19 NOVEMBER 2025 [DAY 1] 

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08:30-09:00

 REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE

Participants arrive, register, and enjoy welcome coffee

Location: Gulf Auditorium - Floor 33

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09:15-09:25

 WELCOME ADDRESS

Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events 

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09:15-09:25

 CHAIRMAN OPENING ADDRESS

Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events

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09:25-09:55

PANEL SESSION + Q&A 

Trade Credit Insurance:

Managing Risks and Ensuring Financial Stability​

• Discussion of the role of trade credit insurance in managing risks and ensuring financial stability

• Examination of different types of trade credit insurance and their suitability for various situations

• Analysis of best practices for selecting and utilizing trade credit insurance effectively

Moderator: Ahmad Dabousi, Regional Vice President – Head of Trade Credit at ACE Gallagher
Bahaadeen Merhi, Commercial Director & Regional Head of Partnership at Coface

Aleem Siddiqui, Head of Finance - Gulf region at MBRF

Ayman Al Rayess, Commercial Director at Allianz Trade

Varun Divecha, Head of Commercial – Middle East at Atradius

Murad Fuad Awwad Fakhouri, Claims & Recoveries Manager at Etihad Credit Insurance

 

09:45-10:20

PANEL SESSION + Q&A

Exploring the Trade Finance Landscape: The Impact of Rapid Digital Transformation, Volatile Regulation and Advanced Innovation​

• Examination of the challenges and opportunities presented by rapid digital transformation

• Analysis of the impact of volatile regulations on business operations and decision-making

• Discussion on the role of advanced innovation in enhancing efficiency and competitiveness

Moderator: Maninder Bhandari, CEO of Delpasin DMCC

Huny Garg, Country Head KSA at SWIFT

Waël Emadaldin, Head of Global Trade Solutions & Working Capital Management at BNP Paribas

Vikas Jha, Managing Director & Senior Executive Officer at Finneva Financial Services (DIFC) Limited

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10:20-10:50

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Future Trends in Trade Finance:

Anticipating and Responding to Change​​

• Identifying key trends shaping the future of the industry (e.g., sustainability, supply chain resilience)

• Exploring proactive strategies for adapting to and mitigating potential risks and challenges

• Discussion of the role of collaboration and partnerships in navigating the evolving landscape

Moderator: Vincent O’Brien, Director at ICC UAE

Bharat Gupta, Sr VP & Head – Trade and Structured Finance at Olam Global Agri

Mohamed Rashad, Head of Trade Finance at Sharjah Islamic Bank

Viacheslav (Slava) Oganezov, Co-Founder & CEO of Finverity

Mohamed Shyam Anver, Associate Director, Technical Programs at China Systems Middle East

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10:50-11:20

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions

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11:20-11:50

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Trade Finance Risk Management: Strategies for a Volatile Market​

• Discussion of effective strategies for managing risks within volatile markets

• Exploration of risk mitigation techniques, including diversification and hedging

• Analysis of the role of technology in risk assessment and management

Moderator: Christelle El Metni, Senior Relationship Manager at Exante

Sagar Kasare, Head - Trade Finance, Axis Bank, DIFC

Malek Al-Khatib, Credit Insurance Manager at National General Insurance Co. PJSC

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11:50-12:15

 PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Navigating Regulatory Challenges in International Trade​

• Analysis of the complexities of international trade regulations and compliance requirements

• Discussion on strategies for effective risk management and mitigation of regulatory non-compliance

• Exploration of best practices for ensuring compliance in an ever-changing regulatory environment

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Edward Udny-Lister, Co-Chair, UAE-UK Business Council
Yan Bechet, Chief Operating Officer, UAE at HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

Leven Li, VP of Compliance, MEA at Crypto.com

 

12:15-12:40

FIRESIDE CHAT  + Q&A

Sustainable Trade Finance Practices:

ESG Integration in Global Transactions and Green Trade Practices

• Examination of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles in trade finance

• Discussion of methods for integrating sustainability into global transactions and green trade practices

• Exploration of opportunities for businesses to achieve both financial success and positive environmental and social impact

Moderator: Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events
Ashish Gokhale, Executive ‑ Business Development Strategic Marketing and Communications at National Bank of Fujairah PJSC

 

12:40-14:00

 NETWORKING LUNCH

Our Networking Lunch is proudly hosted by QUBE. Meet decision-makers, compare notes from the morning sessions, and set afternoon follow-ups - over a quality buffet and refreshments

Sponsored by UMCA

 

14:00-14:30

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Supply Chain Finance: Enhancing Resilience and Efficiency

• Exploration of strategies to enhance resilience and efficiency in global supply chains

• Discussion of the role of technology in optimizing supply chain finance processes

• Analysis of the impact of disruptions (e.g., pandemics, geopolitical instability) on supply chains

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Marcelo Moulin, Head of Trade and Working Capital Sales, Middle East and Africa at Citi

Sachin Rustagi, Head Trade Finance of Wio Bank PJSC

Aksinya Sorokina Kavanosyan, CFA Director, FSI Alvarez & Marsal Middle East

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14:30-14:55

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Leveraging AI for Trade Finance:

Automation and Smart Decision-Making​

• Exploration of the applications of AI and automation in trade finance processes

• Discussion of the potential benefits and challenges of AI adoption

• Analysis of the impact of AI on efficiency and decision-making

Moderator: Inna Le Guen, CEO at Management Advisory Limited

Ramy Fahmy, Regional Treasury Lead - MENA at Jacobs Solutions Inc.

Vinit Mishra, Head of Treasury – Nutrisco (ETG Group) | FCMA, CGMA, CIMA (UK), CTP at ETG Group

Ashish Kumar Singh, CEO at Loyyal

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14:55-15:30

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Cross-Border Payments and Emerging Trends in Financial Transactions​​

• Exploration of emerging trends and technologies impacting cross-border payments

• Discussion of strategies for optimizing efficiency and reducing costs in cross-border transactions

• Analysis of the regulatory and compliance considerations for cross-border payments

Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Najma Salman, Managing Director, Co-Head Institutional Cash & Trade CEEMEA Region at Deutsche Bank

Or Liban, Vice President & Managing Director at Airwallex

Ahmed Salahy, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Careem Pay

Mohamed Kortam, Regional Treasurer – Middle East & Africa at Lesaffre

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15:30-16:00

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Take a moment to connect with fellow attendees and discuss key insights

Sponsored by Finverity

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16:00-16:30​

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A

Trade Finance and Emerging Markets:

Exploring Opportunities and Challenges

• Exploration of opportunities and challenges in emerging markets

• Discussion of strategies for mitigating risks and navigating unique challenges

• Analysis of the potential for growth and investment in emerging markets

Moderator: Bagya Nambron, Senior Counsel at Bracewell LLP

Hamayoun Khan, Head of Trade Finance & Working Capital at Commercial Bank of Dubai
Michal Ron, Chief International Business Officer at Sace
Graham Scopes, UAE and Kuwait Country Head at UK Export Finance

​Abdul Gafoor Thange, Country Manager – UAE, ICIEC

 

16:30-16:40

CHAIRMAN CLOSING COMMENTS DAY 1

Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events​

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20 NOVEMBER 2025 [DAY 2]

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09:30-10:00

MORNING NETWORKING COFFEE

Participants arrive, and enjoy welcome coffee
Location: Gulf 5 Room

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10:00-10:25

FIRESIDE CHAT + Q&A

Combating Financial Crime in Trade Finance:

A Multifaceted Approach

• Identifying and Assessing Key Threats: Examining prevalent financial crimes in trade finance, including trade-based money laundering (TBML), sanctions evasion, and terrorist financing, along with emerging risks posed by technological advancements

• Implementing Robust Compliance Frameworks: Exploring best practices for due diligence, KYC/AML procedures, and transaction monitoring, emphasising the importance of effective internal controls and regulatory compliance.

• Leveraging Technology and Collaboration: Discussing the role of AI, machine learning, and data analytics in detecting suspicious activity, as well as the importance of information sharing and collaboration among financial institutions, government agencies, and international organisations

Moderator: Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events

​Ghansham Das, Head Group TBML Quality Assurance at Habib Bank AG Zurich

 

10:25-11:00

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

The Emerging Role of CPayO - the Chief Payment Officer

Viktoria Soltesz, Founder at The Soltesz Institute

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11:00-11:30

NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS

Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions

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​11:30-12:00

KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A

Geopolitical Influences on Trade Finance:
Adapting to Global Dynamics

• Disucssion on the impact of geopolitical events and instability on trade finance

• Discussion of strategies for mitigating risks associated with geopolitical uncertainties

• Exploration of opportunities to adapt and respond to changing global dynamics

Malek Al-Khatib, Credit Insurance Manager at National General Insurance Co. PJSC

 

​12:00-12:30

ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION + Q&A

Future Horizons - Charting the Course Ahead
for Trade Finance

• Technological Disruption: AI, blockchain, and API integration will revolutionise trade finance processes

• Geopolitical & Regulatory Shifts: Navigating evolving global landscapes and compliance challenges is crucial

• Emerging Market Opportunities: Expanding into developing economies offers significant growth potential

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12:30-12:45

CHAIRMAN CLOSING COMMENTS & KEY TAKEAWAYS

Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd

Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events

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12:45-14:00

NETWORKING LUNCH

Seal new partnerships at the Closing Networking Lunch, hosted by QUBE. This is your last chance to reconnect with prospects, confirm action items, and celebrate the day’s momentum - paired with a well-curated menu and refreshments.

Location: Cascade Restaurant on Ground Floor

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