James was the Head of Technology Delivery, Enterprise Release Management, and Testing at TSB Bank. During his tenure, he successfully led complex technology delivery initiatives and streamlined release management processes. Prior to TSB, he served as the Technology & Innovation Director at Shawbrook Bank, where he oversaw end-to-end technical operations, fostered innovation, and implemented agile development practices to enhance service delivery and customer satisfaction.

James's extensive experience also includes a significant role at Barclays, where he spent over 12 years as Director of Premier Banking Product & Proposition, managing both UK and global client portfolios.

Passionate about leveraging technology to drive positive change, James continues to shape the future of banking at RAKBANK with a focus on delivering sustainable and impactful technological solutions.

Mohammad Helal

Results-driven Technical Architect with 18 years of extensive experience in spearheading the design, implementation, and testing of IT solutions. Specializing in Enterprise, Solutions, and Technology Architecture, with a strong focus on Digital Transformation. Proven expertise in IT Infrastructure, including servers, storage, and network infrastructure, particularly within the banking sector. Contributed to establishing Enterprise Architecture in multiple reputable banks.
Mohammad also has a solid background in IT project management and client relations. Experienced across various industries, including TV broadcasting, manufacturing and banking. A recognized leader, known for applying high-impact technical solutions to achieve major business objectives, with capabilities that transcend traditional IT operation boundaries. Committed to helping organizations maximize their IT investments through the optimal utilization of resources.
Mohammad holds MBA degree along with many other professional certifications.
Profoundly interested in staying abreast of the latest tech trends, with a particular focus on Quantum Computing and AI.

Ali Hassan Moosa

Highly motivated and talented leader with 30 years of experience in banking, technology & innovation, and real-estate & hospitality development. A speaker at several local and international events and a lecturer at the College of Banking & Financial Studies. Member of the Finance & Insurance committee at the Oman Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Member of the CBO-Omantel Fintech Accelerator Program. A Gold member of the Global Young Presidents’ Organization.

Jimmy Li

With over 20 years of distinguished experience in digital transformation and technology leadership, Jimmy Li currently serves as the Chief Technology Officer at Zand. His extensive career spans leadership roles across a range of high-profile organizations including Fortune 500 banks, the U.S. public sector, and global fintech firms.

Jimmy has held pivotal positions at Bank of America and Standard Chartered Bank, where he spearheaded critical technology initiatives. He also played a key role at VFinance, the business eWallet provider for Alipay, and at Roxe, a blockchain-enabled global payment platform. His expertise in driving technological innovation and managing complex technology departments underscores his commitment to advancing the future of financial technology.

Reece Merrick

Reece Merrick is the Managing Director of Middle East and Africa at Ripple where he leads the company’s business operations and strategic initiatives from Ripple’s MEA headquarters in Dubai. Prior to his current role, Reece was Senior Director of Global Strategic Partners at Ripple where he led relationships with key financial institutions and crypto partners adopting blockchain-based payments and crypto liquidity solutions to enable cross-border payments. He has spent over half a decade working on Ripple’s payments products across Dubai and London. Reece has over 15 years of experience working within the fintech and payments industry, with expertise focused on foreign exchange risk management and building best-in-class payment solutions for large financial institutions and corporations. Prior to Ripple, Reece spent 10+ years working within the fintech and payments space, focusing on FX risk management and building out cross-border payment solutions for large FIs & corporations.

Pedro Sousa Cardoso

Pedro Sousa Cardoso is the Chief Digital Officer - Retail Banking & Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, one of the leading banking groups in MENAT.
He drives the bank’s digital transformation agenda, leading all the cross-functional business and engineering teams that bring to life the digital experiences that enable the bank to realize its vision of becoming the most innovative financial institution for its customers, people, and communities. He is also the Head of Liv, Emirates NBD’s digital bank—a global fintech case study and one of the fastest-growing digital ventures in the region.
In his 25+ years of experience spanning strategy, products, digital technologies, and marketing and data across financial institutions in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, Pedro has pioneered several digital banking initiatives and collaborated with both emerging large fintechs as well as the biggest legacy banks. In his previous role as Senior Managing Director and Global Head of Digital Commerce at Standard Chartered’s Singapore headquarters, he was responsible for the group’s digital platforms, digital acquisitions, customer experience, and the global design function across retail and wealth.
Pedro holds executive accreditations from the University of Berkeley, MIT, Harvard, and the Wharton School, an MBA in economics, and a bachelor’s in marketing management. He works and lives in Dubai.

Vikas Sethi

Vikas is a technology and business transformation leader with over 20 years of global experience in leveraging technology to deliver outstanding business outcomes & customer experience in Banking and Financial Services across geographies and at scale. He has a proven track record of driving and executing large programs in the US, Canada, India, Africa and Middle East. His current role involves working with the Wholesale and Transaction banking business on leveraging Digital and Technology solutions across Client Channels, Payments & Open APIs.

George William Faraj​​​​

George Faraj is a highly experienced information technology expert and speaker, with over 19 years of experience in the field. He leads IT Strategy and PMO within NBB Group and previously held multiple positions within Ahli United Bank Group. His focus is banking digital transformation, Fintech Innovation, Al, PMO and IT strategic leadership.
During his career he has delivered and governed programs worth $100M+ across the MEA region enabling business growth and empowering teams through tech.
He holds a BSc degree from Arab Academy for Science, Tech & Maritime transport in Computer engineering and Carleton University in IT System Engineering and a Diploma in Fintech from Georgetown University US.

Mohamed Hicham Chraibi

I am currently serving as a Senior Vice President at Riyad Bank, spearheading the Banking as a Service and Metaverse strategies and directing the design and implementation of cutting-edge digital solutions to shape the bank’s future. I am also an adviser to the CEO of Jeel, the digital innovation arm of Riyad Bank.

Dr. Ahmed Darwish

Dr Ahmed is a visionary digital leader experienced in digital banking and digital government with deep knowledge of Digital Strategy, Channels, Open Banking, Open Finance, BaaS, Digital on-boarding, Digital Assets, and Innovation. When organizations are struggling to manage the digital transformation and portfolio, Dr. Ahmed is one to consult for outstanding results, proven by post-implementation benefits realisation. He has led organizations into success with over 32 years of experience working for IBM, Fujitsu, Siemens, Al Rajhi, Alinma, and Al Bilad Bank, accompanied with track record of services, products, projects, and portfolio management.
Ahmed is a Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) in Intergovernmental Information Systems from Newcastle University Business School (NUBS). He is also holding a master’s degree in computer engineering and BSC in Electronics and Communications Engineering from Cairo University (1999 and 1992 respectively.)

Manal Meshal

Manal has been spearheading retail banking strategies, innovation, and transformation for over 16 years. She currently leads Customer Excellence and Change Management at Ahli United Bank. As a Lean Six Sigma enthusiast, she firmly believes that the customer must always come first

Thiruvilasen Pillay

Thiru Pillay is a South African retail banking professional with the last seven years at Qatar National Bank. He is a champion of financial services sustainability projects, including green loans, customer service charter, and personal financial management. His career milestones include pioneering data-driven credit scorecards and digital banking in the Middle East. He holds degrees in Computer Science and business management, with professional designations in marketing, banking, and project management. Thiru is an active conference speaker in the Middle East, Europe, and Africa.

Andrea Cianchetti

Andrea Cianchetti currently serves as the Head of Products at Al Etihad Payments, where he oversees the product management of AEP's flagship offerings: the Aani instant payments platform and the Jaywan card scheme. He is responsible for guiding the product vision, defining key features, and leading product development and market rollout to ensure their success.
Prior to joining AEP, Andrea was a Principal at Kearney, specializing in financial services consulting. His expertise spans digital payments strategy, post-merger integration, technology-driven operational transformations, customer experience improvements, and business process re-engineering.
Andrea began his career as a payments strategy consultant in Italy before transitioning to the Middle East as part of a mobility program for top performers. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from the University of Bologna, with international experience at the University of Melbourne, Australia.
Known for his analytical mindset and strong problem-solving abilities, Andrea is a Six Sigma Green Belt certified professional with a passion for travel and an open-minded approach to business and life.

Shorouk Abdelfattah

A passionate researcher and CX professional with 14 years hands-on experience in Market Research, Customer Insights, Consumer Behavior Analytics, and Customer Experience Management in various domains (Banking, F&B, Real Estate, Consulting and Healthcare). Being a CX professional enabled Shorouk to create wow customer moments through embedding the customer centric culture projects among organizations along with operationalizing the CX programs efficiently. Shorouk has a non-stop curiosity about consumer behavior, attitude and purchasing patterns which enabled her to design experiences effectively based on a solid consumer behavior knowledge and research ground. Her passion for CX pushed her to work as a freelancer trainer and CX Speaker. She trained more than 750 professionals within CX field and consumer behavior. She works also as a Regional Council Member in Customer Experience Professionals Association to enhance the awareness of CX domain.

Abhishek Pratap Singh

Abhishek Pratap Singh, an alumnus of King's college London, is a seasoned Information Security leader with proven track record. With approximately one and a half decade of work experience with one of the biggest names in  Banking, Finance and Insurance sector such as RBS group, Bank Muscat, MetLife he  evolved as a professional with in-depth business acumen. He is CISO of National Bank of Oman, founder and president of Oman 'Cloud Security Alliance Chapter' and Deputy Chairman of Oman Bank Association - Cyber council.

Linoy Kidd

Linoy Kidd is an accomplished and award-winning technologist with extensive experience spanning five countries. With over 18 years at HSBC, she has made significant contributions across the globe, starting her journey in the UK before moving on to roles in Hong Kong, China, Mexico, and currently serving as the MSS CIO of MENAT in the UAE. Renowned for her proactive leadership approach, Linoy excels in cultivating teams in diverse locations.  Beyond her corporate responsibilities, Linoy is deeply committed to philanthropy, dedicating her time to building schools in underserved regions. To date, she has established eight schools in Africa, Haiti, Nicaragua, and a house for the homeless in Mexico, demonstrating her passion for making a tangible difference in communities worldwide. Linoy Kidd continues to inspire through her technological expertise, philanthropic endeavours, and commitment to driving positive change on both local and global scales.

Shakeel Shaikh

Shakeel Shaikh is a passionate cybersecurity leader with over 25 years of experience in information and cyber security.  He has 20 years of experience in banking and finance industry with leading banks, which include Citibank, Riyad Bank, and Ahli United Bank.  He is the Head of Information Security of Ahli United Bank, Bahrain.  He is known and recognized for exceptional leadership skills and team management.  Shakeel, a management graduate from Indian Institute of Management Mumbai, holds several industry leading information security certifications.  His interests and expertise include cybersecurity risk management, governance, cybersecurity program management, and board reporting.

Nagui BEN LEMRID

Nagui is an experienced Data Science Manager currently working at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, with a particular focus to leverage on the latest technological advancements in Generative AI and MLOps for the Retail Banking Group.
He has an end-to-end expertise in building and deploying analytics solutions across businesses especially in the banking and fintech industries.

In the past, he has worked with multinational companies like Deloitte Consulting, the French bank BNP Paribas and the scaled African startup Jumia.

Nagui holds a Master’s degree in Data Science. His core expertise in the Artificial Intelligence field includes scoring, fraud & risk detection, customer segmentation, marketing conversion, cost optimization and business process automation.

Dr. Jihad Rashid Al Wahshi

Dr. Jihad Rashid Al Wahshi is the Head of Data Management at the Central Bank of Oman, where he leads initiatives in data governance and science. With 14 years of experience in the banking industry, Dr. Al Wahshi has established himself as an expert in data management and analytics. He holds a Master’s degree in Data Science and recently earned a PhD in Information Governance, both from the University of Sheffield in the UK. His research interests encompass information governance, data management, big data analytics, and business intelligence. Dr. Al Wahshi has contributed to the academic community with several publications in esteemed global conferences and journals, including the Journal of Information Management.

Abdulla Mashaal

Abdulla Mashaal is a seasoned leader in open banking and payments. He has over 15 years’ experience in shaping and delivering innovative payments and open banking experiences that meet cutting-edge customer needs. His career highlights have spanned major global banks, fintech collaborations, payment service companies and working in a tech startup.
At Emirates NBD, Abdulla is Head of Open Banking within Retail, Business Banking and Wealth Management (RBWM). He is at the heart of setting a global vision for open finance both strategically and in compliance with regulations and standards. In addition, Abdulla is an active participant in the UK and UAE industry’s dialogue on standards, supporting the evolution of best practice and ecosystem development.
Prior to Emirates NBD, he worked as Strategy & Consulting Director at Accenture and BCS Consulting, leading the UK payments and open banking practice, and driving leading banks to deliver the world’s first major open banking implementation.

Moataz Gad

Moataz Gad is the Core Banking Development Manager at AlRajhi Bank, overseeing the management and development of key banking applications. With extensive experience in driving digital transformation and implementing core banking solutions, Moataz works across the Retail, Corporate, and Digital business lines. He manages partnerships and strategic project planning to deliver enhanced banking solutions. Moataz is also skilled in leading cross-functional teams, optimizing processes, and ensuring seamless integration of banking technologies to meet evolving customer and business needs.

Charlie McIver

Charlie McIver serves as nCino’s Managing Director - EMEA. In this role, Charlie oversees all of nCino’s customer acquisition, success, and product functions. A qualified engineer, Charlie has more than 20 years of experience in financial technology. Prior to joining nCino in 2017, Charlie was the European Managing Director for Stanchion Payment Systems and a Board Director of data analytics startup, Brytlyt. Charlie holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Electronic Communication from the University of Wales, Swansea.

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.

Dr. Yousef Padganeh

Dr. Yousef is a seasoned risk management professional with over 25 years of experience in the banking industry, currently serving as the Group Chief Risk Officer at Bank of Khartoum. He is renowned for his expertise in corporate governance, enterprise risk management (ERM), operational risk management, Basel II & III compliance, and strategist. His professional qualifications include a PhD in Business Science Risk Management from Miskolc University, Hungary, a Certified Global Business Analyst (CGBA), a Certified Management Accountant (CMA) from ICMA Australia, and a Post-Doctorate Certificate in Business Management from Walden University, USA.
Dr. Yousef has been actively involved in various professional bodies, including the Board Education Committee of PRMIA and the UAE Banks Federation Risk Management Committee, contributing to the development of risk management standards and guidelines. He has successfully led significant banking projects, including the implementation of COSO-ERM frameworks and the re-design of risk management frameworks, empowering CEOs and Boards with strategic risk advice.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Yousef has held academic positions as Vice Chancellor in Finance and Administration and Dean of Business School and has authored a book on operational risk management along with several papers in reputable journals. He is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences and seminars, sharing his extensive knowledge on topics such as enterprise risk management, credit stress testing, and the impact of Basel III on banking technologies.

Mai Momani

Mai is an experienced CX leader & enthusiast responsible for designing & implementing cross-channel customer engagement strategies, launching relationship deepening programs and improving retention levels who has been at the forefront of helping organizations accelerate their transformation to a “customer obsessed” culture. Her forte lies in driving CX transformational change through human-centric delivery models, innovation and process re-engineering programmes.
She is currently the Head of Client Experience at Invest Bank, where she oversees the development & implementation of the bank’s enterprise wide CX strategy & framework across channels. She has also worked with organizations like United Arab Bank, First Abu Dhabi Bank & Arab Bank. She also has a demonstrated history of building and managing highly engaged customer facing teams

Haroon Durrani

I am a versatile financial services leader with a track record of building highly engaged teams and developing new organizational capabilities. Executive management and governance experience gained via representation on C-Suite Committees. Bringing a leadership disposition, a clear strategic thinker who knows how to frame complex problems, apply business analytics and develop workable solutions. Senior management experience in banking and tech start up under the Agile framework with geographic coverage across Australia, UAE, Asia Pacific and the UK.

Ahmed ElHennawy

Senior Project Manager & Programme Manager with over 14 years of experience managing multi-million dollar projects, coordinating workforce team, and performing budget allocation and analysis. PMP & PRINCE2 Agile® Practitioner Certified aiming to leverage considerable experience and efficiency expertise into the Project Management. along track record of ensuring projects are delivered to the highest quality, within budget by effectively organizing, managing and utilizing all resources, Always wanting to be actively involved in all aspects of the project life-cycle he can deliver high-value projects in matrixed organizations and across different geographies. And takes direction well and works hard to manage stakeholder expectations.

Mohammed Al Zaabi

With over 12 years of professional experience, Mohammed Al Zaabi is a proficient and resourceful individual currently employed at the National Bank of Oman. His expertise spans Transaction Banking, business strategizing, product management, digital transformation, and financial technology. He holds several key professional certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMI-PMP), PMI Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP), and Advanced Certified Scrum Product Owner (A-CSPO) from Scrum Alliance. Additionally, he has completed specialized courses such as MIT Sloan Executive Education in Digital Transformation: Platform Strategies National University of Singapore: Fintech in Innovation and Transformation in Financial Services Wharton Executive Education: Leading Technology-Driven Organizations.

Mohammed Al Zaabi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from Staffordshire University, UK. As Head of Products and Digital Implementation (GTB) at the National Bank of Oman, he spearheads initiatives in global transaction banking, product management, digitalization, and innovation. His responsibilities include crafting and executing digital transformation strategies, enhancing customer experience through UI/UX improvements, and ensuring process re-engineering and improvement. He is also responsible for product quality assurance, governance, and compliance. He collaborates with government bodies and enterprises to strategize solutions tailored to their specific needs and initiatives.

Previously, at ahlibank, he was the Unit Head of Corporate eChannels, managing transaction banking, cash management, and digital product management. He focused on driving digital business projects, implementing digital transformation strategies, and improving customer experience and UI/UX. He also ensured digital quality assurance, governance, and compliance while supporting pre-sales and customer service. Additionally, he handled corporate cards and payment gateway services and worked closely with government bodies and enterprises to develop customized solutions. At TÜV Rheinland Middle East, he managed multiple projects with banks, specializing in business development, digital transformation solutions and cybersecurity.

These credentials and experiences underscore Mohammed Al Zaabi's dedication to achieving excellence and continually driving organizational success in today’s digital era. His strategic approach and ability to align cross-functional teams have consistently driven project success and delivered exceptional value to stakeholders.

Ghaus Bin Ikram

Ghaus Bin Ikram is the Head of Financial Crimes Compliance(FCC) & Money Laundering Reporting Officer at United Arab Bank(UAB) PJSC since 2023. He is currently managing Client Acceptance & Advisory, AML/CFT and Sanctions team. With over 19 years of experience within the domain of Compliance at Global and regional banks in the Middle east, his core area of expertise is within FCC comprising KYC/Client on boarding, AML/CFT, Sanctions ,Anti-Bribery and Corruption, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Assessments, Internal Controls , FATCA & CRS, Investigations, AML/CFT Applications Optimization, technology and AI tools etc. Led various Compliance project implementations and automations including AI. Prior to working for UAB, he held  Head of AML/CFT and Acting Chief Compliance Officer positions at one of the largest banks in Qatar. Ghaus is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist , ICA certified Diploma in International Financial Crime Prevention, Certified Internal Controls Auditor and Certified Fraud Specialist.

Amith Rajan

As EVP, Head Wholesale Digital Banking & CEO NeoVentures, Amith leads the transformation of Mashreq Bank into a more digital and analytics-driven organization. He has deep business knowledge and exceptional ability to bridge the gap between business and technology realms, resulting in a seamlessly integrated approach to strategic decision making and delivery.

Amith continuously seeks opportunities to digitize, automate and improve the Banks digital business models through a digital-first mindset. He looks to monetize data through AI/ML and advanced analytics and drive digital transformation in the Wholesale Bank. A key focus for Amith is to break down silos within the Bank and create better customer experiences through digital onboarding, eKYC, and best-in-class client digital channels for internal and external clients.

As CEO of NeoVentures, he is keen to explore opportunities to innovate, partner with and invest in Fintech partners and grow the ecosystem. In a 23+ year career, Amith has moved seamlessly between business and technology. Prior to Mashreq Bank, Amith was in Standard Chartered, Singapore for close to 10 years in diverse roles. Before that he was in Consulting in the US, UK and Germany and began his career as a Derivatives Trader in India.

Keynote speaker and active panelist for industry events, he enthusiastically mentors fintech startups and students in Dubai through startup bootcamps and incubators programs. Amith has successfully completed an Engineering from Pune University India, a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from SCMHRD India, and an MBA from University of Chicago.

Zaheer Mubarak Shaikh

Zaheer Shaikh is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Al Maryah Community Bank LLC, with 22 years of experience as an Information Technology (IT) professional with strong expertise in IT management, Information, Cyber Security, and IT enterprise architecture.
Being a founding team member of the bank Mr. Shaikh has been demonstrating expertise in establishing and implementing large information security and cybersecurity programs. Has designed and implemented an automated tool-based vulnerability management framework that continuously monitors and detects Cyber threats and vulnerabilities. He has also performed evaluations and selection of IT security tools and successfully implemented IT security systems to protect the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of critical business information and assets.
Mr. Shaikh is a multi-certified C-suite IT security and operations leader and is an alumnus of the Great Lakes Institute of Management and Harvard University. In past, he has worked with multinational banks like Barclays, Deutsche Bank, and Mashreq and has successfully delivered critical digital transformation and security programs.

Talal Al-Muawed

Talal Almoawed is a data analytics manager at the National Bank of Kuwait; he is a seasoned data analyst with over 12 years of experience in data science and advanced analytics. He is highly skilled in using SQL and SAS to extract, manipulate, analyze, and visualize large datasets to deliver actionable insights to stakeholders. He has a proven track record among several local banks of improving business insights and decision-making through data-driven insights and visual presentations.

Soheyl Kadjani

Soheyl is an all-round Strategic and Entrepreneurial Senior IT Leader with 29 years of Executive.

He is a Seasoned Technology Leader with extensive experience in Technology, Digital and Operating Model Transformations and is awarded for achievements in great Innovation and Technology Transformation programs and accomplishments in most challenging contexts. In addition he is experienced in shaping and executing Long-term technology strategies and Road maps aligning and enabling key initiatives of Business Strategy. Demonstrated the ability of building and leading high performing teams in Complex Matrix Organizations.

In his most recent experiences, he has worked on enabling the Technology and Digital Transformations to serve the organisations’ goals. This was achieved mostly through his former positions at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) where he was responsible for IT Strategy , Agile Transformation and Digital Capabilities; and at Emirates NBD, one of the largest banks in the Middle East, as Head of IT Retail Banking /Head of Agile Transformation. He has also worked in Emirates Airline as Head of DevOps Transformation / Head of Digital Transformation Cabin Crew. He brings also relevant value from his time at ING Bank (2001 – 2013), where he had various roles; in his last role he was responsible for all global finance reporting systems. Currently, he is working is Chief Digital Officer at Rabo Bank, which is one the largest banks in BeNeLux, operating globally. His mission is to enable and expedite digitization throughout the group.

Soheyl has also won Multiple CIO / CDO awards.

Madhavi Bhatia

Madhavi is a global corporate executive with 19+ years of experience in frontline operations, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance. She brings strategic leadership to major financial institutions, combining deep industry knowledge with business acumen to transform Compliance and Risk departments. Madhavi excels at building and implementing comprehensive compliance policies and governance frameworks that ensure organizational transparency while empowering high-performing, diverse teams to deliver proactive solutions. She has attained her EMBA from HEC Paris, specializing in digital transformation. Looking ahead, Madhavi aims to lead corporate strategies where compliance is a key driver of business success.

Flo Akinbiyi

Flo Akinbiyi is a presenter and public speaker. With 19 years of experience in experiential marketing and event management, he has worked with many of the world's most well-known brands. His professional knowledge and experience allow him to build an emotional connection between brands and their customers.

His German and Nigerian roots have given him the knowledge and first-hand experience of different cultures. Since 2010, he has called the buzzing hub of Dubai home. His curated experience has provided the opportunity to work internationally and create business relationships throughout the globe.

Flo has a unique ability to captivate an audience and build longlasting, interpersonal relationships that make a memorable impact. He offers premium services to professionals looking to host an unforgettable event with a renowned presenter.

He has spent the last decade deep-diving into the art of public speaking, learning and harnessing the tools and methodologies of some of the world's most talented communicators, such as Barack Obama, Oprah Winfrey, and Winston Churchill.

His philosophy in life and the professional world is: "Each one teach one - the wisdom is all around you - you just have to find it."

Imran Kazmi

With over 17 years of experience in the banking sector, I specialize in Regulatory Compliance, Financial Crime Compliance, Risk Management, Data Privacy, and Internal Audit. I've had the privilege of leading high-impact, multi-jurisdictional teams and initiatives across the Middle East, South Asia, and Europe, helping organizations stay ahead of an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. As a strategic leader, I’m passionate about building robust, future-ready compliance frameworks that not only meet regulatory expectations but also enable sustainable business growth. I take pride in my ability to inspire, guide, and empower cross-functional teams, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance. Throughout my career, I've worked closely with senior stakeholders and regulators to drive large-scale compliance transformations, manage enterprise-level risks, and embed cultures of integrity at every level of the organization. Whether leading through regulatory change, strengthening financial crime defenses, or enhancing data privacy controls, I thrive on helping businesses stay resilient, secure, and fully compliant in a rapidly evolving environment.

Vijayendra Sabbanwar

As a data leader with 20 years of experience, I have a proven track record of transforming data into actionable insights that drive strategic decision-making and business growth. I'm passionate about building and leading high-performing data teams, fostering a data-driven culture, and leveraging data analytics to achieve organizational objectives.

A key strength lies in my ability to forge data alliances with private and government entities, unlocking new data sources and fostering collaboration to address critical industry challenges.

I am also skilled in migrating legacy data systems to cloud data platforms, enabling the creation of innovative Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) offerings that generate new revenue streams.

I possess in-depth knowledge of data governance frameworks, data security best practices, and data quality methodologies. I am skilled at establishing robust data infrastructure and implementing processes to ensure data integrity and accessibility across the organization.

In the banking and telecom industry, my expertise lies in building analytical models for fraud detection, risk management, customer segmentation, and personalized product recommendations.

My experience lies in collaborating with business leaders across various departments to identify key data questions and translate complex data insights into actionable strategies. I have a strong understanding of business needs and a proven ability to communicate data effectively to stakeholders at all levels.

In my previous role at Transunion, I spearheaded a data-driven initiative that resulted in a 48% increase in commercial report revenue and a 90% improvement in customer complains

I am a highly motivated and results-oriented data leader with a passion for innovation. I am eager to leverage my expertise to help organizations unlock the full potential of their data and achieve transformative business outcomes.