Damilare Odueso is a visionary entrepreneur and digital transformation expert with an extensive track record of success in the fintech and technology sectors. As the founder of Humexid, a premier design, innovation, and consulting firm, he combines his mastery of design thinking and human-centered methodologies to catalyze transformative innovation across diverse industries. Before establishing Humexid, Damilare distinguished himself in pivotal roles at leading Nigerian financial institutions, including Guaranty Trust Bank and Lotus Bank, where he spearheaded the development and launch of groundbreaking digital banking solutions that redefined customer experiences. In addition to Humexid, Damilare is the co-founder of Crendly, a character-based credit infrastructure designed to advance inclusive lending across Africa, and TrustBreed, a service platform dedicated to enhancing customer experiences. With expertise in leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and drive digital transformation, Damilare is a passionate advocate for innovation. He is a recognized thought leader shaping the future of finance and technology in Africa, with a steadfast commitment to creating impactful solutions that foster progress and inclusion.
Ahmed Gaber is a seasoned leader and the Co-founder of CoorB, a groundbreaking company that reimagines core business operations through cutting-edge digital solutions, process automation, user experience innovation, and data analytics. In partnership with CME, a trailblazer in digital transformation for over 40 years, CoorB has rapidly scaled to 200 employees within its first year, signing landmark deals with some of the largest financial institutions in the MENA region. Prior to CoorB, Ahmed served as the CEO of The ENTERTAINER, where his leadership earned him recognition as one of the Top 10 Most Inspirational Leaders of 2023 by Arabian Business. His remarkable achievements also landed him on the cover of CEO Magazine in March 2023. Ahmed’s career in the payments industry began at CashNet, where he rose to become Head of Support & Implementation. He then took on a pivotal role as Vice President of Visa’s Operations in North Africa and GCC markets, including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain. At Visa, he was instrumental in advancing digital payments, enabling e-commerce, driving financial inclusion programs, and fostering digital payment adoption across the Middle East. With over 23 years of experience across 11 countries in the GCC and MENA regions, Ahmed is renowned for his ability to build high-performance teams, forge enduring commercial partnerships, and serve as a growth catalyst. His visionary leadership extends to board roles at prestigious companies, where he helps shape digital transformation strategies. Ahmed holds a Bachelor’s in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology and has completed advanced leadership and strategy courses, including the Visa Leadership Program at INSEAD and Strategic Business Management at Harvard University. Currently, he is pursuing a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology, reflecting his belief in human well-being as a cornerstone of success. Beyond his professional achievements, Ahmed is passionate about boxing, history, and inspiring others. He lives by the quotes: Ahmed Gaber’s journey exemplifies resilience, vision, and a commitment to empowering businesses and individuals to thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape.
Alexander Guseff is the Founder and CEO of Tectum, a subsidiary of Crispmind Ltd., advancing innovation in the FinTech and blockchain industries. With decades of experience in full-stack, high-performance blockchain development, Alexander has been instrumental in creating the Tectum Blockchain, recognized as the world’s fastest Layer-1 blockchain with an unparalleled capacity of 3.5 million transactions per second. Under Alexander’s leadership, Tectum has become a global leader in blockchain technology, setting new standards in efficiency and scalability. He also spearheaded the development of SoftNote, a solution addressing blockchain scalability challenges. SoftNote enables fee-less, scalable transactions, facilitating the broader adoption of cryptocurrencies and digital payments. Alexander’s contributions to blockchain technology have been showcased at global platforms such as Blockchain Life and the BRICS IFE Forum, solidifying his reputation as a thought leader in the industry. His strategic focus on marketing, product development, and community engagement continues to guide Tectum’s mission to transform digital payments. Areas of Thought Leadership:
MAY Abdul Monem is a seasoned Test Architect at Geidea, where I specialize in designing and implementing state-of-the-art testing frameworks to ensure the delivery of reliable and high-performing software solutions. With a deep-rooted expertise in the payments and fintech industry, I develop scalable test strategies that prioritize product quality, user experience, and compliance with industry standards. Core Strengths: At Geidea, I play a pivotal role in driving innovation by ensuring seamless user experiences and building trust in payment solutions. By integrating advanced testing practices with a customer-centric approach, I contribute to Geidea’s mission of revolutionizing the payments landscape with secure and cutting-edge fintech solutions. About GeideaGeidea stands at the forefront of fintech innovation, delivering secure, intuitive, and reliable payment solutions. Committed to empowering businesses, Geidea leverages cutting-edge technology to enhance financial transactions and customer experiences. With an unwavering focus on quality and excellence, Geidea continues to set new benchmarks in fintech reliability and innovation.
Sahba Hadipour is a distinguished leader in AI-driven innovation and private banking with over 35 years of expertise in private banking, family office advisory, and transformative technology solutions. Renowned for integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and data analytics, Sahba has consistently delivered groundbreaking advancements that redefine wealth management and enhance client experiences. As the Founder and CEO of Figg, an award-winning digital wealth management ecosystem, Sahba has redefined client engagement through cutting-edge AI-powered insights. His strategic leadership unites technology, data science, and user experience to create scalable, cost-efficient solutions for individuals and enterprises. Previously, Sahba held executive roles at prestigious institutions, including LGT, Julius Baer, Merrill Lynch, and Barclays Wealth, spearheading digital transformations across the EMEA region. His visionary approach has shaped innovative strategies for High-Net-Worth (HNW) and Ultra-High-Net-Worth (UHNW) clients, integrating advanced technologies into personalized financial services. Beyond corporate achievements, Sahba serves as an Advisor to the Chairman and Investment Committee Member for a Single-Family Office (IH & NET SFO). Since 2006, he has been instrumental in managing family office wealth strategies, emphasizing AI-powered investment evaluations and portfolio optimization. Educational Highlights: Sahba’s innovative mindset, paired with his unparalleled industry expertise, positions him as a leading voice in the evolution of financial services. He continues to bridge the gap between traditional private banking and modern technological advancements, driving impactful solutions and inspiring excellence across the sector.
Alphonso Franco is a globally renowned authority on critical illness insurance and a top-tier financial advisor. He is the best-selling author of “99 Sales Ideas for Insurance Professionals” and the creator of The Critical Vision System™, the first-ever manual for critical illness insurance. His partnership with the late Dr. Marius Barnard, a pioneer in heart transplants and the creator of critical illness insurance, helped spread awareness of this vital financial product worldwide. Alphonso’s expertise has earned him consistent recognition as one of the world’s leading advisors, including serving as the Million Dollar Round Table’s Top of the Table Chair in 2006. He is also the President Emeritus of the CMDRT Foundation and a distinguished Hall of Fame member. Beyond his financial accomplishments, Alphonso is an active sports leader, managing the Canadian Men’s National Cricket Team, including their participation in the 2024 T20 World Cup. A Jesuit-educated polyglot, he speaks 11 languages and is currently mastering his 12th, embodying his passion for lifelong learning
Silvia Mogas is an internationally recognized marketer and thought leader in the Web3 space, known for her groundbreaking strategies and impactful leadership. As the CEO and Founder of BMBWeb3 Ventures and Blockchain Marketing Boutique, Silvia has been instrumental in bridging the gap between Web2 and Web3, helping brands transition into the blockchain era while empowering Web3-native companies with strategic marketing solutions. Honored as Marketing Leader of the Year 2024, Silvia’s accolades also include being named a Top Voice in Web3 and Marketing Strategy, a Polkadot Championship Hackathon 3rd Prize Winner, and a recipient of the Top 100 Women of the Future award. Silvia’s expertise is built on a solid foundation of traditional corporate marketing, having served as the Head of Marketing for Hilton Hotels, where she spearheaded campaigns that elevated brand recognition and customer loyalty. Since venturing into Web3 in 2019, she has held prominent leadership roles, including Chief Marketing Officer for Envoy DeFi and Head of Marketing for Fayre Labs, overseeing successful token generation events (TGEs) and NFT projects for clients such as RCD Espanyol and IPA. An engaging and dynamic speaker, Silvia has delivered over 80 keynote addresses at global conferences, including Mobile World Congress, South Summit, Paris Blockchain Week, and Taipei Blockchain Week. She also serves as a lecturer at EAE Business School and hosts the “Hype” program on Pulso Media, part of the Rug Radio Creators Network. Silvia’s ventures extend beyond marketing. Under her leadership, Blockchain Marketing Boutique has partnered with over 50 premier events, including Token2049 and Merge. She is also a published author, contributing to Dubai Business Leaders, Top 100 Women of the Future, and key whitepapers on blockchain and AI for the Strategic Research Center. Based in Dubai, Silvia holds an Executive MBA, a Postgraduate Degree in Marketing, a Diploma from the Chartered Institute of Marketing, and a Tourism Degree specializing in Marketing. In 2023, she expanded her expertise by studying cybersecurity at INESDI Business School, enhancing her understanding of digital innovation and security. A passionate advocate for blockchain technology, Silvia is dedicated to mentoring startups, fostering innovation, and driving the global adoption of Web3. Her vision and leadership continue to shape the future of decentralized technology, inspiring professionals and businesses worldwide.
Laura Szabo is a seasoned product strategy expert with over 12 years of experience delivering impactful solutions in proptech, digital marketplaces, and fintech. Known for her innovative approach, Laura specializes in emerging and unregulated markets across Europe and Asia, where she helps companies optimize product-market fit, enhance customer experiences, and achieve sustainable growth. Laura’s career highlights include serving as Chief Product Officer at ingatlan.com, Hungary’s leading property platform, and as Head of Real Estate at OLX Portugal, where she spearheaded transformative strategies that drove market success. Additionally, she played a pivotal role in shaping real estate monetization strategies for OLX Poland, establishing her as a leader in proptech innovation. Beyond her corporate achievements, Laura is a trusted advisor to proptech startups and digital marketplaces, offering strategic guidance on product development, team building, and organizational growth. Her expertise extends to creating agile structures that empower innovation within fast-growing companies. Recently, Laura expanded her focus to fintech, where she applies her product expertise to optimize consumer experiences and address the evolving needs of the industry. Laura holds a Master’s degree in e-business from Corvinus University of Budapest and is a proud member of Mensa, reflecting her dedication to excellence and intellectual curiosity. Passionate about helping businesses navigate complex industries, Laura continues to drive success for clients across proptech, digital marketplaces, real estate, and fintech sectors.
With over 20 years of experience in B2B and B2C branding, marketing, and communications across diverse industries, Dr Jaslyin Qiyu is a seasoned expert in driving marketing transformation and building impactful strategies. Her expertise spans brand development, client experience management, content strategy, multi-channel performance marketing, and mobile engagement optimization. Dr Jaslyin has successfully led regional marketing teams across Asia Pacific for global MNCs, including Citibank, EY, JLL, Kantar, Credit Suisse, and State Street. She is renowned for crafting go-to-market strategies, setting up high-performing teams from scratch, and delivering measurable results. A self-proclaimed data and customer insights enthusiast, Dr Jaslyin believes that truly great companies understand their customers’ pain points and create value-driven solutions. She is passionate about campaigns that not only fulfill their promise but do so in compelling and measurable ways. Beyond her corporate achievements, Dr Jaslyin offers consulting services to organizations seeking transformation in marketing, communications, customer experience, brand positioning, and content strategy. She is also an avid mentor, guiding aspiring professionals and marketers as they embark on their career journeys. Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, Dr Jaslyin Qiyu continues to redefine marketing and communications, leaving a lasting impact on the industry.
Melodi Askelöf is a visionary leader and innovator with over 15 years of experience spanning Retail, Sustainable Banking, Finance, and Telecommunications in global, multicultural organizations. Renowned for her ability to thrive in fast-paced, high-pressure environments, Melodi combines strategic insight with exceptional leadership skills to drive growth and transformation. Melodi holds an Executive MBA from Stockholm University, specializing in International Business, Digitalization, and Innovation. Her groundbreaking 2020 science report, “How Responsible Banking Creates Customer Value,” inspired the creation of Satocci—a cutting-edge Retail Technology solution that revolutionizes in-store shopping by enabling customers to skip the line and pay with a single click. Under Melodi’s leadership, Satocci has rapidly risen to prominence, earning accolades such as recognition in the FUTR150’s Top 150 Best Startups in the World (2023) and winning the Excellence in Future of Payments and Digital Wallets Award (2024) at the FiNext Conference in Dubai. The company has showcased its innovations at prestigious events across Sweden, Amsterdam, Dubai, and Silicon Valley, cementing its reputation as a trusted partner and trailblazer in the Fintech industry. Passionate about entrepreneurship, sustainability, and seamless customer experiences, Melodi is leading Satocci into the realm of Social Fintech—pioneering next-generation Retail Technology solutions that merge the convenience of online shopping with physical store experiences. Together with her dynamic team and supportive Board, Melodi is on a mission to create a more efficient, sustainable, and delightful shopping journey for retailers and consumers worldwide.