Browse the Mena Fintech & Insurtech 2025 Agenda

Agenda
  • 09.00 AM - 09.45 AM

Registration & Welcome Networking

  • 09.45 AM - 09.55 AM

Opening Remarks MFTIF

Malik Shishtawi
President - MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival
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  • 09.55 AM - 10.00 AM

OPENING KEYNOTE: The Role of Innovation in Driving Economic Growth & Financial Inclusion

This session will address how innovation fuels national competitiveness, enhances productivity, and expands financial access for underserved populations. The keynote emphasizes policy, technology, and collaboration as catalysts for inclusive growth.

H.E. Inuwa Kashifu Abdullahi
Director General/CEO - NITDA (Federal Republic of Nigeria)
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  • 10.00 AM - 10.45 AM

FIRESIDE CHAT: Fintech in MENA - A Balancing Act Between Present Challenges and Future Aspirations

This discussion examines the region’s evolving fintech landscape, highlighting both the structural challenges and untapped opportunities shaping its trajectory. Speakers explore how strategic resilience and innovation can position MENA as a global leader in digital finance.

Fadi Saab (Moderator)
Chairman & CEO - Trans Capital Finance
Yaseen Sabra
Senior Product Manager - Mozn.AI
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  • 10.45 AM - 11.15 PM

PRESENTATION: The New and Improved Online Motor Insurance Portal from QGIRCO

This session presents a redesigned digital portal aimed at elevating the customer experience and improving operational efficiency in motor insurance. The presentation demonstrates how enhanced features, automation, and user-centric tools streamline service delivery.

Abdul Rahman Alieh
Head of Corporate Communications - QGIRCO
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  • 11.15 PM - 12.00 PM

WORKSHOP: Partnering for Impact - How Banks and FinTechs Can Win Together

This workshop explores how banks and fintech firms can jointly accelerate innovation through strategic collaboration and shared value creation. It highlights partnership models, integration approaches, and pathways for building sustainable digital ecosystems.

Ewan MacLeod
Senior Banking and Technology Leader - QFBA
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  • 12.00 PM - 01.00 PM

BREAK

  • 01.00 PM - 02.00 PM

WORKSHOP: The PlayTactic Way - Gamified Networking Session

This session delivers a gamified networking experience designed to spark collaboration, deepen engagement, and energize participant interaction. Through playful challenges and structured activities, it cultivates meaningful connections in an innovative way.

Emad Saif
Founder and CEO - PlayTactic
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  • 02.00 PM - 02.45 PM

PANEL: Fintech Solutions for SMEs - Unlocking Growth Potential

This panel explores how digital financial solutions address persistent SME challenges, from limited credit access to operational inefficiencies. Speakers discuss scalable tools and enabling policies that empower SMEs to grow and compete more effectively.

Anastasiya Zubritskaya
COO - REMOZO
Mal Filipowska
Head of Portfolio & Platform - Seedstars
Daniel Sansano
CEO - Daniel Sansano Capitals Inc
Rohit Arora
Co-Founder & CEO - Biz2Credit
Vanessa Rameix (Moderator)
Regional Director - The Business Year Qatar
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  • 02.45 PM - 03.30 PM

PANEL: Real World Asset (RWA) Tokenization: Bridging the Physical and Digital Worlds

This discussion focuses on how tokenization transforms physical assets into accessible digital investment opportunities. The session highlights regulatory considerations, market implications, and the potential for unlocking new liquidity.

Giorgio Torre
AI Advisor - GCC and EU Governments
Dr. Konstantinos Tsanis
Fintech Expert - NaTech
Dr. Mazen Masri
CEO - Genesis Technologies
Muhannad Abu Ghazaleh
Co-Founder - Manjam Capital
Ibrahim Baker (Moderator)
Co-Founder - Manjam Capital
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  • 03.30 PM - 04.15 PM

PRESENTATION: Central Bank Digital Currencies - Current Aspects and Future Challenges

This session examines global developments in CBDCs, assessing their technological foundations, regulatory implications, and economic impact. It underscores the challenges and opportunities central banks must navigate as digital currencies evolve.

Dr. Ahmet F Aysan
Professor, College of Islamic Studies - HBKU
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  • 04.15 PM - 05.00 PM

WORKSHOP: Blockchain Fundamentals and Applications in the Islamic Financial Sector

This workshop introduces core blockchain principles while exploring their alignment with Sharia-compliant financial frameworks. It demonstrates how distributed technologies can enhance transparency, trust, and efficiency across Islamic finance.

Ibrahim Baker
Co-Founder - Manjam Capital
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  • 05.00 PM - 05.45 PM

WORKSHOP: Importance of cybersecurity in Financial, Fintech and Insurance Markets

This session addresses the growing cybersecurity threats facing digital financial services and the need for robust security architectures. It highlights best practices and emerging tools that strengthen institutional resilience and protect consumer trust.

Hamad Hadeed
CEO - Cytomate
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  • 10.00 AM - 10.45 AM

PANEL: Capacity Building for Insurtech Entrepreneurs - Discussing the essential skills and Knowledge for success in the Insurtech Industry

This panel explores the essential skills, industry knowledge, and entrepreneurial capabilities required to succeed in the fast-evolving insurtech landscape. Speakers share insights on leadership development, market readiness, and the foundations of successful ventures.

Aicha Ghaffari
Managing Director - MENA Insurelab Ventures
Alaa Ladkani
CEO - Chedid & Associates Qatar LLC
Maha Saleh AlSulaiti (Moderator)
Head of Client Engagement - QFBA
Shady Abubakr
Founder & CEO - Bawales
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  • 10.45 AM - 11.30 AM

WORKSHOP: AI in Banking & Fintech: What Works, What Fails

This workshop examines real-world applications of AI in financial services by comparing successful implementations with common pitfalls. It provides practical guidance on designing responsible, high-impact AI systems that deliver sustained value.

Dr. Achraf Ayadi
Fintech Expert AI & Blockchain - QFBA
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  • 11.30 AM - 12.15 PM

PRESENTATION: New Business Models shaping the New InsurTech Industry

This session highlights the innovative business models reshaping insurtech, from embedded insurance to data-driven underwriting. It analyzes how these trends redefine customer expectations and influence industry transformation.

Mohammed Al Jamal
Investment Director - Alkhaleej Takaful Insurance
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  • 12.15 PM - 01.00 PM

PANEL: How AI Technology is Transforming Islamic Fintech?

This discussion explores how AI enhances Sharia-compliant financial services through improved screening, automation, and personalized engagement. It highlights the opportunities and ethical considerations involved in integrating AI into Islamic fintech.

Fernanda Braz (Moderator)
Country Director - Oxford Business Group
Dr Muhammad Fazlurrahman Syarif
Lead Project Investigator ShariaBot AI - HBKU
Dr June Park
Visiting Scholar - HBKU
Dr Haniza Yon
Chief Executive Officer - Global Psytech MENA LLC
Amusat Khadijah Wuraola
Founder - Nuva
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  • 01.00 PM -02.00 PM

Break

  • 02.00 PM - 02.45 PM

PITCH SESSION: The Pitch Pit

This session features emerging fintech and insurtech innovators presenting their solutions to investors and industry leaders. It provides entrepreneurs with exposure, feedback, and opportunities for strategic collaboration.

Majed Lababidi
Director of Ecosystem Integration - Alchemist Doha
Marcel Dridje
Board Member - European Business Angels Network
Deepak Ahuja
Co-Founder & CEO - iAccel GBI
Ricky Tejapaibul
Managing Partner - Tech Wildcatters
Youssef Al Moukhtar
VC - Golden Gate Ventures
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  • 02.45 PM - 03.30 PM

PANEL: Fintech for Good - Driving Financial Inclusion in Underserved Communities

This panel examines how mission-driven fintech solutions address disparities in access, affordability, and financial empowerment. Speakers highlight real-world initiatives that expand opportunity and promote inclusive economic participation.

Venkataraman Krishnamoorthy
Chairman - MAHCE Technologies LLC
Jovana Jovanovic
Co-Founder & CEO - Omla
Mohamad Al Jemaishi
Founder & CEO - InnoNovas Technologies
Dr. Nurudeen Zauro
Technical Advisor - To The President of Nigeria
Sahil Buch
Head of Conference Production - MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival
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  • 03.30 PM - 04.00 PM

WORKSHOP: Bridging Traditional Finance and Stablecoins - Beyond the Hype

This workshop explores how regulated stablecoins and digital assets can complement traditional financial systems. It outlines practical use cases, compliance considerations, and the evolving role of tokenized value in modern finance.

Dr. Achraf Ayadi
Fintech Expert AI & Blockchain - QFBA
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  • 04.00 PM - 04.45 PM

PANEL: From Venture to Value - How Fintech Investment Is Rewriting Growth Strategies

This conversation analyzes the shift from high-velocity investment to value-driven growth within the fintech sector. Speakers discuss new investor expectations, market signals, and strategic approaches shaping the future of financial innovation.

Majed Lababidi
Director of Ecosystem Integration - Alchemist Doha
Marcel Dridje
Board Member - European Business Angels Network
Deepak Ahuja
Co-Founder & CEO - iAccel GBI
Ricky Tejapaibul
Managing Partner - Tech Wildcatters
Adam Crawley
CEO - Augment Capital
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  • 04.45 PM - 05.00 PM

Closing Remarks

Malik Shishtawi
Founder & President - MENA Fintech & Insurtech Festival
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