Mr Simon O’Brien joined the Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA) of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM) in September 2015. He leads the Markets Department, which is responsible for the authorisation and supervision of Market Infrastructures (Exchanges, Clearing Houses, etc) the FSRA Listing Authority, and FSRA Market Surveillance. As part of his responsibilities, Simon focuses on developing a robust capital market within ADGM, having led key projects including the development of ADGM’s Virtual Asset regulatory framework, its Spot Commodities/ Environmental Instruments Framework, and its Remote Member framework

Senior Compliance and Financial Crime professional with over 10 years of international experience across UK, EU, and UAE regulatory environments. Specialized in AML/CFT compliance, virtual asset regulation, regulatory supervision, and financial crime risk management. Proven ability to design and implement compliance frameworks, conduct regulatory audits, and support financial institutions and virtual asset firms in meeting evolving regulatory requirements

Ruben Bombardi brings over two decades of legal expertise and strategic insight to the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) as General Counsel and Head of Regulatory Enablement. A dual-qualified lawyer, Ruben has a wealth of experience spanning financial markets, fintech, and regulatory compliance, positioning him as a key player in shaping VARA’s legal and regulatory frameworks. His career has seen him lead cutting-edge initiatives at some of the world’s most prominent financial institutions, including Standard Chartered, MUFG, Barclays Capital, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). At these institutions, Ruben played a pivotal role in advising on complex legal matters, overseeing cross-border transactions, and driving forward major fintech projects aimed at transforming traditional financial services. His deep understanding of regulatory environments and commitment to fostering innovation in finance are instrumental as VARA continues to establish itself as a leader in the virtual assets space. Ruben’s experience in balancing regulatory compliance with innovation ensures that VARA’s legal frameworks support responsible growth, investor protection, and the sustainable development of Dubai’s burgeoning digital economy

Maz has been with Revolut for 5 years and helps lead commercial efforts across multiple verticals globally including crypto, wealth & trading, and expansion markets. He has spent the last 13 years in NYC working in the fintech, web3 and tech startup space.

With over a decade of experience in finance and technology, Daniel is currently driving growth and fostering innovation as part of Binance’s VIP and Institutional Growth team. Passionate about building transformative financial solutions, he specialize in growth strategies, institutional solutions and product 0 to 1 scaling. His career spans 7 years in DBS and Credit Suisse and 5 years in Eastspring Investments.

Co-Founder of Ethereum Institutional, previously Ethereum Foundation, Eigen Labs, Finoa, N26 & Google

Belal Jassoma serves as the Senior Director of Tech Ecosystems at DMCC, the world’s leading business district and authority on international commodities trade and enterprise. Since joining DMCC in 2011, Belal has played a pivotal role in expanding the organisation’s ecosystems and commercial offerings. His contributions include the development of innovative products, services, and member engagement programs, which have significantly enhanced DMCC’s value proposition. In his current role, Belal oversees ecosystem growth across several key verticals, including crypto, gaming, AI, energy, and financial services, ensuring DMCC remains at the forefront of global business innovation.

Luke Judges is a Partner Director at Ripple, based in Dubai, where he leads strategic initiatives to grow the XRP Ledger ecosystem and advance stablecoin adoption globally. He works closely with the XRP Ledger Foundation and broader developer community to drive real-world blockchain utility and innovation. Prior to Ripple, Luke founded and operated a top-performing Solana validator managing over $30 million in total value locked, and launched Synx, a blockchain-based storage startup.

Alex Scott is the Middle East Growth Lead at Solana Foundation, where he leads regional expansion and ecosystem development across the MENA region. He is also the founder of Superteam UAE, building one of the fastest-growing Solana communities in the Middle East through events, grants, and ecosystem partnerships.

Dr. Saeeda Jaffar is Managing Director for Circle Middle East & Africa, leading regional growth and adoption of digital currency infrastructure across payments, treasury, and cross-border finance. With more than 20 years of experience spanning Visa, McKinsey & Company, Bain & Company, and Alvarez & Marsal, she specializes in financial services transformation, strategy, and innovation. Dr. Jaffar also serves on several regional advisory and governance boards and has been recognized by Forbes Middle East among the 100 Most Powerful Women

Tika leads KuCoin's global business development team, driving institutional growth and delivering tailored trading solutions to high-profile clients. With a strategic vision and a client-focused approach, he ensures that KuCoin meets the sophisticated demands of VIP and institutional investors. Prior to joining KuCoin, Tika built a robust background in traditional finance, specializing in the US and Hong Kong capital markets. He held key roles at leading Asian securities firms, including Futu Group and Lufax Holdings, where he was instrumental in driving institutional business growth, capital market transactions as well as leading institutional crypto adoption. Tika seamlessly blends his trad-fi expertise with deep knowledge of the crypto industry in navigating complex financial landscapes, which empowers him to address the evolving needs of institutional clients, positioning him as a key leader in the intersection of finance and blockchain technology

Mohammed Ebrahim Al Fardan is a trailblazing force at the intersection of entrepreneurship, technology, and venture capital. With a proven track record of founding and scaling transformative businesses, he drives innovation across industries by empowering businesses, advising global enterprises, and architecting sustainable ecosystems. As the Founder of a number of businesses, Mohammed combines bold leadership with deep market insight, fostering high-impact ventures that shape the future of the Middle East and beyond. Educated at elite institutions like Warbrook Boarding College, IBM & Microsoft, he brings international perspective and strategic acumen to every endeavor. Whether on global stages or in private boardrooms, Mohammed is a trusted voice for innovation, a catalyst for capital, and a relentless advocate for the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Abubakar is a VP of Digital Assets & Cybersecurity with 10+ years of experience across banking, fintech, and blockchain. He specializes in digital asset strategy, blockchain product development, and cybersecurity. Experienced in leading secure, scalable blockchain initiatives, he collaborates across product, risk, strategy, and business teams to drive innovation, strengthen governance, and deliver business-focused digital transformation solutions.

Professor Dr. Hossam Elshenraki is a senior academic and former police officer with extensive experience spanning policing operations, criminal investigation, cyber crime enforcement, and criminal intelligence management (1992–2018). He served with UNAMID in Darfur (2012–2015) in roles supporting mandate implementation, operational leadership, and police capacity building. Currently, he leads the Police Management Department at Dubai Police Academy and teaches criminal investigation, cyber crime, and digital policing. His work emphasizes operational excellence through the integration of traditional investigative methods with digital evidence workflows, alongside applied, scenario-driven learning and program development. He has led specialized units, contributed to investigative quality assurance, and supported institutional capability development through training and curriculum design. His professional interests include AI-enabled policing, quantum-era cybersecurity risks, met averse-enabled crime, and blockchain-related investigative challenges.

Antony Polycarp Mlelwa is a Certified Financial Educator (CFE), blockchain educator, speaker, and digital entrepreneur from Tanzania with over 8 years of experience in blockchain and cryptocurrency. He is the CEO of DienAcademy and has led the IBO community at Inkryptus Wallet for six years, promoting blockchain education and responsible crypto adoption. Antony has educated thousands through workshops and masterclasses and has spoken at international events, including Crypto Expo 2025.

Associate Professor of Software Engineering at King Saud University, founder of the Blockchain & Web3 Lab, CEO of AdvancedEra.tech, and a leading digital transformation advisor working across public and private sectors. Dr. Abeer holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from King’s College London and an Executive Certificate in Digital Business from MIT Sloan School, reflecting a strong blend of academic depth and executive leadership. She is an active member of the HumanAIx Scientific Committee and currently serves as the Acting Chair of IEEE Blockchain Saudi Arabia. In addition, she is a co-founder and board member of WASA, where she contributes to building a vibrant national Web3 ecosystem. Dr. Abeer is recognized as a thought leader in AI and blockchain, and has received multiple prestigious honors, including Women of the Year in AI & Blockchain (2024) and the IEEE Blockchain Region 8 Research Award (2025).

Aurélie Dhellemmes leads Network Growth for the Canton Network at Digital Asset (for EMEA, Middle East and APAC), working with banks, market infrastructures and fintechs to scale institutional adoption of tokenized assets globally. Previously, she was Director of Ripple Markets APAC and later VP of Partnerships at RippleX, after heading APAC FX Structuring at Deutsche Bank and APAC FX Services Sales at BNY Mellon. She began her career as a Cisco-certified IT architect at IBM. Aurélie holds three master’s degrees: an MBA from INSEAD (Singapore), an MSc in IT from Virginia Tech, and an MSc in Telecommunications Engineering from Télécom SudParis. Aurélie is also an active advisor and early-stage investor, supporting founders building the next generation of financial and AI infrastructure.

James Richmond is a crypto entrepreneur, trader, and content creator behind JRCRYPTEX. He is the founder of The Cryptex Group, a Web3 marketing and advisory company, and is known for sharing market insights, trading content, and crypto education across social media. Since entering crypto in 2018, he has built a strong personal brand around helping people understand the market, spot opportunities, and grow in the space

Amb. Dr. Dunston P is a seasoned global business leader and the Group CEO of The Private Office of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed Bin Faisal Al-Qassimi, where he oversees strategic alliances, investment initiatives, and international partnerships. With over three decades of leadership experience across corporate management, entrepreneurship, and government collaboration, he is recognized for driving cross-border business development and fostering sustainable economic growth. His leadership philosophy emphasizes integrity, long-term vision, and people-centric development.

Anton Golub is Founding Member of RWALabs.ae. With 20 years in global markets he has launched exchanges, engineered market-making algorithms, tokenized Real-World Assets (RWAs), and designed DAO frameworks. A quant by training, Anton holds an MSc in Financial Mathematics and has served as Chief Scientist at Lykke, CEO of flovtec, board member at Trust Square, chairman of SwissAssetDAO and Chief Business Officer at Freedx. He founded and scaled his own crypto exchange and market-making firm.

Amir Tabch is CEO of OFZA, a UAE-regulated virtual asset service provider building institutional-grade digital asset infrastructure under VARA oversight. He leads the development of exchange and broker-dealer operations supported by board-level governance, capital discipline, and banking integration. Amir advocates that regulation is not friction but infrastructure, positioning compliance and structured oversight as strategic advantages in the evolution of global crypto ecosystems.

Faraj Abutalibov stands out for his leadership in building one of the most influential executive communities in the Web3 and digital assets space, while actively shaping industry dialogue at a global level. As CEO and Founder of Crypto Executives, he leads a network of 3,000+ C-level executives and 700+ VCs across Layer 1 and Layer 2 protocols, exchanges, funds and Web3 startups. Under his leadership, the platform has evolved into a high-impact ecosystem facilitating strategic partnerships, investor matchmaking and cross-border deal flow across MENA and internationally. In 2025, Faraj has been an active international speaker and panelist at major industry events including Istanbul Blockchain Week, TOKEN2049 AI Capital Connect, HSC Asset Management – Crypto Quant 2025, Gamma Prime 2025, DEF AI 2025 (Tbilisi), Invest Web3 Forum 2025 and NBX 2025. Through these platforms, he has contributed to high-level discussions around DeFi infrastructure, interoperability, institutional adoption and digital asset capital markets. His leadership combines ecosystem building, thought leadership and tangible industry impact. By consistently connecting founders, investors and institutional players, Faraj has positioned Crypto Executives as a key bridge within the global Web3 landscape.

Cristian Ulloa is a founder, builder, CEO, and DeFi advocate. He has launched three layer-one decentralized protocols: a 0% interest lending platform, a multi-sig wallet, and an oracle network. Cristian has also built two media brands focused on crypto inspiration and education, and is committed to helping more people unlock the power of DeFi — safely, and without the noise.

Anna A. MacMillan is a venture investor and builder with fifteen years operating across global markets. Her work sits at the convergence of AI, real-world asset tokenization, and blockchain infrastructure, three forces she considers inseparable in how the next generation of financial systems will be structured and owned. She is Co-Founder and COO of Mintlayer, a Bitcoin-native Layer-2 and Layer-3 protocol built for institutional RWA tokenization, native Bitcoin DeFi, and financial settlement at scale. Through Mintlayer she launched Interest.one, the first fully tokenized fund of funds generating yield on Bitcoin, currently holding six tokenized funds across real estate, healthcare and medtech, AI and advanced computing, energy and mobility, defense and cybersecurity, and sustainability, food and water security. She is Co-Founder of Venture Factore, a capital and growth advisory, and Founder of the Women in Investment Network (WiiN), a global network of ultra-high-net-worth women investors convened around curated deal flow, private market access, and strategic intelligence. She holds board and advisory positions across AI, healthtech, deeptech, fintech, sustainability, and defense. Her operating background spans pharma, defense, food and water security, and investments, including a decade running operations across Latin America. She is based in Dubai.

Nabil Arnous is the Chief Commercial Officer at Innovation City, the world's first AI-powered, tech-focused free zone specializing in high-growth sectors like AI, Web3, robotics, gaming, and health tech. With over 15 years of experience in commercial strategy, revenue growth, and ecosystem development, he plays a pivotal role in advancing Ras Al Khaimah as a competitive destination for startups, scale-ups, and global technology companies. Since joining Innovation City, Nabil has been instrumental in driving commercial growth, building strategic partnerships, and expanding market presence. He is known for his ability to create high-impact business environments, attract international investment, and develop scalable models that support innovation-driven enterprises. Throughout his career, Nabil has held senior leadership positions across leading licensing authorities in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, including roles as Acting CEO and Director of Revenue & Strategy. He has successfully led large-scale commercial initiatives, strengthened global market reach, and delivered sustained growth through strategic partnerships and customer-focused approaches. With a background in hospitality that shapes his client-centric mindset, Nabil combines commercial discipline with deep expertise in investment attraction, stakeholder engagement, and ecosystem building. He works closely with regulators, investors, and global partners to enable business formation, accelerate growth, and drive long-term economic impact. With an MBA and extensive leadership experience, Nabil continues to play a key role in strengthening Innovation City’s position as a leading hub for innovation and future-focused industries.

Dr Lisa Cameron was a Member of UK Parliament 2015-2024 and Chair of the House of Lords first Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets Parliamentary Group. During this time she was named by Greengage as the MP who had spoken most about Digital Assets in Parliament (2024 report). She is the founder of UKUS Crypto Alliance and has been working to support the US administration in engaging UK policymakers with the development of the UKUS digital sandbox. Dr Cameron has stated that the UAE has become one of the most successful international hubs of digital assets.

Jeroen Gillekens brings over a decade of experience at the intersection of technology and financial services. He is currently the Middle East Lead for LayerZero, partnering with leading institutions and infrastructure providers to bring and distribute their assets on-chain.

Yax Sheth is a serial entrepreneur and one of Web3's most recognized young leaders. Named Youngest CEO of the Year and a Top 30 Entrepreneur Under 30, he is the Founder & CEO of ChainClave — crowned Blockchain Development Company of the Year — delivering cutting-edge blockchain solutions across 22+ countries with a world-class team. A sought-after global speaker, he has shared the stage at Token2049, Crypto Expo Dubai, and Philippine Blockchain Week, and delivered 100+ Web3 sessions at universities worldwide. He also hosts YaxVaani, a leading Web3 podcast, and has advised numerous crypto and blockchain projects across the industry

Katerina Zemskova is a digital transformation and future finance executive leading digital asset strategy between TradFi and Web3 ecosystems. With executive leadership experience across telecom, finance, energy, and emerging technologies, she works with institutions, enterprises, regulators, and Web3 infrastructure leaders on blockchain adoption, tokenization, stablecoins, and next-generation financial infrastructure. Former COO at Cointelegraph Katerina is a speaker and moderator focused on institutional Web3, capital markets, AI, tokenization, and digital finance transformation. She is known for connecting traditional industries with scalable Web3 infrastructure and real-world adoption strategies

Karnika E. Yashwant, known as Mr. KEY, is a tech entrepreneur, investor and founder of KEY Difference, a global venture, media and growth firm operating across frontier technology markets. With 18+ years of experience across Web3, AI, digital assets, and emerging infrastructure, he has backed, advised and helped scale early-stage companies building at the edge of new technological shifts. Through KEY Difference and Cryptopolitan, he works across capital, media and market adoption, helping shape conversations around the next generation of technology, from blockchain and AI to quantum

Roman Liubanevich is a Web3 sales and growth professional with nearly five years of experience across the crypto and fintech space. Currently Growth Manager at Tangem, he has closed over $1,000,000 in deals, conducted 230+ industry meetings, and represented projects at leading conferences. He specializes in cold outreach, negotiation, and client retention, backed by an extensive network

Yiannos Ashiotis is a board-level advisor and Co-Founder of Pnyx Hill Group, a global advisory platform with licensed entities in the UAE, Cyprus, Greece, and Kazakhstan. With over 20 years at the forefront of regulatory strategy, digital asset consulting, and governance, he has advised regulators, banks, fintechs, and investment firms across the EU, GCC, and Central Asia. He serves as Board Chairman of Revolut Digital Assets Europe, and sits on the board of StoneX Europe and the advisory board of Sumsub, a global RegTech leader. Yiannos is known for bridging innovation with compliance, enabling firms to scale securely in complex regulatory environments

Herve joins with over 20 years of experience across banking, asset management and FinTech with a strong focus on venture building, innovation strategy and Digital Assets / Blockchain for the last 10 years. He has been involved in both side of the investment ecosystem – as an entrepreneur building institutional grade platforms such as Pyctor (a digital assets custody) and as a Partner / Blockchain fund Manager at Investcorp Abu Dhabi. Earlier, at ING, he also led its digital assets strategy and multiple venture-building initiatives for the bank. Most recently, he advised government entities and leading institutions across GCC on Real World Asset tokenization, stablecoin and digital assets strategies as well as license approval under VARA and ADGM alike.

Mahmoud is a blockchain and digital asset advisor with over six years of experience across public accounting, assurance, and strategy consulting in Canada, the U.S., and the UAE. Now based in Dubai, he advises Web3 companies, exchanges, custodians, and fintech firms on tokenomics, custody structures, digital asset accounting, and regulatory readiness. Having built his foundation at PwC, RSM, and BPM, Mahmoud helps organizations navigate complex frameworks, strengthen internal controls, and scale confidently within one of the world's fastest-growing crypto ecosystems.

Raghav Chopra is a journalist and editorial leader with more than two decades of experience spanning television, print, digital media and emerging technology, currently based in Dubai as Chief Editor of The Coin Headlines, a UAE-based crypto and AI news platform he built from the ground up.

Anton leads institutional business at Glassnode, supporting both traditional finance institutions and crypto-native teams in leveraging on-chain and wider market intelligence to inform their digital asset investment strategies. With a strong foundation in finance, Anton began his career at Deloitte before working directly with major capital allocators on deployments across alternative asset classes. His experience spans bridging conventional investment frameworks with emerging blockchain data insights

I am the Operations & Development Manager at BANX Network, where I oversee platform development, strategic partnerships, and business operations across our media and blockchain initiatives. My work focuses on decentralized media infrastructure, Web3 ecosystems, and digital asset innovation, collaborating with industry leaders and emerging projects to drive growth and adoption. I am particularly interested in the intersection of blockchain technology, real-world asset tokenization, and the evolving digital economy.

Derek Dai is the Regional Head of MENA at Bybit, where he leads regional strategy, ecosystem partnerships, and market expansion. His work focuses on the convergence of crypto, AI, TradFi, and tokenized real-world assets (RWAs), helping drive the next generation of digital finance across the MENA region.

A FinTech and crypto lawyer with over 16 years of experience in financial regulation, compliance and licensing. Nataly advises companies on entering regulated markets, obtaining financial and digital asset licences, building compliant operational structures and managing regulatory risks. Her expertise covers FinTech, payments, digital assets, AML frameworks and cross-border regulatory requirements.

Aditya is the founder of Bullish Brew Crew, a Web3 marketing studio that takes ownership of how a project is understood in the market, not just how often it posts. The studio specialises in organic X and Meta management with dedicated specialists per platform, and a 400+ micro-creator network for organic UGC-style distribution that actually converts.

Maria is the Head of Women Leading the Way, a platform spotlighting women shaping the future of fintech, finance, and crypto, and host of its podcast. As Global Market Team Lead at Drofa Comms, an award-winning fintech and crypto PR consultancy, she has been advising leading financial and digital asset companies on strategic communications, brand positioning, and market launches.

Im founder of sheikhstudios where we do magic in web3 and blockchain with our consultancy services not only just development but as growth partners.

Walid is the founder of Unlock Blockchain, the MENA region’s leading bilingual platform for blockchain and cryptocurrency news. With over two decades in media and communications, he has become a key voice in shaping the dialogue around digital assets, regulation, and Web3 adoption across the region. Since 2017, Walid has positioned Unlock as both a trusted news source and a strategic platform bridging regulators, global institutions, and local innovators. Widely recognized as one of the region’s leading opinion influencers in blockchain and crypto, he is a frequent moderator of high-level panels at major industry events, connecting global perspectives with regional opportunities.

I am CEO of ORCA, leading the company’s global strategy, ecosystem growth, and AI Agent-driven prediction market infrastructure. He is focused on building ORCA into a global platform that connects automation, market intelligence, and on-chain transparency

Rayka Moradi is the Managing Director of Gaply's Venture Studio, where he works with founders, distribution partners, and investors across the GCC to validate ideas, launch products, and scale ventures. Over the past 7 years, he has helped build more than 100 products, generating over $150M for clients including Forbes, Starbucks, and Under Armour. Having started coding at age 12 and built products used by millions before adulthood. He believes the best products aren't built on assumptions, they're built for customers who are already willing to pay

Trinidad Aguirre is Chief Technology Officer at Innverso, a platform driving digital transformation across Latin American companies in AI, fintech, and blockchain. Educated at the University of Florida and based in Chile, she leads Innverso's technology vision, building innovative solutions that connect technology, leadership, and business growth throughout the region.

Master of Business Administration, expert in business consulting, strategy, and new business development. Senior Management Program, INCAE 20 years of combined experience in business development. Proven experience in real estate investments and international securities. Stockbroker at the Stock Exchange. Enthusiast of cryptocurrencies and fintech.

Shamvil Raza is the Global Head of Sales at Fuze, one of the leading digital asset infrastructure firms. He leads the institutional business, driving banking partnerships, stablecoin rails, and cross-border payment corridors that move real value across global markets. An engineer at heart, he has spent over a decade in payments, with experience spanning acquiring, underwriting, orchestration, and distribution at scale. Earlier in his career, he helped significantly scale a fast-growing merchant network across India. His current focus is bringing digital assets into the institutional mainstream.

Alnura has spent close to a decade at the intersection of communications and financial technology, working with some of the most recognised names in the space. Her focus today is on institutional finance, building relationships across banks, financial institutions and payments infrastructure, and helping the companies reshaping global finance tell stories that reach the people who matter.

Irena Timofeeva is a business development executive specialising in DeFi infrastructure and Web3 ecosystems. She has led partnerships that have driven billions in transaction volume across major protocols, and has built and scaled BD functions at both early-stage and scaleup companies. Her background spans crypto, tech, and private equity, where she contributed to over $100M in transactions. Irena holds a PhD and is a graduate of the University of St Andrews.

Dr. Sharique Raza is a cybersecurity researcher specializing in blockchain and digital-asset security, offensive security, and dark-web threat intelligence. He has supported law-enforcement agencies in cybercrime investigations and tracking sophisticated threat actors. Recognized among Microsoft’s leading security researchers, he has discovered multiple zero-day vulnerabilities and CVEs. His work spans securing blockchain ecosystems, digital assets, financial infrastructure, and investigating emerging cyber threats across both the traditional and decentralized financial worlds.

A technology executive and entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in blockchain-driven solutions, software development, and global business development. My career spans roles in technical leadership, project management, and ecosystem growth for startups and enterprises across the United States and Japan. Notably, I contributed to the growth of the Cardano ecosystem during a critical phase of its development. As the Founder and CEO of zenGate Global, my focus is on scaling the Palmyra ecosystem. This blockchain-powered infrastructure platform advances traceability, compliance, and real-world asset digitization for global supply chains across industries such as agriculture, commodities, and institutional procurement. With a mission to solve real-world operational challenges using blockchain, I lead initiatives in EUDR compliance, commodity traceability, and large-scale supply chain digitization across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

A twelve year veteran of the crypto industry, Corbin is an entrepreneur and engineer by training, currently serving as Bitcoin.com’s CEO. Corbin has been with Bitcoin.com since 2017 working as both an engineering lead and senior product manager. Corbin has been the instrumental force behind the development of Bitcoin.com’s industry-leading non-custodial wallet platform, a hub for over 75 million self-custodial wallets. Corbin is a vocal advocate for Bitcoin, defi, decentralization, peer-to-peer cash and expanding financial access to unbanked populations. With his role at Bitcoin.com, Corbin is turning his advocacy into action.

Giridhar Akkineni is a serial technology entrepreneur and Founder & CEO of MeridianSquare.Global, focused on Digital Property Infrastructure™ and the evolution of regulated real-estate tokenization. Drawing on more than three decades of building technology businesses, he researches how property rights, land registries, regulation, digital assets and capital markets are converging across global jurisdictions. His current work examines the infrastructure required to connect legally recognized real property with regulated digital capital markets.

Andres Meneses is a telecom engineer with over 20 years of experience in the tech industry, and Vice Chairman of the Colombian Business Council. Active in crypto since 2016, he brings deep expertise in emerging technology.

Vilen Gulian is Director of Integrated Marketing & Strategy at Luna PR, specializing in brand, digital strategy, community building and growth across Web3, AI and emerging technologies. He brings experience across digital assets, payments and blockchain, helping innovative companies strengthen market positioning and build meaningful audiences

Tarik Erk is a trailblazer in the digital asset industry with over a decade of experience in regulatory compliance, market expansion,product launches and government affairs. Tarik has recently joined Binance to lead the MENAT region. Tarik is instrumental in driving successful growth for the regulated business in the region and reinforcing Binance’s standing as the world’s largest and most trusted exchange. Prior to joining Binance, Tarik served as the GM for Middle East and Africa in the digital asset space. In 2023, Tarik was recognized as one of the most influential figures in Singapore’s FinTech ecosystem by FinTech Nation. He also served as a board member for the Singapore Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Industry Association. Tarik’s digital asset experience began in late 2017 with Paxos in New York City. Prior to that, Tarik worked in various roles with large financial institutions such as JPMorgan Chase and Commerzbank. Tarik is originally from Buffalo, NY and attended The Ohio State University for his BA and Mitchell Hamline School of Law for his JD. Tarik resides in Dubai with his wife and is an active part of the UAE’s growing digital asset community

With 48 years of global experience spanning 92 countries and 265 cities, Dr. John is an accomplished international business leader who has generated over $1 billion in global sales and built a community of 1M+ across 65 countries. A renowned mentor, lecturer and award-winning executive, he has guided 23 individuals to million-dollar success. His accolades include CEO of the Year, Chairman of the Year, the Simón Bolívar Award, and an Excellence Award presented by Joe Biden.

Estelle Roiena is Institutional Finance & Asset Integrations Lead at the Cardano Foundation, where she focuses on driving institutional adoption and expanding Cardano’s integration with financial infrastructure and digital assets. With more than 15 years of experience spanning traditional finance and blockchain, Estelle has built her career across enterprise sales, business development and strategic partnerships, including senior commercial roles at Ripple, Digital Asset and R3. Her work has focused on bridging traditional finance and on-chain infrastructure, with particular expertise in real-world asset tokenisation, stablecoins, payments and institutional digital asset infrastructure. She holds an MBA from Bayes Business School, where she was awarded the Women in Business Scholarship.

Demetris Taxitaris is the CEO of Complyport EU (formerly known as MAP S.Platis), leading the EU operations of Complyport, a global powerhouse in Technology, RegTech and Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) advisory services, supporting the global financial services sector for over 25 years. Prior to joining Complyport, Demetris served as Head of Asset Management at Bank of Cyprus, working with local and international private and institutional clients across a wide range of industries. Earlier in his career, he worked at Deloitte in London, where he qualified as a Chartered Accountant and became a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW). Demetris is also the Chairman and a member of the Board of Directors of the Association of Cyprus International Financial Firms (ACIFF). In the past, he served as a member of the Boards of Directors of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC) and the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA).

Lasbery Chioma Oludimu: Vice President of Global Operations and Managing Director of Yellow Card Nigeria Lasbery Chioma Oludimu is Yellow Card’s Vice President of Global Operations and Managing Director of Yellow Card Financial Nigeria Limited. Previously, she held the position of Assistant General Counsel and Chief Data Protection Officer. Lasbery is a key member of Yellow Card’s Executive team and the Group Governance and Risk Committee. As the Vice President of Global Operations, Lasbery actively manages the company’s operations in 20 African countries, overseeing pivotal initiatives that drive the business forward. As the Managing Director of Yellow Card Nigeria, she is responsible for setting and implementing company goals and business strategies while also fostering business relationships. Lasbery possesses specialist skills in FinTech, blockchain, and digital assets. She understands the various legal, regulatory, and business landscapes across the continent and advises on a wide range of operational, regulatory and legal issues, including product offerings. Prior to joining Yellow Card full-time, Lasbery advised the company for several years on a wide variety of matters while she was a lawyer in private practice at Blackfriars LLP in Lagos, Nigeria, assisting Yellow Card with launching its first exchange in Nigeria in 2019. During her time in private practice, Lasbery advised domestic and foreign clients on hi-profile commercial, financial technology, litigation, intellectual property, capital markets, foreign investment, regulatory, compliance and immigration-related matters, including leading teams advising international financial institutions and multinational oil companies on contentious issues requiring dispute resolution expertise. Lasbery is a Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK), a Capital Market Solicitor of the Nigerian Capital Market Institute, and an Associate Member of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators. She has authored many articles in leading Nigerian legal publications and has also delivered numerous presentations on diverse subjects of law. Lasbery, who resides in Nigeria, obtained her first degree in Law from Madonna University and a Master of Law degree from the University of Lagos. She was admitted to the Nigerian Bar in November 2009. As an individual who has demonstrated exceptional skill in fostering global cooperation and partnerships in the tech sector. Also, contributing to addressing worldwide challenges through technology, enhancing digital collaboration, and advancing tech policies internationally. Lasbery was a nominee for the Tech Diplomacy Award by the WOMEN IN TECH Global. The Financial Technology Report recognised Lasbery as one of "The TOP 50 WOMEN LEADERS IN FINANCIAL SERVICES OF 2024. This nomination and recognition serve as a recognition of Lasbery’s expertise, experience and contribution to the tech sector.

Amira Soliman is leading Time Guardian Athar, a pioneering crypto-enabled financial solutions platform that seamlessly integrates crypto payments, DeFi lending, and secure digital asset management. With her expertise in Payment Solutions, TradFi and DeFi, she is driving Time Guardian Athar, enabling merchants, individuals, and businesses to benefit from cutting-edge blockchain technology. She has led and recruited over 1,000 financial professionals, overseeing teams that drove 85% of consumer banking (conventional and Islamic finance). Her impact-focused leadership has consistently delivered high-revenue outcomes, exceeding AED 400M, and scaling financial product adoption across 10,000+ credit card and CASA accounts. She has spearheaded innovative payment solutions and retail lending products, successfully negotiating and activating 1,000+ strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Masdar, ADNOC, Etihad Airways, Al Tayer, Al-Futtaim, Abu Dhabi Motors, Aldar, Emirates Takaful, Zurich, MetLife, and Salama. As Chief Risk Officer at Jingle Pay, Amira developed and executed the company’s operational and go-to-market strategies, driving product growth and strategic partnerships in the digital payments space. A strong advocate for technology-driven disruption and the evolution of digital payments, Amira is a recognized leader in blockchain, payment solutions, digital assets, TradFi, DeFi, and fintech innovation. She combines strategic expertise, risk and sales management, and a global network to drive industry transformation

Dr. Mohamed Al Abdulla, He is The head of Financial Crimes division, Ministry of Interior - Bahrain. He is a PhD holder and Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) with 18+ years of expertise in financial crimes, cryptocurrency, and blockchain investigations, leading complex anti-fraud and anti-money laundering operations. He Has Extensive experience collaborating with INTERPOL and partnering with private sector stakeholders—including banks and crypto exchanges—to combat financial crime, strengthen cross-border enforcement, integrating law, emerging technologies to enhance regulatory compliance, mitigate evolving risks, and build resilient anti-crime frameworks.

Founder & CEO of Conquista PR, a global comms consultancy advising leading AI, web3 and full spectrum emerging tech companies on media strategy, public affairs, and crisis communications. Head of Comms at Asecrypto and Regional Ambassador for Women in Crypto in Spain & Portugal. With a background in journalism and political economy, I work at the intersection of finance, tech, and regulation. Frequent speaker at events like London Blockchain Conference, NFT Paris, Taipei Blockchain Week, Merge Madrid, Zebu Live, and a recurring radio guest in Spain, offering expert commentary on crypto, regulation, and the digital economy.

Max Lighter is a theoretical mathematician and MBA in finance with over 20 years of experience in C-level positions in his own businesses and investment banking. He is also a speaker, advisor, and analyst, and has been a crypto enthusiast since 2017

An influential figure in the Blockchain & Digital Assets sector since 2020, Sourabh has played a pivotal role in driving global Cryptocurrency adoption across numerous countries. Serving as an Advisor to the UN Innovation Network and holding the position of CEO at World Crypto Council, his journey has been marked by remarkable milestones.

Mohamed Nagia is a marketing entrepreneur, content creator, and founder of The Mayor Marketing Agency and The Maestro Medical Marketing Agency. With years of experience in social media strategy, influencer marketing, and branding, Mohamed has built a reputation for driving digital transformation for businesses across the UAE and beyond. He is also a keynote speaker at regional events, where he shares insights on personal branding and the critical role of social media in building influence, growing businesses, and connecting with modern audiences. Known for blending creativity with business strategy, Mohamed empowers individuals and brands to stand out in the crowded digital landscape.

Business journalist and markets analyst based in Dubai, currently working with CNBC Arabia as a news editor and economic programs producer. I have over 10 years of experience in forex and financial markets, with strong expertise in macroeconomic analysis and on-air reporting. I regularly moderate panels, conduct interviews, and deliver educational seminars across the Middle East. My work focuses on translating complex market developments into clear, engaging content for both broadcast and digital platforms

Federico Tenga is a Bitcoin and crypto industry expert with over 12 years of experience. As Head of R&D at Bitfinex, he focuses on Bitcoin innovation, including the RGB Protocol and Layer 2 solutions. He is also advisor at Thalex, an options and futures crypto exchange, and previously he has advised the Italian government on blockchain strategies and technologies.

Tobias Bauer is Co-Founder and Partner at TBV, a venture firm that invests in and builds top-tier Web3 and tech startups. A former Partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, he raised a $75M fund and deployed capital into 150+ startups. He serves as a startup mentor at 500 Startups, APX, Plug and Play, NUMA New York, and Alchemist Accelerator, and is a Venture Partner at Republic. A sought-after voice in the Web3 space, Tobias has spoken at 300+ conferences globally, including Consensus, CoinFest Asia, Hong Kong FinTech Week, and World Blockchain Summit. He holds a MSc. in Management and CEMS Master's in International Management with Distinction from NUS and Tsinghua University (清华大学).

Amir Kolahzadeh is Founder and Group CEO of ITSEC and SecureVisa Group, two Dubai-based firms specializing in fintech cybersecurity and regulatory compliance engineering. With 30 years in the industry, he has secured over $2B in digital assets, audited 500+ smart contracts, and advised exchanges, banks, and VASPs across VARA, DFSA, ADGM, and CBUAE frameworks. Named Global Icon of Cybersecurity & AI Leadership 2026 and an Arabian Business Top 100 Most Influential figure.

Dr. Bhaskar Dasgupta is Principal of Sun Foundation, an Abu Dhabi-based family office, and serves as Independent Non-Executive Chairman, Director, and Advisory Board Member across firms in banking, markets, crypto, asset management, healthcare, and technology. Since 2022, he has advised or sat on the boards of global regulated firms including Apex Group, Point72 (DIFC), ICICI Ventures, Liminal Digital Custody, and many others. He advises families across the UAE, India, and UK, and invests in funds, real estate, and startups. A strong proponent of education, he holds visiting faculty and advisory roles at universities in the UK, UAE, and India, and chairs the Middle East Stablecoin Association while serving as Secretary of the Middle East Investment Management Association. Previously, Dr. Dasgupta led market development at ADGM and the FSRA, helping triple AUM, quadruple broker-dealers, and establish ADGM as the world's largest regulated crypto jurisdiction and the region's leading venture capital hub. He also launched ICE Futures Abu Dhabi. Before ADGM, he was COO of UK Export Finance. His 30-year career spans HSBC, ABN AMRO, Citigroup, and PwC. He holds a BSc in Mathematics, an MBA in Finance, and PhDs from Manchester, King's College London, and Brunel, with a new doctorate underway at Westminster

Kokila Alagh, a leading Technology and Corporate lawyer in the Middle East, with more than two decades of experience. She is recognized as a thought leader in high-risk tech sectors like Virtual Assets, Web3, Gaming, and AI. Kokila’s unique blend of legal expertise and entrepreneurial spirit has positioned KARM Legal Consultants as a top firm in Emerging Tech law. She holds key roles in MENA Fintech Association, Arab Monetary Fund Fintech Working Group, Dubai Digital Asset Association, Middle East Stablecoin Association. Her excellence has been acknowledged by Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 EMEA, and various industry awards.