OFFICIAL PUBLICATIONS
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keynote Speaker
Jonathan Holman
Head of Open Finance for the UAE
Nebras Open Finance
Jonathan Holman
Jonathan Holman is Head of Open Finance for the UAE at Nebras Open Finance, leading the nation’s central Open Finance initiative following his work with the Central Bank of the UAE. A digital executive, technologist, and banking strategist, he has held c-suite roles across digital, strategy, and operations, and has been named among the world’s top 60 fintech leaders multiple times. With a background in mechanical engineering and a master’s in banking management, Jonathan pioneered the use of large-scale social data in AI-driven credit risk modelling. His teams have won nine global awards for banking innovation, and he contributes as a tutor, author, and examiner at Cambridge University and LIBF University College.
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Speakers
Aliyu Mohammed Ali
Chief Executive Officer & Co-Founder
Ehfaaz
Aliyu Mohammed Ali
Aliyu is one of the region’s most dynamic voices in sustainability and the circular economy. Through Ehfaaz, he has built a 10-solution ecosystem that transforms waste into measurable value, with global partners including L’Oréal, Unilever, and Nestlé.
His work helps organisations achieve ESG goals, comply with new regulations, and unlock new revenue streams. Aliyu’s leadership has been recognised worldwide, from the P&G Alumni Early Achievement Award in Berlin to the GCC Circular Economy Award, and through his participation at COP27, COP28 and COP29.
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Kokila Alagh
Founder
KARM
Kokila Alagh
Kokila Alagh, a leading Technology and Corporate lawyer in the Middle East, has nearly 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 (MESA), where she heads the Legal & Regulatory Working Group. Her excellence has been acknowledged by Chambers and Partners, Legal 500 EMEA, and various industry awards.
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Krishnan Ramachandran
Chief Executive Officer
Barjeel Geojit Financial Services L.L.C
Krishnan Ramachandran
Krishnan Ramachandran brings over 35 years of experience across wealth management, merchant banking, M&A, private equity, and corporate finance. Since 2006, he has led Barjeel Geojit to become one of the UAE’s leading financial intermediaries, securing multiple awards including UTI-CNBC TV18’s Financial Advisor Award (NRI Category) for eight consecutive years and induction into its Hall of Fame. Recognised in the IA 100 – The Industry’s Most Influential list globally and named among the UAE’s Best Brands by the Economic Times, Krishnan is a respected voice on investments, policy, and macro-economic trends, frequently contributing to media and public forums across the region.
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Mo Ali Yusuf
Co-Founder and CEO
Fuze
Mo Ali Yusuf
Mo Ali Yusuf is the Co-Founder and CEO of Fuze, a leading digital assets infrastructure provider in MENA. Backed by investors like Galaxy, e& and Further, Fuze enables regulated institutions to integrate digital assets securely and compliantly at scale.
Mo also serves as Co-Chair of the MENA Fintech Association’s Digital Assets Working Group and previously held leadership roles with Checkout.com and VISA.
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Nameer Khan
Chairman, MENA Fintech Association & Founder of Fils
Nameer Khan
A globally recognized leader in fintech and sustainability, Nameer is the Chairman of the MENA Fintech Association—ranked among the world’s top four fintech bodies—and Founder & CEO of Fils, a pioneering climate fintech platform. He serves as Honorary Professor and Advisory Board Member at Edinburgh Business School and is an active advisor and investor in fintech ventures.
His work has earned accolades such as:
🌍 Fintech Leader of the Year – Central Banks of the UAE & Oman
🌱 Sustainability Leader of the Year – UAE Ministry of Economy, presented by H.E. Dr. Thani Al Zeyoudi
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Dr. Nilay Ranjan Singh
Chief Executive Officer
State Bank of India, DIFC, Dubai
State Bank of India, DIFC, Dubai
Dr. Nilay Ranjan Singh
Dr. Nilay Ranjan Singh brings over two decades of diverse banking experience across corporate banking, treasury, international finance, and risk management. He has led strategic initiatives that earned him accolades such as the ‘CEO of the Year 2025’ by both the World Marketing Congress and the Middle East Wealth Tech Forum. A multi-disciplinary scholar, Dr. Singh holds a Ph.D. in Management and numerous certifications across finance, compliance, and technology, including CAIIB, CFP, CISA, CAMS, and CISI (UK).
Dr. Singh’s commitment to financial inclusion, leadership development, and the UN SDGs is reflected in his mentorship of startups, training of senior BFSI professionals, and global speaking engagements. Recognized for driving social impact, digital transformation, and brand excellence, Dr. Singh continues to contribute thought leadership through research, publications, and active engagement with academic and industry forums worldwide.
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Swethal Kumar
Founder and CEO
Startupscale360
Startupscale360
Swethal Kumar
Swethal Kumar is the founder and CEO of Startupscale360 and co-founder of The Crossroads. A key player in the UAE’s startup ecosystem, he is co-chairman of the Middle East London Business Angels Network, on the steering committee of In5 Tech, and a mentor with platforms like Techstars, Village Capital, and Founder Institute.
A graduate of London Business School and an Indian Chartered Accountant, Swethal brings over two decades of regional expertise. His initiatives include Startupscale360’s role as the national organizer of the Entrepreneurship World Cup in multiple countries and the creation of The Playroom innovation hub. Currently Swethal also manages early stage ClimateTech fund called Catalyst.
Previously with Mubadala Investment Group, he contributed to the launch of Hub71 and now focuses on mobility-driven ventures as an angel investor and VC. Swethal is passionate about scaling startups and driving innovation across sectors.
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