OUR SPEAKERS
Robert Courtneidge
Payment Industry Expert
Robert Courtneidge is valued and respected industry expert in the emerging payments industry. He is working with a number of businesses assisting them on their strategy and products using his 30+ years legal experience to give them practical and innovative solutions. He is co-author and Editor of The PAYTECH Book 2020. He was co-founder of the Prepaid International Forum and has worked with the Emerging Payments Association since it was founded.
He has been regularly featured in the prestigious Payments Power 10 (including being ranked #1 in 2015), a highly competitive ranking of the most influential contributors in payments. As a lawyer in payments he was voted in the top 10 in the world by US publication Paybefore in 2015 being the only European in the list. As a lawyer he has worked closely with The Payments Services Regulator, HM Treasury, UK Finance and Financial Conduct Association, in the UK as well as other compliance and industry bodies globally. Robert has deep expertise in electronic money and payment services and is highly skilled in all aspects of payment services including consumer protection, banking regulation and compliance, and AML/CTF. Robert is highly active on the conference front regularly chairing and moderating events as well as speaking on issues facing the European Payments’ Industry including laws relating to blockchain, digital assets and Central Bank Digital Currencies.
Rich Wagner
CEO at Zempler Bank
Rich is CEO and founder of Zempler and has over 30 years of experience in payments and banking, including executive roles at Visa, Barclaycard and Providian. Outside of his work at Zempler, Rich is an active and vocal industry advocate including as a former Chair of the Payments Association and as a current member of the UK Finance Payments Board.
Stefan Pullicino
Payments Lead at Bank of Valletta
Stefan Pullicino is a seasoned Payments Lead at Bank of Valletta p.l.c., one of Malta's premier financial institutions. With extensive experience in banking and payment operational processing, Stefan excels in optimising transaction flows, enhancing efficiency, and integrating innovative systems for seamless domestic and cross-border payments. His expertise spans risk management, operational resilience, and adapting to evolving customer demands in a fast-paced digital landscape. Stefan brings a practical, hands-on approach to payment infrastructure, drawing from years of leadership in operational roles, and is committed to driving excellence in payments.
Sean Spiteri
Head of Payments at Kwiff
With over a decade of experience in the online gambling industry, Sean has gained a strong end-to-end understanding of player experience, compliance, and payments. He specialises in turning payments into a strategic growth driver, launching localised APMs across global markets and optimising PSP routing to improve approval rates whilst keeping costs low. Known for being hands-on, adaptable, and curious, he thrives in fast-paced, highly regulated iGaming environments and sees payments as a key competitive advantage.
Jean Noel Cutajar
Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at BNF Bank
Dr. Jean Noel Cutajar is a legal professional, specialising in banking, finance, and corporate law. Dr. Cutajar earned his Doctorate of Laws from the University of Malta in 2010 and further enhanced his knowledge with a Master of Laws, specialising in banking and finance, from the University of London in 2017.
Additionally, he holds a degree in company directorship from the UK Institute of Directors, London, in 2021. Throughout his career, Dr. Cutajar has advised various reputable companies and institutions, including HSBC Bank p.l.c. and the Central Bank of Malta, amongst others.
%20(1).jpg)
Justine Scerri Herrera
Partner at MK Fintech Partners Ltd
Dr. Justine Scerri Herrera is a Managing Partner at MK Fintech Partners which Maltese entity forms part of the Top Tier International ‘Michael Kyprianou’ group. Incidentally, MK is Top ranked in The Legal 500 and according to Gold Magazine is the 3rd Largest in size in Cyprus. Her areas of expertise include Fintech, Blockchain, Crypto and investments sectors. Justine mainly deals in advising and licencing for issuers and service providers falling under the Maltese Virtual Financial Assets Regulations (crypto & blockchain), Investment Services Act (Capital Market players, Capital Raising etc) and Financial Institutions Act (EMI, PI). Justine’s love for fintech and decentralisation sprouted 7 years ago while conducting her Doctoral and Masters Thesis’s focusing on jurisdiction in cyberspace and the rise of technology. Justine’s past work experience includes working for a Top Tier Investments Firm (Exante), an International Bank and a leading criminal law firm. Other academic accomplishes include a certification with the Malta Stock Exchange in ‘Securities and Trading’ and certification in ‘Virtual Financial Assets’. Notably, Justine formed part of Malta’s Digital Think Thank (Taskforce set up by the Maltese Government) and was recently nominated to be on the VFA Executive Committee which is part of the Malta Chamber of Commerce. Justine is also a true academic at heart and in her spare times often publishes research and speaks at events worldwide. Her favourite quote is ‘knowledge is power’.
Gege Gatt
CEO at EBO
Dr. Gege Gatt is the CEO of London-based company EBO an AI enterprise which automates citizen engagement. He is a digital entrepreneur, a TEDx speaker and has won the UK’s Enterprise Awards in 2024.
He is a WHO reviewer on healthcare information strategy. Gege serves as an Executive Board Member of the Malta IT Law Association and is a specialist examiner at the University of Malta. He’s a Board Member of Humanity 2.0 developed by the Vatican in Rome with a consortium of thought-leaders to identify and remove impediments to human flourishing. His doctoral degree is in IT Law.
Gilbert Grech
Compliance & Risk Officer – Associate Director at Swissquote Financial Services (Malta) Ltd
Gilbert Grech is a seasoned Governance, Risk, and Compliance professional with 20 years of experience in the financial and investment services industry. Currently serving as an Associate Director in Compliance & Risk, he specialises in regulatory compliance, internal controls, and the design and implementation of robust risk management frameworks that align with organisational objectives. Gilbert is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and resilience, leveraging data-driven insights to mitigate risks and ensure adherence to the highest standards. His expertise spans EU and local investment services landscapes, corporate governance policy development, audit coordination, and compliance monitoring, positioning him as a trusted advisor in navigating complex regulatory environments.
Maja Andreevska-Blazhevska
Head of Financial Crime Compliance & MLRO at Finance Incorporated Limited
An experienced and seasoned Compliance and MLRO with more than 20 years of experience in Compliance, Financial Crime and AML/ CFT operations. For the most of this tenure, she held senior managerial positions within the finance industry, primarily banking.
She holds Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies, Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and Executive MBA in Finance. In addition to these academic achievements, she is also a Certified Compliance Officer and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer.
Former Lecturer for Certified Compliance Specialists on the Academy of Banking and Information Technology (ABIT) in Skopje, on the one-year specialization course for young professionals aiming to become Compliance Officers.
During her professional engagements, she managed vast number of projects in the following fields: Corporate governance, Regulatory compliance, Financial Crime, AML/CFT activities, Reporting, GDPR, Risk management, regulatory alignment and participated in various panels and discussion forums in challenging the practical aspects of current and upcoming legislation/regulation.
Currently works as Head of Financial Crime Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) in Finance Incorporated Limited (FIL).
Annalise Vassallo Seguna
Managing Legal Counsel at Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA)
Annalise Vassallo Seguna holds the position of a Managing Legal Officer at MDIA. She practices in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Distributed Ledger Technologies and contract law. Dr. Vassallo Seguna also assists in the drafting of legislation and serves as an advisor on a number of boards related to the schemes and initiatives of the MDIA. She graduated with a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta in 2018 and was granted the warrant to practice law in 2019. Apart from her extensive experience in civil and commercial law, Dr. Vassallo Seguna also holds a Masters in Distributed Ledger Technologies.
Jürg Baltensperger
Managing Director at JayBee Ltd
Jürg Baltensperger is one of the most experienced and well-known pioneers in the field of regulation & compliance for financial intermediaries in FinTech and Blockchain. As a graduated lawyer, risk manager & business economist and certified Blockchain expert, he covers regulatory aspects in his field of expertise in a holistic approach.
With the consulting firm JayBee he founded in 2017, Jürg and his team support around 120+ financial intermediaries in the areas of fintech & blockchain such as banks, asset managers and crypto exchanges. JayBee serves clients from startup level to international collaborations with regulatory consulting, licensing and outsourcing services. JayBee also provides staff lending & recruiting services and partners with various IT tool provider in order to offer implementation of RegTech solutions.
Jürg teaches in the areas of Corporate Governance, Risk Management & Compliance at universities of applied sciences and set up his own education CAS Digital Compliance Officer at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, where compliance officers, auditors & regulators are made fit in the areas of FinTech & Crypto.
Julian Goffin
Co-founder and CEO at Alunafi Ltd
Julian is a commercially driven C-level payments expert with over 15 years of experience in the payments industry. As CEO and Co-Founder of Alunafi, an innovative payment institution, Julian combines strategic vision with seamless execution to drive business success through collaboration, innovation and embracing the technologies surrounding Blockchain and AI.
Previously, Julian played a pivotal role in scaling his former company from startup to multimillion-pound revenues. His leadership philosophy focuses on empowering teams to take initiative and fostering a culture of shared leadership. By streamlining processes, optimizing costs, and ensuring sustainable, organic growth, Julian has consistently delivered exceptional results.
He firmly believes that effective leadership is rooted in collaboration and the recognition that empowering others is the key to long-term success.
Dylan Cuschieri Tonna
Senior Manager, Financial Crime Compliance at MFSA
Dylan Cuschieri Tonna joined the Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) in 2018, after a 3-year stint with a local bank in Malta. He is a seasoned professional in financial crime compliance, currently occupying the position of a Senior Manager within the Financial Crime Compliance Function at the MFSA. Throughout his career, Dylan has been involved in several projects, assignments and investigations related to ML and TF.
Dylan holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Financial Services Management from MCAST University, where he graduated with First Class honours. He continued to specialise in financial services, becoming a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and completing an International Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering and an International Diploma in Managing Sanctions Risk, both from the University of Manchester. He also possesses Crypto Currency Investigator (Advanced) accreditation from the Blockchain Intelligence Group.
Charmaine Calleja
Head of Financial Crime Compliance/MLRO at Lidion Bank
Charmaine has over 12 years’ experience in both Financial Crime Compliance and AML/CFT. She is a former Compliance Manager and MLRO within an international CSP. Her experience also involved working for an international forex company as a compliance administrator, as well as working as a Senior Compliance Officer with an acquiring Bank. She is currently Head of Financial Crime Compliance and MLRO at Lidion Bank Plc. Charmaine holds a Diploma in AML and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance with ICA, as well as MS.C in Financial Crime Compliance in Digital Society obtained from Manchester University. Charmaine is currently reading for a Diploma in Law.
Stephanos Papadopoulos
Founder & CEO at Spatzia.eu
Stephanos is an International Trusted Advisor, Accredited Coach and Consultant to Founders Entrepreneurs, Business Owners and C-Level Executives. He is also a Board Member, Public Speaker and Podcast Creator & Host. He has first-hand experience in C-Level roles in countries across the globe in high pressure, fast paced, international board rooms and can relate to the opportunities and threats that these environments create for the leaders involved.
Stephanos creates space for his clients, which allows them to fine-tune and increase their creativity, focus and resolve, for what matters to them most. His work with his clients enables their growth and supports them in making bigger, better and more confident decisions on a professional and personal basis.
He has worked in C Suite, Advisory Board and Board of Directors Level positions in strategy, finance and operations, as well as a consultant and coach in numerous industries (financial services, FMCG, retail trade, manufacturing, high tech, education, mining, construction, heavy machinery trading, automobile trade) on an international basis, in companies from start up to mature phase, backed primarily by Family Office, Private Equity and VC funding.
Peter-Jan Grech
Founder and CEO at BRND WGN
Peter-Jan Grech is a brand strategist, keynote speaker, podcast host, and the CEO and Founder of BRND WGN, an international brand advisory firm helping organisations define and express who they truly are.
For over two decades, Peter-Jan has worked with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives to build purposeful brands that inspire trust and drive growth. His approach blends strategic clarity with human insight — helping leaders connect their vision with the people they serve.
He is also the creator of the Rock’N’Role™ Personal Branding Framework, a methodology designed to help individuals align who they are with the impact they want to have, transforming authenticity into influence and purpose into opportunity.
As host of the UnbrandMe podcast, Peter-Jan explores the untold stories of founders and leaders who challenge convention and build brands rooted in meaning. On stage, his talks are known for their energy, honesty, and depth — inspiring audiences to rethink how brands, businesses, and individuals can lead with clarity, creativity, and conviction.
At the heart of all his work is a guiding principle: better people build better brands.
Matthew Farrugia
Head of Product at Lidion Bank
Matthew Farrugia is Head of Product at Lidion Bank, where he focuses on building and evolving digital banking and payment capabilities in a fully regulated environment. His background spans data engineering, fintech startups, and product leadership, shaping a hands-on and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. At Lidion, he works closely with technology and compliance teams on initiatives such as SEPA Instant, Verification of Payee, cross-border payment flows, and platform integrations. Matthew brings a grounded, execution-driven perspective on how banks can move forward without losing sight of client experience or trust. He is particularly interested in how real-world constraints - regulatory, technical, and operational - shape the payments we rely on every day.
Stephanie Agius Lia
VP Compliance, AML & Risk at Paytently
Recently joined Paytently PI, where she leads the Compliance and AML team. She fell in love with the world of AML and Compliance because it’s rooted in doing what’s right and guiding organisations toward responsible, compliant growth. She’s energised by the fast-moving regulatory landscape, which keeps her sharp, curious, and constantly evolving. Stephanie brings a practical, people-focused approach to building strong compliance cultures that can thrive in a changing environment.
Matteo Alessandro
Senior Legal Associate at MK Fintech Partners Ltd
Dr. Matteo Alessandro is a legal professional specialising in fintech, crypto-assets, and financial regulation. He holds an LL.B. (Hons.), an M.A. in European Politics, Economics and Law, and a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta, and is certified as a GDPR Implementer and Cybersecurity Analyst.
He is currently Head of Crypto at MK Fintech Partners, having joined the firm as a Legal Associate in 2022 and being promoted to Senior Associate the following year. His practice focuses on distributed ledger technology (DLT), cryptocurrencies, fintech, financial and payment services, and regulatory compliance, including advising on MiFID, PSD, EMD, MiCA, RTSs, and DORA. Dr. Alessandro has led numerous fintech and VFA licence applications, drafting business plans, policies, and related documentation.
In addition to his legal practice, he served as Internal Auditor of the European Law Students’ Association from 2021 to 2024, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. With strong software development skills and technological insight, he effectively bridges the gap between technological implementation and legal compliance.
Tim Khamzin
Founder and CEO at Vivox AI
Tim is the Founder and CEO of Vivox AI, where he leads the development of AI Digital Workers to streamline compliance operations for banks and fintech companies. With over 10 years of experience in the banking and fintech sectors, Tim began his career at KPMG and went on to lead key initiatives in a digital transformation program at Central Europe’s largest bank, reducing its operational workforce from 24,000 to 5,800 employees. He also scaled a Business Process Outsourcing company to $45M in revenue and developed compliance solutions for Tier 1 banks. Tim holds an MBA from London Business School and is passionate about payments, regtech, and implementing AI applications in compliance.
James Bennett
Founder and CEO at Stable Mint
James Bennett is the Founder and CEO of Stable Mint, a MiCA-compliant stablecoin issuer and licensed Electronic Money Institution (EMI) regulated by the MFSA. He has worked on the regulated side of digital assets since 2017, with a focus on stablecoins, payments, and bridging traditional finance with blockchain infrastructure. His experience includes launching the world’s first bitcoin-and-gold ETP (BOLD), leading a FINMA-approved tokenised gold product (DGLD), and securing EMI authorisation under Europe’s digital asset regulatory framework. At Stable Mint, James leads the issuance of their regulated EUR and USD stablecoins, connected directly to banking rails to enable near-instant, low-cost cross-border transactions that combine FIAT and stablecoins into a single payment flow.
Robert Azzopardi
CTO at Smart Technologies
Robert Azzopardi is the Chief Technology Officer at Smart Technologies, leading the company’s strategy across cybersecurity, cloud and enterprise platforms. With over 20 years’ experience, he has delivered mission-critical systems for organisations in financial services, hospitality and the public sector.
Robert specialises in building secure, resilient environments focused on uptime, incident readiness and regulatory compliance. He plays a key role in shaping Smart Technologies’ cybersecurity and managed security services, aligned to frameworks such as DORA and NIS2.
He has led major digital transformation and cloud projects, supporting clients through complex risk and operational resilience challenges.
Robert is passionate about using technology to strengthen cyber resilience and enable sustainable business growth.
Erika Borg
Head of Product Operations (ComplyRadar) at Computime FinTech
Erika Borg is the Head of Product at Computime FinTech, working in solutions focused on the FinTech and RegTech domain with particular focus on credit and financial institutions products. She graduated from the University of Malta with Honours in 2010 in Information Technology, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. She holds an MBA from Heriot- Watt University (Edinburgh) and also a certification in Financial Risk Management in Banks from the London Institute of Banking and Finance. Erika has worked in IT for over 14 years engaging in various roles and has specialized in the RegTech space for the past 8 years with hands on experience in the provision of regulatory and compliance solutions working with major credit and financial institutions.
Corinna Scatena
Head of Legal & Governance at Getnet Europe by Santander
Corinna is a payments and fintech professional with extensive in-house and consultancy experience, specialised in the legal, compliance, and risk management aspects of the industry. She has a strong focus on regulatory go-to-market strategies combined with a solid operational understanding of fintech products and processes related to digital banking, payments, open banking, e-commerce, innovation, and strategic partnerships. She is dedicated to fostering innovation within the sector.
Currently Head of Legal & Governance at Getnet Europe, a PagoNxt company by Banco Santander, which provides cross-border payments and acquiring solutions across Europe, with the strongest presence in Spain & Portugal. Her areas of expertise include regulatory frameworks, actively participating in several industry working groups (Digital Euro, FIDA, PSD3, etc.) and interactions with authorities and EU institutions.
With extensive experience in neobanking, Corinna previously worked at a European challenger bank where she led the regulatory, compliance, and legal function. She was an integral part of the team that built a banking app from scratch.
Corinna is a qualified member of the International Compliance Association and an international speaker. Passionate about education and gender equality, she founded MissFintech in 2021, a financial literacy program designed for teenagers. She also serves as a Lecturer in several universities' Fintech & Regtech programs.
Camille Pepos
Head of FinTech Supervision at MFSA
Camille Pepos was appointed as Head of FinTech Supervision in March 2024 after joining the MFSA in 2020 following the creation of this same function within the Authority.
Since joining, he has developed and implemented authorisation and supervisory practices in the field of crypto assets and actively contributed to positioning MFSA as a pioneer in FinTech supervision. Camille represents the MFSA within various Committees of the European Supervisory Authorities and is currently involved in a number of European network groups related to crypto assets.
In his capacity as Secretary of the MFSA’s Authorisation Forum and Chair of the MFSA’s Supervisory Forum he has gained extensive knowledge in regulation, supervision and enforcement through his contribution to the implementation of a number of strategic projects within the organisation.
Camille has both public and private sector experience in Europe and in the Middle East supporting companies interlinking financial services and technology. At the start of his career he held various roles in private banking, fundraising, fintech advisory and corporate services.
An economist by academic background, Camille also possesses two Master degrees in Finance and Wealth Management from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and IAE Graduate School of Management.
Dhayalaruban Thangaraja
Director of Internal Audit at BDO Malta
Dhayalaruban (Ruban) Thangaraja is the Director of Internal Audit at BDO Malta, where he leads the firm’s Internal Audit service line and oversees a diverse portfolio of regulated clients across the banking, fintech, investment, insurance and gaming sectors.
Before joining BDO Malta, Ruban held leadership roles with Big Four firms in Malta, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, overseeing the delivery of internal audit and risk consulting services within the financial services industry.
He has been instrumental in driving the digital transformation of BDO’s internal audit function, integrating AI-enabled automation tools to enhance efficiency and impact. As a mentor and contributor to the internal audit community, Ruban regularly engages in discussions on fintech, crypto, and AI.
In 2025, he was honoured with the Young Professional of the Year Award by the Global Institute of Internal Auditors, recognising his leadership, innovation, and contribution to advancing the profession.
Ian Coppini
Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory leader at Deloitte Malta
Ian Coppini leads the Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory business at Deloitte Malta, bringing over 25 years of experience in governance, risk management, and regulatory advisory. A trusted advisor to financial services organisations, Ian combines deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen to help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and build resilient risk frameworks.
Transitioning from 18 years in Audit & Assurance, Ian now spearheads a multidisciplinary team delivering integrated advisory services across Risk, Regulatory & Financial Crime, and Strategy & Transactions. He directs engagements spanning regulatory advisory, financial crime mitigation, internal audit, and enterprise risk management—with particular expertise in the Payments, Banking, and Insurance sectors.
In his role as Financial Services Industry Leader at Deloitte Malta, Ian brings a strategic perspective to the firm's engagement with the financial services sector, leveraging his extensive cross-functional background to advance thought leadership on governance and compliance challenges. His broad understanding of regulatory requirements, combined with his ability to translate complex risk frameworks into actionable business strategies, positions him as a valued partner for organisations seeking to strengthen their control environments and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly regulated environment.
Roman Zilber
Founder at Intrepid Fox
Roman Zilber is an international banker with over 30 years of experience at leading US and European banks, including Bank of America, Crédit Agricole, and Raiffeisen. Two years ago, he founded Intrepid Fox—an AI-powered SaaS platform focused on KYB. With deep knowledge of financial operations and where automation often fails, Roman set out to solve a key problem in digital transformation: the messy mix of manual and automated processes. He brings both strategic insight and practical experience to improving compliance and onboarding.
Michael Carr
CEO at Buen Crypto Consulting Ireland
Michael is an experienced Project Manager with over 18-years in the traditional banking sector, specialising in IT Change, New Regulatory and Compliance Implementation and Payments.
In 2018, Michael entered the world of crypto through an interest in trading. In 2022, he founded Buen Crypto Consulting, Ireland and the UKs only dedicated professional services organisation for Blockchain and Digital Assets.
Buen Crypto Consulting offers a range of advisory services, tailored for the fast growing and maturing crypto, blockchain and digital assets markets. Amongst Buen Crypto Consulting's services are project management of authorisation requests, supervisory engagement, development of client risk and compliance strategies and, multi-jurisdictional regulatory support in Europe, UK and Middle East.
January 2024, Michael was appointed Ireland's Ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council, reflecting his contributions in the blockchain sector.
Jean Carl Grech
Senior Director - International Product at Global Payments
Jean Carl Grech leads product strategy and development at Global Payments, focusing on driving innovation across global eCommerce and payment ecosystems. With extensive experience in payments infrastructure, Jean Carl is particularly passionate about the intersection of technology and commerce, from seamless checkout experiences to fostering long-term customer relationships. He is currently working on initiatives that integrate next-gen payment solutions across markets in Europe and APAC, with a special focus on omnichannel enablement and leveraging advanced AI and data for personalization in the payment experience.
Clare Pearson
Co-Founder Payments Specialist at Pearson Booth Consulting
Clare is a highly accomplished payment professional with extensive experience in the Payments and Financial Services industry. She has a proven track record of delivering strategic and technical initiatives across global expansion programs, e-commerce, omni channel solutions, Alternative Payment Methods (APMs), and domestic and international schemes. Her expertise spans multiple channels and gateways, ensuring seamless payment solutions.
With a strong focus on financial services and payments, Clare excels in developing roadmaps, setting priorities, and driving the successful delivery of innovative solutions.
As a specialist in Open Banking, she leverages her deep industry knowledge to spearhead user-centric product development and enhance customer experiences.
She has led transformational change teams within the payments sector, holding key positions in both Product Management and Operations.
Clare remains actively engaged with industry trends, regulatory updates, and evolving payment ecosystems, ensuring that businesses stay ahead in a rapidly shifting financial landscape.
Jonathan Shaw
Partner, Hatten M&A Advisory
Jon is a seasoned business leader with extensive expertise in post-merger business transformation, driving growth and value for stakeholders through strategic change. His career began with an entrepreneurial venture during university, and since then, he has gained diverse experience across industries, including event management, TV production, marketing, e-commerce, and retail. As Executive Chair of Retail Marketing Limited, Jon led the successful merger and rebranding of the group into Welbee’s supermarkets. Later, as CEO, he oversaw a significant business transformation, increasing market share, expanding the customer base, and driving store expansion. His ability to navigate complex post-merger integrations was key to Welbee’s growth. Jon stepped down from the role in November 2024 to set-up and launch Hatten M&A Advisory. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, an MBA, and is certified in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching. Jon has worked on mergers and acquisitions in Malta and also worked in Sydney and New York, further enriching his global business perspective.
Greg Papanastasiou
Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Play North
Greg Papanastasiou is Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Play North, with over 16 years in iGaming, building and leading AML, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and responsible gambling teams. His career includes C-level roles at GM Gaming (Part of SuperGroup) and Kaizen Gaming (Stoiximan/ Betano), progressing from customer service and operations to executive leadership in high-stakes environments. Holding degrees in Economics (Athens University) and MBAs from Piraeus and MSc in Education from Roehampton University, he excels in risk management across Malta's gambling sector.
James Erik Craggs
Director in Product Development & Design at Mastercard
James Erik Craggs is a Director in Product Development & Design at Mastercard,
where he drives the evolution of current and future financial crime solutions.
He focuses on balancing cutting‑edge risk innovation with measurable commercial value.
James leads the development of advanced detection methodologies and new risk taxonomies.
He ensures product capabilities remain effective, explainable, scalable and market‑ready.
Working closely with commercial, regulatory and academic partners, he shapes solutions that help clients detect threats earlier and reduce operational costs.
His work supports clients in meeting rising regulatory expectations across global markets.
Kamran Hedjri
Group CEO at PXP
The end-to-end payment platform: PXP Financial provides a single unified payments platform to accept payments online, on mobile and at the point of sale. Powered by inhouse acquiring, 200+ alternative payment methods & financial services, PXP processes over EUR 21.5 billion annually through our unified gateway. Whatever your business needs today or tomorrow, PXP Financials’ innovative payment platform will support your business growth with all the payment services you will ever need from one source, wherever your business takes you.
Piotr Lisak
Senior MLRO & AML Governance Officer at FDJ
Piotr is a seasoned professional with proven experience in legal, compliance, and AML matters, having worked as legal counsel, negotiator, compliance officer, and MLRO within the financial services sector, including asset management and corporate service providers, as well as the i-gaming industry. He has participated in the EGBA AML Expert Working Group and brings hands-on experience across multiple jurisdictions such as Luxembourg and Malta, with exposure to a wide range of legal and regulatory frameworks. Piotr is an ICA Certified Practitioner and holds the ICA Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering; he is also a CAMS holder and serves as a board member of the ACAMS Malta Chapter. He is deeply passionate about legal developments in AML and regulatory compliance, particularly within the gambling and crypto industries.
David Nolan
CEO at Figure Markets Europe
David Nolan, based in Ireland, is currently a Chief Executive Officer Figure Markets Ireland at Figure. David Nolan brings experience from previous roles at Pionew Europe, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange, Avant Money and Ulster Bank. David Nolan holds a 2018 - 2018 Axelos.
David Nolan
CEO at Figure Markets Europe
David Nolan, based in Ireland, is currently a Chief Executive Officer Figure Markets Ireland at Figure. David Nolan brings experience from previous roles at Pionew Europe, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange, Avant Money and Ulster Bank. David Nolan holds a 2018 - 2018 Axelos.
Ready to Hear from the Most Influential Payments, Compliance & RegTech Leaders?
#npf
NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum
OUR SPEAKERS
Robert Courtneidge
Payment Industry Expert
Robert Courtneidge is valued and respected industry expert in the emerging payments industry. He is working with a number of businesses assisting them on their strategy and products using his 30+ years legal experience to give them practical and innovative solutions. He is co-author and Editor of The PAYTECH Book 2020. He was co-founder of the Prepaid International Forum and has worked with the Emerging Payments Association since it was founded.
He has been regularly featured in the prestigious Payments Power 10 (including being ranked #1 in 2015), a highly competitive ranking of the most influential contributors in payments. As a lawyer in payments he was voted in the top 10 in the world by US publication Paybefore in 2015 being the only European in the list. As a lawyer he has worked closely with The Payments Services Regulator, HM Treasury, UK Finance and Financial Conduct Association, in the UK as well as other compliance and industry bodies globally. Robert has deep expertise in electronic money and payment services and is highly skilled in all aspects of payment services including consumer protection, banking regulation and compliance, and AML/CTF. Robert is highly active on the conference front regularly chairing and moderating events as well as speaking on issues facing the European Payments’ Industry including laws relating to blockchain, digital assets and Central Bank Digital Currencies.
Rich Wagner
CEO at Zempler Bank
Rich is CEO and founder of Zempler and has over 30 years of experience in payments and banking, including executive roles at Visa, Barclaycard and Providian. Outside of his work at Zempler, Rich is an active and vocal industry advocate including as a former Chair of the Payments Association and as a current member of the UK Finance Payments Board.
Stefan Pullicino
Payments Lead at Bank of Valletta
Stefan Pullicino is a seasoned Payments Lead at Bank of Valletta p.l.c., one of Malta's premier financial institutions. With extensive experience in banking and payment operational processing, Stefan excels in optimising transaction flows, enhancing efficiency, and integrating innovative systems for seamless domestic and cross-border payments. His expertise spans risk management, operational resilience, and adapting to evolving customer demands in a fast-paced digital landscape. Stefan brings a practical, hands-on approach to payment infrastructure, drawing from years of leadership in operational roles, and is committed to driving excellence in payments.
Sean Spiteri
Head of Payments at Kwiff
With over a decade of experience in the online gambling industry, Sean has gained a strong end-to-end understanding of player experience, compliance, and payments. He specialises in turning payments into a strategic growth driver, launching localised APMs across global markets and optimising PSP routing to improve approval rates whilst keeping costs low. Known for being hands-on, adaptable, and curious, he thrives in fast-paced, highly regulated iGaming environments and sees payments as a key competitive advantage.
Jean Noel Cutajar
Chief Legal & Compliance Officer at BNF Bank
Dr. Jean Noel Cutajar is a legal professional, specialising in banking, finance, and corporate law. Dr. Cutajar earned his Doctorate of Laws from the University of Malta in 2010 and further enhanced his knowledge with a Master of Laws, specialising in banking and finance, from the University of London in 2017.
Additionally, he holds a degree in company directorship from the UK Institute of Directors, London, in 2021. Throughout his career, Dr. Cutajar has advised various reputable companies and institutions, including HSBC Bank p.l.c. and the Central Bank of Malta, amongst others.
Justine Scerri Herrera
Partner at MK Fintech Partners Ltd
Dr. Justine Scerri Herrera is a Managing Partner at MK Fintech Partners which Maltese entity forms part of the Top Tier International ‘Michael Kyprianou’ group. Incidentally, MK is Top ranked in The Legal 500 and according to Gold Magazine is the 3rd Largest in size in Cyprus. Her areas of expertise include Fintech, Blockchain, Crypto and investments sectors. Justine mainly deals in advising and licencing for issuers and service providers falling under the Maltese Virtual Financial Assets Regulations (crypto & blockchain), Investment Services Act (Capital Market players, Capital Raising etc) and Financial Institutions Act (EMI, PI). Justine’s love for fintech and decentralisation sprouted 7 years ago while conducting her Doctoral and Masters Thesis’s focusing on jurisdiction in cyberspace and the rise of technology. Justine’s past work experience includes working for a Top Tier Investments Firm (Exante), an International Bank and a leading criminal law firm. Other academic accomplishes include a certification with the Malta Stock Exchange in ‘Securities and Trading’ and certification in ‘Virtual Financial Assets’. Notably, Justine formed part of Malta’s Digital Think Thank (Taskforce set up by the Maltese Government) and was recently nominated to be on the VFA Executive Committee which is part of the Malta Chamber of Commerce. Justine is also a true academic at heart and in her spare times often publishes research and speaks at events worldwide. Her favourite quote is ‘knowledge is power’.
Gege Gatt
CEO at EBO
Dr. Gege Gatt is the CEO of London-based company EBO an AI enterprise which automates citizen engagement. He is a digital entrepreneur, a TEDx speaker and has won the UK’s Enterprise Awards in 2024.
He is a WHO reviewer on healthcare information strategy. Gege serves as an Executive Board Member of the Malta IT Law Association and is a specialist examiner at the University of Malta. He’s a Board Member of Humanity 2.0 developed by the Vatican in Rome with a consortium of thought-leaders to identify and remove impediments to human flourishing. His doctoral degree is in IT Law.
Gilbert Grech
Compliance & Risk Officer – Associate Director at Swissquote Financial Services (Malta) Ltd
Gilbert Grech is a seasoned Governance, Risk, and Compliance professional with 20 years of experience in the financial and investment services industry. Currently serving as an Associate Director in Compliance & Risk, he specialises in regulatory compliance, internal controls, and the design and implementation of robust risk management frameworks that align with organisational objectives. Gilbert is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration, integrity, and resilience, leveraging data-driven insights to mitigate risks and ensure adherence to the highest standards. His expertise spans EU and local investment services landscapes, corporate governance policy development, audit coordination, and compliance monitoring, positioning him as a trusted advisor in navigating complex regulatory environments.
Maja Andreevska-Blazhevska
Head of Financial Crime Compliance & MLRO at Finance Incorporated Limited
An experienced and seasoned Compliance and MLRO with more than 20 years of experience in Compliance, Financial Crime and AML/ CFT operations. For the most of this tenure, she held senior managerial positions within the finance industry, primarily banking.
She holds Bachelor’s Degree in Legal Studies, Diploma in Strategic Management and Leadership and Executive MBA in Finance. In addition to these academic achievements, she is also a Certified Compliance Officer and a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Officer.
Former Lecturer for Certified Compliance Specialists on the Academy of Banking and Information Technology (ABIT) in Skopje, on the one-year specialization course for young professionals aiming to become Compliance Officers.
During her professional engagements, she managed vast number of projects in the following fields: Corporate governance, Regulatory compliance, Financial Crime, AML/CFT activities, Reporting, GDPR, Risk management, regulatory alignment and participated in various panels and discussion forums in challenging the practical aspects of current and upcoming legislation/regulation.
Currently works as Head of Financial Crime Compliance & Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) in Finance Incorporated Limited (FIL).
Annalise Vassallo Seguna
Lead Legal Counsel at MDIA
Annalise Vassallo Seguna holds the position of a Managing Legal Officer at MDIA. She practices in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Distributed Ledger Technologies and contract law. Dr. Vassallo Seguna also assists in the drafting of legislation and serves as an advisor on a number of boards related to the schemes and initiatives of the MDIA. She graduated with a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta in 2018 and was granted the warrant to practice law in 2019. Apart from her extensive experience in civil and commercial law, Dr. Vassallo Seguna also holds a Masters in Distributed Ledger Technologies.
Jürg Baltensperger
Managing Director at JayBee Ltd
Jürg Baltensperger is one of the most experienced and well-known pioneers in the field of regulation & compliance for financial intermediaries in FinTech and Blockchain. As a graduated lawyer, risk manager & business economist and certified Blockchain expert, he covers regulatory aspects in his field of expertise in a holistic approach.
With the consulting firm JayBee he founded in 2017, Jürg and his team support around 120+ financial intermediaries in the areas of fintech & blockchain such as banks, asset managers and crypto exchanges. JayBee serves clients from startup level to international collaborations with regulatory consulting, licensing and outsourcing services. JayBee also provides staff lending & recruiting services and partners with various IT tool provider in order to offer implementation of RegTech solutions.
Jürg teaches in the areas of Corporate Governance, Risk Management & Compliance at universities of applied sciences and set up his own education CAS Digital Compliance Officer at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences, where compliance officers, auditors & regulators are made fit in the areas of FinTech & Crypto.
Julian Goffin
Co-founder and CEO at Alunafi Ltd
Julian is a commercially driven C-level payments expert with over 15 years of experience in the payments industry. As CEO and Co-Founder of Alunafi, an innovative payment institution, Julian combines strategic vision with seamless execution to drive business success through collaboration, innovation and embracing the technologies surrounding Blockchain and AI.
Previously, Julian played a pivotal role in scaling his former company from startup to multimillion-pound revenues. His leadership philosophy focuses on empowering teams to take initiative and fostering a culture of shared leadership. By streamlining processes, optimizing costs, and ensuring sustainable, organic growth, Julian has consistently delivered exceptional results.
He firmly believes that effective leadership is rooted in collaboration and the recognition that empowering others is the key to long-term success.
Dylan Cuschieri Tonna
Senior Manager, Financial Crime Compliance at MFSA
Dylan Cuschieri Tonna joined the Malta Financial Services Authority (“MFSA”) in 2018, after a 3-year stint with a local bank in Malta. He is a seasoned professional in financial crime compliance, currently occupying the position of a Senior Manager within the Financial Crime Compliance Function at the MFSA. Throughout his career, Dylan has been involved in several projects, assignments and investigations related to ML and TF.
Dylan holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Financial Services Management from MCAST University, where he graduated with First Class honours. He continued to specialise in financial services, becoming a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and completing an International Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering and an International Diploma in Managing Sanctions Risk, both from the University of Manchester. He also possesses Crypto Currency Investigator (Advanced) accreditation from the Blockchain Intelligence Group.
Charmaine Calleja
Head of Financial Crime Compliance/MLRO at Lidion Bank
Charmaine has over 12 years’ experience in both Financial Crime Compliance and AML/CFT. She is a former Compliance Manager and MLRO within an international CSP. Her experience also involved working for an international forex company as a compliance administrator, as well as working as a Senior Compliance Officer with an acquiring Bank. She is currently Head of Financial Crime Compliance and MLRO at Lidion Bank Plc. Charmaine holds a Diploma in AML and a Post-Graduate Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance with ICA, as well as MS.C in Financial Crime Compliance in Digital Society obtained from Manchester University. Charmaine is currently reading for a Diploma in Law.
Stephanos Papadopoulos
Founder & CEO at Spatzia.eu
Stephanos is an International Trusted Advisor, Accredited Coach and Consultant to Founders Entrepreneurs, Business Owners and C-Level Executives. He is also a Board Member, Public Speaker and Podcast Creator & Host. He has first-hand experience in C-Level roles in countries across the globe in high pressure, fast paced, international board rooms and can relate to the opportunities and threats that these environments create for the leaders involved.
Stephanos creates space for his clients, which allows them to fine-tune and increase their creativity, focus and resolve, for what matters to them most. His work with his clients enables their growth and supports them in making bigger, better and more confident decisions on a professional and personal basis.
He has worked in C Suite, Advisory Board and Board of Directors Level positions in strategy, finance and operations, as well as a consultant and coach in numerous industries (financial services, FMCG, retail trade, manufacturing, high tech, education, mining, construction, heavy machinery trading, automobile trade) on an international basis, in companies from start up to mature phase, backed primarily by Family Office, Private Equity and VC funding.
Peter-Jan Grech
Founder and CEO at BRND WGN
Peter-Jan Grech is a brand strategist, keynote speaker, podcast host, and the CEO and Founder of BRND WGN, an international brand advisory firm helping organisations define and express who they truly are.
For over two decades, Peter-Jan has worked with business leaders, entrepreneurs, and creatives to build purposeful brands that inspire trust and drive growth. His approach blends strategic clarity with human insight — helping leaders connect their vision with the people they serve.
He is also the creator of the Rock’N’Role™ Personal Branding Framework, a methodology designed to help individuals align who they are with the impact they want to have, transforming authenticity into influence and purpose into opportunity.
As host of the UnbrandMe podcast, Peter-Jan explores the untold stories of founders and leaders who challenge convention and build brands rooted in meaning. On stage, his talks are known for their energy, honesty, and depth — inspiring audiences to rethink how brands, businesses, and individuals can lead with clarity, creativity, and conviction.
At the heart of all his work is a guiding principle: better people build better brands.
Matthew Farrugia
Head of Product at Lidion Bank
Matthew Farrugia is Head of Product at Lidion Bank, where he focuses on building and evolving digital banking and payment capabilities in a fully regulated environment. His background spans data engineering, fintech startups, and product leadership, shaping a hands-on and pragmatic approach to problem-solving. At Lidion, he works closely with technology and compliance teams on initiatives such as SEPA Instant, Verification of Payee, cross-border payment flows, and platform integrations. Matthew brings a grounded, execution-driven perspective on how banks can move forward without losing sight of client experience or trust. He is particularly interested in how real-world constraints - regulatory, technical, and operational - shape the payments we rely on every day.
Bernard Swierczyna
Group CISO at Legend Trading
Bernard Swierczyna is an accomplished executive in the field of Information Security and Technology, currently serving as Group CISO and PCF-49 CIO for Ireland at Legend Trading since July 2025. Prior roles include Chief Information Officer for the EU at OKX, Executive Director of Cloud Security at JPMorgan Chase & Co., and Chief Information Security Officer at both Vivid Money and First Ireland Risk Management. With extensive experience managing information and data security, Bernard has a proven track record in overseeing IT departments, ensuring secure operations, and working closely with procurement to maintain compliance with security standards. Bernard's educational background includes multiple advanced degrees in business and cybersecurity from prestigious institutions such as the Irish Management Institute and Dublin City University.
Stephanie Agius Lia
VP Compliance, AML & Risk at Paytently
Recently joined Paytently PI, where she leads the Compliance and AML team. She fell in love with the world of AML and Compliance because it’s rooted in doing what’s right and guiding organisations toward responsible, compliant growth. She’s energised by the fast-moving regulatory landscape, which keeps her sharp, curious, and constantly evolving. Stephanie brings a practical, people-focused approach to building strong compliance cultures that can thrive in a changing environment.
Matteo Alessandro
Senior Legal Associate at MK Fintech Partners Ltd
Dr. Matteo Alessandro is a legal professional specialising in fintech, crypto-assets, and financial regulation. He holds an LL.B. (Hons.), an M.A. in European Politics, Economics and Law, and a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta, and is certified as a GDPR Implementer and Cybersecurity Analyst.
He is currently Head of Crypto at MK Fintech Partners, having joined the firm as a Legal Associate in 2022 and being promoted to Senior Associate the following year. His practice focuses on distributed ledger technology (DLT), cryptocurrencies, fintech, financial and payment services, and regulatory compliance, including advising on MiFID, PSD, EMD, MiCA, RTSs, and DORA. Dr. Alessandro has led numerous fintech and VFA licence applications, drafting business plans, policies, and related documentation.
In addition to his legal practice, he served as Internal Auditor of the European Law Students’ Association from 2021 to 2024, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory obligations. With strong software development skills and technological insight, he effectively bridges the gap between technological implementation and legal compliance.
Tim Khamzin
Founder and CEO at Vivox AI
Tim is the Founder and CEO of Vivox AI, where he leads the development of AI Digital Workers to streamline compliance operations for banks and fintech companies. With over 10 years of experience in the banking and fintech sectors, Tim began his career at KPMG and went on to lead key initiatives in a digital transformation program at Central Europe’s largest bank, reducing its operational workforce from 24,000 to 5,800 employees. He also scaled a Business Process Outsourcing company to $45M in revenue and developed compliance solutions for Tier 1 banks. Tim holds an MBA from London Business School and is passionate about payments, regtech, and implementing AI applications in compliance.
James Bennett
Founder and CEO at Stable Mint
James Bennett is the Founder and CEO of Stable Mint, a MiCA-compliant stablecoin issuer and licensed Electronic Money Institution (EMI) regulated by the MFSA. He has worked on the regulated side of digital assets since 2017, with a focus on stablecoins, payments, and bridging traditional finance with blockchain infrastructure. His experience includes launching the world’s first bitcoin-and-gold ETP (BOLD), leading a FINMA-approved tokenised gold product (DGLD), and securing EMI authorisation under Europe’s digital asset regulatory framework. At Stable Mint, James leads the issuance of their regulated EUR and USD stablecoins, connected directly to banking rails to enable near-instant, low-cost cross-border transactions that combine FIAT and stablecoins into a single payment flow.
Robert Azzopardi
CTO at Smart Technologies
Robert Azzopardi is the Chief Technology Officer at Smart Technologies, leading the company’s strategy across cybersecurity, cloud and enterprise platforms. With over 20 years’ experience, he has delivered mission-critical systems for organisations in financial services, hospitality and the public sector.
Robert specialises in building secure, resilient environments focused on uptime, incident readiness and regulatory compliance. He plays a key role in shaping Smart Technologies’ cybersecurity and managed security services, aligned to frameworks such as DORA and NIS2.
He has led major digital transformation and cloud projects, supporting clients through complex risk and operational resilience challenges.
Robert is passionate about using technology to strengthen cyber resilience and enable sustainable business growth.
Erika Borg
Head of Product Operations (ComplyRadar) at Computime FinTech
Erika Borg is the Head of Product at Computime FinTech, working in solutions focused on the FinTech and RegTech domain with particular focus on credit and financial institutions products. She graduated from the University of Malta with Honours in 2010 in Information Technology, Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. She holds an MBA from Heriot- Watt University (Edinburgh) and also a certification in Financial Risk Management in Banks from the London Institute of Banking and Finance. Erika has worked in IT for over 14 years engaging in various roles and has specialized in the RegTech space for the past 8 years with hands on experience in the provision of regulatory and compliance solutions working with major credit and financial institutions.
Corinna Scatena
Head of Legal & Governance at Getnet Europe by Santander
Corinna is a payments and fintech professional with extensive in-house and consultancy experience, specialised in the legal, compliance, and risk management aspects of the industry. She has a strong focus on regulatory go-to-market strategies combined with a solid operational understanding of fintech products and processes related to digital banking, payments, open banking, e-commerce, innovation, and strategic partnerships. She is dedicated to fostering innovation within the sector.
Currently Head of Legal & Governance at Getnet Europe, a PagoNxt company by Banco Santander, which provides cross-border payments and acquiring solutions across Europe, with the strongest presence in Spain & Portugal. Her areas of expertise include regulatory frameworks, actively participating in several industry working groups (Digital Euro, FIDA, PSD3, etc.) and interactions with authorities and EU institutions.
With extensive experience in neobanking, Corinna previously worked at a European challenger bank where she led the regulatory, compliance, and legal function. She was an integral part of the team that built a banking app from scratch.
Corinna is a qualified member of the International Compliance Association and an international speaker. Passionate about education and gender equality, she founded MissFintech in 2021, a financial literacy program designed for teenagers. She also serves as a Lecturer in several universities' Fintech & Regtech programs.
Camille Pepos
Head of FinTech Supervision at MFSA
Camille Pepos was appointed as Head of FinTech Supervision in March 2024 after joining the MFSA in 2020 following the creation of this same function within the Authority.
Since joining, he has developed and implemented authorisation and supervisory practices in the field of crypto assets and actively contributed to positioning MFSA as a pioneer in FinTech supervision. Camille represents the MFSA within various Committees of the European Supervisory Authorities and is currently involved in a number of European network groups related to crypto assets.
In his capacity as Secretary of the MFSA’s Authorisation Forum and Chair of the MFSA’s Supervisory Forum he has gained extensive knowledge in regulation, supervision and enforcement through his contribution to the implementation of a number of strategic projects within the organisation.
Camille has both public and private sector experience in Europe and in the Middle East supporting companies interlinking financial services and technology. At the start of his career he held various roles in private banking, fundraising, fintech advisory and corporate services.
An economist by academic background, Camille also possesses two Master degrees in Finance and Wealth Management from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and IAE Graduate School of Management.
Dhayalaruban Thangaraja
Director of Internal Audit at BDO Malta
Dhayalaruban (Ruban) Thangaraja is the Director of Internal Audit at BDO Malta, where he leads the firm’s Internal Audit service line and oversees a diverse portfolio of regulated clients across the banking, fintech, investment, insurance and gaming sectors.
Before joining BDO Malta, Ruban held leadership roles with Big Four firms in Malta, Sri Lanka, and the Maldives, overseeing the delivery of internal audit and risk consulting services within the financial services industry.
He has been instrumental in driving the digital transformation of BDO’s internal audit function, integrating AI-enabled automation tools to enhance efficiency and impact. As a mentor and contributor to the internal audit community, Ruban regularly engages in discussions on fintech, crypto, and AI.
In 2025, he was honoured with the Young Professional of the Year Award by the Global Institute of Internal Auditors, recognising his leadership, innovation, and contribution to advancing the profession.
Ian Coppini
Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory leader at Deloitte Malta
Ian Coppini leads the Strategy, Risk & Transactions Advisory business at Deloitte Malta, bringing over 25 years of experience in governance, risk management, and regulatory advisory. A trusted advisor to financial services organisations, Ian combines deep technical expertise with strategic business acumen to help clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and build resilient risk frameworks.
Transitioning from 18 years in Audit & Assurance, Ian now spearheads a multidisciplinary team delivering integrated advisory services across Risk, Regulatory & Financial Crime, and Strategy & Transactions. He directs engagements spanning regulatory advisory, financial crime mitigation, internal audit, and enterprise risk management—with particular expertise in the Payments, Banking, and Insurance sectors.
In his role as Financial Services Industry Leader at Deloitte Malta, Ian brings a strategic perspective to the firm's engagement with the financial services sector, leveraging his extensive cross-functional background to advance thought leadership on governance and compliance challenges. His broad understanding of regulatory requirements, combined with his ability to translate complex risk frameworks into actionable business strategies, positions him as a valued partner for organisations seeking to strengthen their control environments and achieve sustainable growth in an increasingly regulated environment.
Roman Zilber
Founder at Intrepid Fox
Roman Zilber is an international banker with over 30 years of experience at leading US and European banks, including Bank of America, Crédit Agricole, and Raiffeisen. Two years ago, he founded Intrepid Fox—an AI-powered SaaS platform focused on KYB. With deep knowledge of financial operations and where automation often fails, Roman set out to solve a key problem in digital transformation: the messy mix of manual and automated processes. He brings both strategic insight and practical experience to improving compliance and onboarding.
Michael Carr
CEO at Buen Crypto Consulting Ireland
Michael is an experienced Project Manager with over 18-years in the traditional banking sector, specialising in IT Change, New Regulatory and Compliance Implementation and Payments.
In 2018, Michael entered the world of crypto through an interest in trading. In 2022, he founded Buen Crypto Consulting, Ireland and the UKs only dedicated professional services organisation for Blockchain and Digital Assets.
Buen Crypto Consulting offers a range of advisory services, tailored for the fast growing and maturing crypto, blockchain and digital assets markets. Amongst Buen Crypto Consulting's services are project management of authorisation requests, supervisory engagement, development of client risk and compliance strategies and, multi-jurisdictional regulatory support in Europe, UK and Middle East.
January 2024, Michael was appointed Ireland's Ambassador for the Global Blockchain Business Council, reflecting his contributions in the blockchain sector.
Jean Carl Grech
Senior Director - International Product at Global Payments
Jean Carl Grech leads product strategy and development at Global Payments, focusing on driving innovation across global eCommerce and payment ecosystems. With extensive experience in payments infrastructure, Jean Carl is particularly passionate about the intersection of technology and commerce, from seamless checkout experiences to fostering long-term customer relationships. He is currently working on initiatives that integrate next-gen payment solutions across markets in Europe and APAC, with a special focus on omnichannel enablement and leveraging advanced AI and data for personalization in the payment experience.
Clare Pearson
Co-Founder Payments Specialist at Pearson Booth Consulting
Clare is a highly accomplished payment professional with extensive experience in the Payments and Financial Services industry. She has a proven track record of delivering strategic and technical initiatives across global expansion programs, e-commerce, omni channel solutions, Alternative Payment Methods (APMs), and domestic and international schemes. Her expertise spans multiple channels and gateways, ensuring seamless payment solutions.
With a strong focus on financial services and payments, Clare excels in developing roadmaps, setting priorities, and driving the successful delivery of innovative solutions.
As a specialist in Open Banking, she leverages her deep industry knowledge to spearhead user-centric product development and enhance customer experiences.
She has led transformational change teams within the payments sector, holding key positions in both Product Management and Operations.
Clare remains actively engaged with industry trends, regulatory updates, and evolving payment ecosystems, ensuring that businesses stay ahead in a rapidly shifting financial landscape.
Jonathan Shaw
Partner, Hatten M&A Advisory
Jon is a seasoned business leader with extensive expertise in post-merger business transformation, driving growth and value for stakeholders through strategic change. His career began with an entrepreneurial venture during university, and since then, he has gained diverse experience across industries, including event management, TV production, marketing, e-commerce, and retail. As Executive Chair of Retail Marketing Limited, Jon led the successful merger and rebranding of the group into Welbee’s supermarkets. Later, as CEO, he oversaw a significant business transformation, increasing market share, expanding the customer base, and driving store expansion. His ability to navigate complex post-merger integrations was key to Welbee’s growth. Jon stepped down from the role in November 2024 to set-up and launch Hatten M&A Advisory. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce, an MBA, and is certified in Cognitive Behavioural Coaching. Jon has worked on mergers and acquisitions in Malta and also worked in Sydney and New York, further enriching his global business perspective.
Greg Papanastasiou
Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Play North
Greg Papanastasiou is Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at Play North, with over 16 years in iGaming, building and leading AML, regulatory compliance, fraud prevention, and responsible gambling teams. His career includes C-level roles at GM Gaming (Part of SuperGroup) and Kaizen Gaming (Stoiximan/ Betano), progressing from customer service and operations to executive leadership in high-stakes environments. Holding degrees in Economics (Athens University) and MBAs from Piraeus and MSc in Education from Roehampton University, he excels in risk management across Malta's gambling sector.
James Erik Craggs
Director in Product Development & Design at Mastercard
James Erik Craggs is a Director in Product Development & Design at Mastercard,
where he drives the evolution of current and future financial crime solutions.
He focuses on balancing cutting‑edge risk innovation with measurable commercial value.
James leads the development of advanced detection methodologies and new risk taxonomies.
He ensures product capabilities remain effective, explainable, scalable and market‑ready.
Working closely with commercial, regulatory and academic partners, he shapes solutions that help clients detect threats earlier and reduce operational costs.
His work supports clients in meeting rising regulatory expectations across global markets.
Kamran Hedjri
Group CEO at PXP
The end-to-end payment platform: PXP Financial provides a single unified payments platform to accept payments online, on mobile and at the point of sale. Powered by inhouse acquiring, 200+ alternative payment methods & financial services, PXP processes over EUR 21.5 billion annually through our unified gateway. Whatever your business needs today or tomorrow, PXP Financials’ innovative payment platform will support your business growth with all the payment services you will ever need from one source, wherever your business takes you.
Piotr Lisak
Senior MLRO & AML Governance Officer at FDJ
Piotr is a seasoned professional with proven experience in legal, compliance, and AML matters, having worked as legal counsel, negotiator, compliance officer, and MLRO within the financial services sector, including asset management and corporate service providers, as well as the i-gaming industry. He has participated in the EGBA AML Expert Working Group and brings hands-on experience across multiple jurisdictions such as Luxembourg and Malta, with exposure to a wide range of legal and regulatory frameworks. Piotr is an ICA Certified Practitioner and holds the ICA Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering; he is also a CAMS holder and serves as a board member of the ACAMS Malta Chapter. He is deeply passionate about legal developments in AML and regulatory compliance, particularly within the gambling and crypto industries.
David Nolan
CEO at Figure Markets Europe
David Nolan, based in Ireland, is currently a Chief Executive Officer Figure Markets Ireland at Figure. David Nolan brings experience from previous roles at Pionew Europe, Kraken Digital Asset Exchange, Avant Money and Ulster Bank. David Nolan holds a 2018 - 2018 Axelos.
Ready to Hear from the Most Influential Payments, Compliance & RegTech Leaders?
#npf