AIBC Eurasia: Uniting Experts for Latest Developments

Dr Marwan Al Zarouni

CEO

Dubai Blockchain Center

Dr. Marwan Al Zarouni is a leading figure in emerging technologies, serving as CEO of AI for Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC). His appointment is part of Dubai's ambitious 'Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence', which aims to position the city as a global leader in AI innovation and implementation. In his role at DET, Dr. Al Zarouni works closely with both the public and private sector to roll out policies and initiatives to harness AI to enhance the quality of life for Dubai's residents and enrich visitor experiences. As the CEO of Dubai Blockchain Center (DBCC), he has been instrumental in driving blockchain adoption in the region. With over two decades of experience in technology, information security, digital forensics, and AI, he has driven significant advancements in blockchain adoption and AI innovation. As a founding member of the Dubai Electronic Security Center (DESC) and the Artificial Intelligence Ethical Committee (AIEC), Dr. Al Zarouni is recognized globally, including being named one of the top 100 influential figures in blockchain and cryptocurrencies by CoinTelegraph in 2022. His contributions to the field have also earned him a place as a member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Council on Cryptocurrencies from 2020 to 2021.

Paul Dawalibi

CEO

Innovation City

Paul Dawalibi is a technology entrepreneur, investor, unicorn founder, futurist and gamer, with over 25 years of venture capital and startup experience. He is currently the CEO of Innovation City and is the host and creator of Game Changers. Paul is a frequently requested speaker at technology, startup, web3, and gaming conferences worldwide. He is also the creator of the world’s first esports NFT and founder of the fastest-growing company in Canada in 2020. Paul firmly believes that the future is fun.

H.E. Maher Al Kaabi

Advisor to Group Chairman and Independent Board Member

Alserkal Group of Companies

H.E. Maher Al Kaabi is a visionary leader and a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience in the Banking and IT industry. He has extensive expertise in Board Membership, Digital Economy, Circular Economy, Islamic Banking, Wholesales & Consumer Banking, Risk Management, Finance, Operation & Technology, Sales & Distribution and Business Development. He also serves as a Chairman of the Board at several companies.

Saqr Ereiqat

Secretary General

Dubai Digital Asset Association (D2A2)

Seyed Mohammed Siam Husseini

Partner & CEO

H.H Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashid bin Mana Al Maktoum Investment & Management

Seyed Mohammed Siam Al Husseini is an accomplished international entrepreneur with over two decades of experience across technology, investment and strategic advisory. He currently serves as Partner & CEO of HH Sheikh Mana bin Mohammed bin Rashed bin Mana Al Maktoum Investment & Management LLC., Founder & CEO of Maincore AI Ltd., Co-Founder LiveHire $ Validation AE, Co-Founder of GenTech LLC, and Co-Founder of Dubai Tech Tuesdays. Siam has impacted over 110,000 individuals and more than 5.5 Million people through transformative solutions.

Mohammed Al Hakim

President & General Manager UAE & Bahrain

Crypto.com

Mohammed Al Hakim is a distinguished leader with over a decade of professional experience in business development, strategic partnerships and financial innovation. His career highlights include spearheading partnerships that drove over $800 million in foreign investments into Dubai, raising millions in sponsorships for UAE government initiatives, and successfully launching pivotal programs aimed at empowering Emirati talent. Mohammed Al Hakim oversees Crypto.com’s UAE operations and leads strategic initiatives to expand the company’s presence across the GCC region.

Dr Sara Al Madani

The Emirati Entrepreneur

Sara Al Madani, widely known as Dr. Sara Al Madani, is a renowned entrepreneur, fashion designer, restaurateur and tech-preneur. She had the vision to launch her first business at the age of 15, demonstrating determination from an early age. Over the years, she has built a diverse portfolio across multiple industries, establishing herself as a pioneering businesswoman and influential voice in the entrepreneurial landscape. Sara Al Madani is the originator of the viral philosophy 'Job Your Love' – a call to build your life around what truly ignites you, transforming passion into purpose, work into freedom, and success into authentic impact.

Nameer Khan

Chairman

MENA Fintech Association

Dr Bhaskar Dasgupta

Chairman

Middle East Stablecoin Association

Dr Bhaskar Dasgupta is a Board Chairman, Board Member, adviser and investor in banking, markets, crypto, asset management, healthcare and technology. He has served on the boards of, or advised, several regulated firms across the Middle East, India, Singapore and the UK and Europe. He also advises regional family offices and runs an Abu Dhabi based family office foundation. An advocate for education, he teaches and sits on advisory boards at universities and chairs the Middle East Stablecoin Association.

Tony Ventura

Innovation and Technology Speaker

Tony Ventura is a tech influencer, an international speaker and a dedicated technology researcher. He is known for his work in technology and innovation in Brazil, where he created the Digital Transformation course for the Ministry of Economy. He founded the largest digital tools community in Latin America, positively transforming thousands of lives through technology. In addition, Tony established the Brazil Startups association, supporting numerous startups with technology and investments.

Anton Golub

Founding Member

RWA Labs

Seif El Hakim

Founder & CEO

Alpha Global Enterprise

Seif El Hakim is the former Regional CMO of Samsung, where he led a $3B business portfolio — now a serial entrepreneur with an eight-figure portfolio of companies, published author, strategic business advisor, and creator & host of The Alpha Talks Show, the #1 Regional Business & Success Show inspiring millions across the Middle East. A former Mr. Olympia athlete and national Kung Fu team fighter, he is the Founder & CEO of Alpha Global Enterprise, a next generation holding company empowering entrepreneurs through media, investments, and strategic advisory. Recognized with over 50 international awards, including Man of Influence (New York) and Global Thought Leader of the Year.

AMB. Laila Rahhal El Atfani

Founder & CEO

Woman Business Circle

H.E Laila Rahhall is an entrepreneur, philanthropist, great humanitarian, and peace-loving personality whose serves and is internationally recognized by world top companies and organizations. She is a business woman who travels the globe as a stress and resilience expert. She has helped train nearly a thousand professionals on how to manage their stress by building a set of specific skills designed to increase personal resilience. Being a Motivational Speaker on finding life’s purpose, happiness, and resilience, she guides woman to find their passion and purpose of life. Her goal is to help people overcome their mindset of fear and practice resiliency so they can walk in their true calling and do the work they love. She has also implemented these same strategy with woman empowerment. H.E Laila Rahhall believes that Leaders are made, not born, and women have the ability to lead at high levels. Being the President of I Am Africa platform, she is an epitome of Inspiration for youth, a renowned woman working for women empowerment, who has achieved great heights in business. Also, a person who is incredibly upbeat and vivacious and who inspires all ladies. She is a modest businesswoman with a kind heart. She works for humanity, youth, children of poverty, and also open doors for many Business H.E Laila Rahhall is the President and Founder of Women Business Circle. At WBC, she believes that success and happiness can coexist. And everything is made of love. Connecting with other women who are breaking barriers, leading with joy, and creating their own paths to happiness is her basic mission. H.E Laila Rahhall is a global leader and blessed with intellect, character and humility. She invites all women to her community and discover how to thrive, not just survive, on the road to success.

Talal Tabba

CEO

CoinMENA

Gino Wirthensohn

Chief Compliance Officer

Laser Digital

Gino Wirthensohn is an execution-driven leader bridging regulation, technology, and Web3 innovation. Active in the regulated crypto space since 2019, he helped secure the world’s first digital-asset banking license. He also launched Switzerland’s first regulated digital-asset trading facility and has led institutional-grade RWA tokenisations. As Chief Compliance Officer at Laser Digital, Gino drives global licensing, regulatory strategy, and ecosystem partnerships across major jurisdictions. He contributes to policy and industry standards on DeFi, stablecoins, and tokenisation.

Andres Meneses

Co-Founder

Versus On Chain

Andres Meneses is a multiple award-winning serial entrepreneur and telecommunications engineer with over 20 years of experience in technology and 11 years dedicated to Web3. Additionally, Andres is Co-Founder of Versus On Chain and Cryptoogs and CEO of Orbyt X. He has a proven track record of building, scaling and leading blockchain-native products and decentralised ecosystems across multiple ventures.

Jorge Carrasco

Managing Director & Blockchain and Digital

FTI

Jorge Carrasco is a Managing Director at FTI Consulting in Dubai, recognised as one of the leading strategic advisors on blockchain and digital assets in the Middle East. With over 15 years of experience building businesses around emerging technologies, Jorge helps financial institutions, regulators and enterprises navigate the opportunities and challenges of blockchain adoption, tokenisation and stablecoin integration. He has led groundbreaking projects across the region, including real estate tokenisation initiatives, nationwide blockchain consortiums and advisory work with regulators in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Bahrain.

Vineet Budki

CEO & Partner

Sigma Capital

Vineet Budki is the visionary leader and Co-founder of Sigma Capital, a pioneering $100 million crypto-native venture fund. He is recognised for driving accelerated liquidity and superior time-weighted returns (IRR) within the digital assets and decentralised ecosystem. With a track record spanning over two decades in technology, venture creation and Web3 investment, Vineet is one of the most visible leaders in the global blockchain investment landscape.

Serena Sebastiani

Chief Strategy & Venture Officer

Fuze

Serena Sebastiani is a senior executive and advisor with over 15 years of experience in Financial Services across Europe and the Middle East. She has deep expertise in fintech, digital assets, and financial sector transformation (Future of Finance) across multiple verticals, with a strong background in Assets & Wealth Management. Her career spans leadership roles in consulting, regulation, and venture building, focusing on enabling financial institutions (banks, asset managers, and sovereign wealth funds), regulators, and fintechs to navigate the evolving digital finance landscape.

Raj Kapoor

Founder

India Blockchain Alliance

Raj Kapoor is the Founder of India Blockchain Alliance, the Chairman of the Global Alliance for Artificial Intelligence and Innovation as well as the Chairman of the India Artificial Alliance, and an Advisory Board Member at over 80 blockchain companies. He is a global Blockchain, Cryptocurrency and FinTech Educator, Certified Bitcoin Professional (CBP), Blockchain Solution Architect, and also the chief Board Advisor for Nappbooks Ltd. He is also the Global CEO of Sagoon Inc, USA and has been recently onboarded to the Velocity Foundation, USA as Advisory Board member.

Belal Jassoma

Director of Ecosystems

Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC)

Belal Jassoma is Director of Ecosystems at DMCC, the world’s leading business district and authority on international commodities trade and enterprise. Belal joined DMCC in 2011 and has been instrumental in scaling up DMCC’s ecosystems and commercial offering, including new products, services and member engagement programmes. In his current capacity as Director for Ecosystems, Belal is responsible for developing key strategic relationships, partnerships and product functions.

Jonathan Low

Founder & CEO

Biptap

Jonathan Low, a visionary entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience, is transforming the global financial landscape as Founder and CEO of Biptap. By merging blockchain technology with traditional banking, he addresses challenges in payments, financial accessibility and privacy, creating innovative solutions that empower businesses and individuals.

Roman J. Ma

Founder

Ceras Ventures

Roman J. Ma, a Forbes 30 Under 30 investor, he is the Founder of Ceras Ventures, a Web3-native venture capital firm managing $100M+ in assets across crypto infrastructure, DeFi, AI, and RWA. He is also the CSO of Nuwa AI, an agent-native AI × Web3 platform building intelligent agents for on-chain payment settlement and execution.

Gustavo Montero

Founder & Chairman

Carter Capital

Alex Fazel

CPO

Swissborg

Founding partner at SwissBorg (>$2BN in AUM, 1.1 million registered users), Cointelegraph Startup Mentor, TEDx speaker and YouTube host: https://youtube.com/c/Cryptonites. Alex played a pivotal role to raise funds and help scale SwissBorg to over 230 employees as of 2024. He was featured as a keynote/ panelist/ educator at WEF Davos, CNBC, Cointelegraph, Coindesk, Coin Bureau Live, Token2049, AIM Summit, Le Figaro, Paris Blockchain Week, Blockdown, Cryptoslate and more.

Ekin Gultepe

General Manager

MANTRA

Ekin Gultepe is the General Manager at MANTRA, where he leads growth, ecosystem expansion, and Middle East partnerships for a Layer-1 blockchain focused on compliant real-world asset tokenisation. He works closely with financial institutions, asset owners, developers, and regulators across the GCC to drive institutional adoption and ecosystem development. Ekin holds a BSc in Industrial Engineering and Business Administration from Northeastern University and brings over a decade of experience across fintech, digital platforms, and regulated markets.

Jarek Bialek

CEO

Revenue Capital

Since 2004, Jarek Bialek has been active in the fintech sector, dealing with several B2B products and in addition taking responsibility for the areas of product management, team building, sales and automated support. As CEO of Revenue Capital, he is also actively involved in the global startup ecosystem, as a mentor, coach, educator and entrepreneur.

Euni Wong

TA Trader

Crypto Eunicorn

TA trader, web3 project advisor. Known as top female technical analyst, one of a top onchain traders in crypto space

Alexander Belov

Forbes Journalist | Media & Fund Founder

Coinstelegram

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CJ Anand

Director of Advisory

Ghaf Group

CJ Anand is the Director of Advisory at Ghaf Group, where he leads efforts to scale global blockchain foundations into the UAE and the broader MENA region through go-to-market strategy, ecosystem growth and strategic localisation. CJ brings a unique blend of regional insight and entrepreneurial drive to his work. He has worked closely with both international protocols and local blockchain companies, supporting global expansion, partnership development and community building, to position the region as a hub for Web3 innovation.

Keith Zammit

CEO

Elevate AI

Keith Zammit is a seasoned startup and AI strategist, spearheading innovation at the intersection of iGaming, artificial intelligence, and game development. Based in Gozo, he leads Elevate AI, the leading global AI and iGaming Accelerator Program.

Julian Goffin

Co-Founder & CEO

Alunafi

Julian Goffin is a commercially minded C-level payments expert at Alunafi, with over 10 years experience in the payments industry. His expertise includes business development (B2B and B2C), solution oriented sales, high-risk markets, correspondent banking, SEPA and SWIFT payments and strategic collaborations. He has built multiple companies to multimillion- pound revenues.

Mona Tiesler

Head of Venture Investments

Tokentus Investment AG

Mona Tiesler is a venture capital investor and founder with over a decade of experience across Web3, blockchain infrastructure, and emerging technologies. She is the head of venture investments at Tokentus a seed-stage VC platform focused on DeFi, digital asset infrastructure, and next-generation financial systems, and a venture partner at edge capital, a leading defi hedge fund. An INSEAD MBA graduate, Mona has invested across Europe, the US, the Middle East, and Asia, and is an active mentor to early-stage founders through leading global accelerators and ecosystems.

Adrian Niculescu

Founder & CEO

TOMORROWerse Capital

Adrian Niculescu is a successful fintech investor and estate entrepreneur, spending more than 20 years building and developing companies. Adrian is CEO of Meta Description but above all, he is the CMO and EMEA of CloudCoin Consortium, a digital currency stored offline in a PNG or TXT file. Adrian's experience includes mentoring 30 tech start-ups since 2014, 250 real estate transactions completed since 2008 and a long held career in a variety of senior positions.

Chezka Gonzales

Founder

Philippine Blockchain Week

Chezka is an Airbus A320 Pilot, and a Sergeant as Philippine Air Force Reservist • She is a co-Founder of Philippine Blockchain Week; Founding Partner of Michael Cinco Auto Artistry; and Founding Vice-president of Blockchain Council of the Philippines. Her credentials also include a certificate in Crypto Mastercourse. Chezka is a consultant for Tier One, the Philippines’ premier gaming, esports and entertainment portal.

Vidhi Chugh

Chief AI Officer

Deep Transform Labs

Vidhi is a globally recognised AI thought leader specialising in the intersection of AI, product development and engineering. Her award-winning leadership in AI and Data Science has helped businesses monetise and scale AI systems. Named among the “World’s Top 200 Business and Technology Innovators,” she has co-authored 10 patents in AI and data science. She currently serves as Chief AI Officer at Deep Transform Labs, where she pioneers institutional intelligence by helping enterprises evolve into AI-native institutions.

Efe Kelemci

Co-Founder

Crypto Kid

Efe Kelemci, known online as Crypto Kid, is a cryptocurrency content creator, macro crypto analyst and digital media entrepreneur focused on Bitcoin, blockchain technology and global financial markets. He is recognised for translating complex crypto and macroeconomic dynamics into accessible analysis. Widely regarded as one of the youngest crypto media entrepreneurs and macro analysts, his work appeals to both new entrants and experienced participants in the space.

Gordon Einstein

Founder

CryptoLaw Partners

Gordon Einstein is a hybrid Crypto-Attorney, Technologist and Enterprise Strategist. As a Dubai based technologist, Crypto-Attorney, and Blockchain educator, Gordon is passionate about the world of cryptocurrencies and The DAO (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations). Since 2016, he runs his own crypto-based law practice at CryptoLaw Partners working with crypto, blockchain, and FinTech startups around the world. His mission is to help stakeholders with the creation of decentralised protocols to suit the legalities of the broader market.

Yuriy Romanyukha

Managing Partner

ICLUB Global

Yuriy Romanyukha is managing partner to ICLUB Global, Ukraine's leading angel investor community with 6,000+ members, $70M+ deployed, and $15M+ in successful exits. He has 15+ years in VC and FinTech and has led global corporate development programs for L'Oreal US, Adidas North America, and Walmart. Additionally, he launched Uber payment infrastructure in Ukraine and is a UC Berkeley, Haas School of Business alumnus.

Giuseppe Marino

President

Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce

Giuseppe Marino is an international AML and Financial Crime Expert with extensive consulting experience in corporate due diligence and compliance frameworks. Specializing in strategic legal advisory services, he has developed comprehensive expertise in B2B and B2G relationships across European and Middle Eastern markets. He is one of the founders and currently serves as President of the Italian-Cypriot Chamber of Commerce.

Mike Danshin

CMO

1w Crypto

Mike Danshin is the CMO of 1w Crypto, the Web3 division of the global iGaming brand 1w. He leads crypto influencer campaigns and media buying for 1win Token. Mike has extensive experience in online betting, land-based casinos, and crypto marketing. He’s also the voice behind his Telegram channel. Currently, he’s focused on positioning 1win as a leading crypto casino brand across global markets.

Colin Fitzpatrick

AI and Web3 Consultant

Monster Ventures

Colin Fitzpatrick is an entrepreneur and technology strategist based in Dubai, working at the intersection of AI, blockchain and emerging innovation. He spent 20 years in global tech companies, including Oracle, Salesforce and HubSpot, before moving into the startup ecosystem, where he has founded projects in Web3, digital media and AI. Colin now consults with early-stage companies on product positioning, user experience and go-to-market strategy, helping teams translate complex technology into clear value for customers, investors and partners.

Charles d'Haussy

CEO

DYDX Foundation

Charles is the CEO of the dYdX Foundation, a decentralised finance (DeFi) protocol for perpetual futures. Before joining dYdX, Charles served as Global Head of Business Development at ConsenSys. His diverse career includes entrepreneurial ventures, executive roles in FinTech startups, and a stint as Head of FinTech with the Hong Kong government. In 2021, he authored Block Kong, a book exploring Hong Kong's blockchain leaders. In 2025, he published Arabian Crypto, highlighting the crypto industry's progress and ambitions in Arab countries.

Anita Kalergis

Founder & CEO, KryptoGranny

Ipsum Consulting

Anita Kalergis is the Founder and CEO of Ipsum Consulting and a business development and market expansion professional with nearly 20 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (MEA). Based in the UAE for over a decade, she focuses on blockchain, crypto, and DeFi, supporting businesses operating in regulated and emerging digital-asset markets. She is a member of the Dubai Blockchain Center team, an ambassador for the Helsinki Blockchain Centre, and a global representative for AIBC.

Stuart Isted

CEO

PayTech

With over three decades of experience, Stuart Isted is a proven Managing Director known for his exceptional leadership in driving business growth and strategic initiatives across the Middle East and Africa. His extensive experience includes successfully developing innovative business strategies, and managing portfolios with annual revenues exceeding $300 million. As the Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa at Crypto.com, Stuart was instrumental in securing the first Full Exchange License and Operating Permit from the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA).

Dr Maya Alhawary

Chairwoman of Board of Governors & Director of Planning

Dubai Carmel School

Maya AlHawary is a performance-driven, process-focused UAE National and executive-level project and program operations professional with 12+ years of experience leading cross-functional teams, multi-million-dollar programs and implementing innovative projects. Her subject matter expertise includes project management, training and development, employee engagement and coaching and mentoring, supported by a Master of Arts from North Carolina State University and a passion for international relations and government programs that improve public conditions.

Sam Shami

Founder & CEO

Wild Unlimited

Sam Shami is a gaming entrepreneur and community builder shaping the future of in-game and IRL experiences. As the founder & CEO of Wild Unlimited, he creates high-energy events, esports tournaments, and cultural moments that turn games into global gatherings.

Raymond Ratti

Partnerships Director

Galactic Markets

Raymond is currently the Partnerships Director at Galactic Markets, a British media entity that empowers brands to capitalize on their audience’s opinions and reward their expertise through integrated prediction markets. Previously, Raymond worked at iTeller PTYD, a fintech crypto exchange company focused on OTC services and crypto ATM's

Aishwary Gupta

Global Head of Payments & RWA's

Polygon Labs

Adria Mir de Simon

Vice President of Business Development

wowinX

Chantel Elloway

Entrepreneur & Investor

Sergio Ramos Vera

Founder

Orbyt X

Speakers and Attendees Eurasia

Meet The AIBC Eurasia Speakers 2026