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

Solutions Architect at PAYONE GmbH, FinTech, Payments, Speaker, Writing Blogposts, OpenSource, Husband & Father / Family, Cooking

Solutions Architect at PAYONE GmbH, FinTech, Payments, Speaker, Writing Blogposts, OpenSource, Husband & Father / Family, Cooking Show more

Senior Product Owner with over 10 years of experience in tech and product management, specializing in FinTech, EdTech, and digital marketing. Adept at leading cross-functional teams to drive innovation, optimize workflows, and deliver exceptional customer experiences, leveraging her analytical background to ship complex B2B products that actually make difference.

Senior Product Owner with over 10 years of experience in tech and product management, specializing in FinTech, EdTech, and digital marketing. Adept at leading cross-functional teams to drive innovation, optimize workflows, and deliver exceptional cus... Show more

Sharon Arandia es Jefa de la Carrera de Ingeniería Financiera en la UPB, donde impulsa proyectos de trading algorítmico y finanzas descentralizadas. Es graduada de la UPB, con estudios en TU Chemnitz, un Máster en Big Data y otro en curso en Machine Learning en Georgia Tech. Se especializa en análisis financiero, riesgo crediticio y trading, destacando su rol como Analista de Riesgos en el BCP y asociada en Lora & Asociados. Ha impartido cursos en licenciatura, postgrado e internacionales.

Sharon Arandia es Jefa de la Carrera de Ingeniería Financiera en la UPB, donde impulsa proyectos de trading algorítmico y finanzas descentralizadas. Es graduada de la UPB, con estudios en TU Chemnitz, un Máster en Big Data y otro en curso en Machine ... 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 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

With 15 years of transformative experience in the Banking, Financial Services, and Payments industries, Sathishkumar Palanisamy is an expert in shaping the future of enterprise architecture. Based in Dallas, Texas, he’s driven by a passion for leveraging advanced technologies to automate business processes, optimize workflows, and enable seamless digital transformation in the financial sector.

Sathish has successfully delivered end-to-end automation strategies across diverse markets, having worked extensively in both India and the United States. His unique global perspective empowers him to craft scalable, innovative solutions that bridge the gap between technology and business goals.
Prior to his current role, Sathish served as Senior Enterprise Architect, AVP at Citizens Financial Group, where he led enterprise-wide initiatives to integrate automation, improve operational efficiency, and enhance customer experiences. His leadership in driving strategic technology solutions resulted in significant business growth and elevated technological capabilities within the organization.

Currently, as an Expert Enterprise Architect at Discover Financial Services, Sathish is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of automation to transform banking operations. With a strong foundation in Computer Science, he specializes in creating advanced automation platforms that augment human potential, streamline complex business processes, and enable organizations to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.

Sathish is passionate about the future of automation, where he continues to lead industry evolution with forward-thinking technology solutions.

With 15 years of transformative experience in the Banking, Financial Services, and Payments industries, Sathishkumar Palanisamy is an expert in shaping the future of enterprise architecture. Based in Dallas, Texas, he’s driven by a passion for levera... Show more

He studied Software Engineering at the Vienna University of Technology.

Early in his career, he worked as a tutor and later as an assistant lecturer on courses such as "Software Engineering and Project Management" and "Quality Software Engineering".

In recent years, he has been serving as Backend Chapter Lead and Architect at Erste Group, where he has contributed to building George, one of Europe’s leading online banking platforms.

He studied Software Engineering at the Vienna University of Technology. Early in his career, he worked as a tutor and later as an assistant lecturer on courses such as "Software Engineering and Project Management" and "Quality Software Engineering... Show more

Alistair started out as a Chartered Accountant, but always felt there was a more obvious and less bureaucratic way of delivering an outcome. He came across Agile in 2017 and never looked back. Here was a way of doing things and achieving results which confirmed what he had been trying to do all his life.

In 2003 Alistair and his wife decided that every year they would a) learn a new skill, b) do something new and c) go somewhere new. They are living proof that we can reclaim the natural agility we were born with.

Alistair started out as a Chartered Accountant, but always felt there was a more obvious and less bureaucratic way of delivering an outcome. He came across Agile in 2017 and never looked back. Here was a way of doing things and achieving results whic... 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

María Carrasco es doctora en Big Data y Finanzas Cuantitativas, con una sólida trayectoria en el análisis de datos financieros, estructuras algorítmicas y modelos predictivos aplicados a mercados reales. Su investigación doctoral se enfocó en el estudio empírico de las sonrisas de volatilidad en el mercado de opciones alemán (DAX) entre 2017 y 2022, utilizando herramientas como Python, Spyder y modelos de machine learning para el análisis de series temporales de alta frecuencia.

Ha trabajado integrando enfoques estructurados de datos con tecnologías modernas de inteligencia artificial y herramientas en la nube. Además, participa activamente en comunidades tecnológicas vinculadas al ecosistema cripto, blockchain y DeFi, y colabora en proyectos de innovación con impacto social en América Latina, promoviendo la participación de mujeres en STEM y liderando iniciativas de inclusión digital. Destaca su rol en COINTER, la primera cooperativa digital en blockchain, donde apoyó programas de mentoría y capacitación enfocados en la inclusión de mujeres en finanzas y tecnología.

Apasionada por traducir conceptos complejos en soluciones aplicadas, María combina la solidez académica con una visión práctica del uso de AI en entornos financieros y de datos masivos.

Cuenta también con experiencia en evaluación, sistematización y transversalización de género, apoyando procesos de capacitación, diseño de herramientas institucionales y consultorías orientadas a promover la igualdad y la equidad en políticas públicas y proyectos de desarrollo.

Reconocimientos y distinciones

•Capacitación para gerentes de cooperativas sobre Big Data y su impacto en la toma de decisiones en el sector financiero – Enfoque en cooperativas, 2025 | FACACH
Beca completa para asistir al Crypto Cities Summit, 2025 | Roatán
•Primer lugar en el programa de mentoría a COINTER, la primera cooperativa digital en blockchain, 2025 | IMPACT HUB
•Facilitadora de capacitación en Seguridad Básica en Bitcoin, 2025 | La Bitcoinera
•Facilitadora de capacitación en Aplicaciones Reales de Bitcoin en Honduras, 2025 | La Bitcoinera
•Facilitadora de capacitación en Introducción a Bitcoin y su importancia, 2025 | La Bitcoinera
•Conferencista invitada en “Building with AI”, 2025 | Google Developer Groups
•Ambassador’s Distinguished Appreciation Award, 2008 | Embajada de Estados Unidos en Tegucigalpa

María Carrasco es doctora en Big Data y Finanzas Cuantitativas, con una sólida trayectoria en el análisis de datos financieros, estructuras algorítmicas y modelos predictivos aplicados a mercados reales. Su investigación doctoral se enfocó en el estu... Show more

Justin is a complete TypeScript nerd and expert in building financial systems. He's been building finance software for over 13 years and has invented a completely new ledgering method to create systems where it's impossible to create loss.

Justin is a complete TypeScript nerd and expert in building financial systems. He's been building finance software for over 13 years and has invented a completely new ledgering method to create systems where it's impossible to create loss. Show more

Erin Sykes’ perseverance and ability to anticipate trends are what have driven her success. Erin strives to help clients reach their unique goals with discreet, individualized attention and action-orientation.

Specializing in helping clients year-round in Palm Beach, The Hamptons, New York City, and the New Jersey coast, Erin utilizes her combined background in finance and construction to take an analytical and qualitative approach to amplifying clients’ return on investment.

With a background in commercial and luxury residential construction at her family’s 120+ year-old firm and certification as a LEED AP – New Construction, Erin understands how to optimize new development and intricate renovation using sustainable and architecturally-appropriate materials and methodology.

As a business news contributor, Erin is responsible for developing and translating real estate trend data into consumer and industry insights. She reports on monthly housing starts, new developments, rate changes and general industry trends for all major news outlets.

Erin is often interviewed by Fox Business News, CNBC, TODAY, CNN, NBC Nightly News, The Real Deal, Bloomberg, Mansion Global, Forbes, TechCrunch, and Inc. She holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor's in Finance and International Business from Villanova University.

Erin resides between Palm Beach, NYC & Longport, NJ and is deeply involved with the Historical Society of Palm Beach County, Opportunity, Inc., and the Southampton Hospital Foundation.

Follow Erin on Instagram and Twitter @SykesStyle

Erin Sykes’ perseverance and ability to anticipate trends are what have driven her success. Erin strives to help clients reach their unique goals with discreet, individualized attention and action-orientation. Specializing in helping clients year... Show more

Commonly described as the boy next door (although next door to whom has never been quite defined), Warren fell in love with SQL when he was accidentally thrust into it after going to see a girl at a tech company. He liked it so he put a ring on it. That was the girl, and as for SQL and Data the affair continues. Warren consults as a Data Engineer for Moyo Business Advisory and is a volunteer Lead for Johannesburg Data Platform. In his spare time he likes Mountain biking, Ice Skating, Offroad 4x4ing and Cleaning up Rivers

Commonly described as the boy next door (although next door to whom has never been quite defined), Warren fell in love with SQL when he was accidentally thrust into it after going to see a girl at a tech company. He liked it so he put a ring on it. T... Show more

David Adeleke Olaoluwa is a serial entrepreneur, investor, pioneer and change agent driven by a mission to raise the standard of living of people through business and wealth creation as a catalyst for positive change globally.

David is a leading investment professional and executive with close to a decade of experience, and has transacted millions of dollars in capital across different scope of business operations. His experience spans deal origination, execution, portfolio management, exits, business building, operations, board formation and management.

David was the CEO / Head, Investment Manager at Daxlinks Global LTD which he secured debt-equity in a bid to further her mission of making more and more people experience financial well-being through providing a wide range of financial service like credit facilities, savings, investments amongst others.

However, He is currently the Founder/CEO of Zeeh Africa, an open Banking API solution / KYC provider in a bid to ease on-boarding for fintech's and curtail fraud across the industry at large.

David's serial entrepreneurship and business savvy has been noticed by other investors, as well.

David Adeleke Olaoluwa is a serial entrepreneur, investor, pioneer and change agent driven by a mission to raise the standard of living of people through business and wealth creation as a catalyst for positive change globally. David is a leading ... Show more

With an extensive career dedicated to DevOps applied to Fintech and Insurance, Bruno has been a driving force behind the integration of DevOps principles in the Fintech sector shaping the landscape of financial technology. He had played a pivotal role in crafting robust and scalable platforms, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge financial services that seamlessly blend innovation with security, fostering a culture of continuous improvement

With an extensive career dedicated to DevOps applied to Fintech and Insurance, Bruno has been a driving force behind the integration of DevOps principles in the Fintech sector shaping the landscape of financial technology. He had played a pivotal rol... Show more

I am the CTO of Scott Logic, a growing UK-based software consultancy that tackles challenging software problem. I'm a keen open source advocate, and a frequent personal contributor. I am a board member of FINOS, and chair both the Technical Oversight Committee and the newly-formed AI Readiness Special Interest Group. I've also written numerous industry reports in collaboration with Linux Foundation Research.

I am the CTO of Scott Logic, a growing UK-based software consultancy that tackles challenging software problem. I'm a keen open source advocate, and a frequent personal contributor. I am a board member of FINOS, and chair both the Technical Oversight... 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

Soy un apasionado del Product Management con más de 15 años de experiencia desarrollando y escalando productos en la industria financiera, tanto en B2C como en B2B. Mi trayectoria se ha centrado en liderar y construir equipos de producto con un enfoque en el growth mindset, fomentando la colaboración, la innovación y la orientación a resultados para desarrollar negocios de impacto.

Mi enfoque combina estrategia basada en datos, comprensión profunda de los usuarios y un liderazgo centrado en el growth mindset. Creo firmemente en el poder de los equipos bien liderados: ágiles, autónomos y orientados a resultados. Juntos, logramos construir productos que no solo destacan, sino que también tienen un impacto duradero en los negocios.

Además, como mentor y coach en Product Management, apoyo a líderes y profesionales emergentes a superar desafíos, perfeccionar sus habilidades y crecer en sus carreras. Acompaño a Product Managers, CPOs y CEOs a desarrollar equipos alineados con la innovación, la colaboración y el crecimiento continuo.

Soy un apasionado del Product Management con más de 15 años de experiencia desarrollando y escalando productos en la industria financiera, tanto en B2C como en B2B. Mi trayectoria se ha centrado en liderar y construir equipos de producto con un enfoq... Show more

Aric serves as the Chief Technologist on Red Hat's Global FSI team, where he helps clients meet their strategic priorities through the use of open source technology. Prior to joining Red Hat, he led large, digital transformation projects at Goldman Sachs’ Investment Management Division and was co-founder/CTO of several FinTechs in equity and FX trading.

Aric serves as the Chief Technologist on Red Hat's Global FSI team, where he helps clients meet their strategic priorities through the use of open source technology. Prior to joining Red Hat, he led large, digital transformation projects at Goldman S... Show more

Ugochukwu Onyeka is a firm believer in open source. He holds a PhD in Sustainability Accounting and has consulted for governments, blue-chip companies and non-profits on issues like forecasting, strategic planning and financial modelling. He serves on the community council of sktime and is also an advisor at the German Centre for Open Source AI software.

Ugochukwu Onyeka is a firm believer in open source. He holds a PhD in Sustainability Accounting and has consulted for governments, blue-chip companies and non-profits on issues like forecasting, strategic planning and financial modelling. He serves o... Show more

Driven by a lifelong fascination with technology, Guillaume has built a career connecting people with innovative solutions.
His career spans various industries, from public service (retirement, firefighting) to the private sector (real estate, transport, and finance), where he honed his Java skills in diverse environments.
At Swissquote, he transitioned from a successful five-year tenure as a Java developer (including two years in a management role) to lead the Tech Talent Academy. In this role, he creates impactful onboarding experiences, empowering engineers and introducing technical concepts to business-oriented colleagues.
This passion for knowledge-sharing stems from his belief in the power of continuous learning... and, of course, delicious meals!

Driven by a lifelong fascination with technology, Guillaume has built a career connecting people with innovative solutions. His career spans various industries, from public service (retirement, firefighting) to the private sector (real estate, tran... Show more

I have over 8 years work experience as a Data Warehouse and BI Developer using the Microsoft BI Stack (SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and Power BI), Azure Data Services and Microsoft Fabric to design and build enterprise reports and dashboards across Banking, Financial Services Industry to Investments, Retail and Manufacturing Industries. I'm also a Microsoft Certified Trainer, Data and Analytics Engineer and Data Analyst Associate with years of experience working with SQL Server and Power BI.

I have over 8 years work experience as a Data Warehouse and BI Developer using the Microsoft BI Stack (SQL Server Integration Services (SSIS), SQL Server Analysis Services (SSAS), SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and Power BI), Azure Data Service... Show more

Formador y consultor en análisis de datos, docente Universitario. Microsoft Certified Trainer, MOS Excel Expert, Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate y Power Point Associate (Trainer experto certificado internacionalmente por Microsoft). Administrador de Empresas, Especialista en Finanzas, Especialista en Gerencia de Marketing Estratégico y Magíster en Ciencia de Datos de la Universidad Icesi. Cofundador y Gerente de Finanzas VLR "transformando datos en valor".

Más de 16 años de trayectoria en gestión e inteligencia de negocios bancarios, inversiones, riesgos financieros, construcción de modelos de rentabilidad y Pricing. Exdirector del área de Monitoreo de Riesgo de Inversiones/Tesorería y Compliance en Banco de Occidente (Grupo Aval).

Formador y consultor en análisis de datos, docente Universitario. Microsoft Certified Trainer, MOS Excel Expert, Microsoft Certified Power BI Data Analyst Associate y Power Point Associate (Trainer experto certificado internacionalmente por Microsof... Show more

R. Lance Belline is the founder and partner of Lighthouse Financial, an esteemed advisory firm located in Rogers, Arkansas. This firm specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning, investment strategies, and tax planning services tailored to meet the needs of both individuals and businesses. Lance, a seasoned professional with decades of experience in the financial services industry, is also the author of the influential book *More Wealth, Less Taxes*, which was released in 2022. The book serves as a valuable resource, offering strategies to help individuals retain more of their earnings while efficiently building wealth for the future.

In 2009, Lance established Lighthouse Financial as a boutique firm with a clear mission: to assist high-income and high-net-worth individuals in achieving their financial aspirations. From the beginning, the firm set itself apart with a distinctive tagline, "Always on Watch," which reflects its commitment to vigilant and proactive financial management. A critical factor that has distinguished the firm under his leadership is its innovative approach to integrating tax-efficient strategies into investment planning, aimed at minimizing the tax burden on clients during their retirement years.

Belline earned the prestigious designation of Certified Financial Planner in 2002, underscoring his deep expertise and commitment to the field. Over the years, he has successfully passed numerous financial industry exams, including the Series 65 Uniform Investment Adviser Law Examination and the Series 7 General Securities Representative Examination, among others. These qualifications have equipped him with a broad and deep understanding of the financial landscape, enabling him to provide exceptional guidance to his clients.

As an author, Lance has a remarkable ability to demystify complex financial concepts, presenting them in a way that is accessible and relatable to a broad audience. In *More Wealth, Less Taxes*, he uses real-life examples and client stories to illustrate strategies for financial growth and tax efficiency. His passion for helping others achieve financial success is evident in his writing, as he imparts practical wisdom to empower individuals to build wealth, give generously, and navigate the financial pitfalls that can hinder their progress.

In *More Wealth, Less Taxes*, Belline introduces readers to the concept of managing wealth through three distinct categories: pre-tax money, after-tax money, and tax-free income, such as Roth IRAs and Roth 401(k)s. His approach emphasizes the importance of diversifying across these categories to influence future tax obligations, with the ultimate goal of achieving a zero tax rate on specific income streams. The book has been widely praised for its clarity and practicality, with readers expressing gratitude for his ability to make complex topics understandable and actionable.

Beyond the core content, R. Lance Belline's book provides a wealth of resources designed to support readers in their financial planning journey. These resources include tools like the Tax Facts at a Glance, Retirement Investment Flow Charts, and an Asset Organizer, all of which are aimed at helping individuals organize and optimize their financial strategies. Readers have lauded the book for its life-changing content, describing it as a powerful tool for anyone looking to secure their financial future with confidence and clarity.

Belline's book has received rave reviews, with one reader writing, "…this book hands down has helped me so much at such an early age to understand concepts and things that were so foreign to me and make them so relatable that I felt confident in my ability to make smarter decisions with my money." Another reader praised Lance's book for packing "a punch for anyone looking to take care of their financial future. The amount of life-changing content is at the next level."

Portfolio Website: https://lancebelline.net

Linkedin Company Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lancebelline

R. Lance Belline is the founder and partner of Lighthouse Financial, an esteemed advisory firm located in Rogers, Arkansas. This firm specializes in providing comprehensive financial planning, investment strategies, and tax planning services tailored... Show more

Andrew is a seasoned Financial Services Expert with a strong focus on digital transformation across industries like Banking, Payments, Retail, and more. Known for his expertise in customer services, digital security, and open banking, Andrew has been a speaker at prominent events such as Devcom 2022, HIT Games Conference 2023, Gamescom Asia 2023, HITGames Conference 2024, PocketGamer Connects London 2024, and TechSummit 2024. In addition to his speaking engagements, he is the editor and author of "Five Point Friday," a weekly LinkedIn newsletter that highlights the top 5 fintech, payments, and tech stories of the week

Andrew is a seasoned Financial Services Expert with a strong focus on digital transformation across industries like Banking, Payments, Retail, and more. Known for his expertise in customer services, digital security, and open banking, Andrew has been... Show more

Corrado De Sanctis is Senior Agile Coach in Lloyds Bank and has been involved in some of the largest enterprise transformations at international level and in different industries.
Corrado is a known member of the Agile community in London; he is speaker on Agile topics and he is the convener for "Lean, Agile Delivery and Coaching Network" and "Digital Transformation in London" meetup groups (~4500 members) . He is also founder of SAM, Scrum Agile Milano (1000~ members), meetup group directly supported by Agile Alliance and Scrum Alliance, and he is frequent contributor for the Agile Italia magazine.
Corrado strongly believes in experienced learning and he is creator, facilitator and player of agile serious games. His games and experiences are available at the AgileGameFactory website.

Corrado De Sanctis is Senior Agile Coach in Lloyds Bank and has been involved in some of the largest enterprise transformations at international level and in different industries. Corrado is a known member of the Agile community in London; he is spe... Show more

Paul is a seasoned data professional with over 30 years in Ireland’s financial services industry, bringing deep expertise in data transformation, analytics, and business intelligence.

Paul is a seasoned data professional with over 30 years in Ireland’s financial services industry, bringing deep expertise in data transformation, analytics, and business intelligence. Show more

Hriday Gabhawalla is a rising professional in business process solutions, currently working at Deloitte in India, where he leverages his expertise to drive efficiency and innovation in operational workflows. Holding a commerce background from Narsee Monjee College of Commerce & Economics and pursuing the globally recognized ACCA qualification, Hriday combines academic excellence with hands-on industry experience.
He is also the creator of the LinkedIn newsletter The Automated Advantage, where he delivers weekly insights on practical frameworks for harnessing AI to transform business processes.
His passion for rebuilding workflows isn't just theoretical. While still a student, he was struck by how most accounting software failed to enforce fundamental financial controls, forcing users into manual bypasses. He realized this "control gap" was an architecture problem.
This led him to build "ProAcc," a full-stack MVP to prove that robust, auditable controls—like Segregation of Duties—can be embedded directly into a modern web app. For the project, he used Next.js 15, TypeScript, and Google's Genkit to build a system that enforces a "Maker-Checker" workflow and immutable audit trails from the ground up.
An engaging and forward-thinking speaker, Hriday excels at demystifying automation and its impact on finance. His talk offers a unique perspective: he doesn't just discuss theory; he provides an actionable, code-level blueprint drawn from his multifaceted journey.
Beyond the professional realm, Hriday is a dedicated HYROX athlete, having recently competed in the 2025 Mumbai event, demonstrating his commitment to holistic growth.

Hriday Gabhawalla is a rising professional in business process solutions, currently working at Deloitte in India, where he leverages his expertise to drive efficiency and innovation in operational workflows. Holding a commerce background from Narsee ... Show more

Experienced in Data Warehousing Architecture. Dimensional modeling(Fact tables, Dimensions, SCD, Staging Area, Kimball methodology).
Experienced in ETL programming using IBM InfoSphere Information Server (Datastage), administrative task, migration of Datastage versions . IBM Cloud Pak for Data.
Data governance. DAMA.
Experienced in DB2 LUW multipartition. Physical database modeling. SQL.
Experienced in IBM Industry Models ( BDWM) M1-Banking datawarehouse model. AST-BST.
Experienced Oracle Essbase architect ASO, BSO. Process automation, application tuning and performance.
Agile product owner
Event driven architecture
Data as a product
Data mesh

Experienced in Data Warehousing Architecture. Dimensional modeling(Fact tables, Dimensions, SCD, Staging Area, Kimball methodology). Experienced in ETL programming using IBM InfoSphere Information Server (Datastage), administrative task, migration o... Show more