Problem obsessed for +15 years, Grant's path to product started in traditional advertising before spending the last dozen years shaping digital products from startup to enterprise. Grant operates as Banking Strategist and Head Coach of Product Management for Ippon USA, a technology consultancy that supports digital transformation, data & cloud modernization and organizational change management. Recently Grant finds passion coaching regional & community banks on data & AI strategy.

Favorite successes -
1) taking a 2-sided market startup redesign from seed round to multi-million Series A;
2) reducing a community bank's account opening by more than 300% that helped support more than $1B in new assets; and
3) playing a leading role in a F500 bank's deployment and rollout of custom agent servicing app for +1500 agents.

Problem obsessed for +15 years, Grant's path to product started in traditional advertising before spending the last dozen years shaping digital products from startup to enterprise. Grant operates as Banking Strategist and Head Coach of Product Manage... Show more

Jhonathan David Shaikh is a remarkable professional making an impressive industry impact in banking & finance, healthcare, trade & exports and education. JD started his career in banking furthered his education by earning a Masters degree in Business Administration with a major in finance and global markets from the prestigious School of Business at Tulane University as well as becoming a Data Scientist from the New York School of Data Flatiron. Jhonathan completed a 15 year career track. In 2017, he became a Global Lead in Data Digital Transformation, and later an Executive Manager in Data Models & Database Reviews, at a global firm based New York City -He has research and published business applications of data sciences and AI in major media outlets. Today he is Chief Data Strategist for Xabios Data, a data analytics| business intelligence and data science firm optimizing businesses.

Notably, JD was featured on an international article for Grant Thornton International in Data Monetization. Hi research reached more than 15,000 followers - He has spoken at more than 13 conferences in the USA and LATAM- He founded a non-profit in LATAM that helps limited-resources entrepreneurs with micro-lending and educational resources. These recognitions, along with his Top 5 Awards in Leadership reflect his dedication and impact in industry and to people.

Jhon enjoyes being called to speak at the National and International Conferences to speak about real world experiences in the world of AI , Data Analytics & Data Science. Highlights include: the State of Mexico Business Association, in Mexico City, the Data Science Panels at the S&P 500 Building in Wall street for Data Science Salon, and at the The University of Houston College of Technology. Jhonathan makes complex topics, easy to understand to non-technical audiences, and makes technical audiences understand the world and language of business.

Experience for yourself as Jhonathan speaks to businesses leaders, management groups, professionals, scientist and students about real world applications of data sciences, from real life experiences. As he speaks the language of business and science, learned through his management of global teams in real-life projects, working with the leadership of top institutions, he shares his previous and ongoing client business experiences and what's happening in the world of data science.

His expertise topics include themes around : Data Science in a Business Context, Project Experiences, Data Modeling, and Financial Education.

Jhonathan David Shaikh is a remarkable professional making an impressive industry impact in banking & finance, healthcare, trade & exports and education. JD started his career in banking furthered his education by earning a Masters degree in Busines... Show more

Edwin Kwan is a DevSecOps advocate and strong believer in having a developer focused approach towards embedding security into the software development life cycle. Trained as a software engineer, he transitioned into security 9 years ago and now heads up the application security and security advisory teams at an Australian financial services company.

Edwin Kwan is a DevSecOps advocate and strong believer in having a developer focused approach towards embedding security into the software development life cycle. Trained as a software engineer, he transitioned into security 9 years ago and now heads... Show more

Melissa Jean-Baptiste, financial educator and author of "So This Is Why I'm Broke: Money Lessons on Financial Literacy, Passive Income, and Generational Wealth" is a first generation Haitian American and former NYC high school teacher. As the Beyonce of personal finance, she paid off $102,000 dollars in student loan debt on a teacher salary while writing and producing the award-winning Millennial In Debt web series. She has since pivoted into personal finance and career coaching to help millennials and Gen Z build generational wealth and gain financial freedom in a shame free digital environment. She can be found at millennialindebt.com and millennialindebt on all social platforms.

Melissa Jean-Baptiste, financial educator and author of "So This Is Why I'm Broke: Money Lessons on Financial Literacy, Passive Income, and Generational Wealth" is a first generation Haitian American and former NYC high school teacher. As the Beyonce... Show more

Nataliia Petryshak is an experienced Product Manager and Business Analyst with over 13 years of experience across diverse industries, including IT product development, SME banking, and financial analysis. Her adaptable approach has allowed her to excel in various project phases, from initial concept to successful launch, in both startup and corporate environments. Has BA resource management and educational initiatives leadership experience. Currently pursuing an MBA in Technology Management (TUHH, Hamburg, Germany), Nataliia is passionate about leveraging data-driven insights, fostering cross-functional collaboration and knowledge sharing, and driving innovation across different domains.

I am a true detective at heart, with a passion for uncovering real needs and solving complex problems. As a trainer, lecturer, and mentor, I’ve shared my expertise in Business Analysis and Product Management, supporting Women in Tech globally and mentoring Ukrainian scientists through the Seeds of Bravery project.

In my professional life, I try to focus on sustainable leadership,ethical innovation and AI, demonstrating how technology can be leveraged responsibly to deliver real-world, impactful solutions.

Nataliia Petryshak is an experienced Product Manager and Business Analyst with over 13 years of experience across diverse industries, including IT product development, SME banking, and financial analysis. Her adaptable approach has allowed her to exc... Show more

Hi, I’m Naki Dejo, a Technical Lead at BCP with over six years of experience building high-transaction distributed systems in the financial sector. I specialize in Java development and have also worked as a Solutions Architect and Scrum Master, leading both legacy and modern projects, including large-scale technology migrations and the development of critical enterprise components.

I am currently focused on integrating artificial intelligence and cloud technologies into scalable, inclusive software solutions. I am passionate about creating systems that not only perform at enterprise scale but also promote accessibility, fairness and long-term sustainability.

Hi, I’m Naki Dejo, a Technical Lead at BCP with over six years of experience building high-transaction distributed systems in the financial sector. I specialize in Java development and have also worked as a Solutions Architect and Scrum Master, leadi... Show more

I have over 15 years of process excellence working across cultures to ensure seamless operations. My clients include large conglomerates, banks, and medium-sized family enterprises.

Recently, I started working with family offices to support the entrepreneurial side of the family office. While wealth management is a hugely important part of working with entrepreneurial families, so is governance and succession planning. This is where I play, and my goal is to help family dynasties last 100 years.

I am especially interested in speaking to women and having them play bigger roles in the family office or family business.

I have over 15 years of process excellence working across cultures to ensure seamless operations. My clients include large conglomerates, banks, and medium-sized family enterprises. Recently, I started working with family offices to support the e... Show more

Specializing in building and directing high-performing design organizations for global giants like Google and Amazon.

I leverage AI to transform both how we design (accelerating workflows) and what we design (intelligent features), driving operational efficiency and delivering commercial impact across FinTech, AdTech, and E-commerce.

Currently UX Manager at Google. Previously Head of UX Research & Design at Credit Suisse.

Specializing in building and directing high-performing design organizations for global giants like Google and Amazon. I leverage AI to transform both how we design (accelerating workflows) and what we design (intelligent features), driving operati... Show more

Nina Grygorenko is Product Owner for Sales and Services in Digital Corporate Bank at Deutsche Bank with over 9 years of experience in the financial industry.
A seasoned professional in Business Analysis and Product development, Nina Grygorenko embarked on her career as as an intern in Operational Risk Management in Deutsche Bank and transitioned last year in Digital Corporate Bank, leading Sales & Services product development as IT PO in multicultural team.

Nina Grygorenko is Product Owner for Sales and Services in Digital Corporate Bank at Deutsche Bank with over 9 years of experience in the financial industry. A seasoned professional in Business Analysis and Product development, Nina Grygorenko emba... Show more

I am a Data Scientist at ING's Engineering & Reliability department, working on AIOps cases with a focus on IT change and incident data. Also, part-time a PhD Candidate at Delft University of Technology's Software Engineering Group.

I am a Data Scientist at ING's Engineering & Reliability department, working on AIOps cases with a focus on IT change and incident data. Also, part-time a PhD Candidate at Delft University of Technology's Software Engineering Group. Show more

Parker Wilson is a Chartered Professional Accountant recognized for delivering clear, strategic, and dependable financial guidance to businesses, professionals, and privately held organizations. His work is centered on helping clients navigate financial complexity with confidence while building structures that support long-term stability and growth.

With a strong foundation in accounting, taxation, and financial advisory, Parker works closely with clients to understand the full context of their operations, goals, and challenges. Rather than offering generic solutions, he focuses on practical strategies that align financial reporting, tax planning, and business decision-making. His approach emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and foresight, enabling clients to make informed choices that strengthen both performance and governance.

Parker’s advisory work extends beyond compliance. He supports organizations through critical stages such as growth planning, restructuring, risk management, and performance improvement. By translating financial data into meaningful insights, he helps business owners and executives identify opportunities, manage risk, and maintain control as their operations evolve. His guidance is particularly valued by clients who require thoughtful financial leadership without unnecessary complexity.

Integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail define Parker’s working style. He is known for building long-term client relationships based on trust, transparency, and consistent results. Clients value his ability to explain complex financial matters in a clear and direct manner, allowing them to engage confidently in strategic discussions and planning.

Through his work, Parker Wilson remains committed to supporting sustainable business success. His focus on sound financial discipline, proactive planning, and strategic advisory ensures that clients are well positioned to meet today’s challenges while preparing for future opportunities.

Parker Wilson is a Chartered Professional Accountant recognized for delivering clear, strategic, and dependable financial guidance to businesses, professionals, and privately held organizations. His work is centered on helping clients navigate financ... Show more

Speaker Bio: Dr. Anita Renee’ Johnson
Dr. Anita Renee’ Johnson is a Financial Behaviorist, Educator, and Author dedicated to transforming the way individuals and institutions understand money. She teaches Economics and Finance at the University of Maryland Global Campus, where she mentors diverse global learners, including U.S. military students, by integrating behavioral finance and cross‑cultural perspectives into financial literacy.
Dr. Johnson holds a Ph.D. in 21st-Century Finance and multiple advanced degrees in philosophy, taxation, and accounting. Her research examines financial trauma, socialization, and women’s empowerment, with a particular focus on the financial narratives of African American women. She is the author of several books, including "The Hidden Psychological Effects of Money on Black Women" and "Being Broke is Maddening," and has presented at national conferences such as the Financial Therapy Association and SFEPD’s Financial Literacy Leadership Conference.
As founder of Anita R Johnson & Associates, Inc., she has developed innovative financial education programs, retreats, and media platforms that empower communities to find their financial voice. Recognized nationally for her leadership and community impact, Dr. Johnson brings an engaging, interactive style that equips participants with practical tools to reframe financial behaviors, reduce resistance to change, and align empowerment with institutional transformation.

Speaker Bio: Dr. Anita Renee’ Johnson Dr. Anita Renee’ Johnson is a Financial Behaviorist, Educator, and Author dedicated to transforming the way individuals and institutions understand money. She teaches Economics and Finance at the University of M... Show more

Deborah A. Carroll is Director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on local government fiscal policy, specifically taxation, revenue diversification, and water pricing and affordability. Dr. Carroll has produced 75 scholarly publications and 25 white papers and technical reports reflecting more than $2.75 million in research funding. She has been invited to share her expertise with academic and practitioner audiences across the U.S. and in several other countries. Dr. Carroll began her career in public service as a budget and policy analyst for the City of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. With a passion for applied research intended to inform public policy and improve public sector management, Dr. Carroll pursued her Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, which she completed in 2004 along with a Graduate Certificate in State and Local Taxation from the UWM Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business.

Deborah A. Carroll is Director of the Government Finance Research Center at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research focuses on local government fiscal policy, specifically taxation, revenue diversification, and water pricing and affordabilit... Show more

I’m a Distinguished Full-Stack & AI Platform Architect within Enterprise Architecture at a leading financial services firm (TD Bank). I set the strategy, standards, and platforms that power predictive and generative AI across lines of business, then I review and approve solution architectures to ensure they’re secure, compliant, performant, and cost-effective at scale.

I design and govern the full stack: data and feature pipelines, vector/feature stores, model registries, retrieval pipelines, prompt & policy orchestration, evaluation harnesses, observability, and CI/CD for ML/LLM (MLOps/LLMOps) on hybrid cloud/Kubernetes. My mandate: turn high-value use cases into production systems with clear ROI while meeting model risk, security, privacy, and regulatory requirements.

What I do:

Lead enterprise AI platform strategy, reference architectures, and reusable patterns (RAG, fine-tuning, agentic workflows).

Chair/approve AI solution designs; codify guardrails (governance, lineage, access, PII/PCI, Responsible AI) and SLOs for latency, resiliency, and cost.

Stand up shared services—prompt management, evaluation & red-teaming, policy enforcement, and FinOps for AI/compute.

Partner with business, risk, and tech leaders to accelerate delivery from PoC to production.

Prior impact (select)

Built an offshore GenAI practice from 0→45+ in a year to support a $50M+ portfolio for a top software client; delivered custom RAG copilots, synthetic data pipelines, and domain model fine-tuning integrated with enterprise systems.

9+ years in conversational AI & contact center automation, delivering at scale with technologies like Microsoft Bot Framework, Copilot Studio/PVA, and M365 Copilot.

Focus areas
RAG architectures • LLMOps/MLOps • Vector databases • Model lifecycle & MRM • Guardrails & policy orchestration • Evaluation & red-teaming • Data products • Cost/performance engineering • Hybrid cloud/K8s • Observability & lineage • Regulatory compliance • Secure SDLC for AI

I’m passionate about building high-performing, diverse teams and scaling AI responsibly, so the business moves faster with confidence. If you’re shaping enterprise AI platforms or bringing complex use cases to production, let’s connect.

I’m a Distinguished Full-Stack & AI Platform Architect within Enterprise Architecture at a leading financial services firm (TD Bank). I set the strategy, standards, and platforms that power predictive and generative AI across lines of business, then ... Show more

Experienced Data & Business Analyst with experience in fintech, telecom, and consulting, specializing in credit risk analytics, portfolio performance monitoring, and data-driven strategy. Skilled in SQL, Python, Tableau, and predictive modeling to deliver actionable insights and optimize lending decisions.

Experienced Data & Business Analyst with experience in fintech, telecom, and consulting, specializing in credit risk analytics, portfolio performance monitoring, and data-driven strategy. Skilled in SQL, Python, Tableau, and predictive modeling to de... Show more

Michelle Mitchell is the CEO and founder of Mitchell Consulting and the creator of The CEO Shift™, a leadership and delegation framework designed to help service-based business owners step out of bottleneck roles and lead with clarity and confidence.

After building her own accounting firm from a one-woman practice into a thriving, self-managing business, Michelle became a sought-after speaker, trainer, and coach. She combines over 15 years of experience in financial strategy, operational efficiency, and leadership development with a relatable, down-to-earth teaching style that leaves audiences feeling empowered and equipped to act.

Michelle is known for turning complex topics—like delegation, financial systems, and team accountability—into practical tools leaders can apply immediately. Her sessions at Scaling New Heights, national podcasts, and industry conferences consistently earn top ratings for their actionable frameworks, interactive exercises, and genuine connection with participants.

Through her talks and programs, Michelle helps firm owners and service providers reclaim their time, build confident teams, and design businesses that thrive—without burning themselves out.

Michelle Mitchell is the CEO and founder of Mitchell Consulting and the creator of The CEO Shift™, a leadership and delegation framework designed to help service-based business owners step out of bottleneck roles and lead with clarity and confidence.... Show more

Results-driven technology professional with experience across hospitality tech, SaaS product engineering, and enterprise financial systems. I thrive in complex environments where solving operational challenges and building scalable, reliable systems drives real business impact.

My career began in hospitality technology, where I progressed from integrating global clients onto a SaaS platform to owning the product lifecycle and delivering high-impact features at scale. I supported deployments across 1,100+ properties in diverse markets and led a 27-member team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement - all while enhancing guest experience and operational efficiency.

Today, I’m a Production Engineer at Bank of America, supporting the Enterprise Risk & Finance Technology organization. My work focuses on the stability, resilience, and continuous improvement of mission-critical systems that power risk, finance, and regulatory functions at enterprise scale.

I’m most energized at the intersection of technology and business strategy - where reliability, scale, and user impact come together. I value ownership, continuous learning, and delivering outcomes that matter.

Open to connecting with professionals across technology, product, data, and financial systems.

Results-driven technology professional with experience across hospitality tech, SaaS product engineering, and enterprise financial systems. I thrive in complex environments where solving operational challenges and building scalable, reliable systems ... Show more

Francesco is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO of the Contextual-based vulnerability management platform from code to cloud Phoenix Security, author of several books, host of multi-award Cyber Security & Cloud Podcast, speaker known in the cybersecurity industry and recognized for his visionary views. He is on the UK&I Cloud Security Alliance Chapter board and is a professor at IANS on application security and cloud security. Previously, Francesco headed HSBC's application and cloud security and was a Senior Security Consultant at AWS. Francesco has been keynoting at global conferences and has authored and co-authored several books and whitepapers; outside of work, you can find me running marathons, snowboarding on the Italian slopes, and enjoying single malt whiskeys in one of my favourite London clubs.

Francesco is a seasoned entrepreneur, CEO of the Contextual-based vulnerability management platform from code to cloud Phoenix Security, author of several books, host of multi-award Cyber Security & Cloud Podcast, speaker known in the cybersecurity i... Show more

I’m Sergei Nasibian, a Quantitative Strategist at Rothesay, where I’ve developed a comprehensive risk calculation framework that powers the analytics used for hedging our market exposure. Prior to this, I worked as a Senior Analyst at Yandex Eats, where I helped build the pricing model from scratch and supported the company’s expansion into new geographies. I started my career as a Data Scientist at McKinsey, working on a wide range of analytical problems in both private and public sectors. With a strong foundation in mathematics from Lomonosov Moscow State University, I specialize in leveraging graph-based computation, real-time analytics, and system-level experimentation to solve complex challenges across finance, business, and technology.

I’m Sergei Nasibian, a Quantitative Strategist at Rothesay, where I’ve developed a comprehensive risk calculation framework that powers the analytics used for hedging our market exposure. Prior to this, I worked as a Senior Analyst at Yandex Eats, wh... Show more

With an M.Sc. in Organization Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I've leveraged my expertise to work as a Consultant for 4 years. With more than 8 years of experience in ERP systems, my focus has been on optimizing supply chain management and finance operations.

With an M.Sc. in Organization Innovation and Entrepreneurship, I've leveraged my expertise to work as a Consultant for 4 years. With more than 8 years of experience in ERP systems, my focus has been on optimizing supply chain management and finance o... Show more

Vivaldo Cândido é Engenheiro Informático e Especialista em Desenvolvimento de Soluções Tecnológicas, reconhecido pela sua capacidade de transformar desafios complexos em soluções digitais inovadoras. Actua como Responsável pelo Departamento de IT da Mwango Brain, onde lidera iniciativas de modernização tecnológica, integração de plataformas e transformação digital orientada a resultados.

Paralelamente, desempenha funções como Técnico de Análise e Desenvolvimento de Soluções na Unitel, contribuindo para a construção de sistemas de grande escala e processos críticos que sustentam milhões de utilizadores a nível nacional.

Scrum Master certificado e Especialista em Jira, Vivaldo domina metodologias ágeis, gestão de processos, modelação empresarial e frameworks modernas de produtividade. É igualmente formado em BPM e BPMN, reforçando a sua capacidade de alinhar tecnologia, processos e estratégia organizacional.

Recentemente, consolidou o seu posicionamento no panorama tecnológico global através da certificação Advanced Digital Transformation & AI, fortalecendo a sua competência na aplicação de inteligência artificial em projectos corporativos. Participou também no Function1, um dos eventos mais avançados de AI e inovação tecnológica realizado no Dubai, onde teve contacto direto com líderes mundiais, tendências emergentes e práticas de ponta em AI/ML.

Nos últimos anos, tem aprofundado o seu foco em componentes de Inteligência Artificial e Machine Learning, integrando estas tecnologias nos seus projectos, nos seus estudos e na sua visão de futuro para o ecossistema digital angolano.

Além da sua vertente técnica, é Educador Financeiro, Investidor e Empreendedor, dedicando-se a promover literacia financeira, autonomia económica e mentalidade de crescimento entre jovens profissionais. A sua abordagem multidisciplinar faz dele uma das vozes mais influentes na interseção entre tecnologia, inovação, negócios e desenvolvimento humano em Angola.

Vivaldo Cândido é Engenheiro Informático e Especialista em Desenvolvimento de Soluções Tecnológicas, reconhecido pela sua capacidade de transformar desafios complexos em soluções digitais inovadoras. Actua como Responsável pelo Departamento de IT da ... Show more

As a Digitalisation Expert within the Finance sector, my background spans over 6 years of dedicated experience in data analysis and visualization. Specializing in the development of user-friendly, visually engaging dashboards, my focus lies in enabling businesses to derive data-informed decisions. Proficiency extends to the utilization of essential tools like Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Power BI, and SQL, integral to my role in executing BI projects while adhering to agile and scrum methodologies. Proficiently operating both autonomously and as part of collaborative teams, my aim is to ensure optimal efficiency in project outcomes.

As a Digitalisation Expert within the Finance sector, my background spans over 6 years of dedicated experience in data analysis and visualization. Specializing in the development of user-friendly, visually engaging dashboards, my focus lies in enabli... Show more

With over 6 years of experience in the International Software Industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the biggest Fintechs in the world, also some Y Combinator-backed startups, some of which became unicorns after I joined.

Specializing in web development, I bring ideas to life and improve products by leveraging my skills to deliver seamless, user-focused solutions that get the job done in fast-paced environments.

With over 6 years of experience in the International Software Industry, I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the biggest Fintechs in the world, also some Y Combinator-backed startups, some of which became unicorns after I joined. Specia... Show more

Head of Wealth Planning - SGPB Europe https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederic-valentin-ab313920 | Member of Cercle des Fiscalistes (https://www.lecercledesfiscalistes.com) | Member of the IACF - Institute of Tax Lawyers https://www.iacf.fr | Membre of Estate Planning Skill Group (https://epsg.international/fr/)

Head of Wealth Planning - SGPB Europe https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederic-valentin-ab313920 | Member of Cercle des Fiscalistes (https://www.lecercledesfiscalistes.com) | Member of the IACF - Institute of Tax Lawyers https://www.iacf.fr | Membre of E... Show more

Aki Asahara, Ph.D., is an AI systems performance engineer and the Chief Marketing Officer at Fixstars. With a doctorate in astrophysics and more than 15 years of hands-on engineering and project management experience, he specializes in GPU performance engineering for large-scale AI training and inference workloads. His work spans autonomous driving, finance, healthcare, and industrial AI applications, with expertise in distributed training, mixed-precision optimization, and cluster-level observability on NVIDIA H100/H200/B200 architectures.

Aki serves as a Session Chair and Speaker at HPC Asia 2026 and has delivered invited talks at multiple GenAI-focused conferences in Japan. He also represents Fixstars as an exhibitor at the Supercomputing Conference (SC). He contributes to publications in AI systems performance engineering and leads industry projects that significantly improve throughput and cost efficiency.

Aki Asahara, Ph.D., is an AI systems performance engineer and the Chief Marketing Officer at Fixstars. With a doctorate in astrophysics and more than 15 years of hands-on engineering and project management experience, he specializes in GPU performanc... Show more

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial services industry.

As Founder and Principal of The Real Wealth Coterie, a financial planning and wealth management firm, and Lazetta & Associates, a speaking and business consulting firm, Lazetta equips individuals and leaders to align their finances with their vision and values and achieve sustainable wealth. She is passionate about amplifying culture, talent, life, and money, and extends her expertise through public speaking, writing, consulting, and coaching.

Lazetta was named one of Crain's New York Business Notable Black Leaders and Executives and one of the top 10 of Investopedia’s 100 Top Financial Advisors for three consecutive years. Lazetta's national media presence includes TV appearances on NBC, CNBC, and CheddarNews and mentions in the WSJ, NY Times, LA Times, and Black Enterprise.

Lazetta Rainey Braxton, MBA, CFP® is a high-impact, solution-oriented founder with a proven track record of building successful entrepreneurial ventures, driving innovation, and navigating the complexity of cultural competency in the financial servic... Show more

Ghassan Barakat has demonstrated a rare ability to move between sectors such as finance, law, technology, and philanthropy, applying strategy while keeping community needs at the forefront. Whether launching startups, growing multi-million-dollar platforms, or supporting charitable initiatives, he has always emphasized systems that strengthen people's lives and leave a lasting legacy.

In 2022, Jason founded Nolos Cabinet Multidisciplinaire Inc., serving as Founder & CEO. Nolos was created to integrate FinTech, InsurTech, and LegalTech under a single platform. This venture aims to democratize financial and legal services, particularly for middle-class families. The company combines a Quebec-based legal firm, a notarial study, and a national financial MGA distributing solutions from Canada's leading institutions. With his leadership, Nolos has expanded through acquisitions and new partnerships. Among these was the acquisition of Skylegal in 2022, followed by creating a charitable foundation in 2023 to help families access justice and financial protection during estate and legacy planning. More recently, Jason acquired a technology firm that builds software for public and private organizations, further enhancing the B2B reach of the Nolos platform.

Before establishing Nolos, Ghassan gained experience as a Strategic Senior Consultant, working with Chubb Insurance and other major industry players. From 2003 to 2021, he was President and Principal Officer with AMF of La Capitale Services Conseils, where he grew assets under management from $300 million to over $3 billion, serving public sector employees with specialized solutions. In 2017, he became President of La Capitale Financial Security, where he expanded national operations for disability and personal finance services, redesigned compensation structures, and created an inclusive and high-performance culture. He also served as President of SSQ Financial Group Distribution, where he modernized retirement planning, oversaw post-merger alignment, and improved client experience and compliance.

Philanthropy has been a central part of Jason Barakat's life for over two decades. He has supported the Guignolet de Saint-Vincent de Paul tradition and contributed to various charitable efforts connected to public institutions and retirement planning. In 2021, he partnered with Peartree Canada to advance philanthropic planning for organizations and families. He later launched the Nolos Foundation, which is dedicated to expanding access to Justice & Family Legacy Planning. Jason is also a volunteer leader for nonprofit boards and interfaith humanitarian initiatives.

Jason studied at Concordia University, John Molson School of Business, focusing on finance, business law, and theology. He has also completed studies in securities, investments, estate planning, insurance, venture capital, and strategic philanthropy, earning certifications in these areas.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, Ghassan Barakat is a devoted husband and father of two. His family provides daily motivation and guides his values of love, faith, and responsibility, shaping his personal and professional life. With empathy, service, and humility, he remains committed to leaving a legacy for his children, his community, and future generations.

Ghassan Barakat has demonstrated a rare ability to move between sectors such as finance, law, technology, and philanthropy, applying strategy while keeping community needs at the forefront. Whether launching startups, growing multi-million-dollar pla... Show more

Driven Economist 📈 with a Master in International Trade, deeply passionate about the fast-paced world of financial markets, trading, and investment banking. My experience in economy & finance education 📚, financial markets 📊, and asset management 💼 provides a strategic and well-rounded approach to navigating today's complex market conditions. I thrive on challenges 💪 and bring strong skills in team leadership 🧑‍🤝‍🧑, problem-solving 💡, and business development 💼 to every opportunity. From sales & trading📈 and real estate 🏠 to international trade 🤝, I've honed my adaptability 🔄 and time management skills ⏱️.
➡️ #Finance #InvestmentBanking #Trading #FinancialMarkets #Economics #InternationalTrade #MarketMaking #FinTech #Career #Networking #LetsConnect

Driven Economist 📈 with a Master in International Trade, deeply passionate about the fast-paced world of financial markets, trading, and investment banking. My experience in economy & finance education 📚, financial markets 📊, and asset management ... Show more

I am Innocent Kawooya, NIM, the CEO of HiPipo, where, for over the last 20 years, I have championed financial inclusion, digital innovation, women empowerment, and the creative economy across Africa. Through flagship initiatives such as the Include Everyone Program, Digital Impact Awards Africa, Women in FinTech Hackathon & Summit, 40 Days 40 FinTechs, and the Middle East and Africa Digital Transformation Summit, I have worked to empower women, youth, cross-border traders, and grassroots communities.
HiPipo’s work has been strengthened and blessed with a long-term partnership with the Gates Foundation and collaborations with high-impact partners such as COMESA, helping us drive interoperability, digital public infrastructure, and inclusive trade across the region. I was honoured to receive Uganda’s National Independence Medal from His Excellency the President of Uganda and to be named FinTech CEO of the Year 2024 & 2025 (MEA Awards) for this work. Alongside finance, I am also a filmmaker and entrepreneur, committed to building Africa’s digital, cultural, and economic future. I previously served as Co-chair of the Mojaloop Community Council for two terms!

I am Innocent Kawooya, NIM, the CEO of HiPipo, where, for over the last 20 years, I have championed financial inclusion, digital innovation, women empowerment, and the creative economy across Africa. Through flagship initiatives such as the Include E... Show more

Over the course of his career, Craig Bonn has dedicated more than thirty years to developing strategies that help investors participate in opportunities outside of traditional markets. He focuses on alternative investments, private equity, and pre-IPO companies. Today, he is the Managing Partner of Harley Capital LLC, an independent broker-dealer, and the Managing Member of Edge Partners LLC, which organizes Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) for accredited investors seeking access to late-stage private companies. His professional record includes exposure to various industries—technology, healthcare, energy, and consumer markets—and early involvement in companies such as Facebook, Databricks, and Anthropic.

Craig’s path began in New York, where he was born and raised, before pursuing his undergraduate education at the University of Hartford. Soon after completing his degree, he joined Lehman Brothers. Working at the firm placed him amid global financial activity, where he learned to evaluate risk, manage portfolios, and advise clients across diverse situations. While the environment was demanding and competitive, it also revealed to him the limitations of conventional financial instruments. He observed that not every client’s long-term goals could be met through traditional markets alone, which inspired him to look more closely at alternatives.

Guided by this insight, Craig established Harley Capital LLC. He aimed to create an independent, transparent, and long-term client service firm. Harley Capital grew into a boutique investment company, serving high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and trusts. Clients of Harley Capital benefit from carefully selected opportunities in areas such as private equity and pre-IPO investments, which are often beyond the reach of conventional investors. The firm emphasizes diversification, clear communication, and fiduciary responsibility as central to its mission.

Craig further extended his professional focus through Edge Partners LLC. At Edge Partners, he applies the SPV model to give accredited investors structured participation in pre-IPO and late-stage venture opportunities. Organized under a Delaware Series LLC, the firm is efficient and flexible while maintaining thorough due diligence. Edge Partners has prioritized investments in fields such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, robotics, and software, which are industries positioned for long-term growth. He oversees acquiring securities in private companies and holding them until liquidity events such as acquisitions or public offerings occur.

His approach to investing emphasizes three pillars: disciplined risk management, appropriate timing, and a long-term vision. Craig believes that successful outcomes require choosing companies with potential and structuring the investments to safeguard participants. His preference for SPVs reflects this philosophy, providing both access to growth and a framework that manages risk.

Beyond pre-IPO markets, Craig has been active in natural gas mineral funds, venture partnerships, hospitality REITs, and specialized financing. His involvement includes WhiteHawk Energy and investments in Outstanding Foods, Braemar Hotels and Resorts, Prospect Capital, and Urica Therapeutics. Each reflects his practice of assessing industries, market conditions, and company fundamentals before committing capital.

Craig has remained committed to philanthropy and community involvement outside his professional roles. He supports organizations such as Pink Aid and Fred’s Team, which fund cancer research and health initiatives. His contributions include both financial support and participation in awareness-building events.

Craig has lived with his wife in Westport, Connecticut, for over 25 years. He is a runner who has completed five marathons, including the New York Marathon. He also enjoys traveling and gaining perspective by engaging with different cultures and economies.

Balancing his career achievements with philanthropy and personal pursuits, Craig Bonn continues to follow a path that reflects dedication, long-term vision, and community engagement.

Over the course of his career, Craig Bonn has dedicated more than thirty years to developing strategies that help investors participate in opportunities outside of traditional markets. He focuses on alternative investments, private equity, and pre-IP... Show more