Speakers
Speakers
total page : 4
speakersDatatwo : 43
1. {id=196880776592, createdAt=1759303538516, updatedAt=1761638404803, path='spkr12564-alex-tavkhelidze', name='Alex Tavkhelidze', 1='{type=string, value=Alex Tavkhelidze}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/MVCAacyi4Vsq9lwtIPlgHBGUtcOpWVSZFmmnasD27i0.jpg',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Wempler}', 5='{type=string, value=Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer}', 6='{type=string, value=
Forbes 30u30 recognized entrepreneur, founded 3 startups, raised more than $400.000 as an investment. won competitions like Sharktank & etc.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=28, name='Empowering Entrepreneurship', order=4, label='Empowering Entrepreneurship'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=43, name='Founders Peak', order=3, label='Founders Peak'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Alex Tavkhelidze Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer Wempler}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12564}', 15='{type=string, value=https://www.linkedin.com/in/sandro-tavkhelidze/}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}2. {id=197641165931, createdAt=1760536809366, updatedAt=1761638406111, path='spkr12904-andrew-jewell', name='Andrew Jewell', 1='{type=string, value=Andrew Jewell}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/Y9cBavAc1YmosjSxLBKflL_zO0GyOCWA5RSlA9_7m3g.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=IMF}', 5='{type=string, value=Resident Representative}', 6='{type=string, value=
Andrew Jewell has been the IMF’s resident representative for Georgia since August 2023. He was previously the resident representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina. Since joining the Fund in 2010, he has worked on debt sustainability issues in low-income countries and has been a senior economist on Algeria, Belgium, France, Latvia, and Ireland. Prior to the IMF, he spent ten years as an economist at the U.S. Treasury Department, including as the Treasury’s Paris Club negotiator, and three years as a financial analyst at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. He holds a master’s degree in international relations and economics from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=23, name='Securing the Future', order=0, label='Securing the Future'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=42, name='Workshop', order=2, label='Workshop'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Andrew Jewell Resident Representative IMF}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12904}', 15='{type=string, value=www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-jewell-330932b8}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}3. {id=197633848964, createdAt=1760519632331, updatedAt=1761638412274, path='spkr5258-arvind-sankaran', name='Arvind Sankaran', 1='{type=string, value=Arvind Sankaran}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/41JqgDtq5gz8UkLCN63rgx3tJgfQaJQAxkX9jrzVHwo.jpg',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Asian Development Bank}', 5='{type=string, value=Senior Fintech Expert}', 6='{type=string, value=
Arvind is a senior fintech expert at the Asian Development Bank, having joined through a secondment by the Singapore Government/Ministry of Finance. Leveraging three decades of experience as a C-suite banking leader, tech investor, board member and advisor, Arvind helps fintech startups to accelerate value creation and inclusive impact. He was previously a Venture Partner at Jungle Ventures, a leading South-East Asia focused VC. He was also a senior advisor at McKinsey’s Asia FIG practice. His board roles include AFG Partners, an Asia-focused fintech fund; Gosree Finance, an Indian MSME digital lender; and Powercred, a SEA-based data solutions provider.
4. {id=196880776604, createdAt=1759303551904, updatedAt=1761638413674, path='spkr6724-bob-wardrop', name='Bob Wardrop', 1='{type=string, value=Bob Wardrop}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/sgBTfz447cF-IDc1v7JFx7IuMdGWezDmQEaCWubNMSE.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Prof.}', 4='{type=string, value=Cambridge University & RegGenome}', 5='{type=string, value=Professor, University of Cambridge & Spin-out Founder}', 6='{type=string, value=
Bob is a member of the finance faculty at the Cambridge Judge Business School where he is a recipient of its Excellence in Teaching Prize. Bob’s research explores innovation at the intersection of technological change and the global financial system, and in 2021 he received the CJBS Research Impact Award for his work applying AI to regulatory information in the field of computational regulation. This research project led to the creation of a university spin-out company (RegGenome) which has developed an AI-enabled platform for regulatory policy analysis currently used by more than 100 regulatory authorities and commercial customers. In 2015, Bob co-founded the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance and during his tenure as its Founding Director established the CCAF as a global leader in researching channels and instruments of finance emerging in the digitisation of the financial system. He has held several advisory board roles with regulatory authorities and board directorships with commercial companies over the course of his professional career. Bob holds an MBA from the Booth School of Business at the University of Chicago, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and a PhD from the University of Cambridge.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=25, name='Blueprint for Digital Assets', order=1, label='Blueprint for Digital Assets'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=41, name='GFTN Insights', order=1, label='GFTN Insights'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Bob Wardrop Professor, University of Cambridge & Spin-out Founder Cambridge University & RegGenome}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR6724}', 15='{type=string, value=https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertwardrop/}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}5. {id=197692899712, createdAt=1760623231931, updatedAt=1761638414936, path='spkr12628-bocharov-dmitry', name='Bocharov Dmitry', 1='{type=string, value=Bocharov Dmitry}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/ZwrdfgNJSe3GNtLnd7nGqSpKEIkNd_J6vDFyjEHLn3A.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Pave Bank}', 5='{type=string, value=Chief Risk Officer & Co-Founder}', 6='{type=string, value=
Dmitry Bocharov is a fintech and banking expert with 20 years of experience in digital product development, operations, and risk management. He specializes in bridging traditional and digital banking to deliver next-generation financial solutions across Europe and Asia.
He is the Co-Founder and Chief Risk Officer of Pave Bank. Previously, he held senior roles at BigPay Group (CPO, CCO), driving the launch of digital loans, payments, and remittance products. At VPBank, he led Vietnam’s digital transformation of one of the top commercial banks of the country. Earlier, he scaled digital lending at Ferratum Group and built HSBC’s retail business to top-tier performance.
In short, Dmitry blends strategic vision with hands-on execution to shape the future of digital finance.
6. {id=196878879127, createdAt=1759303556110, updatedAt=1761638417468, path='spkr12161-claudiu-negrea', name='Claudiu Negrea', 1='{type=string, value=Claudiu Negrea}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/QHF3brkz_Zu8Wuh0Hxfgog1rdPlcN1M_vAh9WS4hz_U.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=National Bank of Romania}', 5='{type=string, value=Director}', 6='{type=string, value=
Claudiu Negrea is Director of the Financial Market Infrastructures and Payments Oversight Department at the National Bank of Romania, where he has dedicated over 17 years to the supervision and resilience of financial market infrastructures, payment schemes and payment instruments. His expertise lies in the strategic monitoring and risk assessment of systems critical to Romania’s financial stability.
In parallel with his professional role, Claudiu is pursuing a PhD at the Romanian Academy, focusing on operational and security risk analysis—an area that complements and deepens his work at the central bank.
As the coordinator of the Critical Infrastructures Protection Committee, Claudiu leads national efforts to safeguard Romania’s essential financial services. He fosters collaboration among key stakeholders to mitigate threats and ensure the robustness of the country’s financial ecosystem.
7. {id=197000905781, createdAt=1759485104943, updatedAt=1761638419942, path='spkr12578-davit-kvitsiani', name='Davit Kvitsiani', 1='{type=string, value=Davit Kvitsiani}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/UqzLTs9HkOeVKuJkSFhAUycG9h8ZeVo7NaQe8fIS8BM.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=CNICK}', 5='{type=string, value=Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer}', 6='{type=string, value=
Davit Kvitsiani started his entrepreneurial journey in university when he launched a 3D printing service. This experience sparked the idea for a smart ring, which he started developing as a startup called CNICK alongside a classmate. Without external funding, Kvitsiani and his co-founder bootstrapped CNICK into a profitable company with a global customer base of 80,000 active users. CNICK rings are certified by Visa and Mastercard and offer customers the option for contactless payments that never needs charging. The company also introduced the first smart ring with a car key feature, combining secure vehicle access with payment functionality.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=28, name='Empowering Entrepreneurship', order=4, label='Empowering Entrepreneurship'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=43, name='Founders Peak', order=3, label='Founders Peak'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Davit Kvitsiani Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer CNICK}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12578}', 15='{type=string, value=https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-kvitsiani/}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}8. {id=197779644037, createdAt=1760716835617, updatedAt=1761638423693, path='spkr12905-douglas-webb', name='Douglas Webb', 1='{type=string, value=Douglas Webb}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/lP8hrv0_FMEdwBJaI4tgVV4_ur7BbO2zrM1JBwQBsEM.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=UNDP}', 5='{type=string, value=Resident Representative}', 6='{type=string, value=
Douglas Webb has been the UNDP Resident Representative in Georgia, since October 2023. Previously he was Global Health and Environment Advisor for UNDP based in Amman, Jordan. His work has focused on the health and environment nexus; infectious and chronic disease response governance and the social determinants of health in the context of environmental change. He was UNDP’s Senior Response Coordinator for COVID-19 (March-May 2020). In 2014-2015 he was a Deputy Director in the UN Mission for the Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) in West Africa. With UNICEF in Ethiopia (2008-11) he managed UNICEF’s child focused social protection, HIV prevention and AIDS impact mitigation portfolio. He was the Chief of the Children and AIDS Section in the UNICEF Regional Office in Kenya (2004-8) and focused on HIV impact mitigation in UNICEF Zambia (1995-7). He served as Global HIV/AIDS Adviser for Save the Children UK (2000-4) in London. He has over 60 published articles and book chapters and served as adjunct professor at the School of Global Public Health at New York University in 2021-22.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=23, name='Securing the Future', order=0, label='Securing the Future'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=42, name='Workshop', order=2, label='Workshop'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Douglas Webb Resident Representative UNDP}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12905}', 15='{type=string, value=linkedin.com/in/douglas-webb-71194038}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}9. {id=196880401742, createdAt=1759303566807, updatedAt=1761638424997, path='spkr12470-ebru-boysan', name='Ebru Boysan', 1='{type=string, value=Ebru Boysan}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/B6mUX19Ia2Pg883X-LpQBz3VtpG1ttEJn_VrCUpHDCc.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Ms}', 4='{type=string, value=Bloomberg}', 5='{type=string, value=Market Specialist, Market Structure and Technology}', 6='{type=string, value=
Ebru has specialized in fixed income markets for the region since 2008, responsible for localizing Bloomberg’s products, multi-class asset product development and business strategy including Islamic Finance. Prior to this, she managed Bloomberg Sales for Russia, CIS (the new name for former Soviet republics), Eastern Europe, the Balkans and Turkey. Ebru started her career in Solomon Brothers New York, as a Debt Capital Markets analyst focusing on sovereign debt issuance and asset liability advisory. Ebru has authored a number of articles – topics include the introduction of VAT in the GCC and the Pakistan economy. She has an MSc in finance from Lancaster University in the United Kingdom. Ebru also works closely with exchanges, Central Banks and Ministry of Finances on formation of liquidity platforms in local markets in the fixed income space.
10. {id=197692899714, createdAt=1760623243309, updatedAt=1761638426171, path='spkr12861-ekaterine-galdava', name='Ekaterine Galdava', 1='{type=string, value=Ekaterine Galdava}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/N0xMOKCxeGUfevQUvvZnseqbDYG8GBostCSCxB0o-Yc.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Ms}', 4='{type=string, value=National Bank of Georgia}', 5='{type=string, value=Deputy Governor}', 6='{type=string, value=
Ekaterine Galdava has been the Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) since November 2023. She has been a member of the Board of the National Bank of Georgia since July 2021. Her primary responsibilities encompass the oversight and management of Payment Systems. Additionally, she is responsible for safeguarding Consumer Rights. Ekaterine Galdava began her career at the NBG in 1993 as Chief Economist in the Economic and Credit Policy Department. Over the years, she has held various positions at the NBG, including Vice President and Board Member (2005-2007). She has also worked for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), both in the Resident Representative Office in Georgia and as an Economist at IMF headquarters in Washington, D.C. Her professional experience includes serving as the General Director of the United Water Supply Company and as an Advisor to the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure (2018-2021).
Ekaterine Galdava graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Economics from Tbilisi State University in 1992 and earned a Master of Arts in Economics from Williams College, USA, in 2002.
11. {id=197633848965, createdAt=1760519643226, updatedAt=1761638427404, path='spkr12891-erik-andermo', name='Erik Andermo', 1='{type=string, value=Erik Andermo}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/oVWEYVi58ZkoRCJCLHRCXXQhmjhVFVHJKFbYRDmu71g.jpg',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=United Nations, Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia}', 5='{type=string, value=Economist}', 6='{type=string, value=
Erik Andermo is an Economist and Development Coordination Officer in the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator in Georgia, which he joined in 2020. As RCO Economist, he leads and coordinates the analytical work of the UN Country Team on sustainable development. Previously, he worked as an analyst and researcher in various positions in academia, the private sector, and the government of Sweden, specializing on Eastern European economies.
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Giles heads the regulatory affairs and licensing division at Tether, where he works on developing and implementing the company’s global regulatory strategy. In his role, he actively engages with regulatory bodies and policymakers around the world, contributing to the discussion around robust stablecoin legislation and policy. He also oversees the management of regulatory licensing initiatives for Tether, working with a team to ensure Tether’s successful compliance with international licensing standards. Prior to Tether, Giles worked in banking and financial services consulting, helping clients navigate the complexities of regulatory compliance and risk management.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=25, name='Blueprint for Digital Assets', order=1, label='Blueprint for Digital Assets'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=41, name='GFTN Insights', order=1, label='GFTN Insights'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Giles Dixon VP, Regulatory Affairs and Licensing Tether}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12902}', 15='{type=string, value=www.linkedin.com/in/gilesdixon}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}13. {id=197767035689, createdAt=1760709636955, updatedAt=1761116429522, path='spkr12894-giorgi-vakhtangishvili', name='Giorgi Vakhtangishvili', 1='{type=string, value=Giorgi Vakhtangishvili}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/oFFN3fzaBFDIxvzrbTFB7mcUN18zxHzAmr8WbU9THXI.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Bank of Georgia}', 5='{type=string, value=Chief Digital Officer}', 6='{type=string, value=
Giorgi Vakhtangishvili is the Chief Digital Officer at Bank of Georgia, with over 11 years of experience in digital product development and more than 8 years in banking. A passionate tech enthusiast, Giorgi leads initiatives that merge innovation with traditional banking to build one of the region’s largest and most dynamic fintech ecosystems.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=25, name='Blueprint for Digital Assets', order=1, label='Blueprint for Digital Assets'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=41, name='GFTN Insights', order=1, label='GFTN Insights'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Giorgi Vakhtangishvili Chief Digital Officer Bank of Georgia}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12894}', 15='{type=string, value=https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgi-vakhtangishvili-64086836/?originalSubdomain=ge}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}14. {id=197936550988, createdAt=1761062437917, updatedAt=1761638429903, path='spkr12901-grigory-kuznetsov', name='Grigory Kuznetsov', 1='{type=string, value=Grigory Kuznetsov}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/LqaXJoBBf_6yJnjGYdZ3GQ4A9FAKdQlzJLafAu52ltE.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Bybit}', 5='{type=string, value=Head of Business Development, Payments BU}', 6='{type=string, value=
Grigory Kuznetsov serves as the Bybit Pay, Card and Fiat BD Head at Bybit since May 2022, focusing on market expansion and managing fiat on/off-ramp partnerships. Prior to this role, Grigory held various leadership positions at Wirecard AG from February 2013 to July 2021, including Head of Fiat BD and Card Operations, where responsibilities involved managing merchant acquiring and prepaid issuing operations, as well as compliance and risk management. Grigory also served as EVP Sales Financial Institutions. Earlier career experiences at Compass Plus Ltd from October 1999 to January 2013 included roles such as Market Development Director and Sales Director, where efforts were dedicated to international business development and sales operations. Grigory holds a degree in Computer Science from Magnitogorsk State Technical University.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=42, name='Workshop', order=2, label='Workshop'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Grigory Kuznetsov Head of Business Development, Payments BU Bybit}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12901}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}15. {id=197971736115, createdAt=1761123633614, updatedAt=1761638431269, path='spkr12563-hasan-hasanov', name='Hasan Hasanov', 1='{type=string, value=Hasan Hasanov}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/7ffAPSeoQJwviGCzkAkrpmr7VPap1tkupgbIopMAwLo.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Epoint}', 5='{type=string, value=Co-founder}', 6='{type=string, value=
Banker with 12 years experience. Successful cofounder of a leading PSP in Azerbaijan.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=28, name='Empowering Entrepreneurship', order=4, label='Empowering Entrepreneurship'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=43, name='Founders Peak', order=3, label='Founders Peak'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Hasan Hasanov Co-founder Epoint}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12563}', 15='{type=string, value=http://linkedin.com/in/hasanov-hasan}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}16. {id=197769586742, createdAt=1760716844609, updatedAt=1761638433818, path='spkr12837-ivan-larionov', name='Ivan Larionov', 1='{type=string, value=Ivan Larionov}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/XjCSGi-GvsT4iipcc488uJ2WtVv_hh6eB3OagZB73cY.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=T-Digital}', 5='{type=string, value=Chief Executive Officer}', 6='{type=string, value=
After graduating from top Russian technical university MIPT in 2013, started my career as quantitative analyst / risk manager and spent 3 years working in that role at global and Russian investment banks. Made a strategic shift then, spending next 3 years working at few algorithmic trading asset management firms and proprietary trading shops. During this period i shifted completely from global markets to crypto.
In 2019 i joined T-Digital company - specialist crypto algorithmic trading company - as a co-founder, successfully launched statistical arbitrage strategy that gained flagship status, and over next 6 years led its growth to 200M$ book size, while maintaining high performance characteristics.
In the second half of 2025 i assumed the role of company CEO, with main focus on managing R&D, strategic planning, launch of new strategies with different trading styles and business expansion.
17. {id=196880776756, createdAt=1759303571124, updatedAt=1761638435077, path='spkr12435-izwan-ali', name='Izwan Ali', 1='{type=string, value=Izwan Ali}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/Mao41DV2kIMmFViY9Te9nOpUuDMeiKsi23uXWpuajP4.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Nexus Global Payments}', 5='{type=string, value=Advisor}', 6='{type=string, value=
Izwan is currently part of the team at Nexus Global Payments which aims to develop a multilateral payment connectivity infrastructure to connect instant payments systems under Project Nexus. In this role, he focuses on the development of scheme and governance for the Nexus arrangement.
Prior to this, he was in Bank Negara Malaysia and was responsible for driving efforts to enhance cross border payments and regulate emerging payment arrangements. This includes developing bilateral instant payment linkages and supporting international cooperation efforts on payments. He was also involved in the regulation of non-bank financial services, including in the areas of governance, risk management and AML/CFT.
Izwan holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from the University of Warwick, United Kingdom.
18. {id=196880401745, createdAt=1759303575348, updatedAt=1761638437516, path='spkr6680-jil-ebanoidze', name='Jil Ebanoidze', 1='{type=string, value=Jil Ebanoidze}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/BVoor4hdMHCCTjgmQWkjkA5GCICz0GRIEgFqU2Cltv8.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mrs}', 4='{type=string, value=Global Impact Fintech (GIFT)}', 5='{type=string, value=Chairwoman, Board Member}', 6='{type=string, value=
Meet Jil Ebanoidze: Chairwoman and Board Member at Global Impact Fintech (GIFT), founder of FinBigTech Lab, fintech executive, NLP coach, and visionary entrepreneur shaping the future of payments and digital finance. With a deep focus on sustainable finance, technology, and ESG, she champions innovation, financial inclusion, and responsible leadership.
Jil leads payments innovation and ESG-driven financial solutions for major fintech and tech enterprises, collaborating with industry giants worldwide. As a global startup mentor, she contributes her expertise through Cyberport (Hong Kong), Venture Builders (Middle East & Africa), and fintech accelerators across key markets.
Her leadership spans eBay, Naspers Group, Booking.com, and global fintech ecosystems, shaping transformative payment strategies at scale. She is also an alum of Harvard, where she deepened her expertise in leadership and global impact.
She founded Maison AVAZA, a pioneering personal branding company that merges fashion with neuroscience to help women express their authentic identity.
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Joel Lautier is a seasoned investment professional with more than two decades of experience spanning venture capital, private equity, and cross-border M&A, with a particular focus on Europe, Asia, and the CIS region. He currently serves as Venture Partner at Waarde Capital, a global venture fund pursuing a dual strategy: investing in breakthrough technologies in mature markets and driving the growth of the digital economy in Africa.
In addition, he is the Founder of Evergreen Advisory Services, where he advises startup entrepreneurs and private business owners on strategy and fundraising. Fluent in French, English, Russian, and Spanish, Joel leverages his multicultural background to bring a rare cross-cultural perspective to both business and investment.
Before his career in finance, Joel was a world-class chess Grandmaster and Junior World Champion. Ranked among the top 20 players worldwide, he remains one of the very few to hold a lifetime positive score against the legendary Garry Kasparov.
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Кyrylo Khomiakov, a skilled banking and fintech professional with over 15 years of experience, joined Binance in 2022, initially taking the helm for the Ukrainian market. He was successful in effectively expanding this area by implementing global marketing strategies and establishing strong ties with government departments and organizations. From January 2023, Кyrylo ascended to oversee the entire Central and Eastern Europe region, and since October 2023, his leadership has extended to the development of Binance across 74 countries in Central and Eastern Europe, the Baltics, the Balkans, and Central Asia.
Before joining Binance, Кyrylo Khomyakov held senior management positions in an array of banking, financial, and government organizations. With over 15 years of experience in these sectors, he brings a wealth of knowledge to his role at Binance. His previous roles include serving as CEO of the State Agency for Infrastructure Projects of Ukraine and CEO of a blockchain software development company.
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Linardo Martinčević works for the Croatian National Bank (CNB) as an Advisor at the Governor's Office and FinTech coordinator. He chairs the CNB's FinTech working group and is in charge of the CNB's FinTech Innovation hub. After graduating law, Linardo obtained master's degree in business administration (MBA). In career, he has worked on international monetary and financial topics and cooperated with various international financial institutions. Linardo specialized in international economy and finance while his professional interests are at the crossroads of law, economics and information technologies with special emphasis on the legal and economic concept of the digital money. As the CNB representative, Linardo participates at the Euroystem's High Level Task Force on Digital Euro project, among other responsibilities.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=25, name='Blueprint for Digital Assets', order=1, label='Blueprint for Digital Assets'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=40, name='Global Leadership Dialogue', order=0, label='Global Leadership Dialogue'}, {id=41, name='GFTN Insights', order=1, label='GFTN Insights'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Linardo Martinčević Advisor in the Governor's Office Croatian National Bank}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR6786}', 15='{type=string, value=https://www.linkedin.com/in/linardo-martincevic-342514192/}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}22. {id=197811327334, createdAt=1760803246830, updatedAt=1761638446328, path='spkr12769-lusine-balanyan', name='Lusine Balanyan', 1='{type=string, value=Lusine Balanyan}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/urneCmUSpMKiWkvrvGUmdyLueuso0hhgLMUGm_lbznU.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mrs}', 4='{type=string, value=Converse Bank}', 5='{type=string, value=Head of Investor Relations & Strategy}', 6='{type=string, value=
Lusine Balanyan is the Head of Investor Relations and Strategy at Converse Bank, where she drives the bank’s strategic development and manages partnerships with international financial institutions and investors. With over 15 years of experience in Armenia’s banking sector, Lusine brings valuable insights into financial strategy, sustainable growth, and the evolving role of banks in supporting economic development.
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Makhbuba (Mila) Mukhamadieva is a dynamic leader in financial technology, with over a decade of experience in payments, digital assets, and blockchain innovation. Since 2022, she has been at the helm of Crypto Solutions for Visa CEMEA (Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa), where she drives the region’s crypto strategy, develops innovative solutions, and integrates cutting-edge blockchain technologies to enhance traditional payment systems. Makhbuba has pioneered the world’s first Visa launches in digital currency settlement and CBDC-linked cards, setting global benchmarks for innovation in the payments industry. She joined Visa in 2019, initially focusing on business development before transitioning into the digital assets space. Prior to Visa, she spent six years at PayPal, where she played a pivotal role in business expansion, leading sales and product management initiatives.
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Mariam Kvrivishvili has been serving as the Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development of Georgia since June 24, 2025. She is a member of the Political Council of the political party “Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia.” From 2021 until June 2025, she held the position of Deputy Minister of Economy and Sustainable Development. In this role, she led and oversaw the tourism and aviation sectors. Her portfolio included the Georgian National Tourism Administration, the agencies responsible for resort and mountain resort development, the Civil Aviation Agency, air navigation services, and all international and domestic airports across the country. She was elected to the Parliament of Georgia in both 2021 and 2024. During her first term, she also served as First Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on European Integration. From 2019 to 2021, she held the position of the Head of the Georgian National Tourism Administration. Prior to her public service, she built a successful career in the private sector, holding senior management positions for a decade in leading companies across the hospitality, aviation, and tourism industries. In recognition of her impactful contributions and leadership in advancing Georgia’s tourism and aviation sectors, she was honored with a national award for her role in industry development. She pursued executive education at the ESM Business School of the Free University of Georgia, obtained a bachelor's degree from the International Black Sea University, and undertook additional academic studies at the University of California, Berkeley.
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Mazurka Zeng is a fintech and crypto executive with over a decade of experience leading innovative financial products and regulatory expansion across Asia and Europe. She currently serves as Managing Director at Bybit EU GmbH (Vienna, Austria), overseeing the company’s European operations and compliance strategy, including Bybit’s successful acquisition of the MiCAR license in Austria.
Since 2021, she has also held the position of Fiat & Pay Executive at Bybit Fintech Limited, where she has played a pivotal role in building the exchange’s global payments infrastructure and integrating traditional financial systems with blockchain technology.
Before joining Bybit, Mazurka was Senior Product Operations Manager at Huobi Global, where she led product optimization and operational strategy during a critical growth phase in the exchange’s history.
She holds a Master of Arts (MA) from Renmin University of China (中国人民大学) and is recognized for her strategic, regulatory-first approach and her commitment to bridging the gap between traditional finance and digital assets.
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Michael Gao is a pioneering leader in stablecoin-powered payments, dedicated to making global payments accessible, secure, and efficient for everyone. As CEO and Co-Founder of RedotPay, he champions the company’s vision to accelerate financial access globally through the mass adoption of stablecoin-based payments. Under his leadership, RedotPay empowers users to spend digital dollars, send and receive payouts with unmatched ease. The platform also bridges the worlds of crypto and traditional finance in real, practical, tangible ways. Since its launch in 2023, RedotPay has grown to serve more than 5 million users across 100 countries.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=23, name='Securing the Future', order=0, label='Securing the Future'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=44, name='Digital Assets Summit', order=4, label='Digital Assets Summit'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Michael Gao CEO & Co-Founder of RedotPay RedotPay}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12712}', 15='{type=string, value=https://www.linkedin.com/company/redotpayofficial}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}27. {id=196880401756, createdAt=1759303590683, updatedAt=1761638456471, path='spkr12574-nato-toronjadze', name='Nato Toronjadze', 1='{type=string, value=Nato Toronjadze}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/oF8AL78ieBNRGDxI23vFG-cnuaem3R0aCHgfIAWiTSE.jpg',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mrs}', 4='{type=string, value=JSC Tera Leasing}', 5='{type=string, value=Co-founder & Chief Executive Officer}', 6='{type=string, value=
Nato holds an MBA in Quantitative Finance from Georgian American University and brings over 15 years of experience in the financial and leasing industries. After building her career in the corporate world—progressing through leadership roles as CRO, COO, CCO, and Deputy CEO—she made the bold move to leave her executive position to pursue entrepreneurship.
Together with her partners, she co-founded Bizon.ge, a digital marketplace for equipment, which later attracted investment from one of Georgia’s largest banks, Terabank. This partnership led to the creation of JSC Tera Leasing 2 years ago, which by now has grown into the #2 equipment leasing company in Georgia.
In addition to her entrepreneurial ventures, Nato serves as Vice Dean of the Business School at Georgian American University, where she contributes to shaping the next generation of business leaders.
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Navin curates and hosts The Founders Peak stage, and The Capital Meets Policy Dialogues, across Singapore, Africa, Japan, and Europe.
Earlier, Ernst & Young named Navin to their prestigious Global Top 30 Accelerating Entrepreneurs list following his B2B start-up developing the world’s first digital twin for banks.
Separately, he is recipient of the Best Business Turnaround Award across APAC at ING, and has helmed a country Top 30 Best Places to Work in India. He architected the distribution strategy for the late retail market entry for BNY Mellon Investment Mgmt across APAC. He started his career at Citi, steering distribution-led growth in India during his early years, and later across APAC. He serves on the Board of Directors at Nomura in Taiwan since 2015, and serves on two expert panels at Wealth Management Institute (founded by GIC and Temasek), Singapore.
Navin most enjoys crafting new playbooks that create and unlock new enterprise value.
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Ms. Nino Jeladze was appointed Vice Governor and Member of the Board of the National Bank of Georgia in February 2025. She oversees supervisory policy, regulation, and licensing of both banking and non-banking institutions, as well as the supervision of payment service and virtual asset service providers.
Before her appointment, Ms. Jeladze served as Head of the Supervisory Policy Department, leading the modernization of Georgia’s supervisory framework in line with CRR/CRD and Basel III principles. She previously held senior roles at ProCredit Bank Georgia and ProCredit Holding AG in Frankfurt, focusing on compliance and AML, operational risk, and corporate governance.
Ms. Jeladze holds master’s and bachelor’s degrees in International Economic Relations, Law and English Language from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University.
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Papuna Lezhava is the CEO of Keepz, Georgia’s first licensed Open Banking payment institution and the country’s leading QR payments provider, serving over 35,000 merchants and expanding into regionally. He previously served as Deputy Governor and Board Member of the National Bank of Georgia and held various positions at the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, and International Finance Corporation (IFC). With over two decades of international experience across central banking, development finance, and fintech innovation, Papuna combines institutional expertise with entrepreneurial leadership in driving digital transformation.
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Rachel Freeman is the Chief Growth Officer of Tyme and represents Tyme on the GOtyme Board of Directors. Rachel Freeman is an experienced and internationally recognized financial expert, particularly in the areas of financial inclusion and innovative financial technologies. From 2001 to 2017, she held several senior positions at IFC in Central Asia, Africa and Asia. Prior to joining IFC, Rachel was involved in several entrepreneurial ventures in the US and Russia. Tyme is the technology and solutions firm powering Tyme Bank, the first digital bank in South Africa with over 11 customers, and GOtyme, our licensed bank in the Philippines with 8 million customers. Rachel also sits on the Board of PaveBank and chairs the Audit Committee, and is on the Board of the Financial Alliance for Women. She has been an SFF Ambassador since the beginning of the Ambassador program.
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Institutional crypto markets veteran managing $50B+ annual volume, currently building BRRRDAO's proprietary DeFi trading desk. Co-founder of BR Capital, T-Digital and Super Protocol (decentralized AI), early Bitcoin investor since 2015, and 4x infrastructure founder spanning exchanges, market-making, and DeFi protocols. Former VC Partner focused on crypto infrastructure investments, known for second-order opinions and market analysis frameworks.
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A UK-qualified barrister with over 18 years’ experience working in Financial Services, FinTech and Crypto/Web3. With experience in the public sector for the UK Ministry of Justice. During his career, Robert has held roles from Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer, Global Head of Programme Management & Regulatory Assurance, Head of FinTech Legal & Compliance, Global Head Sanctions & Advisory and Global Head of Compliance Oversight.
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Rusa Tchkuaseli is a Partner at BLC Law Office, one of Georgia’s leading law firms, where she leads on banking, finance, and corporate transactions. Recognized by The Legal 500 as a Next Generation Partner in Banking & Finance, Commercial, Corporate & MA; and Dispute Resolution, she brings two decades of experience advising financial institutions, investors, and corporates on complex regulatory and transactional matters.
She has advised on the establishment and licensing of digital banks, payment service providers (PSPs), and virtual asset service providers (VASPs), and is actively involved in the regulatory evolution of the fintech ecosystem in Georgia. Her work spans project financing, corporate
restructuring, M&A transactions, and the development of innovative financial products tailored for both local and cross-border markets.
She regularly works with international financial institutions and development banks on financing transactions and compliance structures, helping to align Georgia’s financial market with international standards and best practices. Beyond her client work, Rusa is a frequent contributor to policy and industry discussions shaping the future of Georgia as a regional financial hub.
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Mrs. Saida Ismailakhunova is a Senior Economist and Statistician in the Poverty and Equity Global Practice of the World Bank. She is a Task Team Leader for the South Caucasus Gender, Poverty and Equity Program and a Global Lead for the Integrated Data and Statistical Operations. She has wide experience working on evidence based decisions making, inclusion, poverty, data driven governance, welfare monitoring systems and public policies in the ECA region. She led or contributed to projects aiming to strengthen national statistical systems in Armenia, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Yemen. Currently she is also supporting investments in statistical systems worldwide. Prior to joining the World Bank, Ms. Ismailakhunova worked for 8 years as the Head of the Macroeconomic Analysis and Forecasting Division in the Ministry of Finance of the Kyrgyz Republic. She holds PhD in Economics and a master’s degree in public policy.
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Salim Dhanani is CEO & Co-Founder of Pave Bank, a digital bank built for a new financial world with programmable money and regulated digital assets. Prior to Pave Bank, Salim co-founded and was the CEO of BigPay, one of the largest Southeast Asian neobanks raising over US$165m in capital and with 1.3m users, was responsible for the EMEA division of Carta Worldwide, a digital payments platform, and worked for the World Bank Group in South America.
Salim has built his career in financial services, focusing on banking and payment technology for a diverse range of companies – including established banking players and fintech unicorns. Salim is an active angel investor in the fintech and Web3 space through Thurloe Partners.
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Shalva Papuashvili was elected as Speaker of Georgian Parliament in December 2021, and then re-elected for the current convocation of the Parliament in November 2024. He is a member of the Political Council of the governing Georgian Dream – Democratic Georgia party, in the capacity of Political Secretary.
Shalva Papuashvili received his education in Georgia and Germany. In 1998, he graduated from Ivane Javakhishvili Tbilisi State University, majoring in International Law. From 1998 to 2002, he studied at Saarland University Germany, where he was awarded the Master of Laws degree in 1999, and the Doctor of Law degree in 2002.
Shalva Papuashvili is native Georgian speaker and is fluent in English, German, and Russian.
38. {id=197115396207, createdAt=1759738577149, updatedAt=1761638477559, path='spkr12289-shota-lomtadze', name='Shota Lomtadze', 1='{type=string, value=Shota Lomtadze}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/aCSzb3FEnhML7EonWDd6z8e9eRssYXrisnIwmrGula8.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=BR Capital}', 5='{type=string, value=Partner}', 6='{type=string, value=
'm a Partner at BR Capital, a fintech VC fund focused on using web-native technologies to improve the efficiency, security and accessibility of financial services. I'm responsible for operations — more specifically, for managing our various offices and teams around the globe. I have a background in FMCG, including luxury brands and manufacturing, and I bring a product-centric view to high-tech investment. I'm also currently leading BR Capital's developer engagement in Tbilisi, Georgia — my home country! — and I'm working hard to create a more business-friendly legal environment here.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=28, name='Empowering Entrepreneurship', order=4, label='Empowering Entrepreneurship'}, {id=23, name='Securing the Future', order=0, label='Securing the Future'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=41, name='GFTN Insights', order=1, label='GFTN Insights'}, {id=43, name='Founders Peak', order=3, label='Founders Peak'}, {id=46, name='Side Event', order=5, label='Side Event'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Shota Lomtadze Partner BR Capital}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12289}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}39. {id=196880776789, createdAt=1759303611743, updatedAt=1761638479980, path='spkr10047-simon-vans-colina', name='Simon Vans-Colina', 1='{type=string, value=Simon Vans-Colina}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/GkiwNmrhsrgFD6e5D5Mfb6dqpGxPKxd4R6Bsy-q9CZ4.png',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Pave Bank}', 5='{type=string, value=Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer}', 6='{type=string, value=
Simon Vans-Colina is the co-founder and CTO of Pave Bank, an innovative bank that's connecting Fiat, digital assets and programmability.
Before co-founding Pave Bank he was the CTO of BigPay in Singapore, founder of Fronted, a boutique lender and one of the founding team members at Monzo Bank.
40. {id=197633848993, createdAt=1760519685746, updatedAt=1761638483583, path='spkr10764-taleh-kazimov', name='Taleh Kazimov', 1='{type=string, value=Taleh Kazimov}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/TKgXumD_-vsm-edY9C5KFL0xSBpA_6nCzRQneWNjB9A.jpg',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan}', 5='{type=string, value=Governor}', 6='{type=string, value=
Taleh Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, is a seasoned finance and banking leader.
Born in Baku on September 11, 1983, he holds degrees in Automation & Computer Engineering, Business Management, and Finance.
His career spans roles at Bank Standard and Ernst & Young, before joining PASHA Bank in 2007. Rising to CEO by 2015, he led the bank to numerous accolades.
In 2019, he was named "Best CEO" for Eastern Europe by EMEA Finance.
In 2022, he was appointed Governor of the Central Bank, continuing to shape Azerbaijan's financial landscape.
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With a global mindset and a passion for innovation, Tekla brings extensive experience in business development and the crypto industry. As Country Manager for Bybit Georgia, she drives strategic expansion and regional growth, building bridges between traditional markets and the digital economy. Combining analytical rigor with creative vision, Tekla navigates emerging trends, challenges convention, and leads with an entrepreneurial spirit to shape the future of digital finance.
}', 7='{type=list, value=[{id=23, name='Securing the Future', order=0, label='Securing the Future'}]}', 8='{type=list, value=[{id=44, name='Digital Assets Summit', order=4, label='Digital Assets Summit'}]}', 9='{type=number, value=0}', 11='{type=number, value=1}', 13='{type=string, value=Tekla Iashagashvili Georgia Country Manager Bybit}', 14='{type=string, value=SPKR12836}', 18='{type=number, value=0}'}42. {id=196880401777, createdAt=1759303618059, updatedAt=1761638487244, path='spkr5270-varlam-ebanoidze', name='Varlam Ebanoidze', 1='{type=string, value=Varlam Ebanoidze}', 2='{type=image, value=Image{width=null,height=null,url='https://22287007.fs1.hubspotusercontent-na1.net/hubfs/22287007/Tbilisi/0nABd5X0d4jyOsauWiTFYty_qhUMReGEjiRA0tDAwD0.jpg',altText='',fileId=null}}', 3='{type=string, value=Mr}', 4='{type=string, value=National Bank of Georgia}', 5='{type=string, value=Head of FinTech Development & Innovation Office}', 6='{type=string, value=
I am someone who spent the first half of his professional life at banks’ internal audit, Operational/Cyber Risk and Compliance domains. In the second half of my professional life, I re-invented and developed myself towards a FinTech innovator and change facilitator.
Prior to joining the National Bank of Georgia (NBG) where my focus is a Countrywide FinTech, Open Finance strategy and regulatory design, I held senior positions at banks in Georgia and in Ukraine, and served on the management board of a leading retail bank (Liberty) in Georgia.
I am passionate about the Strategic Transformation of Central Bank to “Fit” the new paradigm of Open Finance.
Master’s degree from London Business School (LBS) specialized in Strategy and Leadership, combined with the domain experience allows me to see and suggest the efficient digitization strategies through industry development lenses.
Most recently, my team and I came up with the concept of “FinTech in Georgia; building on the Middle Corridor Momentum”.
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Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Kazakhstan, Head of the Permanent Representative office of the National Bank of Kazakhstan in Almaty
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