Agenda
Transform Finance MENA | Dubai, 26th January 2023

A professional Compliance Officer working for 30+ years in the banking and non-banking financial services industry. He holds a banking degree (Chartered Banker Institute – UK), and an MBA from the University of Liverpool; he is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) from ACAMS®. He practices Regulatory Compliance and AML/CFT for 17 years, specializing in Sanctions, Trade-Based Money Laundering, Advanced Analytics and Forensics, and RegTech/FinTech. He started his career from Banking Operations and moved into training and development within the banking sector until 2005; for 15+ years he also worked as a part-time adjunct lecturer for the Chartered Bankers Institute, other Professional Training Academies, and different Universities and Colleges in Europe. He became a Group Compliance Project Manager for the bank in 2005 implementing policies, procedures, systems, and controls and he had different management positions within the Group Compliance Division of the bank. Since 2013, he works as the Chief Compliance Officer for Lulu Financial Group offering money remittance and foreign currency exchange products in multiple countries within GCC and APAC regions. He is a member of the Task Force for ACAMS® for exam writing, conferences, and subject matter experts’ panels; he is also serving as a member of panels for many different conferences organized by the Compliance Community worldwide. He is an active member of the Private Public Partnership Sub-Committee of the National AML/CFT Executive Council of the United Arab Emirates.

Sailendra is currently the Head- Sanctions Risk Analysis & Controls for Africa and Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), UAE. He has over 20 years of professional experience spanning across financial and non-financial sectors. Over the years he has been involved in advising a wide range of clients on various facets of Financial Crime risk and in his currently role he is managing Sanctions risk for the Africa and Middle East region for SCB.

He holds an engineering degree from National Institute of Technology, Trichy, India, an MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, India, and a Masters in Security and Diplomacy (International Relations) from the Tel Aviv University, Israel. He is a Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) from ACAMS. He is member of the CGSS examination design team for ACAMS.

Jonathan Somers is the Middle East & Africa Regional Sales Director for NetGuardians, a Swiss fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help protect over 80 banks around the world from sophisticated frauds that target their customers and their accounts.

He has lived and worked in MEA for over 25 years, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs.

Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He has an avid interest in how explainable artificial intelligence and big data solutions can be combined to prevent cybercrime without increasing customer friction.

A professional Compliance Officer working for 30+ years in the banking and non-banking financial services industry. He holds a banking degree (Chartered Banker Institute – UK), and an MBA from the University of Liverpool; he is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) from ACAMS®. He practices Regulatory Compliance and AML/CFT for 17 years, specializing in Sanctions, Trade-Based Money Laundering, Advanced Analytics and Forensics, and RegTech/FinTech. He started his career from Banking Operations and moved into training and development within the banking sector until 2005; for 15+ years he also worked as a part-time adjunct lecturer for the Chartered Bankers Institute, other Professional Training Academies, and different Universities and Colleges in Europe. He became a Group Compliance Project Manager for the bank in 2005 implementing policies, procedures, systems, and controls and he had different management positions within the Group Compliance Division of the bank. Since 2013, he works as the Chief Compliance Officer for Lulu Financial Group offering money remittance and foreign currency exchange products in multiple countries within GCC and APAC regions. He is a member of the Task Force for ACAMS® for exam writing, conferences, and subject matter experts’ panels; he is also serving as a member of panels for many different conferences organized by the Compliance Community worldwide. He is an active member of the Private Public Partnership Sub-Committee of the National AML/CFT Executive Council of the United Arab Emirates.

Sailendra is currently the Head- Sanctions Risk Analysis & Controls for Africa and Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), UAE. He has over 20 years of professional experience spanning across financial and non-financial sectors. Over the years he has been involved in advising a wide range of clients on various facets of Financial Crime risk and in his currently role he is managing Sanctions risk for the Africa and Middle East region for SCB.

He holds an engineering degree from National Institute of Technology, Trichy, India, an MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, India, and a Masters in Security and Diplomacy (International Relations) from the Tel Aviv University, Israel. He is a Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) from ACAMS. He is member of the CGSS examination design team for ACAMS.

Jonathan Somers is the Middle East & Africa Regional Sales Director for NetGuardians, a Swiss fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help protect over 80 banks around the world from sophisticated frauds that target their customers and their accounts.

He has lived and worked in MEA for over 25 years, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs.

Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He has an avid interest in how explainable artificial intelligence and big data solutions can be combined to prevent cybercrime without increasing customer friction.

A professional Compliance Officer working for 30+ years in the banking and non-banking financial services industry. He holds a banking degree (Chartered Banker Institute – UK), and an MBA from the University of Liverpool; he is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) from ACAMS®. He practices Regulatory Compliance and AML/CFT for 17 years, specializing in Sanctions, Trade-Based Money Laundering, Advanced Analytics and Forensics, and RegTech/FinTech. He started his career from Banking Operations and moved into training and development within the banking sector until 2005; for 15+ years he also worked as a part-time adjunct lecturer for the Chartered Bankers Institute, other Professional Training Academies, and different Universities and Colleges in Europe. He became a Group Compliance Project Manager for the bank in 2005 implementing policies, procedures, systems, and controls and he had different management positions within the Group Compliance Division of the bank. Since 2013, he works as the Chief Compliance Officer for Lulu Financial Group offering money remittance and foreign currency exchange products in multiple countries within GCC and APAC regions. He is a member of the Task Force for ACAMS® for exam writing, conferences, and subject matter experts’ panels; he is also serving as a member of panels for many different conferences organized by the Compliance Community worldwide. He is an active member of the Private Public Partnership Sub-Committee of the National AML/CFT Executive Council of the United Arab Emirates.

Sailendra is currently the Head- Sanctions Risk Analysis & Controls for Africa and Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), UAE. He has over 20 years of professional experience spanning across financial and non-financial sectors. Over the years he has been involved in advising a wide range of clients on various facets of Financial Crime risk and in his currently role he is managing Sanctions risk for the Africa and Middle East region for SCB.

He holds an engineering degree from National Institute of Technology, Trichy, India, an MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, India, and a Masters in Security and Diplomacy (International Relations) from the Tel Aviv University, Israel. He is a Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) from ACAMS. He is member of the CGSS examination design team for ACAMS.

Jonathan Somers is the Middle East & Africa Regional Sales Director for NetGuardians, a Swiss fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help protect over 80 banks around the world from sophisticated frauds that target their customers and their accounts.

He has lived and worked in MEA for over 25 years, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs.

Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He has an avid interest in how explainable artificial intelligence and big data solutions can be combined to prevent cybercrime without increasing customer friction.

A professional Compliance Officer working for 30+ years in the banking and non-banking financial services industry. He holds a banking degree (Chartered Banker Institute – UK), and an MBA from the University of Liverpool; he is a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) from ACAMS®. He practices Regulatory Compliance and AML/CFT for 17 years, specializing in Sanctions, Trade-Based Money Laundering, Advanced Analytics and Forensics, and RegTech/FinTech. He started his career from Banking Operations and moved into training and development within the banking sector until 2005; for 15+ years he also worked as a part-time adjunct lecturer for the Chartered Bankers Institute, other Professional Training Academies, and different Universities and Colleges in Europe. He became a Group Compliance Project Manager for the bank in 2005 implementing policies, procedures, systems, and controls and he had different management positions within the Group Compliance Division of the bank. Since 2013, he works as the Chief Compliance Officer for Lulu Financial Group offering money remittance and foreign currency exchange products in multiple countries within GCC and APAC regions. He is a member of the Task Force for ACAMS® for exam writing, conferences, and subject matter experts’ panels; he is also serving as a member of panels for many different conferences organized by the Compliance Community worldwide. He is an active member of the Private Public Partnership Sub-Committee of the National AML/CFT Executive Council of the United Arab Emirates.

Sailendra is currently the Head- Sanctions Risk Analysis & Controls for Africa and Middle East at Standard Chartered Bank (SCB), UAE. He has over 20 years of professional experience spanning across financial and non-financial sectors. Over the years he has been involved in advising a wide range of clients on various facets of Financial Crime risk and in his currently role he is managing Sanctions risk for the Africa and Middle East region for SCB.

He holds an engineering degree from National Institute of Technology, Trichy, India, an MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, New Delhi, India, and a Masters in Security and Diplomacy (International Relations) from the Tel Aviv University, Israel. He is a Certified Global Sanctions Specialist (CGSS) and Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) from ACAMS. He is member of the CGSS examination design team for ACAMS.

Jonathan Somers is the Middle East & Africa Regional Sales Director for NetGuardians, a Swiss fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help protect over 80 banks around the world from sophisticated frauds that target their customers and their accounts.

He has lived and worked in MEA for over 25 years, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs.

Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He has an avid interest in how explainable artificial intelligence and big data solutions can be combined to prevent cybercrime without increasing customer friction.

Kevin is Director, Financial Crime Strategy at Fenergo. He joined Fenergo in 2021 and is currently leading initiatives in Perpetual KYC and Continuous Risk Monitoring – helping Fenergo’s clients satisfy their regulatory obligations efficiently with cloud-based compliance solutions.  He has worked in Regulatory Compliance since 2005. He was previously VP of Product Management at Corlytics, a Regtech providing horizon scanning and regulatory change management solutions. Prior to Corlytics, Kevin was VP of Product Management at BAE Systems NetReveal. Over a twelve-year tenure, he held a variety of roles bringing new Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Management solutions to market serving financial services clients globally.

Khushboo is a seasoned compliance, risk and financial crime professional with 20 years of experience in banking in the UAE. She is a fellow of the International Compliance Association.

Prior to ANZ, she has worked with FirstRand and Standard Chartered Bank. Khushboo believes in building a values-driven culture that encourages an understanding of the spirit of Compliance.

She is passionate about breaking biases, and supports unconventional and out-of-the-box thinking.

Wael Saikaly is presently the Head of AML/CFT at Creditbank SAL, one of the Alpha Lebanese banks. Wael enjoys over 18 years of banking experience focusing on the areas of Audit, AML, and Compliance. Wael reorganized and restructured two AML/CFT departments in two different banks, and was successful in creating a more flexible and efficient AML/CFT system while working closely with the branches in order to protect the bank from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. 

In his present position, Wael is handling several responsibilities covering: (1) Researching and understanding changes in local and international AML/CFT regulations. (2) Developing Anti Money Laundering and Compliance guidance materials, (3) Supervising and updating the Risk Based Approach (RBA) Criteria to acknowledge local and international requirements, (4) Overseeing the good application of AML/CFT daily controls and procedures. 

Wael enjoys a vast experience in banking operations due to his both Commercial and Internal Control background that broadened his exposure to day-to-day operations. Wael is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs on AML/CFT topics and FATCA/CRS requirements. 

Wael is currently pursuing is Executive MBA degree at the Lebanese American University, he graduated from the Lebanese University in Beirut, holding a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Wael is a Certified Anti Money Laundry Specialist since 2014. Wael earned the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) in 2020. 

Kevin is Director, Financial Crime Strategy at Fenergo. He joined Fenergo in 2021 and is currently leading initiatives in Perpetual KYC and Continuous Risk Monitoring – helping Fenergo’s clients satisfy their regulatory obligations efficiently with cloud-based compliance solutions.  He has worked in Regulatory Compliance since 2005. He was previously VP of Product Management at Corlytics, a Regtech providing horizon scanning and regulatory change management solutions. Prior to Corlytics, Kevin was VP of Product Management at BAE Systems NetReveal. Over a twelve-year tenure, he held a variety of roles bringing new Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Management solutions to market serving financial services clients globally.

Khushboo is a seasoned compliance, risk and financial crime professional with 20 years of experience in banking in the UAE. She is a fellow of the International Compliance Association.

Prior to ANZ, she has worked with FirstRand and Standard Chartered Bank. Khushboo believes in building a values-driven culture that encourages an understanding of the spirit of Compliance.

She is passionate about breaking biases, and supports unconventional and out-of-the-box thinking.

Wael Saikaly is presently the Head of AML/CFT at Creditbank SAL, one of the Alpha Lebanese banks. Wael enjoys over 18 years of banking experience focusing on the areas of Audit, AML, and Compliance. Wael reorganized and restructured two AML/CFT departments in two different banks, and was successful in creating a more flexible and efficient AML/CFT system while working closely with the branches in order to protect the bank from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. 

In his present position, Wael is handling several responsibilities covering: (1) Researching and understanding changes in local and international AML/CFT regulations. (2) Developing Anti Money Laundering and Compliance guidance materials, (3) Supervising and updating the Risk Based Approach (RBA) Criteria to acknowledge local and international requirements, (4) Overseeing the good application of AML/CFT daily controls and procedures. 

Wael enjoys a vast experience in banking operations due to his both Commercial and Internal Control background that broadened his exposure to day-to-day operations. Wael is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs on AML/CFT topics and FATCA/CRS requirements. 

Wael is currently pursuing is Executive MBA degree at the Lebanese American University, he graduated from the Lebanese University in Beirut, holding a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Wael is a Certified Anti Money Laundry Specialist since 2014. Wael earned the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) in 2020. 

Kevin is Director, Financial Crime Strategy at Fenergo. He joined Fenergo in 2021 and is currently leading initiatives in Perpetual KYC and Continuous Risk Monitoring – helping Fenergo’s clients satisfy their regulatory obligations efficiently with cloud-based compliance solutions.  He has worked in Regulatory Compliance since 2005. He was previously VP of Product Management at Corlytics, a Regtech providing horizon scanning and regulatory change management solutions. Prior to Corlytics, Kevin was VP of Product Management at BAE Systems NetReveal. Over a twelve-year tenure, he held a variety of roles bringing new Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Management solutions to market serving financial services clients globally.

Khushboo is a seasoned compliance, risk and financial crime professional with 20 years of experience in banking in the UAE. She is a fellow of the International Compliance Association.

Prior to ANZ, she has worked with FirstRand and Standard Chartered Bank. Khushboo believes in building a values-driven culture that encourages an understanding of the spirit of Compliance.

She is passionate about breaking biases, and supports unconventional and out-of-the-box thinking.

Wael Saikaly is presently the Head of AML/CFT at Creditbank SAL, one of the Alpha Lebanese banks. Wael enjoys over 18 years of banking experience focusing on the areas of Audit, AML, and Compliance. Wael reorganized and restructured two AML/CFT departments in two different banks, and was successful in creating a more flexible and efficient AML/CFT system while working closely with the branches in order to protect the bank from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. 

In his present position, Wael is handling several responsibilities covering: (1) Researching and understanding changes in local and international AML/CFT regulations. (2) Developing Anti Money Laundering and Compliance guidance materials, (3) Supervising and updating the Risk Based Approach (RBA) Criteria to acknowledge local and international requirements, (4) Overseeing the good application of AML/CFT daily controls and procedures. 

Wael enjoys a vast experience in banking operations due to his both Commercial and Internal Control background that broadened his exposure to day-to-day operations. Wael is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs on AML/CFT topics and FATCA/CRS requirements. 

Wael is currently pursuing is Executive MBA degree at the Lebanese American University, he graduated from the Lebanese University in Beirut, holding a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Wael is a Certified Anti Money Laundry Specialist since 2014. Wael earned the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) in 2020. 

Kevin is Director, Financial Crime Strategy at Fenergo. He joined Fenergo in 2021 and is currently leading initiatives in Perpetual KYC and Continuous Risk Monitoring – helping Fenergo’s clients satisfy their regulatory obligations efficiently with cloud-based compliance solutions.  He has worked in Regulatory Compliance since 2005. He was previously VP of Product Management at Corlytics, a Regtech providing horizon scanning and regulatory change management solutions. Prior to Corlytics, Kevin was VP of Product Management at BAE Systems NetReveal. Over a twelve-year tenure, he held a variety of roles bringing new Anti-Money Laundering and Fraud Management solutions to market serving financial services clients globally.

Khushboo is a seasoned compliance, risk and financial crime professional with 20 years of experience in banking in the UAE. She is a fellow of the International Compliance Association.

Prior to ANZ, she has worked with FirstRand and Standard Chartered Bank. Khushboo believes in building a values-driven culture that encourages an understanding of the spirit of Compliance.

She is passionate about breaking biases, and supports unconventional and out-of-the-box thinking.

Wael Saikaly is presently the Head of AML/CFT at Creditbank SAL, one of the Alpha Lebanese banks. Wael enjoys over 18 years of banking experience focusing on the areas of Audit, AML, and Compliance. Wael reorganized and restructured two AML/CFT departments in two different banks, and was successful in creating a more flexible and efficient AML/CFT system while working closely with the branches in order to protect the bank from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. 

In his present position, Wael is handling several responsibilities covering: (1) Researching and understanding changes in local and international AML/CFT regulations. (2) Developing Anti Money Laundering and Compliance guidance materials, (3) Supervising and updating the Risk Based Approach (RBA) Criteria to acknowledge local and international requirements, (4) Overseeing the good application of AML/CFT daily controls and procedures. 

Wael enjoys a vast experience in banking operations due to his both Commercial and Internal Control background that broadened his exposure to day-to-day operations. Wael is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs on AML/CFT topics and FATCA/CRS requirements. 

Wael is currently pursuing is Executive MBA degree at the Lebanese American University, he graduated from the Lebanese University in Beirut, holding a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Wael is a Certified Anti Money Laundry Specialist since 2014. Wael earned the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) in 2020. 

Jonathan Somers is the Middle East & Africa Regional Sales Director for NetGuardians, a Swiss fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help protect over 80 banks around the world from sophisticated frauds that target their customers and their accounts.

He has lived and worked in MEA for over 25 years, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs.

Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He has an avid interest in how explainable artificial intelligence and big data solutions can be combined to prevent cybercrime without increasing customer friction.

Shruti is Head of Compliance and MLRO at Mamo, a FinTech company based in the UAE. She has 10 years’ experience in financial services including compliance roles within payment services, consumer credit and peer-to-peer lending and also gained regulatory expertise having worked at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.

Shruti holds a LLB Law (Hons) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and has obtained a number of qualifications including the International Compliance Association (ICA) Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance as well as specialist certificates in Financial Crime Risk in Mobile Financial Services and Conduct Risk.

With a strong passion for the prevention of financial crime, Shruti has served as a speaker and panelist at events including the AML & ABC Forum. She believes in fostering a strong ethics and compliance culture within an organisation whilst redefining the role of compliance to actively support innovation and creativity. Acting as a mentor, she encourages conversations around career fulfilment, women in leadership positions and diversity in the workplace.

Wael Saikaly is presently the Head of AML/CFT at Creditbank SAL, one of the Alpha Lebanese banks. Wael enjoys over 18 years of banking experience focusing on the areas of Audit, AML, and Compliance. Wael reorganized and restructured two AML/CFT departments in two different banks, and was successful in creating a more flexible and efficient AML/CFT system while working closely with the branches in order to protect the bank from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. 

In his present position, Wael is handling several responsibilities covering: (1) Researching and understanding changes in local and international AML/CFT regulations. (2) Developing Anti Money Laundering and Compliance guidance materials, (3) Supervising and updating the Risk Based Approach (RBA) Criteria to acknowledge local and international requirements, (4) Overseeing the good application of AML/CFT daily controls and procedures. 

Wael enjoys a vast experience in banking operations due to his both Commercial and Internal Control background that broadened his exposure to day-to-day operations. Wael is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs on AML/CFT topics and FATCA/CRS requirements. 

Wael is currently pursuing is Executive MBA degree at the Lebanese American University, he graduated from the Lebanese University in Beirut, holding a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Wael is a Certified Anti Money Laundry Specialist since 2014. Wael earned the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) in 2020. 

Jonathan Somers is the Middle East & Africa Regional Sales Director for NetGuardians, a Swiss fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help protect over 80 banks around the world from sophisticated frauds that target their customers and their accounts.

He has lived and worked in MEA for over 25 years, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs.

Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He has an avid interest in how explainable artificial intelligence and big data solutions can be combined to prevent cybercrime without increasing customer friction.

Shruti is Head of Compliance and MLRO at Mamo, a FinTech company based in the UAE. She has 10 years’ experience in financial services including compliance roles within payment services, consumer credit and peer-to-peer lending and also gained regulatory expertise having worked at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.

Shruti holds a LLB Law (Hons) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and has obtained a number of qualifications including the International Compliance Association (ICA) Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance as well as specialist certificates in Financial Crime Risk in Mobile Financial Services and Conduct Risk.

With a strong passion for the prevention of financial crime, Shruti has served as a speaker and panelist at events including the AML & ABC Forum. She believes in fostering a strong ethics and compliance culture within an organisation whilst redefining the role of compliance to actively support innovation and creativity. Acting as a mentor, she encourages conversations around career fulfilment, women in leadership positions and diversity in the workplace.

Wael Saikaly is presently the Head of AML/CFT at Creditbank SAL, one of the Alpha Lebanese banks. Wael enjoys over 18 years of banking experience focusing on the areas of Audit, AML, and Compliance. Wael reorganized and restructured two AML/CFT departments in two different banks, and was successful in creating a more flexible and efficient AML/CFT system while working closely with the branches in order to protect the bank from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. 

In his present position, Wael is handling several responsibilities covering: (1) Researching and understanding changes in local and international AML/CFT regulations. (2) Developing Anti Money Laundering and Compliance guidance materials, (3) Supervising and updating the Risk Based Approach (RBA) Criteria to acknowledge local and international requirements, (4) Overseeing the good application of AML/CFT daily controls and procedures. 

Wael enjoys a vast experience in banking operations due to his both Commercial and Internal Control background that broadened his exposure to day-to-day operations. Wael is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs on AML/CFT topics and FATCA/CRS requirements. 

Wael is currently pursuing is Executive MBA degree at the Lebanese American University, he graduated from the Lebanese University in Beirut, holding a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Wael is a Certified Anti Money Laundry Specialist since 2014. Wael earned the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) in 2020. 

Jonathan Somers is the Middle East & Africa Regional Sales Director for NetGuardians, a Swiss fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help protect over 80 banks around the world from sophisticated frauds that target their customers and their accounts.

He has lived and worked in MEA for over 25 years, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs.

Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He has an avid interest in how explainable artificial intelligence and big data solutions can be combined to prevent cybercrime without increasing customer friction.

Shruti is Head of Compliance and MLRO at Mamo, a FinTech company based in the UAE. She has 10 years’ experience in financial services including compliance roles within payment services, consumer credit and peer-to-peer lending and also gained regulatory expertise having worked at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.

Shruti holds a LLB Law (Hons) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and has obtained a number of qualifications including the International Compliance Association (ICA) Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance as well as specialist certificates in Financial Crime Risk in Mobile Financial Services and Conduct Risk.

With a strong passion for the prevention of financial crime, Shruti has served as a speaker and panelist at events including the AML & ABC Forum. She believes in fostering a strong ethics and compliance culture within an organisation whilst redefining the role of compliance to actively support innovation and creativity. Acting as a mentor, she encourages conversations around career fulfilment, women in leadership positions and diversity in the workplace.

Wael Saikaly is presently the Head of AML/CFT at Creditbank SAL, one of the Alpha Lebanese banks. Wael enjoys over 18 years of banking experience focusing on the areas of Audit, AML, and Compliance. Wael reorganized and restructured two AML/CFT departments in two different banks, and was successful in creating a more flexible and efficient AML/CFT system while working closely with the branches in order to protect the bank from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. 

In his present position, Wael is handling several responsibilities covering: (1) Researching and understanding changes in local and international AML/CFT regulations. (2) Developing Anti Money Laundering and Compliance guidance materials, (3) Supervising and updating the Risk Based Approach (RBA) Criteria to acknowledge local and international requirements, (4) Overseeing the good application of AML/CFT daily controls and procedures. 

Wael enjoys a vast experience in banking operations due to his both Commercial and Internal Control background that broadened his exposure to day-to-day operations. Wael is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs on AML/CFT topics and FATCA/CRS requirements. 

Wael is currently pursuing is Executive MBA degree at the Lebanese American University, he graduated from the Lebanese University in Beirut, holding a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Wael is a Certified Anti Money Laundry Specialist since 2014. Wael earned the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) in 2020. 

Jonathan Somers is the Middle East & Africa Regional Sales Director for NetGuardians, a Swiss fintech providing advanced AI solutions that help protect over 80 banks around the world from sophisticated frauds that target their customers and their accounts.

He has lived and worked in MEA for over 25 years, advising banks and software vendors on strategies to ensure that they successfully meet their customers’ evolving needs.

Jonathan is recognized in the banking industry for promoting innovation and helping financial organizations to benefit from new technologies. He has an avid interest in how explainable artificial intelligence and big data solutions can be combined to prevent cybercrime without increasing customer friction.

Shruti is Head of Compliance and MLRO at Mamo, a FinTech company based in the UAE. She has 10 years’ experience in financial services including compliance roles within payment services, consumer credit and peer-to-peer lending and also gained regulatory expertise having worked at the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority.

Shruti holds a LLB Law (Hons) degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science and has obtained a number of qualifications including the International Compliance Association (ICA) Diploma in Governance, Risk and Compliance as well as specialist certificates in Financial Crime Risk in Mobile Financial Services and Conduct Risk.

With a strong passion for the prevention of financial crime, Shruti has served as a speaker and panelist at events including the AML & ABC Forum. She believes in fostering a strong ethics and compliance culture within an organisation whilst redefining the role of compliance to actively support innovation and creativity. Acting as a mentor, she encourages conversations around career fulfilment, women in leadership positions and diversity in the workplace.

Wael Saikaly is presently the Head of AML/CFT at Creditbank SAL, one of the Alpha Lebanese banks. Wael enjoys over 18 years of banking experience focusing on the areas of Audit, AML, and Compliance. Wael reorganized and restructured two AML/CFT departments in two different banks, and was successful in creating a more flexible and efficient AML/CFT system while working closely with the branches in order to protect the bank from being exploited for money laundering or terrorist financing activities. 

In his present position, Wael is handling several responsibilities covering: (1) Researching and understanding changes in local and international AML/CFT regulations. (2) Developing Anti Money Laundering and Compliance guidance materials, (3) Supervising and updating the Risk Based Approach (RBA) Criteria to acknowledge local and international requirements, (4) Overseeing the good application of AML/CFT daily controls and procedures. 

Wael enjoys a vast experience in banking operations due to his both Commercial and Internal Control background that broadened his exposure to day-to-day operations. Wael is also responsible for developing and delivering training programs on AML/CFT topics and FATCA/CRS requirements. 

Wael is currently pursuing is Executive MBA degree at the Lebanese American University, he graduated from the Lebanese University in Beirut, holding a B.S. in Accounting and a B.S. in Marketing and Management. Wael is a Certified Anti Money Laundry Specialist since 2014. Wael earned the CFE (Certified Fraud Examiner) in 2020.