Crypto Oasis Visionaries 2024

Welcome to Crypto Oasis’s exclusive showcase of the brightest minds shaping the future of the cryptocurrency landscape in 2024. From visionary founders to groundbreaking technologists, this curated list created in collaboration with the Dubai Digital Asset Association (D2A2) celebrates those driving innovation, pushing boundaries, and inspiring change in the dynamic world of Blockchain. Join us as we highlight the trailblazers, disruptors, and thought leaders whose contributions are propelling the ecosystem forward, one revolution at a time.

Gabriel Abed

Founder & Chairman
The Abed Group

Gabriel Abed, is the Founder and Chairman the Abed group, former Ambassador of Barbados to the UAE and recently appointed Chairman of the board at Binance. He is a leading authority on CBDCs and the co-founder of Bitt, a pioneering company in the fintech sector. He brings a wealth of international experience that enable him to advise governments on blockchain policy around the world and is also serving as Special Technology Advisor to Bermuda's Premier.

Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali

Chairman
DFSA

The Chairman of DFSA, Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali is a strategic leader with a rich background in corporate governance and commercial roles across various business contexts. His leadership at DFSA has been instrumental in shaping the financial services landscape. With a career spanning several decades, starting off at Citibank and moving on to include positions as the CEO of Dubai Holding and FAB’s Deputy CEO and Group Chief Operation Officer, Al Ali's expertise has been pivotal in driving organisational strategies and aligning financial objectives with broader economic goals.

Dr. Sameer Al Ansari

Chief Executive Officer
RakDAO

Dr. Sameer Al Ansari, CEO of RakDAO, is a visionary leader in the digital assets space, whose expertise has been crucial in fostering a vibrant ecosystem for blockchain and crypto innovation in the MENA region. A UK qualified Chartered Accountant, he has over 35 years of experience in senior corporate, operational, and strategic advisory roles. With a remarkable portfolio encompassing executive roles in major investment entities, including sovereign wealth funds and private equity funds, he leverages his knowledge to lead RakDAO, the world's first free zone dedicated to virtual assets companies.

Basil Al Askari

Co-Founder & CEO
MidChains

Basil Al Askari, the Co-Founder & CEO of MidChains, is an entrepreneur with a keen focus on the virtual asset trading platform sector. His previous experiences with Mubadala Capital and GE Capital have equipped him with the knowledge to propel MidChains to the forefront of the global cryptocurrency landscape. Al Askari is driving innovation and growth in both retail and institutional markets with MidChains and his entrepreneurial journey embodies a fusion of financial acumen and visionary leadership.

Saeed Hareb Al Darmaki

Founder & CEO
Sheesha Finance

Saeed Hareb Al Darmaki, CEO of Sheesha Finance, is a pioneering force in blockchain and cryptocurrency, renowned for his role in integrating DeFi with traditional finance. With a career stemming from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority to co-founding Alphabit and leading roles at eGovern and Casper Labs, he brings extensive expertise to Sheesha Finance, offering a diverse array of early-stage projects and native tokens. Additionally, as a board member of BoCG Ventures, he continues to drive blockchain innovation across the Arabian Peninsula and worldwide.

Ahmed Al Hameli

Chief Executive Officer
Zero Two

Ahmed Al Hameli, CEO of Zero Two, is at the forefront of Abu Dhabi's digital assets infrastructure development. His recent collaboration with EWEC to complete Abu Dhabi’s largest single purchase of Clean Energy Certificates highlights his commitment to sustainability and innovation in the digital assets space. Under Al Hameli's guidance, Zero Two is helping bridge the gap between traditional businesses and the potential of blockchain.

Faisal Al Hammadi

Managing Partner
Further Ventures

Faisal Al Hammadi, Managing Partner of Further, a venture building and investment platform, partners with entrepreneurs to launch and scale companies. Serving on boards like Endeavour UAE and Wio, he fosters economic impact through entrepreneurship and digital banking solutions. With executive roles at ADQ and Mubadala, Faisal has founded start-ups like YACOB, OneKitchen, and Slices, earning recognition from Forbes Middle East and the World Economic Forum for his leadership.

Khaled Al Huraimel

Co-Founder
BEDU

Khaled Al Huraimel, cofounded Bedu and is recognized for his pioneering role in the digital landscape, specialising in Web3 technologies including metaverse, blockchain, and NFT solutions. Khaled has diversified BEEAH’s offerings into the digital field, launching digital ventures such as EVOTEQ, re.life, and a joint venture to develop Sharjah’s first Tier 3 data centre. He expanded his organisation from a leading waste management business to an international holding company and his dedication to cultivating the next generation of leadership at BEEAH reflects his strategic vision for sustainable growth.

Dhaher Bin Dhaher Al Mansoori

Advisor to the Chairman
ADGM

Faisal Abdulla Al Mansoori Advisor to the Chairman at ADGM and is crucial in driving organisational strategies and aligning the financial centre’s objectives with Abu Dhabi’s broader economic goals. With expertise in attracting foreign companies from intricate markets, he excels in supporting family offices in establishing structures for corporate governance and succession planning. Additionally, Faisal brings extensive experience in evaluating new product concepts and crafting effective go-to-market strategies, product roadmaps, and implementation plans to drive organisational success.

H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri

Director General
DWTC

H.E. Helal Saeed Al Marri is Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority. Al Marri leads the development of the Dubai World Trade Centre, playing a key role in positioning the city as a premier global MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination, aligning with the visionary goals set by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. He is also Member of the Executive Council of Dubai and under his leadership the DWTC has embraced events focused on blockchain and its potential applications.

Sheikh Al Mualla bin Ahmed Al Mualla

Partner
Ghaf Capital

Sheikh Al Mualla bin Ahmed Al Mualla serves as Partner- Leadership at Ghaf Capital Partners. He is a member of the royal family of the UAE. Almualla is a tech enthusiast with diverse knowledge in business, politics, and economy. He is always looking for the latest valuable innovations, his interest in technology has led him to build multiple tech businesses and establish an international financial firm Persici Financial Services. H.H. Almualla has been investing in the crypto space since 2016, providing seed funding and backing a variety of top crypto projects.

Feras Al Sadek

Managing Partner
Ghaf Capital

Feras Al Sadek, Managing Partner at Ghaf Capital, is a versatile entrepreneur and angel investor renowned for his ventures across various sectors including hospitality, food and beverage, real estate, cryptocurrency, and technology. His notable accomplishments include co-founding 3 award-winning restaurants and contributing to the growth of a family-owned hotel chain and construction conglomerate.

Kokila Alagh

Founder
KARM Legal

Kokila Alagh, founder of KARM Legal Consultants, is a seasoned corporate and technology lawyer in the UAE. With expertise in fintech, blockchain, and digital transformation, she drives legal innovation. Holding a Master of Law from Monash University and certifications from Harvard Business School and University of Oxford, Kokila empowers clients and shapes the MENA fintech landscape as a board member of the MENA Fintech Association. Her commitment to collaboration, diversity, and excellence ensures cutting-edge legal strategies and compliance within regulations.

Ahmed Al-Balaghi

Co-Founder
Biconomy

Ahmed Al-Balaghi, Co-founder of Biconomy and Founder of the Encrypted podcast, is a leading figure in MENA's blockchain scene. With extensive experience spanning China, the U.K., and the UAE, Ahmed specialises in blockchain infrastructure, cryptoeconomics, and digital identity. A Queen Mary University of London graduate with fluency in Arabic and Chinese, Ahmed's journey includes leadership roles at Viewfin, advising projects, and fostering UK-China entrepreneurship in FinTech.

Mohammad Alblooshi

Chief Executive Officer
DIFC Innovation hub

Mohammad Alblooshi, CEO of DIFC Innovation Hub, is a driving force behind Dubai's FinTech ecosystem, advocating for innovation and growth within the DIFC start-up community. Spearheading initiatives like the Venture Builder Launchpad, Dubai AI and Web3 Campus and Dubai FinTech Summit, he aims to deepen DIFC's reputation as a global FinTech hub. With over a decade of experience in leading financial institutions and a dedication to nurturing emerging technologies, Mohammad continues to shape the future of finance in the UAE and beyond.

Munaf Ali

Founder & CEO
Phoenix Group

Munaf Ali, a seasoned entrepreneur and visionary leader, boasts over two decades of experience in Capital Markets, honed through executive roles at Citigroup in London and the UAE. With a knack for building billion-dollar corporations, he has left an indelible mark across sectors like hospitality, leisure, and blockchain. As Co-Founder and Group Managing Director of Phoenix, Munaf has spearheaded its ascent as a global powerhouse in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, overseeing expansive mining facilities across continents and securing exclusive distribution rights from top technology hardware manufacturers.

Bijan Alizadeh

General Partner
Cypher Capital

Bijan Alizadeh, a pioneering force in the blockchain landscape, co-founded Cypher Capital and serves as its General Partner, leveraging his extensive experience in spearheading blockchain adoption globally, notably in the MENA region. With a track record of founding ventures like Phoenix Technology, boasting one of the largest mining farms in the UAE and investments totalling USD 10 million in blockchain start-ups, he is recognized for his visionary leadership and his goal to foster a holistic blockchain community.

Stuart Isted

General Manager, Middle East and Africa
Crypto.com

Filippo Buzzi is a passionate crypto enthusiast with a wealth of experience, currently serving as Regional Director in the MENA region for Hex Trust. With 14 years of experience in tax and corporate consulting, he has provided invaluable insights to companies across Italy, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, and China. Now based in Dubai, UAE, he plays a key role in establishing Hex Trust as a trusted partner for institutional investors and businesses within the MENA region.

Dr. Marwan Alzarouni

CEO
Dubai Blockchain Center

Dr. Marwan Alzarouni, CEO of Dubai's Blockchain Centre, is a crypto pioneer known for groundbreaking initiatives. He spearheaded the region's first crypto over-the-counter desk in 2018 and continues to revolutionize the industry. With expertise in information security management, he serves as Director of Information Services at Dubai Electronic Security Centre and contributes award-winning academic papers. As a keynote speaker, Dr. Alzarouni promotes blockchain adoption across sectors, instrumental in establishing Dubai as a global hub for blockchain innovation.

Henri Arslanian

Co-Founder & Managing Partner Nine Blocks Capital Management

Henri Arslanian, co-founder and managing partner of Nine Blocks Capital Management, is a fintech expert who pioneers institutional-grade hedge fund strategies in the digital assets space, leveraging market-neutral crypto funds to exploit inefficiencies using diverse strategies like relative value and arbitrage. Formerly a global crypto leader at PwC, Henri advised industry giants and governmental bodies alike on crypto initiatives and regulatory frameworks, earning recognition as a top influencer in finance globally by LinkedIn and acclaimed as the foremost FinTech consultant in Hong Kong.

Muhammad Salman Anjum

CEO
Invoicemate

Muhammad Salman Anjum is the CEO of Invoicemate, the world's first blockchain-based invoice management system. As a pioneer in the fintech space, he has over 22 years of experience in the corporate and entrepreneurial sector. He is a pioneering blockchain leader, TEDx speaker and a blockchain and fintech specialist from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) Academy.

Jawad Ashraf

Co-Founder & CEO
Virtua

Jawad Ashraf, the co-founder and CEO of Virtua, is a top-performing entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience. He is at the forefront of the metaverse revolution and specialises in strategic planning, process engineering, and project leadership; he focuses on Mobile, AR, VR, and Blockchain technologies for creating immersive digital experiences. Jawad's vision for Virtua is to establish a sustainable platform that merges social, gaming, and creative experiences through NFTs and blockchain technology

Walid Benothman

Bitpanda

Walid Benothman, MD International & MENA at BitPanda, is an experienced leader in blockchain start-ups. As Head of BD and Institutional Sales at 1inch, he drives innovation in digital finance. With successful stints at Curv and Ripple, his visionary approach has shaped the industry and contributed to mainstream acceptance of cryptocurrencies, highlighted by PayPal's acquisition of Curv.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem

Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer
DMCC

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DMCC, has played a crucial role in transforming Dubai into a global commodity trade hub. Under his leadership, DMCC has grown to become one of the world's leading free zones, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. Ahmed's vision continues to drive economic development in the UAE as it expands into the property sector, notably with iconic developments like Almas, Ag and Au towers, and the master development of Jumeirah Lakes Towers.

Filippo Buzzi

Regional Director MENA
Hex Trust

Stuart Isted is the General Manager for the MENA at Crypto.com. He has over two decades of experience in payments and financial services and he has worked at renowned names such as VISA and NatWest Bank. Stuart has been at the forefront of introducing NFTs to the region, along with the successful launch of other Crypto.com products in the region. His expertise in payment technologies and commercial partnerships is shaping the future of cryptocurrencies in the Middle East and Africa.

Danilo S. Carlucci

Founder & CEO
Morningstar Ventures

Danilo S. Carlucci, Founder and CEO of MorningStar Ventures and founder at 37xDubai, boasts a rich background as an early crypto investor and former leader at Google, where he drove YouTube’s UK creator community initiatives. Renowned in the tech and blockchain realms, Danilo fosters innovation through MorningStar Ventures, highlighted by the launch of Itheum, an Open Metaverse data platform. His commitment to ethical AI is evident through collaborations like Humans.ai, while his influence extends through speaking engagements and the Morningstar Ventures podcast.

Ola Doudin

CEO & Co-Founder
BitOasis

Ola Doudin is the visionary Co-Founder of BitOasis, the Middle East's pioneering cryptocurrency exchange platform, launched in 2016. Her leadership has propelled BitOasis to become the region's foremost hub for safe, compliant, and accessible crypto trading, processing over $5 billion in transactions across 15 countries. Her engineering background and experience in tech and security advisory have been foundational in BitOasis' success.

Pavel Durov

Founder
TON

Pavel Durov is a Russian entrepreneur best known as the co-founder of VKontakte (VK), Russia's largest social networking website, often compared to Facebook. He is also the creator of Telegram, a widely-used messaging app known for its focus on security and privacy. Durov's innovative contributions to the tech industry have cemented his reputation as a visionary leader in digital communication and his entrepreneurial spirit and vision for TON have made significant impacts on the development of decentralised technologies.

Saqr Ereiqat

Partner
TradeDog Group

Saqr Mashhor Ereiqat is a Partner at the TradeDog Group and CEO of TDMM.io, leveraging over thirteen years of expertise cultivated at IBM. A co-founder of Crypto Oasis Ventures and Riddermark, he has championed transformative solutions in fintech, blockchain, healthtech, and govtech sectors and played a pivotal role in expanding the Crypto Oasis ecosystem. Acknowledged as a trailblazer in enterprise blockchain, Saqr leverages his experience to foster innovation by nurturing startups and guiding established organizations in shaping their technological roadmap.

Bruce Fenton

CEO
Chainstone Labs

Bruce Fenton, a seasoned economic advisor and investor in the blockchain industry, is renowned for organizing the exclusive Satoshi Roundtable retreat. With 30 years of experience in traditional finance, including roles at Atlantic Financial and Morgan Stanley, he facilitates significant transactions and advises major investment funds globally. Fenton is a sought-after speaker at prestigious events like blockchain conferences and the MIT Enterprise Forum, advocating for open-source investing and digital securities. His extensive international experience spans the US, Asia, Riyadh, and Dubai.

Emmanuel Givanakis

Chief Executive Officer
FSRA

Emmanuel Givanakis, an accomplished legal expert, holds the position of Executive Officer of the ADGM Financial Services Regulatory Authority (FSRA). With 30 years of experience as a lawyer and profound understanding of Financial Services law and compliance, Corporate Law, and Corporate Governance, he adeptly navigates regulatory landscapes. His leadership, coupled with expertise in negotiation and liaison, fosters effective management of Collective Investment Funds, including pension, property, private equity, and hedge funds.

Ralf Glabischnig

Founder
Inacta Ventures

Ralf Glabischnig, an Austrian entrepreneur and investor, is at the forefront of the largest global blockchain ecosystems, Crypto Valley in Switzerland & Liechtenstein and Crypto Oasis in the Middle East. As a luminary in the blockchain domain, he is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of Inacta Ventures and Ralf's commitment to ecosystem development, venture building, and capital activation is shaping the future of digital innovation globally. His entrepreneurial acumen has led to the creation of over 20 companies and investments in more than 130 startups, particularly through the Inacta Group, which pioneers ventures like Tokengate.io, Gentwo, inapay, and Proofx.

Anton Golub

Founding Member and President
SwissAssetDAO

Anton Golub is a multifaceted leader in the blockchain and finance space, serving as Founding Member and President of SwissAssetDAO, Strategic Advisor of Pazar, and Venture Partner at Full Stack Ventures. With a rich background in market-making and quantitative research, Anton co-founded flovtec, a pioneering Swiss market-maker, and Trust Square AG, a prominent blockchain hub. His extensive contributions to academia include research on high-frequency trading and market microstructure, with 13 academic papers and two books to his name.

Andrei Grachev

Managing Partner
DWF Labs

Andrei Grachev is the co-founder and Managing Partner of DWF Labs, a market maker and multi-stage Web3 investment firm. With a track record of establishing institutional trading entities globally, Andrei pioneered quantitative high-frequency trading algorithms, ensuring continuous operation since 2018 with just two days of downtime. In 2022, he founded DWF Labs, solidifying his position as a leader in market making and web3 venture capital.

Tim Grant

Chief Executive Officer
Deus X Capital

Tim Grant is the CEO of Deus X Capital, overseeing global investments and operations. He chairs AlphaLab40, a crypto market maker, and ApexE3, an institutional analytics and AI platform. With a 25 year professional background spanning from leading roles at Galaxy Digital to founding ventures in fintech and blockchain, Tim brings extensive experience to the intersection of finance and technology, backed by degrees from the University of Cambridge and the University of London.

Valerie Hawley

Ventures Affiliate Founding Partner
True Global Ventures

Valerie Hawley, is an Affiliate Founding Partner at True Global Ventures, and is a seasoned leader in strategic and tactical technology, renowned for her expertise in diverse industries such as Financial Services/Insurance and Life Sciences. With 20+ years of experience in entrepreneurship and venture capital, she has a track record of driving innovation and digitalization, and excels in spearheading strategic initiatives that yield tangible results. Valerie's commitment to stakeholder satisfaction and regulatory compliance underscores her reputation as a trusted partner in achieving dynamic business objectives.

Stefan Kimmel

Chief Executive Officer
M2

Stefan Kimmel, CEO of M2, a global digital currency investment platform, brings over 25 years of finance and fintech expertise. He held executive roles at Kraken MENA, the Commercial Bank of Dubai, and leading positions at PWC, IBM, and Oliver Wyman Middle East. Kimmel's innovation drives M2's journey to become the premier digital investment platform worldwide.

Miriam Kiwan

Vice President
Circle

Miriam Kiwan, Vice President of Circle, is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in Europe and the Middle East, is a driving force in Web 3 and tech entrepreneurship. As a leader at Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), she fosters strategic partnerships to advance the crypto/digital assets and tech sectors, propelling Abu Dhabi as a premier hub. With a TRIUM Global Executive MBA and a knack for innovation, Miriam champions global trends and entrepreneurial culture while advising digital asset and blockchain ventures.

Max Kordek

Founder & CEO
Onchain Foundation

Max Kordek, a globally recognized serial founder and investor, is renowned for his ground-breaking work in blockchain technology. As the founder of the Onchain Foundation, he spearheaded the development of Lisk, which raised over 14,000 BTC in its ICO, aiming to democratise blockchain accessibility. Based in Dubai, Max is a prominent speaker at top blockchain conferences and a prolific educator, sharing insights on entrepreneurship and technology through his social media platforms.

Dominic Longman

Senior Executive Officer Binance Abu Dhabi

Dominic Longman is an internationally seasoned financial services leader, adept at navigating both start-up ventures and institutional frameworks, with a distinguished career spanning diverse sectors. Over the past decade, he's delved into the geo-political ramifications of blockchain technology on financial infrastructures, leveraging this expertise to educate major asset owners worldwide since 2016, when he fortuitously found himself at the forefront of blockchain education.

Mohammed Mahfoudh

Chief Technology Officer
DECA4

Mohammed Mahfoudh is a seasoned Managing Partner with a rich history in the management consulting sector, currently serving as the Chief Technology Officer at DECA4. His proficiency spans business planning, market research, and telecommunications, reinforcing his reputation as a strategic powerhouse driving innovation and growth within the organisation.

Andrej Majcen

CEO
Bitcoin Suisse

Andrej Majcen, co-founder of Bitcoin Suisse AG, assumed the role of CEO in 2024 after years of leadership in Compliance, Operations, and Client Management, pivotal in the company's early growth. As Head of Global Expansion & Strategic Clients, he spearheaded Bitcoin Suisse's expansion, notably in the Middle East, leveraging his expertise and Forbes DACH recognition as a top talent in 2020's 30 Under 30 list. Majcen holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a master’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of St. Gallen.

Hadi Malaeb

CEO
Agoragroup

Hadi Malaeb is a seasoned strategist passionate about launching startups and driving change in established businesses. With experience across four continents, he has a diverse skill set and is committed to empowering others. Over the past 15 years, Hadi has worked with organizations like the Dubai World Trade Centre and IQPC, advocating for congresses and conferences as tools for bridging cultural gaps and fostering business growth. He thrives on creativity and the endless possibilities in his field.

Dr. Jez Mohideen

Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Laser Digital

Dr. Jez Mohideen is a distinguished financial services expert with over 25 years of experience in macro trading, notably serving as Co-Founder and CEO at Laser Digital currently. His multifaceted career spans from pioneering AI/ML-driven systematic trading at Brevan Howard to co-founding ventures like Komainu, a premier Digital Asset Custodian. His leadership is steering Laser Digital towards scalable and robust opportunities in trading, asset management, and further solidifying his trailblazing presence at the intersection of finance, technology, and innovation.

Melanie Mohr

Co-founder & CEO
PWR Chain

Melanie Mohr is a seasoned innovator at the forefront of web3, leveraging over two decades of experience in media, marketing, and mobile tech to drive transformative projects. As the co-founder of PWR Chain, she pioneers a Unified Decentralised Framework, ensuring seamless user transitions into the web3 space while addressing fragmentation and usability challenges. Concurrently, she leads WOM Protocol, propelling it towards redefining word-of-mouth marketing, and fosters innovation at YEAY while advising blockchain ventures and global consultancies, all in pursuit of a more inclusive and efficient digital landscape.

Sandeep Nailwal

Co-Founder
Polygon

Sandeep Nailwal, the co-founder and COO of Ethereum's pioneering layer 2 scaling solution, Polygon Matic network, is revolutionising decentralised finance (DeFi) by enhancing Ethereum's scalability. With a strong academic foundation and a tenacious spirit, Sandeep has propelled himself into the forefront of blockchain innovation, enhancing the Ethereum's capabilities through Polygon's innovative technology. Sandeep's expertise is shaping the future of blockchain applications and their widespread adoption.

Aurélie Dhellemmes Nedel

Global Head, RippleX
Partner Success, Ripple

Aurelie Nedel is the Global Head of RippleX Partner Success at Ripple. With over two decades of experience in finance and technology, Aurélie is instrumental in growing projects on the XRP Ledger. With her education from prestigious institutions like Virginia Tech and INSEAD, and her career growth at IBM, Deutsche Bank and BNY Mellon, Nedel's diverse background and leadership are key to Ripple's expansion and partner success.

Miguel Palencia

Co-Founder &
Chief Operating Officer
QTUM

Miguel Palencia is the COO and Co-Founder of Qtum Chain Foundation, driving blockchain innovation with a visionary leadership approach. With a diverse portfolio of ventures including Tech Lit, VeChain, and Meta Studios, Miguel applies his entrepreneurial experience to push the boundaries of technology. Under his guidance, Qtum has achieved significant milestones, including the successful launch of its software in October 2017, while strategic partnerships like with Crypto Oasis have further propelled its growth into new markets.

Raza Rizvi

Partner
Simmons & Simmons

We’re delighted to feature Raza Rizvi, a renowned Middle East-based lawyer among our esteemed Crypto Oasis Visionaries 2024!

Raza is a Partner at international firm Simmons & Simmons where he helped set up the region’s first tech-focused legal practice almost 20 years ago. Over the years, Raza has helped a variety of businesses on complex and high profile projects involving emerging technologies. As a veteran in the legal services domain, Raza has been involved at the early ideation stage with the now mature emerging tech initiatives across the UAE and Saudi Arabia and has led on several “first of its kind” projects in the regional TMT and FinTech sectors. He’s helped international businesses from both East and West navigate the complexities of the region by providing full-service legal, regulatory and strategic support set against a deep understanding of international legal and regulatory trends. Raza leverages wide experience across data, AI, digital assets, media and telecoms regulation, payments and FinTech. Known for his innovative, out of the box and solution-oriented thinking, the multi-award winning teams Raza leads are often multi-disciplinary and comprise legal engineers, legal design experts, data scientists, legal project managers as well as world class technology lawyers.

Andrew Rogozov

Founding Member
TON

Andrew Rogozov, a seasoned tech executive, rose to prominence as CEO of VK.com, the Russian social media giant. Transitioning from a pivotal role at VK, he joins the TON Foundation as a Founding Member, leveraging his expertise to drive forward a community-led successor to the Telegram Open Network. With a track record of leadership and a deep understanding of blockchain technology, Rogozov is poised to steer TON towards its vision of becoming a widely adopted, open-source platform.

Nikita Sachdev

Founder
Luna PR

Nikita Sachdev, an Indian-American serial entrepreneur and investor, delved into the world of crypto and blockchain in 2017, propelled by her tenure at Huobi. Founding Luna PR from her living room, the agency has evolved into an award-winning powerhouse with a global presence and a diverse portfolio under Luna Media Corporation, spanning venture capital, philanthropy, and media partnerships. Recognized as a thought leader, Sachdev's influence extends to prestigious speaking engagements worldwide, collaborations with government officials, and pioneering ventures.

Pierre Samaties

Partner
Roland Berger

Pierre Samaties is a seasoned executive with over two decades of experience in strategy consulting, venture building and executive roles. As a Partner at Roland Berger, he founded and leads the firm’s global Digital Assets, Web3, and Metaverse practice. Pierre is the go-to trusted advisor to many leading institutions that are operating in the Digital assets and Web3 realm, as well as those that want to capture the opportunity for their business. Pierre has been a driving force of the UAE’s Digital Asset ecosystem and is also a Steerco member of The Green Block.

Dominik Schiener

Co-Founder
IOTA

Dominik Schiener is an innovative entrepreneur spearheading multiple projects harnessing Blockchain and Smart Contract technologies for social impact. His ventures focus on pioneering governance solutions, leveraging collective intelligence and cutting-edge technology to forge transparent, cost-effective, and efficient systems. With a passion for leveraging technology for the greater good, Schiener is at the forefront of shaping the future of decentralised governance.

Prakash Somosundram

CEO & Co-founder
Enjinstarter

Prakash Somosundram is a seasoned entrepreneur and dedicated change-maker, committed to leveraging business for sustainable impact. Over 25 years, he's earned accolades for bridging funding gaps in climate change through ventures like AYA, igniting climate finance solutions. Notably, Prakash raised $10.5 million for Enjinstarter, empowering content creators in blockchain technology, and his transformative business strategies have left an indelible mark, recognized with Singapore's prestigious Public Service Medal in 2021.

Luuk Strijers

Chief Executive Officer
Deribit

Luuk Strijers is the Chief Executive Officer of Deribit, a leading cryptocurrency derivatives exchange. With nearly two decades of experience, including a tenure at SGX, Luuk has been instrumental in Deribit's growth. He is a dedicated capital markets professional with over 15 years experience in listed products, ETFs, Warrants, Equities, Derivatives, Exchange matching and Corporate Finance.

Talal Tabbaa

Chief Executive Officer
CoinMENA

Talal Tabbaa is the visionary Chief Executive Officer of CoinMENA, a leading cryptocurrency exchange in the Middle East and North Africa region. With a passion for blockchain technology and finance, Talal spearheads CoinMENA's mission to provide seamless digital asset services while navigating regulatory landscapes. His strategic leadership and innovative mindset drive CoinMENA towards shaping the future of finance in the MENA region.

Richard Teng

Chief Executive Officer
Binance

Richard Teng is a veteran financial executive renowned for his transformative leadership across three decades. With a background in accounting and applied finance, including significant roles at the Monetary Authority of Singapore and the Singapore Exchange, he's been instrumental in shaping regulatory frameworks. Appointed CEO of Binance in November 2023, Al Askari continues to drive innovation, serving as an international council member at the Global FinTech Institute and advising Blockchain Association Singapore.

Hubertus Thonhauser

Chairman
Ghaf Capital

Hubertus, co-founder and sole investor of Babil Games, led the company to become a leading mobile-games publisher in the MENA region before its acquisition by NASDAQ-listed Stillfront Group in 2016. With over 20 years of experience in the regulated gaming industry, he transitioned into tech investment across Europe, the US, and the GCC, founding Enabling Future, a family office VC firm focusing on fintech and marketplaces, and later delving into the crypto space from 2017, backing layer one protocols, crypto-derivatives providers, and institutional custodian solutions.

Umair Masoom Usmani

Founder & MD
myco

Umair Masoom Usmani, the dynamic Founder & CEO of myco, is a visionary leader renowned for his expertise in Marketing & Business Strategy, Digital Transformation, and Innovation. With nearly two decades of diverse experience across multiple industries, including media, entertainment, and finance, Umair champions blockchain and Web3 technologies as catalysts for global change.

Matthew White

CEO
VARA

Matthew White is a seasoned tech strategist with over two decades of experience navigating the dynamic landscape of emerging technologies. With a rich background in technology and digital trust, Matthew's expertise from PwC is vital in leading VARA's full-scale market operations. Currently spearheading the advancement of finance through digital assets and Web3 technology in Dubai, his strategic vision is set to enhance Dubai's position as a hub for virtual asset regulation and innovation.

Sebastian Widmann

Head of Strategy
Komainu

Sebastian Widmann is a pioneering figure at the forefront of the convergence between finance and technology, spearheading efforts to accelerate the adoption of digital assets and blockchain solutions across diverse industries. As Head of Strategy at Komainu, he has a keen focus on leveraging cutting-edge technologies, he navigates the complexities of modern markets to usher in a new era of financial innovation and inclusion. Sebastian's role is pivotal in guiding Komainu's growth and establishing it as a comprehensive solution for institutions seeking exposure to digital assets.

Kamal Youssefi

President Of The Board Of Directors
Hedera Hashgraph

Back Title

Kamal Youssefi is the President of the Board of Directors at The Hashgraph Association, promoting the broad adoption of the Hedera network. Kamal's leadership is focused on supporting enterprises to build Web3 use cases and institutional-grade DLT solutions on Hedera. His vision is contributing to the transformative change in the financial services industry through blockchain technology.

Mo Ali Yusuf

Chief Executive Officer
Fuze Finance

Mo Ali Yusuf is the co-founder and CEO of Fuze, leading a record-breaking seed-funded venture in Q3 2023, dedicated to revolutionising digital assets infrastructure in MENA. With a rich background spanning leadership roles at fintech giants like Visa and fintech start-ups, Mo's commitment to driving global financial change is evident through Fuze's innovative solutions. As Co-Chair of the MENA Fintech Association’s Digital Assets Working Group, he leverages his expertise to shape industry standards, backed by a stellar academic journey including an MBA from London Business School.

Walid Abou Zaki

Founder & CEO
Unlock Blockchain

Walid Abou Zaki is an accomplished Executive Director with a robust background in Media and event management. His expertise spans negotiation, business planning, asset management, and investment advisory, with a particular strength in strategic matching and event management. With a deep understanding of Blockchain technology and DLT, he is a formidable force in the regional Blockchain ecosystem, bringing innovation and insight to Unlock Blockchain, the premiere Blockchain News outlet from the region.

Fardad Zand

Co-founder & CEO
Wisdomise

Fardad Zand is the Co-founder & CEO of Wisdomise, an AI-driven platform that simplifies access to financial markets. Under his leadership, Wisdomise has raised significant funding and is revolutionising wealth management with proprietary information and premium signals for digital financial markets. Fardad has over 20 years of experience in academia and venture capital, and he has a vision to empower users and community members, including crypto enthusiasts and traders, to manage their portfolio risk and improve investment performance.

Ben Zhou

Co-Founder and CEO
ByBit

Ben Zhou, the Co-founder and CEO of Bybit, has steered the direction and operations of the cryptocurrency exchange since 2018. Previously, Zhou honed his expertise in finance as the Greater China region manager at XM, an international forex brokerage company, for seven years after completing college in China.