Designated Non-Financial

Businesses and Professions

Be Compliant. Be Resilient. Be Ahead.

9th July 2026

Marriott Hotel Al Jaddaf - Dubai, UAE

Supporting Partners

This Edition Deepens Its Focus on Key DNFBP Sectors

Sector 1

Real Estate

Sector 2

Luxury Cars

Sector 3

Virtual Assets

Sector 4

Gold, Precious Metal and Stones

This isn’t just a summit: it is a lifeline for DNFBPs operating in a high-risk, high-regulation world.

EVENT OVERVIEW

Strengthening Compliance.
Safeguarding DNFBPs.

Designated Non-Financial Businesses and Professions (DNFBPs) are at the forefront of AML/CFT enforcement in the UAE. As regulators intensify their oversight of real estate, dealers in precious metals and stones, company service providers, auditors, and law firms, compliance has evolved from a regulatory requirement to a strategic necessity for sustainable operations and reputational integrity.

The DNFBP Compliance & Risk Summit – 2nd Edition, taking place on 9th July 2026 in Dubai, is the region’s only dedicated platform exclusively crafted for DNFBPs to navigate regulatory transformation, mitigate financial crime risks, and enhance operational resilience. This one-day summit will bring together compliance leaders, regulators, auditors, and industry experts to unpack the latest updates from the UAE Ministry of Economy, FIU, and global watchdogs covering crucial topics such as beneficial ownership reporting, sanctions screening, suspicious transaction reporting, and the adoption of technology in compliance.

Distinguished Government Opening Address

Counselor Salem Ahmed Al Teneiji

International Expert in Anti-Money Laundering, Counter-Terrorist Financing, and Legal Policy

Ministry of Economy and Tourism

Distinguished Government Speaker

Ms. Hessa Saeed

Head of Money Laundering Control Section, Anti-Money Laundering and Terrorist Financing Department

Ministry of Economy and Tourism

Keynote Speaker

Mr. Baha Uddin

Regional Head of Financial Crime, MENAT (Interim)

HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

Our Speakers

Dr. Ayesha Bin Lootah

Assistant Vice President - Licensing, Supervision & Assurance

Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)

Mr. Ahmed Omran

Head of Compliance

Driven Properties

Speaking on

UAE AML Compliance Reinforcement Framework

Ms. Mamtha Maria

General Manager

Dubai Jewellery Group

Mr. Bonny Paul

Head of Finance

Mouawad Jewelry

Mr. Michael Wharton

Founding Member and Director

AKW Consultants

Ms. Amna Al Kharousi

Head of Compliance

Confidential

Mr. Muhammad Rashid

Co-founder & Chief Compliance & Risk Officer

Jingle Pay

Mr. Andrew Naylor, CAMS

Head of Middle East and Public Policy

World Gold Council

Mr. Benoit Ghezzi

Head of Compliance

Tribe

Mr. Muhammed Khalid Iqtadar

Chief Compliance Officer

Ajman Bank

Mr. Saad Khan

Head of Compliance

PRYPCO

Dr. Maryam Hussain

Head of Compliance

Protego Insurance Brokers

Mr. Sohail Asghar

Chief Compliance Officer

Yase Exchange

Mr. Saqr Ereiqat

Managing Partner

030.Group

Mr. Faisal Mohammed Ali Mohammed AlShimmari

Head of ESG & Corporate Strategy

Mashreq Bank

Mr. Imran Kazmi

Head Regulatory Compliance

United Bank Limited

Mr. Najeeb Razzaque

Director of Compliance, MLRO

BitOasis

Mr. Rieko Kester

CEO

Bluem Payment & Identity Services

Mr. Sachin Rao (CAMS-FCI)

CEO

Complyfin

Mr. Tushar Gupta

Director

DPMS Global

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Mr. Sachin Rao (CAMS-FCI)

CEO
Complyfin

Bio: • Expertise in Financial Crimes Compliance, AML/CFT, Sanctions , Investigations. Licensed Director & CCO by FSRA-ADGM & CBUAE

• Over 24 years of international working experience across various verticals including business , network development, IT education, regulatory reporting, governance , risk and compliance. Has extensive experience of handling regulatory matters across 45 plus countries.

• Actively participated in setting up , developing and implementing strong compliance regime across sectors, which include remittances, forex, investments, DNFBP’s, blockchain and new technology initiations for payments and cash management services. With focus on regulatory compliance in Pan-African and emerging markets

• Extensive knowledge and experience in detecting and analyzing risks related to AML/CFT & Sanctions Compliance and providing valuable consulting to all the stake holders and providing specialized training to mange compliance risk.

• Conducted onsite TLOD full time FCC audit at FI’s/Banks & Islamic Banks, directly & through partners , areas covering KYC - Onboarding, Sanction Screening, Transaction Monitoring and Regulatory Reporting. conducted work and assessed gaps on policies, procedures and processes including alert disposition quality & systems (FircoSoft Continuity & Trust, Omni Transaction Monitoring System, AMBIT, Ethix Core Banking System, Lexis Nexis, World Check & East nets Safe watch) Identification regulatory, business & operational gaps and providing subject matter expertise for appropriate remediation.

• As a practitioner, have worked with major remittance & exchange companies, been instrumental in setting up RBA, which has helped to set up relationships with over 50 Nostro accounts with major banks internationally. Currently also assist’s Banks/FI’s and provides them consultation on compliance regime , Gap Analysis ,process improvisation and correspondent banking relationships

• Speaker as Subject Matter Expert to Association of Law Enforcement Officers from 34 countries

• Have successfully consulted, created training content and trained the Governments in Africa, including the Financial Intelligence Centre(FIU), Justice Department, Central bank, enforcement and police department officials, anti corruption, revenue and tax department officials including the other ministries on Sector specific ML/TF risks and effective regulation – DNFBP’s

• First to author Anti Money Laundering Course on worlds largest digital platform Udemy and course being referred as best seller for with excellent ratings from students from over 113 countries.

Mr. Rieko Kester

CEO
Bluem Payment & Identity Services

Bio: Rieko is an entrepreneur passionate about new ventures. While studying business administration at Erasmus University, the first business was launched. After gaining experience in roles focused on business development and management consulting with KLM, Philips Thailand, and KPMG Consulting, Rieko co-founded Bluem in 2000 alongside Atos Nederland and Scan Laser. Rieko became CEO in 2002 and has been dedicated to the wide adoption of identity, payment, and compliance solutions ever since. Rieko has held various interbank positions under the Dutch Payments Association and NVB's auspices, focusing on FiNBOX and other transaction services.Rieko is an entrepreneur passionate about new ventures. While studying business administration at Erasmus University, the first business was launched. After gaining experience in roles focused on business development and management consulting with KLM, Philips Thailand, and KPMG Consulting, Rieko co-founded Bluem in 2000 alongside Atos Nederland and Scan Laser. Rieko became CEO in 2002 and has been dedicated to the wide adoption of identity, payment, and compliance solutions ever since. Rieko has held various interbank positions under the Dutch Payments Association and NVB's auspices, focusing on FiNBOX and other transaction services.

Mr. Najeeb Razzaque

Director of Compliance, MLRO,
BitOasis

Bio: Mr. Najeeb Razzaque is the Director of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) at BitOasis, one of the leading virtual asset trading platforms in the Middle East and North Africa. With extensive experience in regulatory compliance, anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorist financing (CTF), sanctions compliance, and financial crime risk management, he plays a pivotal role in strengthening BitOasis’ compliance framework and regulatory engagement. Najeeb has a strong track record of implementing risk-based compliance programs within the financial services and virtual asset sectors, helping organizations navigate evolving regulatory requirements while fostering trust, transparency, and sustainable growth.

Mr. Faisal Mohammed Ali Mohammed AlShimmari

Head of ESG & Corporate Strategy
Mashreq Bank

Bio: Faisal AlShimmari is a board member of the UNGC UAE Chapter and an ExCo ( Head of ESG and Corporate Strategy ) member in Mashreq, a leading financial institution headquartered in Dubai, serving individuals, entrepreneurs, corporates, and institutions across the UAE and key regional and international markets. He leads Mashreq's AED 110 billion sustainable finance commitment by 2030 and has enabled seven LEED certifications across the bank's portfolio, including LEED Zero Energy for its HQ — the first commercial tower in MENA. He has led landmark transactions including the USD 3.25 billion facility for GEMS Education and USD 2.5 billion for Bapco Energies.

A champion of human-centric sustainable finance, he advocates expanding ESG frameworks beyond green metrics to fund social outcomes like affordable housing. He is also Vice Chairman of the UAE Banking Federation ESG & Sustainable Finance Committee. Under his leadership, Mashreq sponsored COP27 and COP28. Prior to joining Mashreq, Faisal spent two decades with the UAE government to lead digital transformation, AI, and child protection. In addition, he is Founding Chairman of Emirates Child Protection Association.

Mr. Saqr Ereiqat

Managing Partner
030.Group

Bio: Saqr Ereiqat is a leading fintech and digital assets strategist with extensive experience in blockchain innovation, venture building, and emerging technologies. As Managing Partner of 030.Group and Secretary General of the Dubai Digital Asset Association (D2A2), he works closely with industry leaders, regulators, and startups to accelerate the adoption of Web3 and digital asset ecosystems. A former IBM executive with over 13 years of consulting experience across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, Saqr has led transformative projects in blockchain, fintech, and innovation, helping organizations bridge technology with real-world business value.

Mr. Sohail Asghar

Chief Compliance Officer
Yase Exchange

Bio: Mr Sohail Asghar is a distinguished compliance leader with more than a decade of specialized experience in AML/CFT, sanctions compliance, and financial crime risk management across UAE‑regulated financial institutions. He currently serves as the Chief Compliance Officer & MLRO, approved by the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE), where he oversees the institution’s regulatory compliance strategy, enterprise‑wide risk framework, and financial crime prevention programs. He is recognized for his leadership in enterprise‑wide ML/TF/PF risk assessments, where he oversees the identification, measurement, and mitigation of risks across customers, products, delivery channels, geographies, and emerging typologies.

Sohail’s expertise spans the full spectrum of modern compliance functions, including enterprise‑wide ML/TF/PF risk assessments, sanctions governance, transaction monitoring optimization, CDD/EDD oversight, and STR/ISTR investigations. He has played a pivotal role in aligning institutions with the UAE’s updated AML/CFT regulatory framework, including Federal Decree‑Law No. (10) of 2025, Cabinet Resolution No. (134) of 2025, and the CBUAE AML Rulebook.

Known for his analytical depth and risk‑based approach, Sohail has led the development of dynamic risk‑scoring models, typology‑driven monitoring rules, and PF‑specific risk controls. His leadership extends to regulatory inspections, internal and external audits, and board‑level reporting, where he provides strategic insights on emerging risks, sanctions exposure, and financial crime trends.

A strong advocate for compliance culture, Sohail designs and delivers mandatory and role‑based AML/CFT training, ensuring organizational readiness and alignment with supervisory expectations. His work contributes directly to strengthening the UAE’s financial integrity and supporting national efforts against money laundering, terrorism financing, and proliferation financing.

Sohail holds an MBA, MS in Accounting & Finance, and globally recognized certifications including CAMS and Advanced CAMS‑Risk Management (Adv‑CAMS‑RM). He is widely regarded for his regulatory insight, practical expertise, and commitment to elevating compliance standards across the financial sector.

Dr. Maryam Hussain

Head of Compliance
Protego Insurance Brokers

Bio: Dr. Maryam Hussain is a senior AML and compliance professional with over 10 years of experience across the UAE banking and government sectors, specializing in financial crime prevention, regulatory compliance, and risk management. She currently serves as AVP – Regulatory Compliance at RAK Bank, leading initiatives to strengthen AML controls and regulatory governance. Previously, she supervised DNFBP inspections at the UAE Ministry of Economy, playing a key role in enhancing AML oversight and contributing to the UAE’s removal from the FATF Grey List in 2024. A Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS), Dr. Maryam holds a Doctorate in Business Administration and an LLM in Financial Crime and Money Laundering.

Mr. Benoit Ghezzi

Head of Compliance
Tribe

Bio: Mr Benoit Ghezzi is a senior compliance and regulatory professional with over 15 years of international experience across traditional finance and the virtual asset sector. He currently serves as Head of Compliance and MLRO at Tribe Tokenisation FZE, a Dubai-based virtual asset service provider specialising in real estate tokenisation and fractional real estate investment, where he oversees compliance, financial crime risk and regulatory engagement.

Over the course of his career, Benoit has held senior compliance and regulatory roles with organisations including HSBC, Quintet, and Bybit, with deep expertise in AML/CFT, financial crime risk, regulatory engagement, and compliance programme development across MENA and Europe.

Benoit holds a master’s in professional business studies from Auckland University of Technology and is a Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS). He is based in Dubai.

Mr. Muhammed Khalid Iqtadar

Chief Compliance Officer
Ajman Bank

Bio: Muhammed Khalid Iqtadar serves as the Chief Compliance Officer at Ajman Bank, bringing over 25+ years of distinguished experience in internal audit, risk management, and regulatory compliance within the banking industry. A seasoned and dynamic leader, Muhammed has consistently demonstrated expertise in driving governance excellence and operational integrity. His core strengths lie in designing and re-engineering audit & Compliance frameworks, formulating and executing comprehensive audit and GRC strategies, and spearheading compliance and risk management initiatives. At Ajman Bank, Muhammed has been instrumental in establishing and implementing robust compliance programs aligned with CBUAE regulations, with a strong emphasis on AML, KYC, and Sanctions compliance. He is in process of transforming Compliance function with the support of new systems / technologies. Previously, as Vice President and Head of Operational, BCM & Fraud Risk Management, Muhammed led enterprise-wide strategies for operational risk, fraud prevention, and business continuity management, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and global best practices. His earlier role as Vice President and Head of Operational & Financial Audit further showcased his proficiency in auditing, Compliance, FCC, AML/Sanctions, Treasury, Credit and market risk management, investment and private banking, banking operations and corporate governance. Before joining Ajman Bank, Muhammed held senior leadership positions at Commercial Bank International and Habib Bank AG Zurich – UAE, where he contributed significantly to strengthening risk and compliance frameworks. Muhammed’s professional credentials are extensive, encompassing globally recognized certifications such as CIA, CAMS, CFE, ACMA, CGMA, FCPA, AFA, MIPA, PMP, AICB, MCSI, CISA, CISM, CGEIT, CRISC, CPDSE, GRCP, GRCA, CACM, CDT (MIT) and CICA. His expertise spans information security, risk control, internal auditing, data privacy, Fraud, Financial crime, risk management and governance. Academically, Muhammed holds an MBA from the University of Northampton, UK, and a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Karachi. His qualifications are complemented by numerous diplomas and certifications in strategic management, leadership, and banking, underscoring his commitment to continuous professional development.

Mr. Mahammad Ansar

Head of Compliance and MLRO
LuLu International Exchange

Bio: Mr. Mahammad Ansar K A is a highly accomplished compliance professional with over 16 years of expertise in regulatory compliance and operations. Currently serving as the Head of Compliance and Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) at Lulu International Exchange, Mr. Ansar has previously held key positions in various exchange houses across the UAE. He has a proven track record of ensuring strict adherence to the Central Bank of the UAE’s standards and international regulations, effectively navigating complex regulatory requirements, enhancing compliance monitoring systems, and developing comprehensive training programs to strengthen organizational compliance.

Ms. Mamtha Maria

General Manager
Dubai Jewellery Group

Bio: Mamtha is a precious metals and jewellery sector expert with 14 years+ experience in Strategy, Government Relations, Policy, Compliance and Governance. She is responsible for the general management of Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group's secretariate (trade body for the precious metals, stones and jewellery industry of Dubai) and acts as a facilitator of the sector through the implementation of government regulations, policies, best practices, member beneficial programs and initiatives. Mamtha works closely with the senior leadership of the Group to echo sector grievances, challenges and recommendations with government authorities that contributes to forming favorable legislation and policy for the sector. Her experience in strategic communication and compliance are helpful tools in guiding the sector in implementing and complying with relevant regulations in their businesses. As an added responsibility, Mamtha also represents the gold and jewellery sector at the Private Public Partnership Committee - Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Terrorism Financing - UAE.

Mr. Bonny Paul

Head of Finance
Mouawad Jewelry

Bio: Bonny is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of specialized experience in the Precious Metals and Jewelry industry. His deep expertise in compliance and risk analysis has established him as both an industry expert and a trusted advisor. With a career spanning the entire value chain from mining to finished jewelry , Bonny offers a comprehensive understanding of financial compliance and risk management at every operational level.
His previous roles with global leaders such as Arslanian Group and Omega Diamonds provided him with direct exposure to the complexities of upstream and midstream operations, sharpening his ability to implement robust financial controls and navigate regulatory environments within high-value, high-risk sectors.
Currently serving as the Head of Finance at Mouawad Jewelry, Bonny plays a key role in one of the world’s most prestigious luxury brands. With a legacy spanning more than 130 years, Mouawad is renowned for crafting extraordinary jewels and rare diamonds that have adorned royalty, celebrities, and collectors across generations. In this role, Bonny oversees core financial functions including reporting, budgeting, inventory management, compliance, and strategic planning.
His insights into commodity markets, cost structures, and internal controls have been pivotal in driving operational efficiency and long-term financial sustainability for the organization. Known for his analytical mindset and strategic leadership, Bonny is passionate about aligning finance with business growth while upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and risk governance in the luxury goods sector.

Mr. Andrew Naylor, CAMS

Head of Middle East and Public Policy
World Gold Council

Bio: Andrew Naylor joined the World Gold Council in 2016. He leads the Council’s regional office in the UAE and heads up public policy initiatives globally. Before his current role, he was Head of APAC (ex-China) and based in Singapore. He was previously part of the central banks and public policy team and led the Council’s Islamic finance initiative. Before joining the World Gold Council Andrew worked for the international consultancy firm Cicero Group advising financial institutions on foreign investment and trade policy in Asia and the global regulatory reform agenda.

Andrew is a member of the supervisory board of the EU-ASEAN Business Council. Previous appointments include chairman of the Singapore Bullion Market Association’s public affairs committee from 2017-2013, and board member of the European Chamber of Commerce in Singapore between 2012 and 2019.

Andrew regularly gives broadcast media commentary on global political-economic developments on the BBC, Bloomberg Asharq, Sky News, Channel NewsAsia, Dubai Eye and CNBC.

Andrew has bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and is an ACAMS Certified Anti Money-Laundering Specialist.

Email: andrew.naylor@gold.org
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nayloronline/

Mr. Michael Wharton

Founding Member and Director
AKW Consultants

Bio: With a wealth of experience spanning multiple industries, Michael has emerged as a visionary tech-driven problem solver and strategic consultant, delivering innovative solutions that transform businesses. He brings deep expertise across financial services, energy, healthcare, FMCG, education, metals and mining, and manufacturing sectors, where he has led transformative projects that redefine how businesses operate, compete, and create value-consistently pushing the boundaries of efficiency and success. Michael has collaborated with numerous C-level executives to develop solutions that shift decision-making from intuition-driven to data-driven approaches, empowering them to use data to validate, understand, and quantify their decisions. He excels at leading and managing the entire problem- solving process, from identifying and analysing issues to exploring solutions and crafting the most effective strategies. He seamlessly oversees the implementation and ensures continuous monitoring and review to guarantee long-term success. Michael has been at the forefront of numerous technology-driven sustainability initiatives. From implementing advanced solar panels to reduce carbon footprints to designing innovative wastewater recycling systems and developing ERP solutions that minimize paper usage, Michael has spearheaded several projects aimed at creating sustainable alternatives to traditional practices, driving impactful change across industries.

Ms. Amna Al Kharousi

Head of Compliance
Confidential

Bio: Amna is a professional compliance leader and ACAMS-certified specialist with extensive experience in UAE compliance regulations, particularly in Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorist Financing (AML/CFT) frameworks.

She has played a key role in aligning organizations with national regulatory requirements and strategic initiatives, including the UAE Vision 2031. Amna leads AML/CFT training programs, strengthens KYC processes, and contributes to strategic compliance decisions at the board level.

Amna is passionate about fostering a strong culture of compliance. Outside of work, she is dedicated to continuous learning and personal development, bringing a proactive and solution-oriented approach to every challenge.

Mr. Muhammad Rashid

Co-founder & Chief Compliance & Risk Officer
Jingle Pay

Bio: Muhammad Rashid is the Co-founder and Chief Compliance & Risk Officer at Jingle Pay, bringing over 19 years of expertise in compliance oversight, regulatory advisory, and transformation management. A Certified Compliance Expert and Digital Disruption Enthusiast, he has worked with Fortune 500 companies such as Citibank, Western Union, PwC, Khushhali Microfinance Bank, and Cenfri, offering deep insights into both global and regional compliance challenges.

Muhammad specializes in designing and implementing robust compliance, AML, anti-fraud, risk management, and governance programs. His experience extends to advising central banks on regulatory frameworks and policy, particularly in Open Banking, e-KYC, and Fintech regulations across the MEA region. With a passion for continuous learning and innovation, he is committed to developing forward-thinking compliance solutions that empower financial institutions and fintechs to navigate evolving regulatory landscapes while ensuring operational excellence and business growth.

Mr. Dilip Krishnasamy

Head of Compliance Monitoring & Assurance in Compliance
Ajman Bank

Bio: Dilip Krishnasamy is a seasoned banker/ compliance practitioner with nearly two decades of international experience in financial crime compliance (FCC), governance, risk management, regulatory compliance, and assurance across global and regional banks. He has held senior leadership roles at HSBC, HBL, Citibank, Pan Oceanic Bank and RAK Bank, where he led compliance specific transformative initiatives and managed a global transaction monitoring team of over 250 professionals supporting 10 countries.

Recognized for his strategic vision and operational excellence, Dilip has been instrumental in designing and implementing robust AML/CFT frameworks, driving de-risking programs, and achieving zero-audit findings across multiple jurisdictions. His portfolio includes the drafting and review of over 200 FCC policies and procedures, leading complex assurance reviews, and delivering governance enhancements that align with evolving regulatory expectations.

As an ICA Fellow member (FICA) and CAMS-certified professional, Dilip is a trusted advisor known for translating complex regulatory requirements into scalable, business-friendly solutions. He has represented compliance functions at board-level discussions and international forums, including as a guest speaker with ICA UK, where he shared insights on the future of transaction monitoring and the role of AI in compliance.

In his role as a moderator, Dilip brings a unique blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and engaging facilitation. His ability to foster meaningful dialogue, challenge conventional thinking, and connect global perspectives makes him an ideal moderator for high-impact discussions on compliance innovation, regulatory trends, and financial crime risk management

Ms. Lisa Vainio

Head of Policy and External Affairs, EMEA
World Gold Council

Bio: As Head of Policy and External Affairs, EMEA at the World Gold Council, Lisa leads the organisation’s strategic engagement across the region, driving initiatives on market integrity, regulatory innovation, and responsible sourcing. Based in Dubai, she brings extensive experience from senior roles in London’s financial services industry associations, where she shaped global policy on capital markets and trade in services. Her earlier career includes positions at the European Commission and Finland’s EU Representation in Brussels.

Lisa serves on the board of the Finnish Business Council UAE and the leadership team of Women in AI UAE. She holds degrees in Politics and International Relations and a certification in Sustainable Finance.

Dr. Ayesha Bin Lootah

Assistant Vice President - Licensing, Supervision & Assurance
Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)

Bio: Dr. Ayesha Bin Lootah is a self-driven and visionary leader with over 16 years of experience across licensing, supervision, digital assurance, inspection, internal audit, risk management, information security, governance, and business continuity management. Her multifaceted expertise extends into excellence and service improvement, crisis and city-level emergency response—including leadership roles during the COVID-19 pandemic—and spans diverse sectors such as financial institutions, virtual assets, tourism, hospitality, real estate, economic development, and public administration.

She currently serves as Vice Chairman of Emaar Development PJSC and Independent Director of SALIK PJSC, and holds additional committee roles as an independent director within publicly listed entities on the Dubai Financial Market. With more than 11 years of board governance experience at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) – UAE Chapter, she has chaired several national and international committees, including the record-breaking International Audit Conference.

Dr. Bin Lootah’s distinguished career includes senior appointments across the Federal Government, Dubai Government, the Department of Economy and Tourism, and the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), where she plays a pivotal role in advancing regulatory excellence.

She holds a Doctorate of Business Administration in Tourism Investments, is a Certified Corporate Governance Practitioner (UK), and is COSO Certified, underscoring her commitment to best-in-class risk and control frameworks in both corporate and public sector environments.

Mr. Collin Lobo

Regional Head of Financial Crime & MLRO MENAT
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

Bio: Collin joined HSBC Middle East in August 2014 as the Regional Head of Financial Crime Compliance MENAT. Collin has been a practioner and an SME in the field of financial crime risk management for over 25 years having trained and practiced with a Big Four accounting firm where he specialized in forensic accounting and regulatory advisory services. Collin is a Fellow of the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants.

During my career I have been fortunate to have worked in many jurisdictions including the Middle East, Europe, South East Asia and Africa. I have worked with and led multi cultural and multi skilled teams, which have taught me the importance of cultural awareness and empathy which is key to be able to operate and manouver in todays globalised workforce. I am very passionate about people and the teams I lead. If there is one thing that is important for me from a professional perspective is to never stop learning and where you can share your experiences so that others can benefit and learn too

Mr. Baha Uddin

Regional Head of Financial Crime, MENAT (Interim)
HSBC Bank Middle East Limited

Bio: Financial Crime Compliance leader with 17+ years’ experience across global banks, including 10+ years at HSBC, building and leading effective financial crime risk management programmes across diverse markets. Held senior MLRO and Head of Financial Crime roles in Oman and Qatar, partnering with business leadership and regulators to strengthen controls, enhance governance, and deliver sustainable risk outcomes. Progressed to Regional Head of Investigations for MENAT, leading complex investigations and driving consistent, high-quality case management and investigative standards across the region.

Prior experience includes leading FCC teams in the US at Citigroup and Capital One. Law-trained, bringing a practical, risk-based approach to decision-making, escalation, and oversight

Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem

Director National Risk & Policies Department
General Secretariat of the National Anti -Money Laundering and Combating Financing of Terrorism and Financing of illegal Organizations Committee

Bio: Dr. Ebrahim Al Alkeem is a distinguished expert in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, now serving as the National Risk & Policy Director for Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF). With over 19 years of experience, Dr. Al Alkeem has consistently demonstrated leadership and innovative thinking in various significant roles.

His scholarly contributions to the field are substantial, with numerous articles published in esteemed research centres and academic journals. He has also served on various advisory boards, underscoring his dedication to advancing industry standards and disseminating knowledge.

A respected voice in the AI community, Dr. Al Alkeem is a frequent keynote speaker and panellist at top-tier international conferences and summits, where he shares his forward-thinking perspectives and expert insights, influencing contemporary discussions in technology.

Dr. Al Alkeem holds a Ph.D. in Engineering with a double major in Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity. His academic achievements are complemented by a suite of global AI certifications, reflecting his commitment to continuing education and mastery of his field.

His involvement in prestigious AI and AML associations highlights his dedication to fostering international collaboration and innovation, further emphasizing his commitment to the global community.