XI Cbonds Fixed Income Conference

Ahsan is a highly qualified financial market professional with over 25 years of experience in investment banking, capital markets, research, and asset management. He is...

Ahsan is a highly qualified financial market professional with over 25 years of experience in investment banking, capital markets, research, and asset management. He is based in Dubai, working for Mashreqbank PSC since December 2004, and is currently heading the Rates, Fixed Income & Structured Solutions team in the Treasury & Capital Markets Group. Ahsan’s areas of expertise include credit analysis & trading, interest rate derivatives structuring & trading, and structured solutions. He is keenly interested in global and regional macroeconomic developments and closely monitors key industrial and financial trends emerging in the GCC in general and the UAE in particular. He regularly advises clients on investment and risk management strategies based on global macro developments especially related to monetary policies. He has represented Mashreqbank at various regional and international seminars covering the economic and capital markets outlook. He has been associated with Mashreq for over 18 years and during that time also carried out the roles of the fixed-income portfolio manager and head of international treasury sales. Before joining Mashreq, Ahsan worked in the area of M&A advisory and Corporate Finance for 5 years for UBS Pakistan and was involved in a wide range of public and private advisory and fund-raising transactions. Ahsan has achieved professional qualifications such as the CFA Charter awarded by the CFA Institute in 2003 and the FRM Charter awarded by the Global Association of Risk Professionals in 2007. He completed his Masters in Risk Management from Stern School of Business at the New York University in 2018.

With over 20 years in financial services, Nikolaos Akkizidis has excelled in portfolio management, risk assessment, and financial analytics. Beginning as a financial analyst, he...

With over 20 years in financial services, Nikolaos Akkizidis has excelled in portfolio management, risk assessment, and financial analytics. Beginning as a financial analyst, he quickly advanced to pivotal roles, including Head of Analysis, Derivative Trader, Head of Dealing Room, Executive Member of the Board, and COO at a leading stockbroking company in Athens. Since 2019, Nikolaos has focused on enhancing regulatory compliance and operational efficiency as the Compliance and AML Officer for an FX trading company in Cyprus. As of 2023, he serves as the Head of the Investment Advisory Department, where he delivers strategic insights and innovative solutions for navigating complex markets. Nikolaos is a highly sought-after keynote speaker at conferences worldwide, addressing pressing global economic issues and big topics in technology, innovation, fintech, and AI. His engaging presentations provide actionable insights into navigating today’s challenges and seizing opportunities for growth and transformation. Nikolaos is the author of the famous “Financial Economics, Strategic Risk & Investment Management, Undercover”, which sheds light on global macroeconomic strategies for managing high sovereign debts. He is also currently crafting two groundbreaking books: 1. “The Axiom to Discover Great Challenges Risks Opportunities” – explains the nature of today's significant challenges, risks, & opportunities. 2. “CRYPTOS: The New Normality in a New Ground of Common Values” – analyzing cryptocurrency’s transformative influence on societal norms. Additionally, he is a long-time contributor to FXStreet, a leading portal in financial news and analysis. A pioneer in AI-driven transformation, Nikolaos integrates cutting-edge technologies into finance and investment, redefining traditional processes and unlocking new possibilities. His work emphasizes AI's role in addressing global challenges and fostering innovation. Nikolaos holds a Master’s in International Economics, Banking, and Finance from Cardiff University, with further studies in Strategic Management at the London School of Economics & Political Science (LSE). He is CySEC Advanced & AML Certified, with a strong background in Compliance & Anti-Money Laundering. Articles: FXStreet https://www.fxstreet.com/author/nikolaos-akkizidis Book: Available on Amazon http://amzn.eu/f6dqe2S

Bashar Al Natoor is a managing director and the Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings. With over two decades of industry, he...

Bashar Al Natoor is a managing director and the Global Head of Islamic Finance at Fitch Ratings. With over two decades of industry, he expertly steers the coordination of Islamic Finance activities across all sectors globally.

Al Natoor's journey with Fitch began in 2007, where his expertise has been pivotal in shaping the agency's Sukuk criteria and Islamic Finance methodologies, contributing significant research and analysis to the field. Before his appointment as global head Mr Al Natoor joined Fitch as a director in the EMEA Corporates group based in Dubai. He was responsible for analysing EMEA issuers, with focus on Middle East and Turkish issuers. Prior to joining Fitch, Mr. Al Natoor spent seven years at the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). Before working with IDB, Mr Al Natoor was a senior auditor in Arthur Andersen. Mr Al Natoor graduated with an MSc in banking and holds multiple financial certifications.

Fadi Barakat is an Economics graduate from the American University of Beirut with over 20 years of experience in private banking and wealth management. Since...

Fadi Barakat is an Economics graduate from the American University of Beirut with over 20 years of experience in private banking and wealth management. Since 2008, he has been working in the DIFC at top-tier European banks, as well as two multi-family offices. Fadi joined REYL Finance (MEA) Ltd. as Chief Investment Officer in 2020 and is a member of the Executive Committee. Prior to this, he served as the Senior Executive Officer of Namara Wealth Advisors, a multi-family office, for two years, where he focused on managing the principal’s portfolios and business development. From 2016 to 2018, Fadi was the Chief Investment Officer at Index & Cie, overseeing clients' investments globally. His career in Dubai began in 2008 as a portfolio and treasury manager at ES Bankers Dubai, a category 1 licensed bank.

Idrissa Boly is the Co-Chief Investment Officer and founding partner at AD Global Investors. Born in Burkina Faso and a Fulbright Scholarship recipient, Idrissa brings...

Idrissa Boly is the Co-Chief Investment Officer and founding partner at AD Global Investors. Born in Burkina Faso and a Fulbright Scholarship recipient, Idrissa brings nearly two decades of hands-on experience in managing Emerging Market (EM) local bonds. His extensive background includes managing fixed-income portfolios at First Abu Dhabi Bank and Colchester Global Investors, where he applied deep expertise in statistical and fundamental economic research to develop top-performing strategies. At AD Global Investors, Idrissa oversees the firm’s investment strategy, utilizing the innovative real yield approach to local bonds—rooted in actuarial principles dating back to the 1960s—and applying real exchange rates for currencies. ADGI’s local currency bond strategy is in the top quartile of the market.

Joydeb joined Lighthouse Canton in 2020 as Vice President- Fixed Income Selections and Investment Counselling. Based in Dubai, Joydeb’ s focus is on enhancing and...

Joydeb joined Lighthouse Canton in 2020 as Vice President- Fixed Income Selections and Investment Counselling. Based in Dubai, Joydeb’ s focus is on enhancing and strengthening the Fixed Income proposition as well as monitoring key portfolios, recommending investment opportunities and adopting risk mitigation strategies for clients of Lighthouse Canton. With over 22 years of experience in the financial services industry, Joydeb ‘s domain expertise is Wealth Management/Investment advisory. His strong understanding of global financial markets and client requirements at the same time gives us a unique perspective to delivery of solutions for clients. Prior to Lighthouse Canton, Joydeb worked in esteemed institutions like Bank J Safra Sarasin, Citibank and HSBC to name a few. Joydeb holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Management (Finance Specialization) and is also a CFA charter holder.

Xenia Dmitrieva joined Cbonds in 2021 as an International Support Manager. Having graduated from the Humanities Institute with a Linguistics Degree, she learnt different languages...

Xenia Dmitrieva joined Cbonds in 2021 as an International Support Manager. Having graduated from the Humanities Institute with a Linguistics Degree, she learnt different languages as well as studied business communication. For years, having worked with the current client base, Xenia has learnt a large number of use cases and helped to meet challenges of banks, asset management teams, family offices, risk assessment companies, and private investors. Since January 2024, Ms. Dmitrieva has been working as an International Business Developer with a key role to build international partnerships and achieve win-win goals.

Charles R. Féghali is currently serving as the Head of Investment at Azimut (DIFC) and holding the position of Senior Portfolio Manager for Azimut Sukuk...

Charles R. Féghali is currently serving as the Head of Investment at Azimut (DIFC) and holding the position of Senior Portfolio Manager for Azimut Sukuk strategies. With an extensive career spanning over two decades, Charles stands as a seasoned investment expert with a distinguished track record in fixed income, equities, forex, and derivatives. Prior to his role at Azimut, he showcased his expertise as Head of Investment at Prometheus Capital Finance, a reputable Italian asset management firm based in the dynamic Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC). Charles also held a significant role as Senior Vice President in the investment department of Banco Espirito Santo in Dubai managing multi-asset discretionary portfolios. Charles holds a BA in Economics from the American University of Beirut.

Robert has more than 25 years of experience in the investment-making business. He has been heading Mashreq Capital as CEO and Head of Asset Management...

Robert has more than 25 years of experience in the investment-making business. He has been heading Mashreq Capital as CEO and Head of Asset Management since 2017 and has been with the firm since 2011. As chairman of the Investment Committee, he steers the investment process, monitors investment activities, and is managing dynamic active strategies. He is also serving on the board of directors of the Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association. Robert started his career at the treasury of Dresdner Bank Latainamerica AG managing EMD investments and subsequently held various roles in market risk management for financial start-ups. Robert holds a master’s degree in Economics from the University of Hamburg and is a CFA charter holder.

Ali Hamoudi is a seasoned financial services executive expert with extensive experience in international markets, particularly in the UK and the Middle East. He has...

Ali Hamoudi is a seasoned financial services executive expert with extensive experience in international markets, particularly in the UK and the Middle East. He has a proven track record in establishing regulated financial startups, Fintech & online trading, and expanding new businesses. Ali is a well-known in the business media in the GCC and the wider MENA and is a frequent guest on CNBC Arabia, Sky News Arabia, Dubai TV, and other major news channels, where he provides expert commentary on financial markets. He also delivers workshops to finance and MBA students at prestigious institutions. His expertise spans areas including team leadership, strategic planning, project management, risk assessment, and customer relationship development. Ali is passionate about the growth of the financial services sector and is committed to sharing his knowledge and experience with others.

Anthony Hobeika has 24 years of experience within economic, sector and financial research and consulting in the MENA region, having been exposed to many of...

Anthony Hobeika has 24 years of experience within economic, sector and financial research and consulting in the MENA region, having been exposed to many of its economic and financial cycles. He currently heads MENA Research Partners, a consulting company offering customised business intelligence to corporations in the Middle East & North Africa, focusing on on economic, sector, market and financial research, providing products like economic reports, equity and fixed income research, business plans, feasibility studies, market surveys, database building, among others with a client base made of financial and non-financial institutions. Previously, Anthony was head of research and strategy at Gulf Capital, a leading alternative asset management company as well as an economist at Bank Audi in Lebanon. He is a MBA graduate of the prestigious Paris-Dauphine University in France.

With 20+ years of Corporate & Investment banking, Investment & Advisory experience, his journey has woven through pivotal roles at esteemed institutions including Citibank, ING...

With 20+ years of Corporate & Investment banking, Investment & Advisory experience, his journey has woven through pivotal roles at esteemed institutions including Citibank, ING bank, various cross-border investment Banks, DCM broking houses culminating in prestigious role as Group Head of Treasury & Investments for Tech Group constituting 15 companies & 5 JVs, in this capacity, he concurrently leads Tech Capital’s investments under the auspices of Royal Family of Ajman in UAE, steering a diverse portfolio in the Global Financial Markets delivering alpha with optimal asset allocation and prudent risk management His dynamic career path spans continents with stints in Mumbai for over 4 years, focusing on Indian Financial Markets, 5 years in London, delving into European markets, 2 years in Kenya & Nigeria, navigating both East & West Africa and with a decade spent in the UAE contributing to growth of the GCC region. Showcasing proficiency in Debt Capital Markets (DCM) impactful Private Equity / M&A, Mezzanine Finance, Loan Syndication and Securitization transactions originated in EMEA + India. Notably, he led the Africa Client Coverage as well as Structured Trade Finance & DCM desk in the Middle East. His strategic acumen coupled with extensive on-ground assignments in nearly 20 countries underscore his ability to navigate complex investment landscapes, guiding investments and capital raise exceeding US$ 12 billion across currencies, sectors, and geographies.

Rinat Kirdan, CFA, is the Co-founder and CEO of PRAAMS, a leading platform providing automated research, risk management, and portfolio management solutions for brokers and...

Rinat Kirdan, CFA, is the Co-founder and CEO of PRAAMS, a leading platform providing automated research, risk management, and portfolio management solutions for brokers and asset managers covering over 120,000 global stocks, bonds, ETFs, FX, and cryptocurrencies. With more than 20 years of experience in risk management and financial research, Rinat has worked with top institutions across EMEA, CIS, MENA, and SSA regions. Rinat served as Chief Risk Officer at MOEX and Aton Capital Group and co-led research teams at Aton Capital Group, BCP Securities, Renaissance Capital, and Standard & Poor’s. Rinat holds an MSc (Hons) in Economics from the London School of Economics (LSE) and has served as an Associate Professor at the HSE and the University of London External Program, co-authoring several textbooks.

A senior Investment professional with over 25 years of Track Record in Emerging Markets. Successfully sourced, executed, and managed cross-assets in Latin America(debt and equity)...

A senior Investment professional with over 25 years of Track Record in Emerging Markets. Successfully sourced, executed, and managed cross-assets in Latin America(debt and equity) and illiquid Special Situation(NPL, PE, Credit). Christian built a strong network with shareholders, business owners, and C-level management in the region. More recently, Christian was involved in the tech sector, particularly Sportech and Fintech, advising foreign investors and startups to operate and finance themselves in Brazil. Been advising American/European asset managers and Hedge Funds on how to efficiently allocate capital in Credit&Special Sit in Brazil (sourcing and structuring). Founding Partner of EKEKO Capital Solutions, a dedicated Latam specialist to advise and co-manage pool of assets as well as providing optimal domiciliation and funding solutions.

Graduating from the University of Genoa in 2014 in Modern Language and Culture, and going on to gain a Master’s in Translation and Interpretation in...

Graduating from the University of Genoa in 2014 in Modern Language and Culture, and going on to gain a Master’s in Translation and Interpretation in 2016, Alessandro Lombardo gained experience in international relations through managing the reports of the Organisation of European Cancer Institutes (OECI) between 2012 and 2017, for the members from Central and Eastern Europe. In September 2017 he began his collaboration with Cbonds, a company providing an online bond research and analysis platform. In August 2018 he was appointed head of the company’s international department.

Alain was Head of FAB Asset Management while overseeing FAB's Global Private Bank’s Investment Products & Solutions business. He has 30 years of global buy-side...

Alain was Head of FAB Asset Management while overseeing FAB's Global Private Bank’s Investment Products & Solutions business. He has 30 years of global buy-side and sell-side trading and investment management experience, having begun his career at JPMorgan Chase in London, trading emerging market bonds. Alain has in recent years led and maintained oversight of investment frameworks, and has advised various investment committees. He has been CIO head of investment strategy overseeing asset allocation and overall creating investment views. He has provided inputs to the media, and is a regular guest on Bloomberg TV. Prior to joining FAB, Alain was Managing Director of BCP Investment Bank in Singapore. Before that he was the Head of Fixed Income for the Private Banking division of Emirates NBD in Dubai, between 2011 and 2014.

Deepak Mehra serves as the Chief Economist at Commercial Bank of Dubai, where he is primarily responsible for analyzing the macroeconomic landscape to identify emerging...

Deepak Mehra serves as the Chief Economist at Commercial Bank of Dubai, where he is primarily responsible for analyzing the macroeconomic landscape to identify emerging risks and opportunities that impact the bank's various functions. He is also a member of the executive board of CBD Financial Services LLC, the equity brokerage subsidiary of the bank. Previously, at CBD, he was the Head of Investments starting in 2007 and was instrumental in establishing the product and advisory platforms. He was also instrumental in launching the region's first Robo Advisory app from a bank in 2021. In his career spanning over three decades, Deepak has held leadership positions in banks like Citibank and Credit Suisse. He is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology and an MBA degree from IMT. A regular speaker at conferences and on television he is also the author of two successful self-help books Ready, Steady, Go and Think Like a Golfer.

Mehdi Popotte is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of dedicated experience in the field of sukuk and Islamic finance. As a Senior...

Mehdi Popotte is a seasoned finance professional with over 15 years of dedicated experience in the field of sukuk and Islamic finance. As a Senior Portfolio Manager at Arqaam Capital, based in Dubai, UAE, Mehdi oversees all Islamic strategies, managing assets close to half a billion dollars, including one of the top-performing sukuk funds in the region. Mehdi's deep involvement in Islamic finance ranges from managing bank’s treasury proprietary books in the region to sukuk financial intermediation at international institutions and managing sukuk funds. He holds an MSc in Finance from Neoma Business School and graduated from the first cohort of the MSc in Islamic Finance at Durham University, a pioneer program in the field. A CFA Charterholder since 2012, Mehdi is passionate about contributing to the growth of Islamic finance, particularly through investor education, deal participation, and liaison with notable scholars to ensure authenticity and adherence to Islamic principles. Regularly featured on regional media to discuss economic and financial developments, Mehdi is dedicated to promoting an alternative, ethical approach to delivering superior risk-adjusted returns to investors. His commitment to the sector is geared towards fostering the expansion and depth of sukuk, aligning modern financial practices with traditional Islamic values.

Experienced Fixed Income Analyst with a demonstrated history of working in the Investment industry. Skilled in Portfolio Analysis, Derivatives and Credit Analysis. Strong finance professional...

Experienced Fixed Income Analyst with a demonstrated history of working in the Investment industry. Skilled in Portfolio Analysis, Derivatives and Credit Analysis. Strong finance professional with a PGDM focused in Finance from Indian Institute of Management, Kozhikode.

Venkatakrishnan Srinivasan (Venkat) is a veteran of India’s bond market, with over 30 years of expertise in Indian Rupee Bonds and Debt Capital Markets. His...

Venkatakrishnan Srinivasan (Venkat) is a veteran of India’s bond market, with over 30 years of expertise in Indian Rupee Bonds and Debt Capital Markets. His career spans guiding debt transactions from origination through execution, consistently delivering successful outcomes. Before founding Rockfort Fincap LLP in late 2021, Venkat served as Senior Vice President at ICICI Securities Primary Dealership Limited (I-Sec PD) until June 2021. At Rockfort Fincap, he advises corporates, NBFCs, public sector undertakings, and family offices on treasury investments, corporate PMS, structured finance transactions, and debt fundraising. Venkat has cultivated strong strategic relationships with key market players in the Indian bond market. He frequently shares his insights on bond market trends through media and social media platforms. Additionally, he serves as an Independent Director at ICRA ESG Ratings Limited and has previously advised Axis Trustee Services on business development strategies. Venkat’s contributions have been recognized with two ICICI Group Spirit of Leadership Awards, for Nurturing Talent (2012) and Managing Change (2014).

Ms. Krystsina Urban is recognized as a professional with a strong background in financial markets, particularly in business development across the MENA region. Before joining...

Ms. Krystsina Urban is recognized as a professional with a strong background in financial markets, particularly in business development across the MENA region. Before joining EXANTE, she contributed to expanding the firms presence by securing new clients and driving sales initiatives. Krystsina’s expertise includes strategic planning, portfolio diversification, and building partnerships within the financial sector.Beyond EXANTE, she has held leadership roles at LEO Investments and the Future Innovation Summit, managing key financial operations and partnerships. Passionate about technology and innovations, she continually explores how emerging trends can shape the future of finance. With her deep understanding of market trends, investments, and local currency dynamics, Krystsina is well-prepared to moderate discussions on innovative investment strategies.

Alexander Viner has over 20 years of experience in capital markets. He began his career as a fixed income, money market, and FX trader at...

Alexander Viner has over 20 years of experience in capital markets. He began his career as a fixed income, money market, and FX trader at several leading regional banks. He worked as an investment advisor at several of the largest family offices and contributed to managing a global asset allocation fund as a member of an investment committee at a London-based asset manager with USD 1.8 billion in assets. In 2017, he moved to Cyprus to manage an EM-focused Fixed Income Fund. He is currently the Head of Portfolio Management at Wise Wolves Group.

Alisher brings over 30 years of experience in international finance, with a proven track record across advisory, investment banking, venture capital, private equity, and investment...

Alisher brings over 30 years of experience in international finance, with a proven track record across advisory, investment banking, venture capital, private equity, and investment management. He is the founder of AD Wealth, a family office investment firm focused on global emerging and frontier markets. Prior to this, Alisher held senior positions at prestigious institutions like Credit Suisse First Boston, Lazard, Renaissance Capital, Strategy&, PwC, and EY. Throughout his career, Alisher has played a pivotal role in founding and building award-winning investment banks and asset management firms across developing countries. His expertise extends to advising governments, sovereign wealth funds, state-owned enterprises, and multinational corporations on foreign direct investments. He has also actively invested and co-invested alongside family offices and other principal investors, across diverse asset classes. Alisher's global reach is evident by his experience working and studying in over 25 countries spanning Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. He has served as chair, moderator, or speaker at over 200 conferences, delving into topics like emerging and frontier markets, Islamic finance, banking, capital markets, hedge funds, energy, resources, infrastructure, property, telecom, and technology. His insights have also been featured on prominent media outlets like Bloomberg, CNBC, BBC, Al Jazeera, Reuters, Dow Jones, and Channel NewsAsia. Additionally, his expertise has been recognized by leading publications including the Financial Times, Foreign Policy, Euromoney, Global Finance, and Institutional Investor.

Sergey Lyalin started working in the securities market as bond analyst in IC Deviz in 1995. In 1997 he joined IC Energocapital (worked there as...

Sergey Lyalin started working in the securities market as bond analyst in IC Deviz in 1995. In 1997 he joined IC Energocapital (worked there as Client Relations Manager and then as Head of Marketing Research). In 2000, he organized the Internet portal Cbonds.Ru. He has been CEO of Cbonds.ru LLC since 2001. Under the leadership of Sergey Lyalin Cbonds News Agency has become the leading source of information on the Russian and CIS bond market. He started publishing Cbonds Review magazine in 2006 and was its Editor-in-Chief in 2006-2007. He is the author of Corporate Bonds: Global Experience and Russian Prospects (2001) and a number of articles on the securities market. Sergey Lyalin graduated from St. Petersburg University, Department of Economics (a diploma of economist - mathematician). Holds a PhD in Economics. Finished Executive MBA at Graduate School of Management (GSOM) at Saint-Petersburg State University in 2018.

Mr. Shestakov was educated at Moscow University and received a Soros Scholarship to study at Oxford University where he read for a philosophy DPhil at...

Mr. Shestakov was educated at Moscow University and received a Soros Scholarship to study at Oxford University where he read for a philosophy DPhil at Balliol College. He worked as a journalist in England and from 1991 he worked in London and Moscow as a management consultant for a number of Russian projects. In August 1992 he became the founding Managing Director of Global Fund Management S.A.