Meet the Speakers

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Silvio Schembri is a an elected Maltese politician and academic currently serving as Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects. Hon Schembri was born in Luqa, the second child among four siblings. His father John Schembri has been occupying the office of Mayor of Luqa since 2001. Silvio is an experienced Lecturer In Economics with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Political Communication, Negotiation, Sustainable Development, Political Science, and Analytical Skills. Strong education professional with a Master of Arts and a Bachelors Degree of Honours focused in Economics from L-Università ta' Malta.

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Charles Mizzi is the Chief Executive Officer at the Malta Gaming Authority. He joined the MGA following a five-year tenure at the helm of the Residency Malta Agency. During his time there, he led the organisation towards its goal of ensuring that Malta is one of the most reputable and desirable residencies by investment jurisdictions. He has extensive experience in operations management and a background in marketing, communications and national-level event management. He holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Henley Business School and is a dynamic and results-driven professional.

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Mark Blandford was the founder and Director of Sportingbet Plc, an online global sportsbook and casino. Mark now works as a successful Venture capital investor. Mark Blandford AIM Entrepreneur of the year 2002. Mark now has a Venture Capital style investment portfolio which includes stakes in: Future Anthem www.futureanthem.com AI powered real time personalisation for gambling customers. Gaming Realms (www.gamingrealms.com ) Director AIM Listed UK based Games developer and distributor. Best known for the Slingo gendre of games. Gambling.com Group (www.gambling.com/corporate ) Chairman Performance marketing specialising in online gambling. Owner casinos.com gambling.com and bookies.com NASDAQ Listed. Synalogik www.synalogik.com Data aggregation platform for real time transaction monitoring, fraud investigation and integrated case management.

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Sara Al Madani is also called "Dr." Sara Al Madani, owns a restaurant, is a fashion designer, a tech-preneur, and an entrepreneur. She got the idea to start her own business when she was 15 years old. They chose her because of her success as a young businesswoman and entrepreneur. Sara was asked to encourage women in the UAE to be more active and confident in order to be successful in business. Sara is a well-known speaker at many universities, colleges, and institutes. She is known for her creativity and hard work. Sara Al Madani started speaking in public and gave keynote speeches at more than 182 events from 2016 to 2018. She was recently on the first season of the reality TV show "Real Housewives of Dubai." On June 1, 2022, her show started.

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Camille Pepos is a Head within the Fintech Supervision function of the MFSA which is entrusted with the authorisation and supervision of the VFA and Financial Institution sectors as well as the implementation of FinTech initiatives. 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. Before joining the MFSA, Camille held various roles in private banking, fundraising, fintech advisory and corporate services.

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Joe is the Founder and CEO of Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies, which was founded in the Philippines in 2009 and is now a Pan-Asian supplier of Gaming Technology and service provider. Joe was the former International Project Manager for Automatic Totalizators Ltd, Director for Business Development Asia-Pacific of IGT, and Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Entertainment Gaming Asia (formerly known as Elixir Gaming Technology). Jade Group has service and support offices in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Macau, and Sri Lanka. The Jade Group is involved in Land-Based Product Distribution, Sports Betting, and Online Operations. Jade serves as the bridge between Land-Based and Online Gaming. Joe’s gaming experience includes Systems, Slots, Lotteries, Sports Betting, Fantasy Skill Games, and Totalisators. Joe obtained his Master's Degree in Business and Technology at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He has over 40 years of experience in global gaming technologies.

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Mariusz collaborates with top partners across Central and Eastern Europe to foster the growth and development of the mobile gaming and apps ecosystem. With over 12 years of experience, Mariusz has leveraged both internal and external Google data to gain deep insights into mobile user behaviour and industry trends. Since 2015, he has specialized in mobile gaming and apps, expanding his expertise to include Web3, casino, and sports betting sectors since 2021.

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Ivan is the Director of Technology Advisory and Assurance Services at BDO Malta. Ivan has more than 27 years of experience in technology ranging from cybersecurity, privacy and GDPR advisory and assessments, third-party assurance, regulatory & compliance, DORA compliance, internal and external IT audit, IT governance, ICT risk assessments, ISO27001,, project management, , data analytics, information risk management and strategy, business continuity management & disaster recovery, system selection and implementation and IT management of efficiency improvement. He has led multiple IT projects with a successful background in their delivery within set timeframes, budgets and to a high-quality standard. Prior to joining BDO Ivan worked for 11 years at a Big4 within the Technology Risk Advisory service line with experience in delivering and leading IT regulatory, IT governance, IT security advisory service and privacy along with helping clients with solutions in data warehousing, systems integration and implementation. Prior to joining a big4 firm, he worked with a Malta listed entity where he headed the IT quality assurance department after working his way up through various IT roles.

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Wesley Ellul is a diplomat, entrepreneur, and technology consultant, specializing in digital marketing, gamification, and creator economies within the emerging tech space. Appointed as the Special Envoy for Startup Funding and Innovation by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Wesley is responsible for attracting funding and startups to the Maltese Islands. His influence in this role reflects his deep commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth. A trusted advisor to Web2 companies transitioning into the digital future, Wesley has been publicly lauded by Nyhl Henson, founder of MTV, Nickelodeon, and Country Music Television, as the "Ted Turner of the Web3 industry." Since 2018, Wesley has been a featured speaker at over 40 global events, spanning Dubai, London, Barcelona, New York, Palma de Mallorca, Serbia, Seville, Toronto, Austin, and beyond. His extensive network of professional relationships includes hundreds of emerging tech projects, venture capital funds, DAOs, and service providers, positioning him as a key connector within the industry. Wesley's client portfolio features prominent names such as SiGMA, AIBC, SBC, Rare Evo, Fideum Group, Aminity, MFC Global Films, TMRW Conference, Animaccord, Luna PR, KM Airlines, Avis, Iron Capital, Jade City, Dega Blockchain, and the University of Oxford, among many others. Twice nominated for Blockchain Advisor of the Year at the prestigious AIBC Awards in both Dubai and Malta, Wesley’s expertise and contributions continue to shape the future of emerging technologies.

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Ulrik Bengtsson has spent the last 20+ years in consumer platform businesses, across industries such as; Broadcasting, Betting & Gaming and Telecom. Most notably Ulrik was the CEO of William Hill, resulting in the ￡ 2.9bn acquisition by Caesars and subsequent carve-out sale to 888 in 2022. Before that he was the CEO of Global Betting and Gaming operator Betsson. Ulrik also spent seven years with broadcasting company Modern Times Group (MTG) first as CEO for the Swedish broadcasting business, Viasat, and later as CEO for the Emerging Markets Pay-Tv business. More recently Ulrik held the roles as COO and CCO for British telco giant ViginmediaO2 Currently Ulrik is the Chair of two-sided travel market place Hostelworld as well as Chair of Affiliate company Raketech and Slot Operator Gamenation. He is also working as advisor and investor in early stage Betting and Gaming related companies.

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William M. Gantz is a versatile lead trial lawyer with nationwide experience representing gaming, technology and manufacturing clients in intellectual property and commercial litigation, including patent infringement, trade secret, consumer class action and appeals. Bill is a Team Lead of the firm's Gaming Industry Group. Bill is a well-known speaker and authority on gaming law in the US. Since 2002, he has represented internet and mobile gaming clients in patent infringement litigation and inter parts review of US patents. Bill has extensive experience defending gaming industry clients facing consumer class actions and collective arbitration claims asserting rights to recover revenues under gambling loss recovery and consumer fraud statutes. Bill also regularly advises gaming clients regarding state and federal gambling law, provides legal opinions supporting operations, and gives counsel on licensing and regulatory compliance matters. Bill focuses on supporting digital entertainment businesses and start-ups offering igaming, pay-to-play or "freemium" games, fantasy sports, esports, sports betting, skill games, sweepstakes, retail product promotions and lottery tickets. His gaming clients include those utilizing cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, ICO's and tokens. His pro bono work regularly involves assisting charitable organizations with events or fundraising involving games, contests or raffles.

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Emma is an experienced business strategist and technology commercialist, having practised formal management consultancy at Deloitte and strategic investments, acquisitions and cross-group business development at Sony’s Corporate Development and M&A group. At Amazon, she delivered strategic initiatives to launch and grow Kindle in the UK and other European markets. Emma holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management in Chicago.

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Keith is known around the island as an energetic, fun-loving, fund-raising force of nature! A Pharmacist by profession, helping others is in his blood and this is reflected in his many successful philanthropic ventures - including his personal “Kilimanjaro Challenge” pet project, which raised an eye-watering €1million towards various causes in Ethiopia and Kenya. He can usually be found halfway up a coastline trek, or handing over a giant cheque to a charity or, when he is able, getting his hands dirty in a small village building something useful for the community. In his own words: “It is their right and our duty.

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I am a Senior Machine Learning Engineer with a focus on AI and Data Science, particularly in Generative AI. I have a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, where I concentrated on machine learning and neural networks. I stay current with the latest AI trends by engaging with the AI community, attending conferences, and experimenting with new techniques in personal projects. My combination of formal education and a passion for continuous learning helps me leverage Generative AI's capabilities, especially in the field of educational technology.

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Wei See brings two decades of IT experience, half of which were dedicated to cybersecurity. She's been serving major corporations like HP, Oracle, F5, and Microsoft. Currently leading APAC Sales at Group-IB from Singapore, she's known for driving top-tier sales teams for the past decade.

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Joseph F Borg is an advocate and Partner at WH Partners, where he heads the Blockchain Advisory and Gaming and Gambling Advisory sections of the firm. Joseph is ranked in the prestigious Chambers FinTech 2022 guide in the FinTech Legal practice area in Malta. He is also ranked as a "Leading Individual" in the FinTech practice area in Malta by Legal 500 EMEA 2022 guide, where WH Partners is listed as a Tier 1 law firm in Malta. Joseph also practices in the areas of Esports, Corporate, IT, Telecoms and Intellectual Property Law. He also lectures Gaming Law at the University of Malta.

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Anton Golub is a Venture Partner at Full Stack VC and a strategic advisor to Pazar and SwissAssetDAO. Anton is a founder of flovtec, a Swiss market-maker, Trust Square AG, a pre-eminent blockchain hub located in Zurich, and Lykke Corp, a crypto exchange.

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Martin Zarian is a full-stack brand builder and internationally recognised keynote speaker who specialises in helping organisations build strong and impactful brands that drive business success and foster collaboration. With over a decade of experience in design, branding, and strategy, Martin brings a unique perspective to the table, blending creativity, strategy, and practicality to help brands reach their goals and avoid all the BS. Recently Martin and his team at Factory 39 were involved in 2 global iGaming rebranding for SiGMA and Wicked games, both projects are up for a series of European awards. As a co-founder of Factory 39, Martin is proud of his team’s vision to become one of the best brand and software consultancies in Southern Europe helping tech companies build their brands and digital products in the most efficient way possible.

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Dinos has been a partner and co-founder of Altenar since 2014 and has overseen the company’s growth into a leading sports betting software provider. Now living in Malta with his wife and two children, Dinos was born in Greece in 1969 and studied engineering in Athens as well as studying as a naval architect and marine engineer in Newcastle. After two years in the navy and four years working as an engineer in the Far East, Dinos moved into the betting industry as a manager at various gaming companies, mainly in the trading and operations departments. Now with years of industry experience under his belt, he passes on his knowledge as a regular guest speaker at numerous iGaming exhibitions around the world.

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Prof. Joshua Ellul is Director of the Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) and an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Malta. The Centre for DLT developed and runs a world-first multidisciplinary Masters in Blockchain and DLT which takes in students having backgrounds in computer science, law, finance and economics. His research interests span across technological advancements across the blockchain/dApp stack, to techno-regulatory issues of such emerging technologies.

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Before joining MightyTips, I spent 19 years with the UEFA official website in various roles, most notably as the Editor-in-Chief of the Russian-language editorial team. I've worked on men's and women's UEFA EUROs, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League finals, interviewed the likes of Arsène Wenger and Guus Hiddink, commentated English Premier League and Serie A for Setanta, hosted live sports shows on TV and radio, built UEFA Champions League community on VK from scratch to million followers, and reported from Camp Nou and the City of Manchester Stadium. Strangely enough, I have a degree in IT (although it was long ago) and rich experience as a voice-over artist. I am a father of two and an amateur basketball player.

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Shweta Dubey, an accomplished entrepreneur and revered public international speaker, has been at the helm of Aadhya IT Services, providing exemplary services for the past 16 years. With a strong foundation in technology and a keen understanding of market dynamics, she has propelled the company to unprecedented heights of success. At Aadhya IT Services, Shweta and her team offer a comprehensive range of solutions tailored to meet the diverse needs of clients across the globe. With a relentless focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Shweta has cemented Aadhya IT Services' reputation as a trusted partner for businesses seeking cutting-edge technology solutions. In addition to her role as a successful business leader, Shweta is a highly sought-after speaker, sharing her insights and expertise on various platforms globally.

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Tejinder Kumar is highly experienced and technically minded senior manager with over 17 years of experience in sales, fintech and online trading industry with a proven track record of building, scaling and managing high performing retail and institutional teams for traditional finance and crypto start ups. Deep understanding of the trading industry, worked in FX, CFDs and Equities sector with a strong interest in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, CEX, DEX, DeFi, various blockchain platforms and various consensus methodologies (Mining, PoW, PoS).

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Since 2004, Jarek Bialek has been active in the fintech sector, dealing with several B2B products and, in addition taking responsibility for the areas of product management, team building, sales and automated support. He also actively involved in the global startup ecosystem: as a mentor, coach, educator and as an entrepreneur.

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Jason Fernandes is an investor, entrepreneur and advisor in the Web3 space. Fernandes has spent years evaluating token-based investments, first as an analyst and regular guest on the Crypto Now show and then later as an investor and tokenomics expert evaluating tokens, their teams and closing over 200 institutional investments in early stage Web3 companies for a portfolio company publicly listed in Canada and Germany. A member of Cointelegraph’s “Innovation Circle”, Fernandes is frequently quoted in industry outlets like Cointelegraph. Bitcoin.com, Investing.com and others for his views on token architecture and Web3 investing. Fernandes has been awarded the Seaside Startup Summit 2018 Award, Startup@Singapore Award, the First National Technopreneurship competition Award, "Best Business Plan" award from Sybase at the Global Entrepreneurs Challenge at Stanford University, California, the Childnet International Award (UK) in 1999. In 2000 he was featured on Rediff.com's "Achiever Track". In 2015, he won the Asian Scientist Writing Prize, for his piece entitled Moore’s Law and Evolution: How non-biological evolution made Charles Darwin irrelevant, which focused on how evolution has been far outpaced by non-biological evolution and the age of the cyborg. He also holds a patent for a Network DVR. In 2019, he was awarded the Karmaveer Chakra Award.

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I am a Certified Public Accountant with a passion for recruitment, bringing over seven years of experience working within the iGaming industry, where I have also established a licensed recruitment agency. My career has provided me with a comprehensive view of the industry, as I have worked with firms offering assurance and regulatory services, as well as with affiliation businesses, game providers, and operators. Today, I lead a boutique consultancy that provides diverse services to iGaming businesses, including financial consulting and talent acquisition. With a focus on the iGaming and Fintech sectors, I leverage industry connections and international expertise to help businesses achieve financial success and build strong, effective teams.

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Mariana Tostes is a highly engaged professional in the iGaming industry. Currently Head of Operations at FBMDS, a globally renowned iGaming company known for its innovative approach to online casino game development, Mariana leverages her combined expertise in iGaming and marketing to transform the iGaming industry.

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Ritchie crafts cultural narratives through brand characters, helping brands amplify their identity with mascots that deeply resonate in digital and immersive environments. As founder of NFT Club and Archipals, reimagining Malta’s heritage, he has developed over 400 unique products. His work spans fashion, digital collectibles, large-scale public installations, and exhibitions. Collaborating with brands like Martini and Red Bull, and industry leaders such as Charles & Ron, Des Lucrece, and Deadfellaz, Ritchie combines curiosity and experimentation to create memorable, shareable experiences that drive engagement, using art to connect deeply with audiences.

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Vladimir Malakchi is a strategic investor and business scaling expert with over a decade of experience. For the past five years, he has been mentoring iGaming companies, guiding them to commercial success and top rankings in the industry. Recognized as Speaker of the Year and Influencer of the Year, Vladimir is also listed among the top voices in the industry on LinkedIn. He has been nominated for prestigious industry awards multiple times, leading companies to over 300 wins and nominations. As a renowned judge and speaker at global gambling conferences, Vladimir has made a significant impact. In 2024, he founded Xanada Investments, a fund dedicated to supporting promising iGaming projects. The fund aims to revolutionize business scaling by offering not just financial backing but also fostering a community of companies that support each other's success.

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Samir Ceric is a C-level executive in a number of tech and financial institutions; former senior executive in finance, telecom and aviation industries; former Chairman of football club; investor and serial entrepreneur with 25+ years’ experience in Asia, Western Europe and the Balkans region; author, mentor, philanthropist, board member, competition judge, public speaker (including London Business School TEDx), alumni member of George Soros Foundation, The Open Society, guest lecturer and mental health campaigner focused on blockchain technology and innovation in the fields of sport, finance, investment and creative industry; aiming to create more transparency and openings in these industries for high level investments including a better ‘fit’ between start-up / scaleup and investment (private and institutional) words; involved with a number of by-invitation only investment clubs including Mayfair Investment Club co-founded by Ceric. Ceric holds Masters in Mathematics obtained at University of Bologna, Italy, and University of Sussex, UK, is currently a PhD candidate (in blockchain), speaks 4 languages and is a former elite athlete, having won the England National Championships in handball. Ceric is married to a renowned fashion designer and has 3 children. Results-proven, growth-oriented and globally accomplished leader with repeated success in multiple industries and markets, expanding international footprint, building shareholder value, driving vision and achieving critical strategic goals. Successful M&A and restructuring track record. Ceric appeared live on ITV, BBC, NBC News, N1 (regional CNN), Al Jazeera, FACE TV, FTV, BH Radio as well as in articles in The Times, The Financial Times, The New York Times, Reuters, Time Out London, the Guardian, The Sunday Times, Vogue Italia, Vogue UK, Madame Figaro. He’s been labelled as one of the ‘UK’s Most Powerful People in Art & Fashion’ by the Times Magazine and ‘London’s Top Tastemaker’ by Time Out London. Ceric regularly attends business and investment conferences in Europe and Asia as a panelist and moderator.

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Expert in Artificial Intelligence, Edtech, Entrepreneurship, Purpose, Customer Experience, and Digital Marketing. International speaker, expert, and consultant in User Experience and Behavior, Creation of Differential Value Propositions, and Storytelling / Branded Content Strategies. Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Hydra.Digital, a leading strategic design lab in user behavior in Europe. Executive MBA and Professor at IE Business School. Guest columnist in El País Retina and EFE Empresas. Contributor to the television program Emprende TV on Spanish Television. Host of the leading Spanish marketing program “Un Café con Dani Marote” with an average audience of 200,000 people. Author of the successful digital marketing book OrganicSM, which has over 10,000 downloads. Creator of the manifesto and movement “#UserLovers: for a world without spam,” where thousands of professionals have already joined to change the rules of the game in communication and marketing. I have designed and executed over 400 projects in 25 countries for more than 100 brands. Some notable clients: Starbucks, Mahou-San Miguel, Michelin, IE Business School, Ballantine’s, Havana 7, La Tagliatella, Canon, Shiseido, Telefonica, Siemens, Iberia, El Corte Inglés, Hard Rock, British Council, Oxfam, WWF Spain, Museo Thyssen, Euro 6000, Turismo de Madrid, Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, among others. Currently, I am the CEO of @ConsultorPRO and @AIppoiting—product Owner & Lead Mentor #PowerFormula @ThePowerMba and Mentor & Advisor of purpose-driven entrepreneurs at @AcademiaOnlineDanielMarote.

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Galyna is an Associate at WH Partners, forming part of the FinTech, Intellectual Property, and Gaming & Gambling teams. Listed in the 'Associates to Watch' category of the Chambers Fintech 2024 guide, she advises a wide variety of clients, including crypto-assets service providers, fintech companies, and gaming and gambling entities on both regulatory compliance and licensing. Galyna holds an LL.B. (Hons.) and a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta, and an LL.M. in Maritime and Transport Law from Erasmus University Rotterdam. She has also completed several specialised courses, including the Summer Course on EU Financial Regulation from the Academy of European Law ERA, as well as a Financial Markets Compliance and Regulation course from the Malta Stock Exchange.

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Mark van Weeren is a business lawyer in Amsterdam. He helps out companies and investors on licences, regulatory compliance and procedures in the Netherlands. Especially financial and crypto service licences. He represents clients in the Dutch licence procedures and those who’s licences are being challenged by competitors, authorities and other parties. He regular challenges public law enforcement by Dutch Authorities in case of a penalty, withdrawal of permits or coercive action. He is also the author of a book on Business Licences in the Netherlands.

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As a seasoned legal and regulatory consultant with Diligenza Group, I bring over 15 years of expertise in guiding and advising leading gaming companies on the intricate legal and regulatory challenges within the online gaming sector. My career spans key roles such as Chief Legal Officer for IZI Group plc and Greentube, two prominent online gaming operators in Malta and Europe, where I managed comprehensive legal and compliance operations, including contracting, litigation, employment law, and AML functions. I have been instrumental in leading projects focused on acquiring and maintaining licenses across multiple markets and jurisdictions, ensuring that these companies remain fully compliant with evolving laws and regulations. I hold an MA in European Law from the University of La Sapienza in Rome and an LL.D from the University of Malta, which has provided me with a strong foundation in European and international law. Additionally, as a certified MLRO, I possess extensive knowledge and experience in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, which I leverage to help companies navigate the complexities of the online gaming industry. In addition to my legal career, I have dedicated over 15 years to the media industry, volunteering as a presenter for various radio and television programs. My passion for media has culminated in the launch of my own TV program, "Spotlight," where I delve into contemporary issues, providing viewers with insightful discussions and expert analysis.

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As the Chief Technology Officer of Blackcatcard, Olegs Cernisevs drives innovation in product development and technology optimization. His extensive background spans banking and payment services, with notable roles at PrivatBank, First Swiss Card, and the Acquiring Committee of the Association of Commercial Banks of Latvia. Olegs has played a pivotal role in shaping IT projects for various European financial institutions. His impact was celebrated by PayTech Awards – in 2023, Olegs received an award in nomination PayTech Leadership. He holds a Doctor of Science degree and has published several scientific papers on fintech-related topics. Furthermore, Olegs is certified in anti-money laundering management and cybersecurity, underscoring his comprehensive expertise in the financial technology sector.

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Lior Aizik, COO of XBO.com, is a seasoned leader in the cryptocurrency and fintech sectors, with over a decade of experience driving innovation and growth in financial services. As a co-founder of XBO.com, Lior has been at the forefront of developing user-friendly cryptocurrency exchange platforms that aim to make crypto accessible to everyone. His extensive background includes spearheading product development and operations for various companies, where he has successfully led teams in creating cutting-edge financial solutions, including payment gateways and trading systems. Before joining XBO.com, Lior held pivotal roles at industry leaders in the Algotrading and Gaming industry, where he honed his expertise in payment solutions, UX, product management, and trading operation. His career is marked by a deep commitment to leveraging technology to simplify financial processes, ensuring secure and seamless experiences for users. Lior's mission is to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging world of digital currencies. His vision is to create a financial ecosystem where cryptocurrencies are not only a viable alternative but a preferred choice for global transactions. At SiGMA Europe, Lior will share insights on the current opportunities and challenges in the cryptocurrency landscape, drawing from his experience and hands-on approach.

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André Xuereb is a full professor of quantum physics at the University of Malta, where he established the quantum research group. He read for an undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics at the University of Malta, a PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Southampton in the UK, and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Malta; he is currently reading for a master’s degree in diplomacy. Since 2021, André is Malta’s Ambassador for Digital Affairs. Outside diplomatic and academic life, he is Chief Scientific Officer of an artificial intelligence start-up and Founder & CEO of a quantum cybersecurity start-up. He is married to a lawyer and is the proud father of three wonderful children.

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Mark Grech is a seasoned product expert and emerging tech advisor with over 10 years of experience in the iGaming industry, having worked with leading companies in Product, Marketing, and Technology. He founded Prodmark 365 with a focus on developing the next generation of immersive products using emerging technology to disrupt across various industries. For the past 8 years, Mark has been deeply involved in the Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 spaces, driving innovation and developing innovative solutions. As a versatile leader, Mark is driving Pyaza, a creative product idea he envisioned and built to reach its full potential, across social networking, community building, and tokenization.

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Jean Michel Azzopardi is a seasoned tech and business professional with over 10 years of experience in blockchain and startups. He is currently a self employed fintech Consultant offering a broad range of services in areas such as board membership, technical compliance, sales, strategy, and blockchain architecture. Jean Michel has a proven track record of securing significant funding, pioneering groundbreaking blockchain technology, and building top-performing remote teams. He was the Founder and CEO of Kralanx Cyber Security Malta, a cyber security service provider for the blockchain space, for six years. He also led the APAC Channel at Acunetix where he achieved substantial revenue growth. As a public speaker and content creator, he showcases his passion for the evolving Web3 ecosystem and his vision for a more decentralized and transparent future.

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Adam is the Founder of A1 Talent, a boutique Recruitment and Talent Consultancy with a primary focus on the iGaming Industry. He works closely with gaming leaders, serving as a trusted advisor on how to attract top-tier talent. With over 20 years experience in the recruitment field, Adam previously spent seven years at Betsson Group, where he held the role of Global Head of Recruitment. During his tenure, he built and led a Global recruitment function capable of meeting the demands of one of the industry's largest Operators. Leveraging his extensive experience gained both in-house and agency, Adam founded A1 Talent to address the challenges he encountered as a TA leader. A1 Talent offers a fully scalable Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solution called ‘Plug and Play,’ where they embed their team within clients' operations, effectively functioning as an internal recruitment team for hire. In addition to their RPO services, A1 Talent also specialises in filling business-critical roles by utilising their vast networks to source the industry's top talent. Adam is passionate about sharing his expertise and engaging with peers and regularly takes to the stage at conferences and events around the World.

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Luke currently leads Exchange Capital Partners' Isle of Man operation, having been within the banking industry for the past 15 years and more formally within the iGaming industry for the past 6. The group provide banking, FX and Cryptocurrencies for many industries, including iGaming and specialise in finding solutions to support businesses from start-ups to listed PLCs. Luke also has a passion for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Mental Health.

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Poker Player/Brand Ambassador for Unibet Poker/Host & Producer of The Chip Race Poker Podcast/Freelance Poker Writer & Commentator David has been a professional poker player since 2006 and a brand ambassador for Unibet Poker since 2017. He has been making the 2-time GPI Global Poker Award winning ‘The Chip Race’ podcast since 2015. He has commentated on poker tournaments all over Europe including The Irish Poker Open, Unibet Open, Merit Poker Series, Malta Poker Festival and Battle of Malta. Over the years, he has written over 700 poker strategy and op-ed articles. David’s educational background is varied. He has an BA in History, Art History and Philosophy, an MA in Philosophy, an MA in Screenwriting and an MLitt in Philosophy. Prior to poker, he worked as a TV and Film Screenwriter.

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Anneli Nilsson is the founder of JobMatchingPartner, a “boutique” recruitment agency licenced based in Malta. JobMatchingPartner recruits globally, offering their services predominantly to clients within the igaming, fintech, managed services, and crypto-industries. With a backgound in sales and customer-centric roles, recruitment quickly became Anneli’s favourite job, when she ”fell into” recruitment back in 2004 in London. Following a successful start in recruitment, she moved to Costa Rica, where she managed a start-up providing managed services to igaming companies in Europe and Latam, before accepting a role moving her to Malta in 2008. After nearly 2 years with what is now the Kindred Group, Anneli joined another startup with multiple brands and stayed as Affiliate Director and COO for 6 years, all the while recruiting “on the side” for a handful of clients. Anneli abdicated from affiliate management to follow her heart and founded JobMatchingPartner in 2019. ”Quality over quantity” and a genuine desire to get ”the right JobMatch” is what drives Anneli. She loves to work within igaming, where the only thing constant is change and you never have a chance to doze off.

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Clinton is a seasoned technology expert with extensive experience in information technology, affiliate marketing, and leadership. For the past six years, Clinton has served as a C-level executive at two affiliate marketing firms, where, as Chief Technology Officer, he was instrumental in defining the company's technological direction and strategy. With over 25 years in the tech industry and more than a decade in affiliate marketing, Clinton has a proven track record of leading successful technology projects and fostering innovation within the organisations he has been part of. He holds a Master's degree in Information Security from the University of London, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and AI from the University of Malta, a Diploma in Leadership and Management (ILM), and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA ISACA). Additionally, he has pursued further certifications to keep abreast of emerging technologies. Currently, Clinton is reading a Master’s degree in Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship at the University of Malta. Clinton is renowned for his strategic thinking, execution skills, analytical capabilities, and proficiency in converting complex technical ideas into practical business strategies. Apart from his technical expertise, he is also a respected leader and mentor in the tech and iGaming sectors. He regularly engages in industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities, where he shares his knowledge and insights with peers and upcoming professionals.

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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.

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About the speaker

A first-class Cambridge?graduate, Marianna passed the bar in both UK and Cyprus, has extensive experience in corporate and commercial transactions working on venture capital investments, joint ventures, acquisitions and start-ups and is supporting Ikigai Ventures as legal counsel.

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Miruna Pandele is a seasoned professional with over 5 years of hands-on experience in affiliate and influencer marketing. Currently serving as the Head of Affiliates at TrustDice, Miruna is dedicated to leading strategic initiatives and cultivating innovative approaches within the industry. Miruna's expertise lies in the careful orchestration of affiliate programs, leveraging influencer partnerships, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. Her tenure at TrustDice, where she first joined the world of iGaming in 2020, has been marked by a commitment to excellence, driving the brand to new heights through strategic collaborations and forward-thinking initiatives.

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Andreas is a passionate entrepreneur with a background in Poker, Technology and Consulting. His academia blends engineering, robotics and business administration. Andreas worked for big organisations such as Ernst and Young (EY), KPMG, TATA Consulting Services and Getronics. As the founder and CEO of Pokerload, he has revolutionized the land-based poker experience and received a global recognition by well-known gambling and igaming exhibitions (SiGMA, ICE, EDGE and WGES) as the most innovative company in the offline world of poker. In September 2023, Pokerload won the pitch competition at SiGMA’s Balkan event.

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Mr. Cunti has more than 25 years experience holding executive roles for top tier technology and financial service companies across the globe. He has been always at the forefront of innovations and cutting-edge technologies, helping companies in building their structures and delivering growth in operations and revenues. Mr. Cunti currently holds the position of CEO for Gate.MT, an EU regulated crypto exchange, part of Gate Group. His main tasks are to drive the strategy of the company and to establish its presence, growth and revenues in the European market. In previous executive positions, he pioneered fintech services and products, including blockchain projects. He is very knowledgeable in crypto and blockchain, and on the changing landscapes and opportunity of this industry. Mr. Cunti received his doctorate degree in Physics from the University of Rome. He holds an MBA from London Business School.

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Alex, Chief Marketing Officer @ COM/CP/Timgu with 20+ Years of Digital Marketing Experience. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and senior leadership, Alex has made a significant impact in the iGaming landscape, specializing in the Casino, Sportsbook, and Poker sectors. His career is marked by a commitment to fostering engaging player opportunities through innovative technology solutions. An alumnus of industry giants like Google and GGPoker, Alex has transitioned into a full-time global traveler whilst managing marketing campaigns within the iGaming industry. His proven track record showcases an ability to drive growth in challenging environments, leveraging creative audience segmentation and cutting-edge technology to deliver timely and relevant messages to customers.

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Stefan’s responsibilities as Global Co-Head of EM Group include developing new markets and services, establishing new partnerships globally and running smooth and efficient global operations.

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Manit Parikh, the CEO of The Binary Holdings Limited, has more than 17 years of experience. Binary Holdings Limited is a Web3 infrastructure platform serving the telecommunications and banking industries. It provides a decentralized solution that enhances financial inclusion, reduces transaction costs, builds trust, and opens up access to global markets. Manit has a diverse background working with C-Level executives of mid and large global corporations across sectors on transformational programs with organization-wide impact. He has led 2 companies to reach $300 million in revenue, particularly in Sports and Entertainment, Technology, and Financial services. Additionally, Manit has co-founded 2 successful exits.

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About the speaker

Nirav is a highly accomplished Payments and Banking Executive with over 10 years of experience driving growth and innovation across financial sectors. As CEO of Andaria, he leads the company in delivering embedded finance solutions tailored to the sports industry, utilizing payments as a powerful tool for unlocking data insights. His expertise lies in aligning complex regulatory frameworks across Europe and the UK with business objectives, enabling organizations to capitalize on new market opportunities. Recognized for his visionary approach within financial institutions and FinTech, Nirav excels in guiding organizations through digital transformation and advancing governance frameworks. With a keen eye for identifying commercial opportunities, he has consistently helped businesses evolve and thrive in a rapidly changing financial landscape, shaping initiatives that ensure both compliance and long-term success. His strategic leadership continues to impact the FinTech sector, driving innovation and growth.

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Stoyan Angelov, recognized in Forbes' "30 Under 30," is a prominent serial entrepreneur and the esteemed Founder and CEO of Evedo's Ecosystem (www.evedo.co). With a focus on integrating advanced technologies such as blockchain, NFTs, SoulBond, and the Metaverse, he has significantly transformed the event and entertainment sectors. As an influential angel investor, Stoyan has contributed to the growth of over 20 startup companies. His leadership at Evedo exemplifies his dedication to driving innovation and scaling value in the global technology arena.

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Started in 2018 by Sidon Farris (CEO, Founder), c4n2 has spent the last five years developing a formidable reputation for helping brands, businesses, and individuals reach their full potential within the iGaming & gambling sector.

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My name is Alexey Rozhkov, and I hold the position of CEO at the payment system MoneyGate. I obtained degrees in engineering, economics, and law from Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU-MISI), the Higher School of Economics, and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. I possess extensive experience across various fields: business, public service, and executive authorities. I have led projects such as youth policy in Moscow, managed an agro-industrial enterprise (including a bakery, mill, and the cultivation of wheat and other grains), and supervised an FMCG network. Additionally, I became part of the top management team of the largest elevator service company in Eastern Europe and am a member of IPSC as both a shooter and a range officer. At present, I serve as a consultant for GoBit, a cryptocurrency exchange in Turkey, and as the CEO of MoneyGate (Canada MSB), a payment system. I am also the owner of an IT company that develops applications and payment solutions for the iGaming/crypto industries. Furthermore, I am the founder of CPI, an association of fintech companies which includes divisions such as CPI Events (conferences in CIS countries and Turkey) and CPI Traders (a community of P2P traders, exchange points, and agents). I am also a partner in the project Satoshkin, a media resource dedicated to P2P trading and iGaming.

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Francisco has been a pro trader in different fields for the last 16 years. He currently specializes in DeFi and swing cryptocurrencies trading. Head of trading and co-founder of Thebit Research for over two years. Ranked as top 3000 on-chain reputations in the world in Ethereum main net in 2022.

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Shay Merary is the Chief Business Development Officer at Flyfish, a fintech company that consolidates financial services into a single platform. With over 7 years of experience in building partnerships and expanding business channels, His expertise lies in simplifying banking solutions and driving Flyfish’s mission to make financial management more accessible and efficient for users.

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Mark combines expertise in ethical hacking, AI, and game development to push the boundaries of technology. Starting out securing systems for high-value clients like NASA and Disney, Mark transitioned into AI, building and scaling multiple endeavors. Achieving his first profitable exit at age 25 - a mobile game - Mark went on to found several startups and enduring businesses. His passion for innovation eventually brought him back to the gaming industry, where he’s using AI to create groundbreaking solutions for tomorrow's iGaming sector. For Mark, the enjoyment of building a startup is the process, the innovation and the team behind it.

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As the Founder & CEO of Mode8 Venture Studio, Osmin brings over 28 years of experience in the technology and financial services industries. Throughout her career, she has witnessed and embraced every major technological development, from the advent of personal computers to the rise of the internet, mobile phones, Bitcoin, and now AI.