Archives: team-member

Kassem LAHHAM, born 1966 in the City of MAINZ-GERMANY, is a ‘Senior Private Banker’ and ‘Banking Consultant’, who lives and works between Europe, the MENA and the GCC regions. He was born to a Jordanian father of Palestinian descent and a native Lebanese mother. He was raised in Germany and Switzerland and has lived in France, Monaco, UK, USA., The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Lebanon and in the United Arab Emirates. He is fluent in German, English, French and Arabic and has more than 30 years’ of experience in International Private Banking, Wealth Management and Wealth- & Legacy Planning which he gained at highly renowned International financial institutions. Throughout his career, Mr. Lahham has specialized in Wealth- and Asset Management, Mergers & Acquisitions and developed a loyal client base in the MENA and GCC regions, Europe & Asia.He also has experience in Team Leading and Business Development which goes beyond SPV solutions. He also holds a professional Teacher Certificate in Finance & Banking issued by the German Chamber of Commerce along MBA & PhD from the USA & German Dipl. in Banking Economics. Furthermore, he is beyond others a Guest Professor at the famous Gulf University for Science and Technology (GUST) and the great American University of Kuwait (AUK) in Kuwait lecturing for the Finance- & Banking sector. He fully understands how to educate and sell easy to complicated structures in the Wealth Management & Planning fields to HNWI & KEY clients in the MENA & GCC regions by sharing his experience with his audience, colleagues & team members. A practical individual & entrepreneur, he adores his work & enjoys building and developing. His employers have recognized the merits of his competencies & his work as is clearly demonstratedin his various promotions & rewards.

Sameer Aggarwal is a fintech entrepreneur, known for revolutionizing sustainable mobility through his work at RevFin. As the founder of RevFin, a digital lending platform focusing on financial inclusion, Sameer has made significant strides in the fintech industry. Alongside his role at RevFin, Sameer serves as a member of the Board of Directors at Aristo Securities, an NBFC. With a background in technology and finance, Sameer is deeply passionate about entrepreneurship, leadership, risk management, lending, and analytics. His expertise and experience have positioned him as a reputable figure in the field, making him a sought-after speaker and writer. Having graduated from IIT Kharagpur, Sameer brings a strong educational foundation to his entrepreneurial endeavors. His dedication to driving positive change in the financial sector is evident through his commitment to sustainable mobility and financial inclusion. With over 11,843 followers and 500+ connections on his professional network, Sameer continues to inspire and motivate others in the industry. For those who know him or share mutual connections, connecting with Sameer can offer valuable insights and networking opportunities in the world of fintech and beyond.

Melodi Askelöf is a seasoned professional leader with a strong background in sustainable finance, risk management, Ethics and Compliance, project management, and change management. With over 15 years of experience in global matrix organizations within a diverse and multicultural environment, Melodi brings a wealth of expertise to the table. As the CEO & Co-founder of Satocci, Melodi embodies a passion for growth, people, and culture. Holding an Executive MBA, she possesses the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven setting. Certified in Compliance, Cyber Security, Anti-Corruption, Human Rights, Due Diligence, and Fraud, Melodi has successfully implemented structured and effective Ethics and Compliance programs throughout her career. Known for her analytical and strategic approach, Melodi always prioritizes quality while upholding ethical and responsible business practices. Her dedication to excellence and her commitment to fostering a culture of integrity make her a valuable asset in any organizational setting. With a track record of leadership success and a proven ability to navigate complex challenges, Melodi Askelöf is a visionary professional who continues to drive positive change in the world of business. .

Simon Hardie is an Editor & Digital Innovation Catalyst with expertise in Insight & Content Strategy, and Venture Ecosystems. He is based in London, England, United Kingdom. With a strong following of 5,861 and over 500 connections, Simon is a prominent figure in his field. He is currently active in roles such as Consultant, Partnerships Specialist, Business Development Manager, Insights Director, and Content Editor. Simon’s areas of specialization include global financial services and innovation content, as well as thought leadership. He serves as a content manager & innovation ecosystem advisor for digital ecosystems in MENA and fast growth markets. Simon is also the founder of the Global Fintech Index. His current projects involve global trade and investment program development for the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, content strategy for a leading African fintech provider, supervising fintech research programs across EMEA and Nordic regions, and preparing a report on the link between fintech and financial inclusion for Newsweek. Simon’s expertise lies in content & campaign design, insight & analytics, corporate identity, positioning, scale-up acceleration, innovation thought leadership strategy, and content development.

Sasidhar Thumuluri is MD & CEO Sub-K IMPACT Solutions Ltd and has more than two decades of financial inclusion and capital markets experience in 20+ countries. He started his professional journey at BASIX, an Indian financial inclusion pioneer, and went on to pursue a career on global platform in impact investments, business strategy and technical advisory at MicroVest Capital Management, Habitat for Humanity International andInternational Financial Corporation, before rejoining BASIX group to run Sub-K which facilitates access to financial services for the underbanked by leveraging the power of technology and hyperlocal distribution network. He serves on the board of Business Correspondents Federation of India, Fintech Task Force of MFIN and advisory board for Center for Analytical Finance of Indian School of Business. Sasi has earned two masters’ degrees from Princeton University and Indian Institute of Forest Management and bachelor’s from Acharya NG Ranga Agricultural University. He has also completed Accelerated Development Program from Chicago Booth School of Business and SEED Transformation Program from Stanford Graduate School of Business.

Rami Al Karmi is Exec Chairman @ Ab(new)normal Disruptors , Exponential Growth Mindset & Business Models Innovation using (AI, Blockchain, DeFi) in; FinTech, EdTech, Islamic Finance & Future of Work | VC | TEDx & Keynote Speaker Rami Al Karmi is a distinguished futurist, investor, executive coach, advisor, and innovation strategist. He is the Executive Chairman of Ab(new)normal Ventures – a Venture Capital & Corporate Innovation Studio founded by Rami to focus on AI, Blockchain, DeFi, and Web3-based Digital Twin Exponential Business Model Ventures in FinTech, EdTech, and the Future of Work. Rami is also the author of the forthcoming book “AB(NEW)NORMAL – How to Evolve Your Mindset and Business Out of Hunger Games!” [ISBN 978-1-7361597-0-5]. Rami also serves as a Professor of Practice in Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Director of the Online Learning Center OLC@HTU at Al Hussein Technical University (HTU). As a sought-after speaker, he travels extensively to discuss breakthrough technologies, cross-industry innovation, and lean exponential business models. Rami previously held the position of Senior Vice President and Group Chief Innovation Officer at Jordan Ahli Bank, and Founding CEO of Ahli FinTech. He made history as the 1st person to be approved by the Central Bank of Jordan for a C-level Chief Innovation Officer role in a bank. During his tenure, he co-founded AnaMeen.me, the first AI & Blockchain-based customer identity verification platform (eKYC-as-a-service) in the Arab world. Rami is a TEDx Speaker and Innovation X speaker at NASA’s cross-industry innovation summit. He is also a mentor at Outlier Ventures and Unreasonable Future, and serves on numerous boards, including the Islamic Development Bank Institute (IsDBI), Fintech Galaxy, Al Raed Arabi School, and Think Barter Network (TBN). Rami founded his 1st startup at the age of 19, he holds an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Jordan, and completed the Venture Capital Executive Program at HAAS UC Berkeley, and “The Leading for the future”, and “The Leading, Organizing for Action” Executive Programs at Harvard Kennedy School, and the Senior Executive Program at UC San Diego, and is an Accounting and Auditing Organization for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI) Certified code of ethics Practitioner. Rami is a passionate advocate of First Principle Thinking, Exponential Organizations (ExO), and Lean Startup movements and is a regular judge, mentor & keynote speaker at the region’s main innovation, entrepreneurship & technology events. He designed and produced a number of events and interventions in this space, including the Ab(new)normal Talks Series, Startups Screwupedia, Master JEDI Pitching, LeanStartupProgram, and his popular innovation/futurist talks on the future of various industries.

Ahmed Abdelazim Alpajy is a dedicated Strategic Advisor, CFO, and Financial Services professional with expertise in FP&A, Fund Raising, and Financial Risk Management. Currently associated with Tamweel Aloula in Al Khobar, Eastern, Saudi Arabia, Ahmed brings extensive experience and knowledge to his role. Having studied at The University of Manchester, Ahmed’s educational background complements his practical skills in financial management. With over 1,929 followers and a network of 500+ connections, he has a strong presence within his professional community. Ahmed’s strategic insights and financial acumen make him a valuable asset in guiding organizations towards success. His passion for creating sustainable financial strategies and managing risks effectively sets him apart in the field. By combining his academic achievements with hands-on experience, Ahmed consistently delivers results and drives growth. Throughout his career, Ahmed Abdelazim Alpajy has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in financial leadership and a track record of achieving organizational objectives. His blend of skills, experience, and network make him a trusted professional in the financial services industry.

Paula Tavangar Chief Investment Officer, Injaz Capital is a seasoned entrepreneur and respected leader in the Fintech, Blockchain, and Quantitative Finance sectors. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record, Paula has taken on the role of Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Injaz Capital – External Asset Management. Previously, Paula made significant contributions to SwissBorg Ventures, where she leveraged her deep knowledge of blockchain technologies and venture capital to lead investments and drive deal sourcing. Prior to this, she co-founded Genesis Capital LATAM in 2018, where she played a pivotal role in developing a crucial algorithmic trading strategy. Paula’s commitment to innovation also led her to co-found Wethaq, an Islamic Fintech startup, in 2022, dedicated to issuing Sukuks (Islamic bonds) on the distributed ledger. Beyond her ventures, Paula actively engages with the World Business Angels Forum (WBAF) Global Startup Committee, where she represented the WBAF as a commissioner in the United Arab Emirates. Paula holds a B.A. in International Finance and an MSc diploma in Financial Engineering, specializing in Automated Trading Systems.

With over 25 years of experience in executive search, board development, and international growth, Dr. Nairouz Bader is the CEO of Envision Partnership, a certified woman-owned business enterprise that operates in North America, Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa. She specializes in recruiting top talent for board of directors, chairmen, chief executive officers, and other senior leadership roles, using her vast network and market expertise. Dr. Bader is an active board director at the Canadian Business Council of Dubai and the Northern Emirates, as well as the head of CBC events and the COP28 head of CBC Dubai Connect Group. She dedicates her efforts to fostering trade and investment opportunities between Canada and the UAE. Additionally, she holds the title of OOE (Official Osec Expert) for human resources, certified by OSEC, Switzerland, and is a council member of the AESC Asia Pacific Council, representing the executive search industry in the region. Her mission is to inspire and empower leaders to reach their full potential and make a positive impact. Dr. Nairouz Bader is a respected figure in the field, known for her dedication to excellence and her commitment to driving growth and success for her clients and partners.

Shelli Ryan founded The CX Blockchain Institute to implement blockchain in the customer experience (CX) industry. Prior to founding the Institute, in 1996 Shelli Ryan founded Ad Hoc Communication Resources, an on-demand marketing services firm serving the technology sector, providing critical growth strategies in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific; and overseeing all aspects of the firm’s global expansion and operations with leadership over a network of 200 global consultants. Prior to founding Ad Hoc, Shelli managed hundreds of go-to market product and service launches of electronic banking software in 69 countries. Shelli was one of 100 women-owned businesswomen honored to participate in the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, TUCK-WBENC Executive Education Program sponsored by IBM. In 2009, Shelli was one of the youngest executives in her field to be inducted into the College of Fellows of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Shelli earned her Master of Public Administration from the University of Oklahoma, Norman, Oklahoma. She also earned a Bachelor of Science with Professional Honors in Human Resource Management and an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Information Technology.