Based in Limassol, Cyprus, Lola oversees all the company's strategic relationships and helps foster long-term partnerships and technical alliances. Having joined TFB 9 years ago, Lola started as a Sales Manager and advanced to Senior Sales Executive in only three years. An expert in networking and the fintech world, Lola quickly built a reputation as an empathetic and knowledgeable professional, which helped her grow an extensive partner base. The latest promotion to the Head of Partnerships enables Lola to focus on partner relationships and expand TFB's alliances worldwide.
OUR SPEAKERS
Andrew Doukanaris
Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
Andrew has been a driving force in the digital payments and FinTech transformation for over three decades. Throughout his global career, he has held senior and executive roles in Singapore, San Francisco, New York, and London.
At Chevron, Texaco, and Caltex, Andrew established and led the global marketing and sales, payments and retailing division across three brands. At Visa, he served as the European and CEMEA head of Merchant Acceptance, Acquiring Services, and Commercial Cards, overseeing operations in more than 120 markets. As Senior Vice President at JCB Cards Europe, he spearheaded the transformation of its acquiring, sales, and marketing divisions. Additionally, he worked as a consultant for Mastercard in Saudi Arabia.
Andrew founded Flotta Consulting Ltd to provide tailored consulting services to start-ups, scale-ups, and established players within the payments ecosystem. He has been appointed to various leadership roles, including Chair, Director, and CEO of Pomelo Pay, Intellias, and as an advisor and CEO for start-ups focused on open banking and QR code payments.
A sought-after commentator and podcaster, Andrew also serves as a FinTech mentor and advisor at Level39, an ambassador and moderator at the UK Payments Association, and a board advisor, event chairman, and moderator at QUBE Events.
Ioanna Leptou
Executive Director at Admirals Europe Ltd
Ioanna Leptou is a highly accomplished regulatory and governance professional with
extensive leadership experience in the financial services industry. As an Executive
Director at Admirals Europe Ltd, she plays a pivotal role in overseeing corporate
governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across multiple
jurisdictions.
With over seven years of regulatory-approved leadership experience, Ioanna has a
proven track record in shaping strategic governance frameworks, driving operational
efficiency, and ensuring full compliance with CySEC and international financial
regulations. She specializes in risk-based decision-making, internal controls, and
corporate oversight, aligning business objectives with evolving regulatory
requirements.
In her role as Executive Director of Admirals Europe Ltd, Ioanna is responsible
for formulating and executing strategic governance frameworks, managing regulatory
obligations, and guiding Group Senior management in risk and compliance-related
matters. She oversees key business functions, supervises outsourcing agreements,
and ensures financial sustainability while upholding the highest ethical and
professional standards.
Prior to joining Admirals, Ioanna held senior compliance and governance roles at
leading financial firms in Cyprus, where she gained extensive experience in
compliance risk assessment, regulatory reporting, and internal control structures.
Lola Negmatova
Global Head of Partnerships at Tools for Brokers
Based in Limassol, Cyprus, Lola oversees all the company's strategic relationships and helps foster long-term partnerships and technical alliances.
Having joined TFB 9 years ago, Lola started as a Sales Manager and advanced to Senior Sales Executive in only three years. An expert in networking and the fintech world, Lola quickly built a reputation as an empathetic and knowledgeable professional, which helped her grow an extensive partner base. The latest promotion to the Head of Partnerships enables Lola to focus on partner relationships and expand TFB's alliances worldwide.
Ben Mason
Senior Sales Lead at OpenPayd
Ben is responsible for leading a team focused on onboarding forex clients, as well as those within the digital asset sector, leveraging the natural crossover between the industries. With over 10 years of experience in payments, he has spent the last three years at OpenPayd, playing a key role in guiding the company from its startup phase to a successful scale-up, driving client growth and increasing revenues.
Andreas Kapsos
CEO at Match-Prime Liquidity
Andreas Kapsos, the CEO of Match-Prime Liquidity, has been involved in the Forex industry for over a decade. Thanks to cooperation with the largest European Brokers, he perfectly understands the needs and expectations of both Brokers and Traders. He uses his experience to create a client-centric liquidity offer with an individual approach to every business.
Ron Gilo
Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Buzz Dealer
As Buzz Dealer’s CMO, Ron Gilo drives the company’s marketing strategy and brand
positioning within the financial sector. Based in Cyprus, he leads sales, marketing,
and Business Development, ensuring Buzz Dealer remains a top choice for brokers,
PSPs, and fintech firms looking to enhance their online reputation, visibility, and
conversion rates. With a strong background in digital marketing and innovation, Ron
plays a key role in maintaining Buzz Dealer’s competitive edge.
Yiannis Pettemerides
Forensic Investigations, Sanctions Compliance, Anti Money Laundering Compliance
Yiannis is a Consultant, in the fields of Forensic, Anti-Money Laundering, Regulatory Compliance, Registered Auditor and Insolvency Practitioner, with more than 20 years of experience.
He was engaged, for more than 2 years, as an External Technical Expert, and leading the Onsite Inspection Teams, of the AML/Supervision Department of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). He was also the Chairman and a Member, for more than 5 years, of the Economic Crime and Forensic Accounting Committee of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC) and also the Vice-Chairman, for more than 4 years, of the Promotion of the Profession and Academic Relations Committee of the Cyprus Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA).
Yiannis is engaged as an External Technical Expert, in the fields of Forensic Investigations, Anti-money Laundering Investigations and Audit Investigations, by the Cyprus Police Economic Crime Unit, the Attorney General Office, the Audit General Office and the Private Sector.
Furthermore, Yiannis is a Member of the AML and Compliance Committee of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC), a Member of the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Chapter of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) and a Founding Member of the Cyprus #209 Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE).
He holds a Bachelor and a Master’s degrees in Accounitng, Economics and Finance (BA, MA), a Fellowship and Practicing Audit Certificates from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and from the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC). He is also a Member of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners (ACFE) and of the International Compliance Association (ICA).
João Monteiro
Executive Director at 4XC
Joao Monteiro is the Founder of Geomatrix Holdings, 4xC, and CarteiraX, with more than 20 years of experience across fintech, forex, brokerage, trading, AI, and technology, as well as digital banking and stock market knowledge. Over the past few decades, his organisation has built trust and transparency across Europe, the Pacific region, and Latin America while coordinating with regulatory bodies such as Cysec, FCA UK, Banco Central de Uruguay, FSC, etc. A highly respected and well-renowned industry expert, forex coach and trainer, Joao is a recognised contributor to financial articles in Nasdaq, Dow Jones, MarketWatch, Washington Post, The Guardian, and The Sun. Leading the global expansion of his organisations, Joao has played a critical role in the development of business partnerships and business plans and has developed his organisations with a specific focus on comprehensive strategies, financial and operational efficiencies, risk and crisis management, and a human-centric approach for future-ready businesses. Joao runs his companies with diversity at the forefront, knowing that different minds who contribute to the same goal will lead to the best results, as is evident in the success of his companies.
Yiannos Ashiotis
Chairman, Revolut Digital Assets | Managing Partner, Pnyx Hill & GRC Partners
Yiannos Ashiotis is a recognised expert in digital assets, regulatory compliance, and
corporate governance, with a career spanning over two decades in investment services,
fintech, and crypto regulation. As Chairman of Revolut Digital Assets, he provides
strategic oversight and governance, supporting the company’s commitment to regulatory
excellence and the responsible development of digital financial services.
Yiannos is also the Managing Partner of Pnyx Hill and GRC Partners, leading advisory
firms specialising in corporate governance, AML, regulatory compliance, and risk
management for investment firms, payment institutions, and crypto service providers
worldwide.
His expertise in MiCA, AML frameworks, and international financial regulations makes him a trusted advisor to financial institutions and regulators internationally.
A sought-after speaker, Yiannos has shared insights on crypto regulation, compliance risks, and digital asset innovation at major fintech and crypto events, including iFX Expo, SIGMA, and the Economist’s Fintech Forward.
His thought leadership in crypto governance and regulatory strategy positions him at the forefront of discussions on how the digital asset industry can achieve mainstream adoption while navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. Yiannos brings a unique perspective on the convergence of finance and crypto, the future of regulatory frameworks, and the role of compliance in shaping a sustainable digital asset economy.
Hassan Haidar
Head of Dealing on Own Account at Mitrade
Hassan Haidar is a highly experienced financial professional specialising in trading, risk
management, and liquidity provider relationships. Currently serving as the Head of Dealing on Own Account at Mitrade, a leading CFD broker, Hassan is responsible for overseeing the firm’s proprietary trading operations, managing counterparty relationships, and optimizing hedging strategies. His expertise extends to working closely with liquidity providers, data vendors, and technology partners to ensure seamless execution and risk management.
With a degree in Finance from the American University of Beirut (AUB), CySEC Advanced
Certification, and having passed CFA Level I, Hassan brings 9+ years of experience in the
Dealing Department. Before joining Mitrade, he was Head of Dealing at Growell Capital
(FxGrow), overseeing trading execution, risk management, and liquidity strategy.
His expertise in liquidity management and strategic partnerships continues to drive
innovation in trading operations.
Peter-Jan Grech
Founder and CEO at BRND WGN
Peter-Jan Grech, founder and CEO of BRND WGN, is a renowned figure in the realm of brand transformations, boasting over two decades of expertise. His leadership at BRND WGN, a top-tier brand advisory agency with a presence in Malta and the UK, has been instrumental in navigating businesses and leaders through impactful change strategies and brand expansion in multiple sectors, including financial services and hospitality. As a skilled public speaker, Peter-Jan hosts the insightful “UnBrandMe” podcast, delving into the professional paths of entrepreneurs and brand creators. His commitment extends beyond business; he contributes his strategic acumen to various advisory boards, fostering change management. An enthusiastic challenge pursuer, he participates in endurance sports, sometimes for fun but most times to champion sustainable living and environmental conservation.
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Vince De Castro
Chief Marketing Officer at TopFX
Vince De Castro is the Chief Marketing Officer at TopFX, a globally recognised multi-asset brokerage firm. With over 15 years in financial services and fintech, Vince has built a reputation for driving growth through data-driven, high-impact marketing.
His career spans leadership roles at top financial firms, where he delivered marketing campaigns that transformed businesses and positioned them at the forefront of their industries. A firm believer in the power of technology and analytics, Vince is passionate about sharing his knowledge and mentoring the next generation of marketing leaders.
Vince is a frequent speaker on digital transformation and performance marketing and regularly contributes to industry discussions on effective marketing strategies.
Carla Nemr
Global Director of Business Development at CFI
With over 15 years of experience in the financial industry, Carla has built a strong reputation for driving global expansion, forging strategic partnerships, and optimizing client acquisition strategies. Recognized as one of the Top 25 Most Influential Women in the industry, Carla has been instrumental in accelerating business growth across international markets, leading high-performing teams, and developing innovative approaches that fuel sustained business success.
George Kyriakoudes
CEO at Skilling
CEO with 15 years of experience in online brokerage and forex, having held key roles across Internal Audit, Risk Management, Business Intelligence, and Dealing & Sales. Proven track record in business transformation and turnaround, optimizing financial and operational performance to drive profitability and efficiency.
Angelos Gregoriou
CEO and Co-Founder at Dynamic Works
Angelos Gregoriou, CEO and co-founder of Dynamic Works, a company renowned for creating Syntellicore, an award-winning platform for the financial industry, leads with a focus on innovation in FinTech and CRM applications. Since its establishment in 2003, Dynamic Works has achieved distinction for its pioneering web and CRM solutions, particularly highlighted by its flagship product, Syntellicore. introduced in 2017, this specialized CRM system is tailored for the financial industry, providing an integrated suite that encompasses CRM, back office, Traders Room, and a robust branded Mobile App, thereby establishing itself as a comprehensive platform for financial services providers. Operating out of Nicosia and Limassol, Cyprus, and with a global footprint through its extensive business network, Dynamic Works, under Angelo's strategic and hands-on leadership, has propelled Syntellicore to the forefront of financial CRM solutions.
Maria Pittashi
General Manager at PLUGIT
Maria is the General Manager at PLUGIT, a leading Fintech company providing multiple award-winning solutions for the financial markets, including the YOONIT suite of intelligent modules.
Her appointment as General Manager sees her heading the company's expansion into new markets, streamlining the client onboarding process, and maintaining PLUGIT's reputation for excellent customer experience.
Maria has accumulated many years of experience in the sector, having served in management positions with some of the leading companies in the financial industry. Prior to taking on her role at PLUGIT, Maria was the FX Specialist Manager for the MENA region at Thomson Reuters/Refinitiv.
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Petros Kalaitzis
Chief Strategy Officer at FunderPro
Petros Kalaitzis is the Chief Strategy Officer at FunderPro, where he combines a strong business development background with strategic input on product development. With over 12 years of experience in client-facing roles, Petros has honed expertise in market analysis, client relations, and creating impactful customer experiences. His strategic leadership has driven revenue growth, strengthened business relationships, and facilitated opportunities for business development across multiple sectors.
Specializing in the creation and execution of strategic plans, sales management, and project oversight, Petros has led both small and large teams while focusing on recruitment, training, and performance optimization to deliver exceptional client service. A Master of Science in Managerial Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Macedonia has equipped him with a research-driven approach to marketing and account management, which has consistently resulted in surpassing KPIs.
Known for his ability to bridge client needs with operational efficiency, Petros’s approach to leadership has fostered improved communication, collaboration, and operational improvements across all business stakeholders. His vision continues to help drive FunderPro’s mission of delivering customer focused solutions and growth.
Valerijus Ovsianikas
CEO at Tickmill Europe
Valerijus Osvianikas is Tickmill Europe's CEO since 2015. He has an extensive knowledge in forex trading and has conducted many educational training and seminars. He has also written 'Forex 101', a book on the fundamentals of Forex Trading.
Nikolai Isayev
Chief Operating Officer & Editor-in-Chief at Finance Feeds
Nikolai is a seasoned financial services and marketing professional with extensive knowledge in the FX, CFD, and broader online trading industry. Today he is managing operations & editorial at FinanceFeeds, a prominent online news publication and heads up the Financial Commission, an independent and neutral 3rd party dispute resolution forum for Forex. Mr. Isayev has over 18 years of experience in a variety of roles, including a full suite of marketing and operational activities globally, focusing on sales, operations, brand, acquisition, product, and growth.
Garen Meserlian
Chief Marketing Officer at easyMarkets
Garen Meserlian is the Chief Marketing Officer at easyMarkets, renowned for his technical approach to marketing and product development. With over 14 years of marketing experience, Garen is committed to connecting companies with their target audiences, while understanding consumer attention and how to leverage it effectively. Guided by the philosophy "Brand over everything," Garen emphasizes the critical role of branding in driving business success.
Garen started his career in the tourism industry, moving up the ladder to manage the Marketing of a Hotel Chain, after which he founded a digital agency offering a full spectrum of Digital Marketing Services. Following this venture, he joined an international PR agency to establish its Digital Arm which serviced clients across 3 continents.
Garen brings energy and determination to every project, consistently exceeding objectives. His relentless pursuit of excellence and strategic vision drive growth and innovation.
Achilleas Achilleos
Chief Marketing Officer at Alchemy Markets
Achilleas is a visionary marketing leader with over 15 years of experience in driving transformative growth for global brands across the financial services, technology, and fintech industries. Renowned for his ability to blend strategic insight with creative execution, excels at building powerful marketing ecosystems that bridge traditional and digital landscapes.
Has spearheaded high-impact marketing strategies that generate measurable results, foster brand loyalty, and position companies as market leaders. His expertise spans branding, digital marketing, product positioning, and multi-channel campaigns that capture attention and convert engagement into business growth.
His collaborative approach to leadership empowers teams to innovate, adapt, and thrive in an ever-evolving digital landscape and continues to push boundaries and deliver excellence.
Georgios Koumantaris
Chief Technology Officer at HF Markets
Georgios Karagiorgi is the Chief Technology Officer at HFM, a global Forex broker with millions of live accounts and operations across multiple regions. With a background in DevOps, he leads engineering teams focused on infrastructure reliability, cloud operations, security engineering, and automation. He has played a key role in building HFM’s always-on infrastructure and driving initiatives around configuration management, CI/CD automation, and cloud-native architecture. His focus is on aligning operational resilience with emerging technologies to support rapid growth, regulatory readiness, and business agility in the financial sector.
Stathis Flangofas
Group CFO at HFM
Stathis has over 15 years of experience in the financial industry with excellent knowledge in accounting, audit, and financial management for investment firms.
He holds a degree in Business Administration from the University of Piraeus, and he is a member of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA).
A Fintech enthusiast, passionate with investing, trading, blockchain, and Crypto. Love working in dynamic and fast-paced markets helping companies grow.
An experienced Group CFO, Chartered Certified Accountant(ACCA) with 16+ years of experience.
A huge believer that a company's greatest asset are their employees. If you take care your employees they will take care of the clients. Great people build great companies.
Excellent knowledge of Financial markets. CFDs, Bonds, Funds, ETFs, Equity Derivatives, Currencies (FX) and Commodities.
Andrei Laza
Head of Business Development Department at 4XC
As Head of Business Development for a leading brokerage firm, Andrei Laza manages global sales teams, drives market expansion, and strengthens long-term business partnerships. With extensive experience in FX training and a strong commitment to customer support excellence, he focuses on optimizing team performance, enhancing the client experience, and growing the company’s portfolio.
John Ellul
Co-Founder and Sales Director at Veracloud
John Ellul is the cofounder of Veracloud, a leading provider of innovative and modern IT managed services and solutions. With over 15 years of experience in the IT and Managed Services industry he is passionate about delivering exceptional customer service and tailored technology solutions. He has played a key role in shaping the company’s growth, driving strategic initiatives, and building long-lasting client relationships.
Throughout his career, John has worked with businesses of all sizes, helping them navigate complex IT challenges and embrace digital transformation. He specializes in cloud solutions, cybersecurity, compliance and infrastructure management and is known for his ability to simplify technology for clients and provide clear, actionable advice.
Mikhail Bobkin
CEO at Rock-West
Mikhail Bobkin is the CEO of Rock-West, a Global Forex Broker offering CFDs, and a visionary fintech leader with 20+ years of global executive experience, driving transformative growth for investment platforms, brokerages, and fintech ventures across SEA, MENA, and Europe. With a proven track record of scaling startups to multi-billion dollar turnover, securing regulatory licenses, driving digital product innovation, and building high-performance global teams, Mikhail is a trusted advisor to boards, institutional investors, and founders.
Mikhail is deeply invested in charting a course for sustainable growth and resilience in the evolving Forex landscape. He believes in the crucial role of innovation, ethical practices, and robust risk management to navigate the complexities of the modern financial world.
Mikhail is passionate about sharing his expertise in fintech growth strategy, digital transformation, and global sales leadership, and regularly contributes to discussions on the future of investment platforms, with a particular focus on building sustainable and responsible businesses.
Sarah Martinez
Global VP of Corporate Communications at Deriv
Sarah Martinez, a communications expert with 19 years of experience, leads corporate
communications at Deriv. She uses her expertise to build and protect the company's brand and reputation through strategic communications. Her experience has taught her how to manage complex issues and crises, and she's skilled at crafting stories that resonate with different audiences.
At Deriv, Sarah develops and implements communications strategies that help the company achieve its goals, linking the work of communications back to business objectives. She works closely with internal stakeholders to build a strong brand through accessible and consistent communications. She oversees the company’s internal and external communications and employer branding.
Before joining Deriv, Sarah worked at London based PR agencies in global roles with a roster of clients in the technology space, including a client roster of big tech brands in the consumer and B2B space including Samsung, Cisco, Adobe and Intel. Her in-house experience included UK government non-profit behaviour change organisation Get Safe Online as Communications Director and Global Head of Communications as crypto investment platform, Luno.
Sarah has served as a media spokesperson, providing expert commentary on national and broadcast media. Her ability to navigate high-stakes situations and find opportunities for positive storytelling makes her a compelling and authoritative voice in the industry.
Nuno Vasconcelos
Partnership Team Leader at Vantage
Nuno V. is a seasoned leader in partnership management, specialising in strategic growth and revenue optimisation. With extensive experience in executive leadership, channel partnerships, and team management, he excels in building high-performing networks. His expertise lies in fostering long-term business relationships and driving scalable success. Passionate about innovation, he continuously refines strategies to maximise partner value and market impact.
Andria Phiniefs
Global Head of Marketing at FP Markets
Andria Phiniefs, Global Head of Marketing at FP Markets, brings over a decade of expertise in developing and executing impactful marketing strategies that foster sustainable brand growth. Her hands-on approach, guidance, and steadfast belief in cross-team collaboration have been instrumental in driving the remarkable growth seen at FP Markets over the past seven years under her leadership. Beyond driving company growth, Andria has also been recognised by industry leaders and stakeholders, winning ‘Mentor of the Year’ at the Forex Expo Dubai last year. Her proven ability to build diverse teams and leverage data-driven insights have solidified the brand’s competitive edge, laying the foundations for what promises to be an exciting year as the Australian broker celebrates its 20th anniversary.
Catharine Ioannou
Global Head of Human Resources at KudoTrade
Catharine Ioannou is an accomplished HR leader with a deep specialisation in the forex industry. As the Global Head of Human Resources at KudoTrade she leads strategic HR initiatives across international operations, focusing on talent acquisition, employee engagement, and business-aligned workforce strategies.
With extensive experience in HR leadership, Catharine has played a key role in driving organizational growth through effective recruitment strategies, performance management systems, and the implementation of end-to-end HR solutions. She has successfully overseen global office expansions, optimized HR technologies, and developed policies that align with both regulatory frameworks and business objectives.
Catharine is passionate about fostering high-performing teams, enhancing company culture, and leveraging HR analytics to drive decision-making.
Matteo Paganini
Group Chief Commercial Officer at ActivTrades
Matteo stands as a seasoned expert with over two decades in the financial sector, with a strong reputation in the industry. Compliance and corporate governance expert, he started his career in the FX industry dealing with market making and risk management and he had a pivotal role in founding Salex, Italy's first FX broker, acquired in 2009 by FXCM, where he spent a decade managing the company operations. At that time, he also lead the DailyFX portal, with the role Chief Analyst. He held notable leadership roles at Pepperstone, contributing to expanding the business and operations from Australia to Europe (London and Cyprus) and in Admirals, as Europe Revenue Officer. He’s now Group Chief Commercial Officer at ActivTrades, where he will be responsible for leading ActivTrades global strategy and driving the group's expansion to new jurisdictions, other than managing all the company’s core processes.
Christoforos Livadiotis
Group Chief AML Officer at XM
Christoforos Livadiotis has been dealing with AML for almost 20 years. He is currently the Group Chief AML Officer for Trading Point Group (https://www.trading-point.com), a leading financial services provider offering world-class brokerage products through several regulated entities. He is also the AMLCO of XM, the Group’s regulated entity in Cyprus.
Christoforos has an extensive knowledge of the AML function from the banking standpoint as well since he was the Head of Compliance and the Money Laundering Compliance Officer (MLCO) of AstroBank Ltd (previously Piraeus Bank (Cyprus) Ltd) for a number of years.
Prior to joining Piraeus Bank (Cyprus) Ltd, Christoforos worked for 6 years as a financial analyst/investigator in the Cyprus FIU, (MOKAS), under the Attorney General of the Republic of Cyprus. Christoforos holds a BSc from the University of East Anglia (UEA) in Accounting with Management and a MSc from the University of Reading – ISMA Centre Business School in International Securities Investment and Banking (ISIB).
Ivan Sysoev
Chief AI Officer at Quadcode
Ivan Sysoev serves as the Chief AI Officer at Quadcode, driving AI-powered innovation within the FinTech industry. His background spans Econometrics, Market Making, and Product Building, providing deep expertise in ML model integration and strategic AI implementation. Committed to ethical and trustworthy AI, Ivan concentrates on bridging the gap between humans and machines, ensuring AI remains transparent, efficient, and impactful.
Hellen Georgalides
Head of Compliance at Skilling
Hellen Georgalides, Head of Compliance, has a strong legal academic background and decade of experience in fiduciary and finance.
With expertise in adherence to regulatory requirements and fostering integrity, she navigates complex compliance landscapes with a commitment to ethical standards.
Christina Koro
Global Head of HR & Talent Acquisition at XBO.com
As the Global Head of HR & Talent Acquisition at XBO.com, Christina is passionate about driving organisational success through strategic talent acquisition and human resource initiatives. With over six years of experience in HR leadership, she has had the privilege of working with diverse teams across the globe, building high-performance cultures that foster innovation, inclusion, and growth.
Committed to identifying, attracting, and retaining top-tier talent, Christina ensures that HR practices support the evolving needs of the business. From developing leadership pipelines to enhancing employee engagement and creating sustainable talent strategies, she plays a key role in helping XBO.com thrive in an ever-changing global marketplace.
Believing that people are a company’s greatest asset, Christina is dedicated to empowering individuals and teams to reach their full potential while aligning talent initiatives with the company’s strategic vision.
As XBO.com continues to scale, Christina is excited to help shape the future of the workforce and contribute to the company's ongoing success.
Ioanna Vlassi
Managing Director at Boston Link
Ioanna leads the Boston Link business in Cyprus following the joint venture of Boston Link and Unirec. Ioanna has been at the forefront of recruitment and HR in Cyprus for over 15 years, building up an unrivalled network and track record. She has consistently delivered exceptional results for her clients through international executive search and team set-up at all levels across Cyprus, EU, Asia, GCC, LATAM.
What sets Ioanna apart is her ability to provide boutique staffing solutions to companies seeking to enhance strategic growth in a genuine, approachable way.
Ioanna holds an MA in Human Resource Management from Leeds University and a BA in Business & Management from University of Patras.
Evdokia Pitsillidou
Partner - Risk & Compliance Director at SALVUS Funds
Evdokia, a partner at SALVUS Funds, is actively advising and working on all matters related to licensing, regulatory compliance and internal audits for Investment Firms, Crypto Providers (CASP), Investment Funds and Payment Institutions.
Zoltan Nemeth
Independent Expert
We are delighted to announce that Zoltan Nemeth, a distinguished expert in Sales and Business Development, will be a valued speaker at the upcoming Vision Forex Forum.
Since 2011, Zoltan has been a prominent figure in the financial services sector, serving in key leadership roles, including Head of Departments, Board Member, and Executive Director for leading service providers. With extensive experience across various industries, he brings a unique and insightful perspective on fintech.
His deep understanding of emerging trends and innovative solutions makes his insights particularly valuable. We look forward to his contributions at the Vision Forex Forum, where his expertise will provide meaningful perspectives and enrich discussions in the dynamic field of financial technology.
Gregor Emmian
Head of Digital Marketing at Ingot Brokers
Gregor is the Head of Digital Marketing at INGOT Brokers, bringing over a decade of expertise in marketing, sales & business development within the forex and fintech sectors. His comprehensive background has cultivated a holistic understanding of client acquisition and retention, enabling him to effectively leverage analytics and market research to drive growth and optimize marketing performance.
Gregor is committed to contributing insights on digital transformation and data-driven marketing strategies within the financial services industry.
Ioannis Chrysanthou
Head of IT Infrastructure and Security at Ingot Brokers
Ioannis Chrysanthou is an IT security and management executive with over 15 years of experience in cybersecurity, infrastructure, and digital transformation.
As the Head of IT Infrastructure and Security at INGOT, he specialises in aligning technology strategies with business objectives, ensuring compliance with industry standards such as ISO 27001.
With expertise in cloud architecture, fintech solutions, and risk management, Ioannis has a proven track record of enhancing operational efficiency, leading large-scale IT projects, and securing digital assets in highly regulated environments.
Uchenna Oranu
ACSI, Head of Brokerage at Fxview – A Finvasia Company
Uchenna Oranu is a seasoned financial markets professional with over two decades of experience in brokerage leadership, risk management, and liquidity solutions. As the Head of Brokerage at Fxview, a Finvasia company, he drives strategic growth, risk optimisation, and innovative trading solutions for a global client base.
Before joining Fxview, Uchenna held executive roles at Blackwell Global, where he led regulatory compliance, risk management, and operational strategy across multiple jurisdictions. His expertise spans liquidity provisioning, market-making, and trading technology, having worked with industry leaders like Spotware Systems (cTrader) and TradeTech Alpha.
Earlier in his career, he honed his skills as an interdealer broker and FX trader at Sucden Financial, gaining deep insights into institutional trading and liquidity management.
Beyond finance, Uchenna is passionate about rugby and bodyweight fitness, maintaining an exceptional level of athleticism through calisthenics and endurance training. His discipline in sports mirrors his strategic approach to financial markets—focusing on resilience, adaptability, and performance under pressure.
Iskandar Nsier
Head of Business Development at Prime XBT
Iskandar spent the last nine years in the Forex and trading industry, helping businesses grow through sales, affiliate marketing, and business development. Right now, he leads business development at Prime XBT, where he focuses on building strategic partnerships, optimizing acquisition funnels, and driving long-term growth.
Before this, he worked with some of the biggest names in the industry—Exness, XM, Markets.com, and Windsor Brokers—gaining hands-on experience in everything from negotiation and strategy to leadership and analytics. Over the years, he also helped startups set up call centers and refine their user acquisition strategies, ensuring they scale efficiently.
He has a Master’s in Cryptocurrency, and he’s always looking for new ways to combine traditional finance with the fast-moving world of crypto. He thrives in fast-paced, high-stakes environments, where strategy and execution make all the difference.
Outside of work, he enjoys exploring new markets, testing new strategies, and staying ahead of industry trends.
Anthia Christodoulou
Head of Legal & Compliance, 26 Degrees Global Markets
Anthia Christodoulou is an experienced legal and compliance professional with deep expertise in financial services regulation. She is currently the Executive Director at 26 Degrees Global Markets EU and Head of Legal & Compliance (EMEA), where she oversees strategic operations, ensures regulatory excellence, and mitigates legal risks. With a proven track record in licensing, compliance strategy, and risk management—gained from key leadership roles at GT Group and JFD Group—Anthia brings a sharp, solutions-driven approach to regulatory challenges. She holds an LLM in Corporate and Commercial Law from the University of Bristol and is certified in AML and financial regulation.
Louis Demetriou
CRO at Finalto EU & Global Head of Regulatory Capital at Finalto Group
Extensive experience in risk management and deep knowledge of capital rules (Global Basel, EU/UK CRR, EU IFR & UK IFPR, Singapore, Australia, BVI, Dubai, and South Africa) with 14 years of risk experience in the financial services sector.
Currently, serving as the Chief Risk Officer of Finalto in Europe and as the Global Head of Regulatory Capital for the Finalto Group. Before joining Finalto, served as a Senior Manager in the Financial Risk Management Department of KPMG Cyprus for 10 years, acting as an advisor to banks, investment firms, PSP/EMIs and the regulator on financial risk management, IFR/IFD, CRR/CRD, and Basel-related projects.
Debbie Georgiou
Institutional Business Development Manager EMEA at Scope Prime
With over five years in the financial services industry, Debbie Georgiou specialises in business development and strategic growth, helping brokers and trading firms scale effectively through tailored liquidity solutions.
As Institutional Business Development Manager at Scope Prime, she is responsible for expanding the firm’s presence across EMEA, driving new business, and strengthening client partnerships.
Debbie takes a practical, data-driven approach to delivering solutions that foster business growth, enhance execution quality, and help firms adapt to evolving market conditions. Her expertise across sales, product strategy, and liquidity distribution allows her to identify market opportunities and develop strategies that drive long-term success.
Anthi Maratheftou
Group Head of HR at Scope Markets
Anthi is an HR professional with an MA in Human Resources Management from the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. She specialises in talent acquisition, employee retention, workforce development, and HR data analysis within the forex industry. With 15 years of experience in building high-performing teams, she has led recruitment strategies and retention programmes across various industries, including the service sector, oil and gas, and forex. The forex industry, in particular, is fast-paced, demanding, and highly competitive.
As Group Head of HR at Scope Markets Cy Ltd, she has a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities involved in attracting and retaining top talent in this dynamic sector.
At the Vision Forex Forum, she will share insights on best practices, innovative retention strategies, and how to cultivate a thriving workplace culture that drives long-term success.
Sarah Henry
CEO at allFX-Consult
Sarah's career spans close to 20 years in the online trading industry, in both B2C and B2B verticals. With a comprehensive view into sales, marketing and operations of investment firms, as well as a wealth of knowledge gained from over 8 years in the event space, Sarah now shares her experience through training and consulting solutions for online brokers globally.
Ksenia Vakulenko
Head of Back Office & Client Support at HF Markets
With over 15 years of experience in the forex industry, Ksenia Vakulenko is the Head of Back Office & Client Support at HF Markets. She oversees a global team of more than 70 professionals based in Cyprus and internationally, delivering 24/7 support in multiple languages. Her role spans across back-office operations, client support, and affiliate support, with a focus on operational excellence, client satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
Known for her client-first mindset and strategic leadership, Ksenia has successfully implemented scalable workflows, streamlined transaction and KYC procedures, and enhanced customer support models to meet the needs of both retail and institutional traders. She also has extensive experience in reputation management and client trust-building, particularly during periods of volatility or operational risk.
At Vision Forex Forum 2025, she will be speaking on the panel “Building and Maintaining Client Trust in the Forex Market,” sharing her insights on transparent communication, issue resolution strategies, and the critical role of operations in maintaining trust in the trading lifecycle.
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.
Thomas Selby
Chief Sales Officer (CSO) at SquaredFinancial
Thomas is currently the Chief Sales Officer role at SquaredFinancial.
Since joining the financial services sector in 2008 with FxPro, he has held key management roles at Exinity (ForexTime & Alpari), OctaFX & OneRoyal.
He has managed large sales and business development teams around the world where processes and procedures are key to the efficient onboarding of clients.
Recently, with the use of AI, SquaredFinancial has been improving the client’s journeys from registration to trading and beyond.
Jaymes Payten
Chief Operations Officer at XValley
Jaymes Payten is the Chief Operations Officer at XValley Technologies, which provides Forex & Crypto brokerages worldwide with one of the industry’s most advanced brokerage solution ecosystems. With over 18 years of experience in the Forex, Crypto & Fintech space, Jaymes is known for driving operational excellence and building scalable brokerage infrastructures. At XValley, he oversees global operations, product strategy, and client success, helping brokers launch, grow, and thrive.
George Orphanides
Product Owner of RebateCore at Dynamic Works
George Orphanides is the Product Owner of RebateCore at Dynamic Works, an award-winning partnership management solution for the Forex industry. With a focus on IB and affiliate ecosystems, George drives the development of tools that empower brokers to scale, track, and optimize partner performance. At the Vision Forex Forum, he brings valuable insights into using technology to build transparent, results-driven partnership strategies.
Makis Savvides
Director of Global Payments and Fraud at Wargaming Group Limited
Makis is the Director of Payments and Fraud at Wargaming Group Limited. He is responsible, among others, for the development and execution of the company payments strategy, its alignment to the overall product and company strategy and ensuring that the payments function remains at the forefront of payments innovation. The Wargaming payments platform offers more than 250 payment methods globally, allowing players to pay in their local payment methods and currency (more than 100 currencies are available). Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry with 5,500 employees and offices spread all over the world. Over 200 million players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. The flagship products include the massively popular free-to-play hit World of Tanks, the strategic naval action game World of Warships and World of Tanks Blitz.Makis is also a member of the Board of Directors of one of the largest insurance groups in Cyprus and is the co-chair of the European Advisory Board at the Merchant Risk Council, a global membership organization connecting eCommerce fraud and payments professionals through educational programs, online forums, career development, conferences, and networking events. Before joining Wargaming, Makis was a Director at Deloitte at the Financial Advisory department. He holds a BSc in Actuarial Science from the London School of Economics and Political Science. He is also a Qualified Accountant and a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Olga Karablina
Global Head of Payments at Finyard
Olga Karablina is a passionate fintech professional with over nine years of experience. Current role is the Global Head of Payments at Finyard, where she leads the development and management of the company's payment strategies, leveraging her deep expertise to drive innovation and efficiency.
Prior to Finyard, Olga was the Head of Payment Product Development at ECOMMPAY, a leading international payment service provider. She focused on expanding ECOMMPAY's payment method portfolio, integrating innovative technologies, and enabling global business scaling.
With a strong background in payment product development, Olga specializes in launching new payment solutions tailored to industry needs. Her expertise spans product development, strategic partnerships, and optimizing payment flows to enhance user experience and maximize efficiency.
A strong advocate for women's empowerment in fintech, Olga has participated in initiatives such as Women in Open Banking. She was also nominated for Women in Open Banking – Woman of the Year (International) in recognition of her contributions to the sector.
Throughout her career, Olga has been a thought leader, sharing insights on cross-border payments, local payment methods, and generational payment preferences. Her expertise has been featured in various publications, highlighting her commitment to shaping the future of fintech.
Ekaterina Makarova
Head of People & Culture at FP Markets
Ekaterina Makarova is the leading People & Culture function at FP Markets, focusing on establishing a high-performing culture that fuels business expansion across diverse geographies.
She holds a leadership position in human resources within international companies (Procter & Gamble, Coty, Wella Company) undergoing significant transformations, including extensive growth, mergers and acquisitions, and transitions from large corporations to stand-alone businesses.
She has expertise in building healthy organisational cultures, where both people and results thrive and implementing scalable HR processes and technologies to support business growth and operational efficiency.
