FiNext Awards & Conference Dubai 2026

Nadine Koerselman is a trailblazing professional known for her passion for innovation and her dynamic approach to leadership. She is a visionary with innate curiosity and unrelenting determination, continuously transforming challenges into opportunities. Her ability to foster collaboration and deliver exceptional results makes her a sought-after voice in industries that thrive on innovation and adaptability.

With over 15 years of experience in teaching, research, administration, training, and consultancy. Ph.D. from Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi. M.Phil. from Kurukshetra University and Master of Commerce from Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar. UGC-JRF-NET Qualified. Specialized courses from Yale University, University of Geneva, University of Illinois, and Harvard University. Best Teacher Awards recipient. Permanent member of All India Commerce Association. Reviewer and technical member for ICBMG at University of Western Australia. Member of Advisory Committee of World Research Society.

Bringing an extensive background in fintech, payments, and cryptocurrency. As a trailblazer in the financial industry, Mohammed has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation, revolutionizing financial ecosystems across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. His academic foundation—a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business from the University of Wollongong—has been the bedrock of a remarkable career that combines strategic acumen with groundbreaking initiatives. Mohammed’s professional journey is marked by significant milestones: FlapKap: Spearheading revenue-based financing initiatives; Tap Payments: As a key figure in the expansion of Tap Payments into the UAE and beyond; Strategic Partnerships: From gaming platforms and broadcasters to telecom operators and mobile platforms; Riskreen: As the founder of Riskreen, launched a groundbreaking compliance tool that protects businesses by ensuring they are not inadvertently associated with individuals or entities flagged by the UN and UAE consolidated lists.

Laura Szabo is a renowned product strategy expert with over 12 years of experience delivering transformative solutions in proptech, digital marketplaces, and fintech. She has served as Chief Product Officer at ingatlan.com, Head of Real Estate at OLX Portugal, and shaped real estate monetization strategies for OLX Poland. She is a trusted advisor to startups, a Mensa member, and holds a Master's degree in e-business from Corvinus University of Budapest.

P K Singh is a first-generation entrepreneur who has consistently delivered measurable impact through his visionary leadership in purchasing intelligence and supply chain management. He has achieved multimillion-dollar savings for organizations by integrating advanced ERP solutions like SAP and Microsoft Dynamics while championing team performance and process efficiencies. His entrepreneurial journey began with PCS Ventures, a Big 4-style consulting firm that has revolutionized startups, MSMEs, and established businesses across diverse sectors. The firm boasts remarkable milestones: 15+ clients across 13 industries, 50+ jobs created, contributions to 7 UN SDG goals, 100% entrepreneurship success rates. P K Singh’s leadership has earned PCS Ventures accolades, including recognition as one of the Top 100 in Asia by the Online GSE Accelerator Program. His clients span cutting-edge industries like Web3.0, AI/ML, Fintech, and Healthcare, reflecting his ability to adapt and drive results in ever-evolving markets.

With an impressive background in project management, corporate structuring, and team building, Sary’s leadership has been instrumental in redefining healthcare technology in the MENA region. His journey includes experience at Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) and Drees & Sommer. As co-founder of Toothpick, he has driven market expansion, collaborations, and innovative healthcare solutions. Currently spearheading operations in UAE and KSA.

Ismail Tekin brings over 15 years of management experience, coupled with unparalleled expertise in business development, ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) practices, and sustainability. As the Founder of the World Impact Forum, Tekin has been at the forefront of driving initiatives that align business strategies with social good. His mission revolves around fostering conscious communities that prioritize sustainability while achieving tangible, scalable results. Beyond his work with the World Impact Forum, Ismail Tekin serves as the Vice Chairman of the World Organization for Development, collaborating with the United Nations, the global business community, and civil society to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His efforts underscore the importance of partnerships in achieving a more sustainable and equitable future. As a Managing Partner at Lambert & Co., Tekin has gained profound insights into global markets, crafting strategies that enable businesses to thrive while maintaining a focus on ESG principles. His deep engagement with impact funds, venture capitalists, and private wealth networks has made him a driving force behind numerous projects across regions including North America, Europe, MENA, Turkey, India, and Asia-Pacific.

Karim Zaitouni is a highly respected leader in the financial technology sector, known for his innovative approach to reshaping the industry. With over 15 years of experience, Zaitouni has played a pivotal role in advancing digital banking, payment solutions, and financial inclusion initiatives. His thought leadership and strategic insights have made him a trusted advisor to global organizations and a sought-after speaker at international conferences.

UAE-based broadcaster, producer, and entrepreneur with over a decade of experience and more than 10,000 hours of content across television, radio, and podcasts. Founder of Soundbite, a media consultancy, and co-founder of Portal Productions, a podcast production company. Advocate for the regional startup ecosystem.

With over 35 years of experience in private banking, family office advisory, and transformative technology solutions, Sahba is a true pioneer in integrating AI, ML, and data analytics into wealth management. He holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from Henley Business School, an MBA from Bayes Business School, and certifications from MIT Sloan and Harvard University. Before founding Figg, he held executive roles at LGT, Julius Baer, Merrill Lynch, and Barclays Wealth.

Kaavyanjali is a dynamic marketer with over 8 years of experience, reshaping the marketing landscape across UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, and India. Expertise in Marketing Analytics, Performance Marketing, Content Strategy, and Go-To-Market execution. Armed with tools like Google Suite and AppsFlyer, she has helped brands optimize resources and achieve measurable results.

Ahmed Gaber, Co-founder of CoorB, has redefined how businesses approach core operations through digital solutions, process automation, user experience innovation, and data analytics. In collaboration with CME, a stalwart in digital transformation for over 40 years, Ahmed has steered CoorB to remarkable success, achieving a workforce of 200 employees and securing key partnerships with leading financial institutions in the MENA region—all within just one year. Before founding CoorB, Ahmed served as the CEO of The ENTERTAINER, earning accolades such as a spot among the Top 10 Most Inspirational Leaders of 2023 by Arabian Business and a cover feature on CEO Magazine. His leadership style combines strategic foresight, operational excellence, and a focus on human well-being, making him a dynamic force in today’s business landscape. Ahmed’s journey began at CashNet, where he rose to the role of Head of Support & Implementation. He later joined Visa, taking on the role of Vice President of Operations for North Africa and GCC markets. At Visa, Ahmed championed key initiatives in digital payments, e-commerce, and financial inclusion, leaving an indelible mark on the Middle East’s financial ecosystem. With over 23 years of experience across 11 countries, Ahmed’s contributions to building high-performance teams and forging impactful partnerships have been pivotal to the digital transformation journey of numerous organizations. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communications Engineering from the Arab Academy for Science and Technology, alongside advanced leadership training from INSEAD and Harvard University. His current pursuit of a Master’s degree in Organizational Psychology underscores his belief in the importance of human-centric leadership.

Jane leads innovation at FoodTech Inc., focusing on sustainable food solutions.

Nadja Bester is a trailblazer in marketing, blockchain, and entrepreneurship with nearly two decades of experience. She founded two marketing agencies, served as Chief Digital Marketing Officer in pharma, and since 2017 has helped blockchain companies raise over $300 million. She hosts The Future of NFTs podcast and writes for Bitcoin.com, Investing.com, Benzinga, and HackerNoon.