• Ashar Saleem
    Fund Manager at Yaqeen Capital

    Ashar Saleem, CFA has been a part of the investment management industry for more than 8 years working across multiple asset classes. In his current capacity as a Fund manager at Yaqeen Capital (Previously known as FALCOM financial services) in Saudi Arabia, he manages assets in excess of USD 1 Billion which are spread across multiple asset classes ranging from equities, fixed income, real estate and private equity. Previously he was associated with the Saudi Kuwaiti Finance House and also the Rashid Saad Al Rashid & Sons family office in similar capacities in Saudi Arabia. Ashar has been an active part of the development of the Saudi investment industry with specific focus on the CFA society Saudi Arabia. He currently serves on the boards for University of Business & Technology (UBT) and Dar Al Hekma University in Saudi Arabia. Ashar regularly appears as a guest speaker at multiple occasions at the Prince Sultan University in Saudi Arabia and the Institute of Public Financial Accounts (UK) and has been a continuous mentor for the finance graduates for the institutes. Ashar regularly provides his comments and views on renowned media outlets mainly Bloomberg and Argaam. Ashar holds the CFA charter along with an MBA in Banking & Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Finance both from the Lahore School of Economics, Pakistan.



Our Speakers

H.E. Tahir Salim Al Amri

Executive President at Central Bank of Oman

Shaikh Khalifa Al Khalifa

Chief Executive Officer at Bahrain Bourse

Haitham Al Salmi

Chief Executive Officer at Muscat Stock Exchange

Rami El Dokany

Executive Chairman at The Egyptian Exchange (EGX)

Nandini Sukumar

Chief Executive Officer at The World Federation of Exchanges

Riham ElGizy

Chief Executive Officer at MENA Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)

Mervyn Tang

Head of Sustainability Strategy, APAC at Schroders

Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien

Member of the International Sustainability Standards Board at IFRS Foundation
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Location

Saed Frayha Street, Hazmieh Square Building, 4th Flr. Hazmieh, Beirut.

© 2025 Arab Federation of Capital Markets.
Selloua Chakri X
Founder & Managing Director at SCL Advisory Limited
Selloua Chakri is currently Managing Director of London based SCL Advisory Limited, a strategic consultancy firm that helps with the development of capital markets and provides Data Services to Securities Exchanges and various other financial institutions across Emerging and Frontier markets. In 2022, SCL Advisory has won the Euromoney’s Global Investor Group MENA Award for the Best Consulting Firm of the Year.
John Gollifer X
General Manager at Middle East Investor Relations Association
John Gollifer leads the Middle East Investor Relations Association's (MEIRA) initiatives to promote best practice IR in the Middle East. MEIRA's primary audience is IR practitioners who wish to address the investment community.
Mohamed Damak X
Global Head of Islamic Finance at S&P Global Ratings
In this capacity Mohamed leads SPGR’s cross-practice analytical thought leadership initiatives and credit rating activities in the Islamic Finance sector globally. In addition to these responsibilities, Mohamed co-heads the Emerging Market Global Industry Focused Team and is a member of several senior forums and research labs including the Digitalization of the Markets Research Lab.
Abdulla Jaffar Abdin X
Chief Operating Officer at Bahrain Clear
Abdulla Abdin has Masters in Business Administration from the University of Glamorgan UK, and currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer– Bahrain Clear. He is the Chairman of the Guarantee Fund Committee and Chairman of the African Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA) & Chairman of World Forum of CSDs (WFC) representing Bahrain Clear. Mr. Abdin has over 31 years of experience in Banking and Capital Market structure, regulations and operations.
Marwa Al-Maskati X
Director - Marketing & Business Development at Bahrain Bourse
Marwa Al-Maskati leads the Marketing and Business Development function of Bahrain Bourse where she is responsible for all new business opportunities and affairs. Since taking on this role in 2014, she has been instrumental in the implementation and establishment of new markets including the Real Estate Investment Trust Market (REIT) in 2016 and the Bahrain Investment Market (BIM) in 2017, played a crucial role in championing ESG within the capital markets, as well as the establishment and launch of the Middle East Investor Relations – Bahrain Chapter. Mrs. AlMaskati currently heads the Bahrain Chapter of MEIRA and sits on the Board of MEIRA as well, she is also an active member of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets - Sustainability Committee (2021-2022).
Anthony Miller X
Chief Coordinator at the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE)
Anthony Miller is the Coordinator of the United Nations Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative and the focal point for responsible investment within the Investment and Enterprise Division of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD). Dr. Miller is a specialist on sustainable finance, corporate sustainability and corporate governance. He has managed the SSE initiative since its launch by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon in 2009. In 2011, the initiative was named by Forbes magazine as one of the “world’s best sustainability ideas” and in 2019 was endorsed by UN Secretary General António Guterres. Today the SSE counts over 100 partner exchanges around the world.
Sherif Salem X
Chief Investment Officer at Chimera Capital
Salem heads the Public Markets department at Chimera Capital, where he oversees Chimera’s ETFs business. He has over 20 years of investing experience covering equity markets in the Middle East and Africa. Prior to joining Chimera Capital, he held senior fund manager positions at Invest AD and National Bank of Abu Dhabi, managing UAE, MENA and Africa mandates. He began his career as a buy-side analyst in the Egypt-based investment bank, EFG-Hermes, in 1997.
Wael Al-Hazzani X
Chief Executive Officer at Muqassa
Wael Al-Hazzani is the Chief Executive Officer of Saudi Securities Clearing House (Muqassa) and has held that position since its establishment in May 2018. He has led the company in its drive to reduce counterparty risk, improve market efficiency and enable the introduction of new products and services. He also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Security Depository Centre Company (Edaa) since 2018, Tadawul Advanced Solution Company (WAMID) since August 2020 and Saudi Exchange since April 2021.
Mirna Sleiman X
Founder and Chief Executive Officer at Fintech Galaxy
Mirna Sleiman is the founder and CEO of Fintech Galaxy, a global platform that fuels innovation in financial services, drives ecosystem collaboration, and facilitates Open Banking API integration between financial institutions and fintech companies. Mirna has more than 15 years of experience in government relations, business strategy, digital communications and journalism. She managed public sector business for Thomson Reuters across 22 MENA countries and partnered with international organizations to promote innovation and social change. She spent more than 10 years as a financial journalist with Reuters, Dow Jones, The Wall Street Journal, and Zawya.
Mazen Wathaifi X
Chief Executive Officer at Amman Stock Exchange (ASE)
Mr. Wathaifi is the CEO of the Amman Stock Exchange (ASE) since September 2019. He joined the Amman Financial Market (AFM) in1984 and became the Director of the Research and Studies Department at the AFM in 1997. He was appointed as the Director of the Research and International Affairs Department at the Jordan Securities Commission (JSC) in 1999. Among his main responsibilities were conducting researches on matters related to capital market regulation and activities, and following up the JSC's relations with related international organizations including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, the International Organization of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), Union of Arab of Securities Authorities (UASA), and International securities regulators. He took part in internal committees that drafted the Securities Law and legislations governing various activities in the national capital market. He headed the committee that drafted the Corporate Governance Code for Shareholding Companies Listed on Amman Stock Exchange. He is a member in several local, Arab, and international working groups and task forces. He was elected as a board member of Arab Financial Capital Markets (AFCM) and the Federation of Euro-Asian Stock Exchanges (FEAS).
Wan Norhaziki X
Head of Global Shariah Governance at Crédit Agricole
Wan Norhaziki is a Shariah finance professional bringing 15 years of experience with extensive exposure within a wide range of financial industries, from central banking, global standard-setting, applied research, to Islamic banking sectors in both Middle Eastern and Malaysian banks. He currently leads the global Shariah Governance Unit at Crédit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank (CACIB) in Dubai. Prior to this, he was Vice President and Head of Shariah at Asian Finance Bank, Head of Shariah Risk Management at Bank Muamalat Malaysia, and Head of Shariah at the Islamic Financial Services Board (IFSB). Wan Norhaziki started his career with the Central Bank of Malaysia in 2007 and had been involved in the Malaysia International Islamic Financial Centre (MIFC) initiative, prior to joining the International Shariah Research Academy for Islamic Finance (ISRA) as a researcher. A Certified Islamic Banker by CIBAFI, Wan Norhaziki holds an M.A. in Shariah, and LL.M. in Banking Law from the International Islamic University, Malaysia (IIUM), a B.A. in Politics and Islamic sciences from the IIUM, a B.A. in Shariah from Al-Madinah University, and a diploma in Islamic studies from Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
Michael Grifferty X
President at The Gulf Capital Market Association (GCMA)
Michael Grifferty founded and leads The Gulf Capital Market Association (formerly known as The Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association) the industry association representing the Arabian Gulf debt and equity markets. The GCMA is composed of the region’s leading banks, law firms, issuers, ratings agencies and service providers and plays a leading role on all major matters concerning development of capital markets in the region. Previously, Michael served as advisor for the US Treasury on sovereign debt and bond markets, advising over forty countries and regional organizations. He has also consulted extensively for the International Monetary Fund and Arab Monetary Fund. Prior to his international career, Mr. Grifferty was a senior vice president at Government Finance Associates, providing problem-solving financial advisory services to US state and local governments. He has degrees from New York University and Georgetown University in Public Finance and International Relations, respectively. A native English speaker, Michael speaks French and Russian.
Sina Hbous X
Sustainability Advisor to the Chairman at The Egyptian Exchange
Mrs. Sina Hbous has an overall professional experience of over 17 years in the diversified field of sustainable development. She has two master’s degrees in international Affairs and Development Studies from the Lebanese American University and The London School of Economics, respectively. She is currently advising and consulting several institutions on reporting, sustainability and governance, Islamic banking and climate and sustainable finance for UNEP FI, IsDB, Insurance federation of Egypt, UN Women, among others. She was assigned as the first interim executive director of the Regional Center for Sustainable Finance in Egypt. She was also chairman’s advisor of Egypt’s financial regulatory authority (FRA) for sustainable development since the beginning of 2019, where she has led efforts to introduce promote climate finance instruments, sustainable insurance and ESG related disclosures, and women leadership in the finance sector. She is also a trainer and a consultant in sustainable development working with international organizations such as UNEP, UNDP, ESCWA, IFC and ILO. She designed and undertaken a national and international process to develop the ESG and TCFD regulation issued by FRA. Prior to her work at FRA, she assumed the position of associate director of the Gerhart Center for Philanthropy, Civic Engagement and Responsible Business at the American University in Cairo (AUC). Before joining the AUC, she worked as a sustainable development expert for the Sustainable Growth Division, Centre for Environment and Development Arab Region and Europe, Cairo, Egypt starting 2013. In 2010 and up till end of April 2012, Sina assumed the role of Corporate Social Responsibility Unit Head, National Bank of Egypt, Cairo, Egypt. She held several positions, while working at the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry between September 2009 and till April 2010. Sina was the Program Manager, Minister's Technical Office, at the Ministry of Trade & Industry. She was the Special Assistant to Minister’s Office, from October 2006 till September 2008.
Rami El Dokany X
Executive Chairman at The Egyptian Exchange (EGX)
Rami El Dokany has more than ninteen years of professional experience in the field of capital markets private equity, investments, corporate finance, strategic planning and business development, accompanied by a strong educational background, from prominent local and international institutions. El Dokany was appointed as the Executive Chairman of The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) on the 25th of August 2022. Prior to this, in 2019, Rami was appointed as Secretary General of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets, to formulate a common vision for the Arab Capital markets. Arab Federation of Capital Markets is the home for more than 24 Arab exchanges and clearing houses, as well as many prominent brokerage firms throughout the Arab World. During his post as the Secretary General of the AFCM, he managed, to tailor a strategic restructuring program of the federation, allowing more inclusion among its members, abiding to governance practices and providing a sustainable path for the federation, taking its revenues from US$ 177k in 2019 to over US$ 660k by the end of 2022. Rami co-founded Pride Capital in 2017 to utilize his long experience in financial services and investments and passion to technology, and recently launched a fintech accelerator with Start-up boot camp in Cairo – the program is supported by Alex Bank, Visa, IFC, GIZ, Pharos Holding, Ayady & Exprot Development Bank of Egypt, and has invested in more than 11 startups in 1 year. Rami was a Board member of BM Lease– subsidiary to Banque Misr, and an Investment committee member of the VC program of the Social Development Fund (in cooperation with the World Bank), where he approved several investments in debt and equity with multiple start-ups and accelerators like Cairo based Flat6Labs, as well a former Investment Committee member of the Insurance Holding Co. His last post was VP at Al-Ahly Capital Holding – the investment arm of the National Bank of Egypt. During his post, he joined the Board of Directors of one of the leading oil refineries in Alexandria – Alexandria Mineral Oils Co. and handled the strategic restructuring of the company’s investors relations and approach to the Capital Markets. Before that, Rami worked in HC investment banking, Etisalat Misr, LINKdotNET, and MIBank. Rami Holds an M.Sc. From Wales University & B.Sc. in economics from Cairo University. As well as several executive certificates including Oxford University Fintech program, Cambridge University’s strategy for CXOs program, London Business School Private Equity program, and Amsterdam Institute of Finance Valuation program.
Eline Sleurink X
Head of UK & Ireland and Middle East at Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
Eline Sleurink is the Head of UK & Ireland and Middle East at the PRI. Over the past 4 years she has supported over 850 signatories in both regions on their responsible investment journeys, including discussions around climate change, human rights and ESG integration considerations across all asset classes. In light of the PRI’s growing signatory base in the Middle East, Eline has recently relocated to Dubai where she is spearheading responsible investment awareness and engagement with local investors to further drive the PRI’s mission and vision in the run up to COP28. Prior to the PRI Eline started her career at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in London as a Client Portfolio Manager, before working with impact ventures as a Business Development Manager in Kenya and Ghana.
Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien X
Member of the International Sustainability Standards Board at IFRS Foundation
Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien was appointed as a full-time member of the International Sustainability Standards Board (ISSB) in June 2022, effective 15 July 2022. Her career has been focused on building connections between business and sustainable development, working across multinational and indigenous companies, public institutions and civil society organisations—in Africa and Europe—to initiate sustainable development initiatives. She served as the inaugural Group Chief Sustainability and Governance Officer of Dangote Industries Limited— one of Africa’s largest manufacturing businesses—from 2017 to 2020. In this role, she was responsible for developing the company’s sustainability culture, strategy and reporting across 14 countries. Dr Nnoli-Edozien has also served on several boards, committees and initiatives focused on corporate culture, impact investing, sustainability reporting and governance. She has a PhD in social ethics, cultural adaptation, sustainability and governance from the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University in Germany and a bachelor’s degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science, UK.
Rafael Plata X
Secretary General at European Association of CCP Clearing Houses
Rafael is the Secretary General of the European Association of CCP Clearing Houses (EACH), the trade organisation that represents the interests of European CCPs. A government affairs professional with over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, Rafael has also represented the interests of regulated market at FESE and worked for the European Parliament as well as in investment consulting. He is a Member of the Consultative Working Group for ESMA's CCP Policy Committee, an Editorial Board member of the Journal of Securities Operations & Custody and Vice-President and Chair of Leadership Circle at the European Society for Association Executives. He has also been an Invited lecturer on CCP Clearing at the Solvay School of Economics and Management. Rafael studied Business and Economics at Universidad Loyola Andalucia (Spain) and The University of Birmingham (UK) and holds a master’s degree in European Economics from the Free University of Brussels (Belgium).
Martin Janzen X
Managing Partner at Ntsal Consultancy
Ntsal® is a multinational consultancy, design & software studio on steroids, where Martin is the Managing Partner of the Chamber of Consultancy. He is an expert in strategy development, commercial excellence & monetization and organizational transformation with 15 years of experience in Financial Services. The consultancy team is advising clients in MEA and Europe out of Ntsal’s offices in Germany, Austria and Egypt. In 2021 Ntsal conducted a study with the AFCM on Data Monetization in Capital Markets for the Arab Region.
Michele Carlsson X
Managing Director and Non-Executive Board Member at Nasdaq (MENA)
Michèle Carlsson is the Managing Director of Nasdaq in the Middle East and Africa and a non-executive member of board of directors. Michèle has been representing Nasdaq based in Dubai since 2009. Her focus is bringing Nasdaq’s capital markets expertise to the region, by building relationships and being the ambassador for Nasdaq, making sure that clients receive the attention and care that they deserve. Michèle has always had a client-centric approach, ensuring Nasdaq’s customers receiving the support they need, to thrive and implement best practices. With over 30 years of experience in the intersection between technology and finance, Michèle brings unique skills and capabilities to Nasdaq and the development and growth of the Middle Eastern and African capital markets. Michèle started her career in 1985, after studying Information Technology in Stockholm, Sweden. Prior to relocating to the GCC, Michèle held various managerial positions at Nasdaq and has experiences is in a wide variety of disciplines such as being the CTO of a joint venture between Nasdaq and the Egyptian Stock Exchange. A three years engagement that brought Michèle and her family to live in Egypt before moving to the UAE. Prior to Nasdaq, Michèle worked as a system developer at the Stockholm Stock Exchange, the Swedish Credit Agency UC and the Publisher Esselte DC.
Sherif Khalil X
Investor Relations and Corporate Communications Expert
17 year multi-award winner veteran of the Egyptian financial industry, holding positions that include Head of Investor Relations and Chief Communications Officer for one of the largest banks in Egypt. An expert in building corporate narratives and story to bridge perception gaps between corporations and their respective stakeholders, as well as an expert crisis communicator. A skill set acquired through almost two decades that saw various economic cycles in the local, regional and global economies.
Mervyn Tang X
Head of Sustainability Strategy, APAC at Schroders
Mervyn Tang is the Head of Sustainability Strategy, APAC. Currently based in Singapore, Mervyn is responsible for Schroders’ Sustainability Strategy in the Asia Pacific. He works in partnership with client facing and product teams to build the firm’s sustainable investment propositions across the region, and lead the company’s Regional Centre of Excellence for Sustainability. Prior to joining Schroders in July 2021, Mervyn was Global Head of ESG Research at Fitch Ratings, overseeing a research team of 4 analysts across London and Hong Kong which primarily focuses on thematic and cross sector ESG research. He also held roles at MSCI, the Bank of England, and Citigroup. Mervyn holds a Master of Arts degree in Economics and Management from the University of Oxford and a Master of Science degree in Economics from the University of London. Mervyn is also a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder, a member of the advisory committee to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology’s BSc in Sustainable and Green Finance Program, and a faculty member of the Wealth Management Institute in Singapore.
Khaled Rashed X
Managing Director at Misr for Central Clearing, Depository and Registry
Khaled has over 24 years of solid experience in the financial sector. He is the Managing Director of Misr for central clearing, depository and registry. He is also a board member of the Arab Federation of Capital Markets. Prior to that, he was the Chairman of Sameem, Egypt’s first activist investment firm. Throughout his career, Khaled held various positions in banking, private equity and capital markets. He was the CEO of CORECAP, a leading alternative investment firm in Dubai, Board Member and CEO of Amwal Investment Bank in Qatar, Vice President of Abraaj Capital and Manager of Direct Equities in Dubai Islamic Bank. He started his career as a corporate banker at CIB in Egypt. His transactional track record includes leading Amwal to become the premier investment bank in Qatar and participating in realizing a 101% IRR on its sale. He has also participated in underwriting the US$ 337M Ithmaar Bank IPO, managing the QAR 1bn first Qatari mutual fund and Dubai Islamic Bank’s US$ 150M proprietary private equity book. He also led the acquisition of a strategic stake in Tameer-Bahrain, the first real estate company to go public on the Bahraini stock exchange and in financing Sokhna Port, the first BOOT port in Egypt. Under his leadership, CORECAP was acknowledged as a New Champion by the World Economic Forum and selected as a member of the community of GGC in 2008 and Amwal was awarded the “Leading Investment Firm in Qatar”. In 2009, Khaled was awarded “Entrepreneur CEO of the Year” by ITP. He was also chosen as one of the Gulf's 50 Most Admired Executives by CEO Middle East magazine. He was voted a Young Arab Leader by the YAL Association – UAE. He is a board member of the UAE chapter of the CEO Club. He is also a member of the UAE French Business Council. Khaled holds an MBA from ESLSCA University in France and a BA in Business Administration (English Section) from Helwan University in Egypt.
Jai Waterman X
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder at Blockstation
Waterman is an experienced business and technology leader, currently serving as CEO at Blockstation. With over 22 years of experience in business optimization and 18 years building enterprise software, he is a dedicated advocate for the adoption of flexible turnkey solutions that provide efficiency, transparency, and unparalleled security to regulated institutions. His forward-looking approach has resulted in groundbreaking innovations with the potential to revolutionize the financial industry and his unwavering dedication to providing exceptional market-ready solutions has earned him a reputation as a trusted and respected leader. Prior to Blockstation, he founded "illions", an ERP cloud blockchain accounting company and invented Cross Company Automation, a process to automate internal and external data exchange across multiple independent organizations.
Shaikh Khalifa Al Khalifa X
Chief Executive Officer at Bahrain Bourse
Shaikh Khalifa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa currently holds the position of Chief Executive Officer of Bahrain Bourse as well as Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bahrain Clear. Sh Khalifa also serves as the Chairman of Arab Federation of Capital Markets, as well as an active member the GCC Exchanges Committee - GCC General Secretariat. As CEO, Sh. Khalifa drives BHB’s strategy, with the aim of positioning Bahrain Bourse as a ‘Sustainable & Innovative Marketplace’. Sh. Khalifa has more than 14 years of capital markets experience and possesses a wide range of expertise from business development and corporate planning to strategy and operations. Preceding his appointment as CEO, Sh. Khalifa served as Deputy Director for Central Securities Depository (CSD) and Information Technology, and subsequently Chief Operating Officer, prior to handling the role of Chief Executive Officer. Sh. Khalifa holds an MBA from the CASS Business School – London.
Yasmine Hemeda X
Head of Investor Relations at Commercial International Bank Egypt
Yasmine is with more than 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Yasmine currently holds the position of Head of Investor Relations (IR) at CIB, a position she assumed in November 2017. As head of IR, she leads CIB’s award-winning investor relations program, responsible for crafting the story of CIB and conveying it to the all stakeholders (investors, analysts, rating agencies, financial media etc). The Bank’s IR program holds more than 300 meetings a year with over 400 investors and fund managers across 15 or more international conferences, roadshows and reverse roadshows in Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa. CIB’s IR program has finished atop the Reuters Extel poll and is a regular winner of awards programs for best regional or national investor relations program and best investor relations professional. Yasmine is also involved in various strategic initiatives the Bank undergoes (from strategy, to process re- engineering). She joined CIB in January 2008 as a member of the Investor Relations Department and completed the CIB Credit Training Program in 2012 at the top of her class. Prior to becoming head of the department, Yasmine was one of the core members who built and elevated the program to be one of the best and regionally recognized IR programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the Cairo University, faculty of Economics and Political Science (French section) and pursued various Investor Relations and leadership courses and workshops in Egypt, UK and the United States, the latest of which is the Harvard business school executive leadership program in Boston in June 2022.
Ohood Al Balushi X
Manager of KYC Strategy at Bank Muscat
Ohood Al Balushi is a seasoned banking professional with over a decade of experience in the industry. She is currently working as the Manager of KYC Strategy and CDD at Bank Muscat, one of the leading banks in Oman. With a regulatory background, Ohood Al Balushi has worked as a senior bank examiner with the Central Bank of Oman. She has also participated in the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Mutual Evaluation of Netherlands. Her expertise in regulatory compliance has made her an invaluable asset to Bank Muscat. Ohood Al Balushi has played a crucial role in implementing the bank's KYC and CDD strategies, ensuring that the bank is compliant with regulatory requirements. She has also been instrumental in developing and implementing risk-based approach frameworks, which have helped the bank to identify and mitigate potential risks. Throughout her career, Ohood Al Balushi has demonstrated a commitment to excellence, professionalism, and integrity. Her ability to work effectively in a team and her strong leadership skills have helped her to achieve success in her roles. Ohood Al Balushi holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a master’s degree in business administration and information technology from Coventry university. She is also a certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and a member of the Association of Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialists (ACAMS).
Nandini Sukumar X
Chief Executive Officer at The World Federation of Exchanges
Nandini Sukumar is the Chief Executive Officer of the World Federation of Exchanges, the global association for exchanges and CCPs. The WFE represents more than 250 exchanges and clearing houses globally, educating stakeholders on the vital role played by market infrastructures in the real economy and as a standard setter, finding the consensus on issues among the global membership. Of its members, 37% are in Asia- Pacific, 43% in EMEA and 20% in the Americas. WFE exchanges are home to 59,400 listed companies, and the market capitalisation of these entities is over $122.94 trillion; around $162.04 trillion (EOB) in trading annually passes through WFE members (at end 2021). WFE’s 57 member CCPs collectively ensure that risk takers post some $1 trillion (equivalent) of resources to back their positions, in the form of initial margin and default fund requirements. Ms. Sukumar is Vice Chair of IOSCO’s Affiliate Members Consultative Committee and Chair of the AMCC’s Sustainability Taskforce.
Gerard Smith X
Head of Business Development - Digital Assets at Nasdaq
Gerard Smith is Vice President, Business Development of Digital Assets for Nasdaq's Marketplace Technology business, where he leads the development of Nasdaq’s technology services in digital assets, tokens and cryptocurrency. Before joining Nasdaq, Gerard was Managing Director, Head of Post Trade Product Development at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing. In this role, Gerard led a team of Product and Network Managers in all aspects of the exchange's Post Trade business. Prior to this, he served as Product Director in Collateral and Liquidity Management at LCH Ltd. He also held positions with Euroclear and the Bank of England. For over 15 years, Gerard has led change, gaining extensive experience in trading, clearing, settlement, payments and collateral management. Gerard has a master's degree in European Politics and a bachelor's degree in Politics. Gerard is a qualified Scrum Master and Agile Product Owner. He has also successfully passed the Financial Times Non-Exec Director Diploma.
Riham ElGizy X
Chief Executive Officer at MENA Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM)
Riham ElGizy has over 20 years of international experience dedicated to impact-related investments through her extensive work as a leader in mergers and acquisitions, as well as strategy and business development experience. She was formerly head of Saudi Aramco’s Investment valuations and structuring, the function responsible for advising and formulating investment decisions for corporate and executive management, as well as government institutions. Prior to joining Saudi Aramco, she spent 16 years with BP in North America and North Africa. ElGizy has a track record in originating and executing energy, clean technology, and renewable energy transactions across the globe. She has advised strategy and investment boards and led negotiations with governments and privately held institutions. ElGizy is a Sloan fellow MBA (MIT Sloan School of Management) and during her time at MIT, she worked on projects promoting sustainable economic growth in emerging markets through the deployment of innovative technology solutions and climate change simulations. She is currently CEO of the Voluntary Carbon Market (VCM). In her role at the helm of the VCM, she has launched the first voluntary carbon market in the MENA region and led the single largest voluntary carbon market auction to ever take place.
Shobhit Thapar X
Director, Head of Index and Analytics (CEEMA) at FTSE Russell
Shobhit has over 12 years of experience in the financial services sector, covering multiple buy-side disciplines and geographies from Middle East, to Africa and Europe. Based out of Dubai, Shobhit is responsible for FTSE Russell’s Index and Analytics business in Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East & Africa, working with Asset Owners, Asset Managers, Central Banks, and Sell- Side institutions. Prior to FTSE Russell (an LSEG business), Shobhit has worked extensively with Portfolio & Risk Management Solutions, and Index Solutions. Shobhit earned his MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and is a certified FRM (Financial Risk Manager) and CIPM (Certificate in Investment Performance Measurement).
Sumer Chopra X
Director & Founding Member at Alumia
Sumer is one of the Founding members of Alumia, a global capital-raising platform, headquartered in Luxembourg. He is responsible for capital raising, fund distribution, and SPAC advisory at Alumia. Previously, Sumer was the Lead SPAC Expert at Mazars Luxembourg, responsible for the capital markets advisory for SPAC engagements. He was also part of the Corporate Finance division at Mazars Luxembourg, performing Valuations for M&A transactions and specializing in valuation of alternative assets such as VC, PE, and Real Estate. Sumer has been studying & researching SPACs for close to a decade and has been involved in several SPAC IPOs and De-SPACs. Sumer acts as an advisor for SPACs, advising on topics ranging from capital raising, target search, deal structuring, to M&A execution. He holds a Masters degree in Financial Markets Investments from SKEMA Business School.
Hany Sabri X
Head of Investment & Capital Markets Products at ADIB
Hany Sabry has over 24 years of experience working in financial sector, including 19 years in the Banking industry. He has a distinguished high-profile diversified experience in Credit Risk, Product development, Private Banking, and Investment Banking. He worked previously for HSBC, International Company for leasing, Dubai Islamic bank, Mashreq Bank and Ajman bank. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from Preston University, USA and Certified from Chartered Institute for Securities & investment, UK.
Khaled Kurdieh X
General Manager at ADIB Securities
Khaled is the General Manager of ADIB Securities LLC. He joined ADIB in 2010 with more than 20 years of experience in the global and regional financial brokerage industry. One of his key objectives is to deliver best in class brokerage experience for ADIB’s clients through a team professionals and cutting edge technology. Prior to joining ADIB, he was the CEO of Mashreq Securities. He was earlier the Director of TAIB Securities a subsidiary of TAIB Bank Bahrain. Throughout his tenure, he was responsible for managing the firm’s regional and international brokerage business. Khaled additionally worked for Charles Schwab & Co. in the United States. During his last assignment with Schwab; he managed the unit’s global client’s relationships where he gained an edge in the financial advisory business, prime and institutional brokerage. He holds an MBA in Management from WIU Phoenix, Arizona USA.
Fahd Chaudhry X
Client Coverage Director at S&P Dow Jones Indices
Fahd Chaudhry is Director of Client Coverage for the Middle East and North Africa, the Commonwealth of Independent States and Turkey at S&P Dow Jones Indices (S&P DJI). He joined S&P DJI in 2010 and is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. In his role, he works to develop the passive market in his regions and works closely with clients to innovate, strategize and design products that serve the local markets across asset classes. Fahd has extensive experience in capital markets, as well as commodity and fixed income markets, strategy, product development, marketing and selling passive solutions. Prior to joining S&P DJI, Fahd held multiple roles in the financial sector in various countries, which included trading and business development in Dubai, London, the U.S. and Iran. Fahd holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Massachusetts in Boston and is fluent in English and Urdu.
Abdul Hadi Shaikh X
Co-Founder at Islamicly App
Abdul Hadi Shaikh is a graduate in commerce and is a Certified Shariah Advisor and Auditor (CSAA) from AAOIFI. He has been working in the Islamic finance Industry for the past 15 years and has been the lead researcher and presenter at various globally renowned Shariah Boards such as the S&P and Dow Jones Shariah Boards. Abdul Hadi is a specialist in Shariah equity screening and has advised some of the biggest Shariah compliant asset managers and indices globally. He is the co- founder of Islamicly App - a consumer platform which has disrupted access to real time Shariah compliant equities on a global scale. Prior to joining Ratings Intelligence, Abdul Hadi was at Ernst & Young and PriceWaterhouseCoopers, in the Assurance and Business Advisory vertical.
Manish Dhameja X
Chief Wholesale Banking Officer at Sohar International
Mr. Manish is a seasoned banking professional with over 23 years of working experience, during which he worked in UAE, Africa & across various cities in India. He is an Engineer, MBA & CFA. He has joined from Standard Chartered Bank, where he held multiple leadership roles and led many businesses & large teams. Mr. Manish strength lies in establishing and growing new and large businesses, improve business profitability, client connections & team engagement.
Amr Emara X
Head of Investor Relations Business at GFM Mubasher
Emara is an accomplished IT professional with over 5 years of experience in the technology industry. Throughout his career, he has specialized in providing financial services solutions to clients in the financial sector, working with leading technology companies such as Oracle and SAP. His expertise in the field has enabled him to navigate complex financial environments and provide innovative solutions that have helped clients achieve their goals. He has a passion for utilizing technology to drive financial growth, which has been a key driver for his success. Currently, he serves as the Head of Investor Relations Business at Mubasher, where he is responsible for enhancing listed companies' IR communications and applying best practices in the GCC region.
Ashar Saleem X
Fund Manager at Yaqeen Capital
Ashar Saleem, CFA has been a part of the investment management industry for more than 8 years working across multiple asset classes. In his current capacity as a Fund manager at Yaqeen Capital (Previously known as FALCOM financial services) in Saudi Arabia, he manages assets in excess of USD 1 Billion which are spread across multiple asset classes ranging from equities, fixed income, real estate and private equity. Previously he was associated with the Saudi Kuwaiti Finance House and also the Rashid Saad Al Rashid & Sons family office in similar capacities in Saudi Arabia. Ashar has been an active part of the development of the Saudi investment industry with specific focus on the CFA society Saudi Arabia. He currently serves on the boards for University of Business & Technology (UBT) and Dar Al Hekma University in Saudi Arabia. Ashar regularly appears as a guest speaker at multiple occasions at the Prince Sultan University in Saudi Arabia and the Institute of Public Financial Accounts (UK) and has been a continuous mentor for the finance graduates for the institutes. Ashar regularly provides his comments and views on renowned media outlets mainly Bloomberg and Argaam. Ashar holds the CFA charter along with an MBA in Banking & Finance and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics & Finance both from the Lahore School of Economics, Pakistan.
Brandon Goodwin X
Vice President - Middle East at ARC Group
Goodwin is the Vice President of Arc Group - Middle East, a worldwide leader in SPAC and IPO advisory. Previously he was a Managing Director and Head of Middle East for a US-based 110-year-old market maker and founding member of the New York Stock Exchange. Mr Goodwin has a wealth of experience in private and public markets and has worked across all elements of investment banking over the last decade.
Lamia Hariz X
Head of Corporate Communications, Marketing & IR at ADIB
Lamia Hariz joined ADIB in June 2016. Reporting directly to the GCEO, she oversees the primary functions that shape the reputation of ADIB, including marketing, Communications, Investor relations, ESG, Public Affairs and sponsorships. Prior to joining ADIB, Lamia was heading the internal communication and stakeholders’ engagement at Emirates Steel from 2015 to 2016. In that capacity, she oversaw all CEO’s stakeholders’ engagement. Before that, she was the head of corporate communication at ADIB. She managed all communications operations, including media relations and content development. Prior to joining ADIB, she worked for 7 years with Weber Shandwick, a leading global PR agency. Lamia earned a degree in economics from Saint Joseph University and a Master in communication from Leicester University. She is certified by Chartered Institute of Public Relations.
Rafaqat Mir X
Head of Fintech at DirectFN
“20+ years of experience as Investment Management Fintech Leader with specialization in Capital Market innovation and now leading teams to bring fresh ideas, and innovative products in frontier & emerging markets. Recently been part of some exciting projects in Africa to establish cross-border order routing platform building. He brings experience in overall Financial Software Solutions building across ME/GCC, North and West African markets, and South Asia. He is an MBA, Finance with a bachelor’s in computer sciences from Pakistan.”
Silvina Bruggia X
Director of Emerging Markets at Refinitiv
Silvina Bruggia is Director of Emerging Markets at Refinitiv, an LSEG (London Stock Exchange Group) business, responsible for addressing client needs in the Sustainable Finance and Investing segments. She has held different positions in the areas of products, content, sales, and marketing at Refinitiv and in the Financial & Risk business division of Thomson Reuters in Latin America since joining the firm in 2006. Between 2016 and 2018 she led the South Latam business and then The Market Development team in Latin America until 2020. She currently has an active participation in the development of capital markets in emerging countries, promoting global best practices in sustainable finance and financial inclusion, generating initiatives and discussion spaces for the adoption of ESG criteria in investment decision-making, and supporting innovation and new technologies that facilitate access to data and connectivity. Education: Degree in Economics (Merit: CUM-LAUDE) from the University of Buenos Aires, where she also was assistant professor for almost 7 years lecturing on macroeconomics, monetary economics, credit and banking. Also, she holds a Postgraduate Degree in Human Resources Management at Universidad Católica Argentina. Silvina participated in several programs focused on Innovation and new technologies like Digital Immersion in Silicon Valley and Smart Investing in IAE.
Dawn Franklin X
Product Specialist of Wealth Management at GTN Middle East Financial Services
Dawn is a highly experienced financial services professional with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Having worked as a Senior Financial Planner for over a decade, she has honed her skills in the UK, Switzerland, and Dubai, catering to high-net-worth individuals. Dawn's extensive background in wealth management and financial planning enables her to provide clients and partners with tailored solutions to grow and preserve their wealth. As a Wealth Management Product Specialist at GTN, Dawn leverages her vast industry experience and knowledge to work closely with GTN clients and partners in the Middle East region.
Hanifa Ymer X
SVP & Head – ESG at Sohar International
Hanifa joined Sohar International in July 2022, as Head of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) and is responsible for developing and executing the Bank’s ESG Framework – embedding ESG throughout the Bank – be it through effective ESG risk management, or through supporting Sohar International’s stakeholders through sustainable financing solutions. With over 25 years of experience managing across all ESG topics (e.g. climate change, diversity & inclusion, energy, water & waste management, social impact), Ms Hanife draws on her experience from South East Asia, Europe, South America, North America, Australia and the MEA (Middle East and Africa) regions. Within MENA, Hanifa has previously held similar leadership roles with Jones Lang LaSalle; Mubadala Investment Company and KPMG. Her experience includes advising leading banks globally and regionally. Hanifa holds a Bachelor's Degree in Strategic Management and Marketing (Monash University - Australia), a Graduate Certificate in Sustainability (Swinburne University - Australia), as well as certificates in Sustainable Finance (Frankfurt School of Finance and Management), Climate Change and TCFD – Risks and Opportunities for the Banking Sector (UNEP FI), and Social Return on Investment Practitioner (Social Value International).
Christian Lee X
Partner at Sionic
Christian leads Sionic’s internationally renowned Clearing team that has advised CCP and exchange clients across the globe on developing best practice solutions. He was previously at LCH where, at the height of the 2008 banking crisis as head of SwapClear’s Default Management Group, he successfully unwound Lehman’s $90trillion portfolio. Since 2021, the team has been working in Qatar advising on the development of its capital markets infrastructure including the design and implementation of a securities CCP.
H.E. Munther Al Busaidi X
Vice Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit
H.E. Sayyid Dr. Munther Al Busaidi is the Vice Chairman of Oman Vision 2040 Implementation Follow-up Unit. The unit is tasked with following up and supporting the implementation of the vision’s programs and initiatives. Prior to joining the unit, he was an advisor to the Behavioral Economics Department in the Ministry of Economy. He was also vital in setting up the department and leading it in the first year of establishment. He was also the Assistant Dean for Training and Community Service in the College of Economics and Political Science at Sultan Qaboos University. His role involved building ties with the public and private sectors through joint projects and initiatives. Dr. Munther was also a founding partner at The Firm for Business & Economic Consulting. The company specializes in management consultancy and capacity building. He has a PhD from the University of Melbourne - Australia and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois - USA
Mahmood Al Aweini X
Program Director of Estidamah Program Oman
Mahmood Abdullah Al Aweini is a senior executive with 20 years’ experience in finance and investments as well as in business development and forming corporate strategies for large and complex organizations. He is leading the National Program for Fiscal Sustainability and Financial Sector Development (Estidamah), which has been launched by Ministry of Finance upon the directive of His Majesty the Sultan of Oman for duration of three (3) years, effective from 1st January 2023. The aim of this program is to support the economic and investment growth to enable Oman to achieve its Vision 2040. Before joining the program, Al Aweini was procurement advisor for projects organizations of Middle East Finance in BP Exploration Ltd. He also acted as regional director (Middle East) finance. Moreover, he held several other management roles at the company in various teams, including material management & distribution, in-country value and planning and performance. Prior to BP Exploration Ltd., he was general manager at Rawasi Oman Investment looking after the investment opportunities through mergers & acquisitions within the GCC. Earlier than that, he was head of billing and revenue in Oman International Container Terminal (Hutchison Ports Sohar). At the beginning of his career, Al Aweini was financial analyst, then he became a head of trading & surveillance operations in Muscat Securities Market. He is an MBA holder, and he completed his bachelor’s degree in finance in 2003 from Sultan Qaboos University.
Haitham Al Salmi X
Chief Executive Officer at Muscat Stock Exchange
CEO of Muscat Stock Exchange SAOC and chairman of Muscat Clearing and Depository SAOC with over 19-year executive experience capital markets and securities industry in leading financial markets institutions including financial market infrastructure institutions, intermediaries, and investment banks. He is master’s degree holders in Business Administration (M.B.A.) from University of Bedfordshire and a bachelor graduate in Accounting from Sultan Qaboos University.
H.E. Tahir Salim Al Amri X
Executive President at Central Bank of Oman
Royal Decree No.44/2017 appointed His Excellency Tahir Salim Al Amri as Executive President of the Central Bank of Oman (CBO) in September 2017. He provides overall leadership to the CBO in its endeavors to achieve the desired goals and objectives for supporting the overarching national interest. H.E. Al Amri has been dealing with public policy for a long time and his expertise lies in economic and financial policymaking. At CBO, while serving as the Executive President, nurturing a sound and resilient banking sector and deepening of financial markets remain the topmost priority of His Excellency. Towards this objective, important policy matters steered by H.E. include banking regulations, monetary policy operations, financial stability, payments, settlement, Fintech, etc. H.E. Al Amri possesses wide experience, and before taking over as Executive President of CBO, he held various executive positions in Ministry of Finance and other institutions in Oman. He also served on the board of several prestigious private and public entities those were engaged in diverse fields, viz. banking, sovereign wealth management, shipping, and oil& gas. H.E. holds a B.Sc. degree in Finance & Accounting from Salford University, UK.
Amit Thusu X
Senior Director – Climate Action at Global Carbon Council (GCC)
Amit Thusu is a Carbon Market and Sustainability professional with working experience of over 22+ years. Since last more than four and a half years, he has been working as Senior Director- Climate Action and has been instrumental in designing, establishing and operating a new voluntary carbon market Program- Global Carbon Council (GCC) for endorsement of the quality of carbon offsets. Global Carbon Council (GCC) is the first and only International voluntary carbon offsetting program in the entire global south and is accredited by ICROA and ICAO/CORSIA. GCC Program is up on running and is dealing with 1485+ greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction projects while ensuring sustainability, no-net-harm on Environment and Society, and contributing to UN SDGs and compliance to CORSIA label. He is responsible for day-to-day operations of the GCC Program and oversees and supervises teams and functions, including Governance management, Project assessment, Verifier management, Regulatory development, CORSIA/ICROA accreditation management, Digitization and IT initiatives, Registry operations, linking exchanges/platforms and new initiatives, partnerships and collaborations
Bogolo Kenewendo X
Africa Director at UN Climate Change High Level Champions Team
Bogolo J. Kenewendo is a global economist and Former Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry in Botswana. She is currently championing climate finance and action as a catalyst for development in Africa and the global south in her role as Africa Director & Special Advisor of the UN High Level Climate Champions Team. Kenewendo is also a vocal advocate for gender equity and protection of children’s rights. She has received global recognition for her work, being appointed as a member of the G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, a member of United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres’ High-Level Panel on Digital Cooperation, Advisory group on the gender architecture of the UN and group on Financing for Development, a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Global Future Council on Global Public Goods in the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and a WEF Young Global Leader. She is also a Non-Resident Fellow with Center for Global Development and a member of several corporate boards. In 2022 she was one of the Time 100 Next Honorees and has been named as one of Africa’s 100 most influential people by various publications over the last 5 years.