Meet the Speakers
H.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono
President of MaltaH.E. Myriam Spiteri Debono
President of MaltaAbout the speaker
Notary Myriam Spiteri Debono is the eleventh President of the Republic of Malta, approved unanimously by the House of Representatives by virtue of a Parliamentary Resolution passed on the 27th of March 2024. Myriam Spiteri Debono was Chairperson of the Cooperatives Board, and she served as a member of the Gender Equality Commission when this commission was first set up. During her membership of this commission, she was especially active on the sub-committee dealing with complaints regarding discrimination and/or harassment. Myriam Spiteri Debono was also Chairperson of the Press Ethics Commission, for the first three years of its existence. She was instrumental in drafting its first body of rules of procedure and bylaws. She started participating in the political sphere when, as a student, she was a founder member of the Socialist Students Union. As a member of the Malta Labour Party; for 16 consecutive years, she was elected by the General Conference of the party as a member of the party’s executive committee. She also served as Secretary General and President of the Labour Women’s League for many years. As President of the Labour Women’s League and as Speaker, she participated in numerous conferences abroad and, various times, she was nominated by the participants to preside over the conference. From 2009 to 2024, she was a member of the selection board entrusted with recommendations for the award of Republic Day Honours.
Hon. Robert Abela
Prime Minister of MaltaHon. Robert Abela
Prime Minister of MaltaAbout the speaker
Dr. Abela worked in the family law firm and has acted as the legal consultant of various organisations including public entities and trade unions. He was elected as Member of Parliament in June 2017 and was appointed as legal adviser to the Cabinet of Ministers. On 13 January 2020, he took office as the 14th Prime Minister of Malta after being elected as Party Leader by the members of Partit Laburista. Whilst steering the country through a global pandemic, Dr. Abela presented his vision for Malta’s future built on five pillars: quality of life, infrastructure, education, environment, and good governance. Despite the challenges and difficulties presented by the pandemic, the government led by Robert Abela continued to reap successful economic results which led to the country’s lowest unemployment rate in history, whilst in parallel, implementing unprecedented reforms in good governance and rule of law. Dr. Abela even relinquished the Prime Minister’s powers such as when appointing officials to key posts such as the Chief Justice, the Attorney General and Police Commissioner, to further strengthen democracy and the institutions that deliver it: a first for a Maltese Prime Minister. Dr Abela took office once again on 28 March 2022 after confirming victory in the General Elections of 26 March 2022 which saw Partit Laburista winning with the greatest majority in Maltese history.
Hon. Silvio Schembri
Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects of MaltaHon. Silvio Schembri
Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects of MaltaAbout the speaker
Silvio Schembri is a an elected Maltese politician and academic currently serving as Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects. Hon Schembri was born in Luqa, the second child among four siblings. His father John Schembri has been occupying the office of Mayor of Luqa since 2001. Silvio is an experienced Lecturer In Economics with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry. Skilled in Political Communication, Negotiation, Sustainable Development, Political Science, and Analytical Skills. Strong education professional with a Master of Arts and a Bachelors Degree of Honours focused in Economics from L-Università ta' Malta.
Charles Mizzi
CEO Malta Gaming AuthorityCharles Mizzi
CEOAbout the speaker
Charles Mizzi is the Chief Executive Officer at the Malta Gaming Authority. He joined the MGA following a five-year tenure at the helm of the Residency Malta Agency. During his time there, he led the organisation towards its goal of ensuring that Malta is one of the most reputable and desirable residencies by investment jurisdictions. He has extensive experience in operations management and a background in marketing, communications and national-level event management. He holds an MBA (Master of Business Administration) from Henley Business School and is a dynamic and results-driven professional.
Mark Blandford
Partner Burlywood CapitalMark Blandford
PartnerAbout the speaker
Mark Blandford was the founder and Director of Sportingbet Plc, an online global sportsbook and casino. Mark now works as a successful Venture capital investor. Mark Blandford AIM Entrepreneur of the year 2002. Mark now has a Venture Capital style investment portfolio which includes stakes in: Future Anthem www.futureanthem.com AI powered real time personalisation for gambling customers. Gaming Realms (www.gamingrealms.com ) Director AIM Listed UK based Games developer and distributor. Best known for the Slingo gendre of games. Gambling.com Group (www.gambling.com/corporate ) Chairman Performance marketing specialising in online gambling. Owner casinos.com gambling.com and bookies.com NASDAQ Listed. Synalogik www.synalogik.com Data aggregation platform for real time transaction monitoring, fraud investigation and integrated case management.
Camille Pepos
Head of FinTech Supervision Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA)Camille Pepos
Head of FinTech SupervisionAbout the speaker
Camille Pepos is a Head within the Fintech Supervision function of the MFSA which is entrusted with the authorisation and supervision of the VFA and Financial Institution sectors as well as the implementation of FinTech initiatives. An Economist by academic background, Camille also possesses two Master degrees in Finance and Wealth Management from the University of Nice Sophia Antipolis and IAE Graduate School of Management. Before joining the MFSA, Camille held various roles in private banking, fundraising, fintech advisory and corporate services.
Joe Pisano
Founder & CEO Jade Entertainment and Gaming TechnologiesJoe Pisano
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Joe is the Founder and CEO of Jade Entertainment and Gaming Technologies, which was founded in the Philippines in 2009 and is now a Pan-Asian supplier of Gaming Technology and service provider. Joe was the former International Project Manager for Automatic Totalizators Ltd, Director for Business Development Asia-Pacific of IGT, and Executive Director and Senior Vice President of Entertainment Gaming Asia (formerly known as Elixir Gaming Technology). Jade Group has service and support offices in the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Macau, and Sri Lanka. The Jade Group is involved in Land-Based Product Distribution, Sports Betting, and Online Operations. Jade serves as the bridge between Land-Based and Online Gaming. Joe’s gaming experience includes Systems, Slots, Lotteries, Sports Betting, Fantasy Skill Games, and Totalisators. Joe obtained his Master's Degree in Business and Technology at the University of New South Wales, Australia. He has over 40 years of experience in global gaming technologies.
Alexandre Tomic
Founder AleaAlexandre Tomic
FounderAbout the speaker
Alexandre Tomic is the founder of Alea.com, the multi-award-winning company behind several successful B2C and B2B igaming operations. He is well-known within the online gambling industry, having twenty years of experience in varying aspects ranging from affiliate network, casino operator and game aggregator. He is a biohacking enthusiast and is committed to promote API governance by bringing best integration practices into the gambling industry.
Mariusz G?siewski
CEE Mobile Gaming & Apps Lead GoogleMariusz G?siewski
CEE Mobile Gaming & Apps LeadAbout the speaker
Mariusz collaborates with top partners across Central and Eastern Europe to foster the growth and development of the mobile gaming and apps ecosystem. With over 12 years of experience, Mariusz has leveraged both internal and external Google data to gain deep insights into mobile user behaviour and industry trends. Since 2015, he has specialized in mobile gaming and apps, expanding his expertise to include Web3, casino, and sports betting sectors since 2021.
Ivan Spiteri
Director of Technology Advisory & Assurance Services BDO MaltaIvan Spiteri
Director of Technology Advisory & Assurance ServicesAbout the speaker
Ivan is the Director of Technology Advisory and Assurance Services at BDO Malta. Ivan has more than 27 years of experience in technology ranging from cybersecurity, privacy and GDPR advisory and assessments, third-party assurance, regulatory & compliance, DORA compliance, internal and external IT audit, IT governance, ICT risk assessments, ISO27001,, project management, , data analytics, information risk management and strategy, business continuity management & disaster recovery, system selection and implementation and IT management of efficiency improvement. He has led multiple IT projects with a successful background in their delivery within set timeframes, budgets and to a high-quality standard. Prior to joining BDO Ivan worked for 11 years at a Big4 within the Technology Risk Advisory service line with experience in delivering and leading IT regulatory, IT governance, IT security advisory service and privacy along with helping clients with solutions in data warehousing, systems integration and implementation. Prior to joining a big4 firm, he worked with a Malta listed entity where he headed the IT quality assurance department after working his way up through various IT roles.
Alessandro Valente
Co-Founder Super AfiliadosAlessandro Valente
Co-FounderAbout the speaker
He is iGaming Specialist in Latam & Co-Founder of Super Afiliados. Super Afiliados has one of the largest iGaming networks of websites in the whole of Latam and its main focus is in Brazil. Since 2007 your best partner in the region. Super Afiliados is a company that knows the power of internet marketing and with it will make its brand generate new customers and, more than that, make them partners. Our professionals form a team with a lot of knowledge in the digital market and keep up to date with new ways of contacting the public, producing campaigns that show not only the brand, but the people who make everything happen, helping with its main objective: professional and personal achievement. With our CONSULTING program, we will build a strong image of your company so that it is recognized in all media through Press Release (Press), SEO and Branding (with performance) services. And if more than customers, your company wins partners? This is the idea behind the AFFILIATION programs that we are going to integrate into your brand. We have three models: Organic (Revshare), Sub-Affiliates (Master) and Adverts (Hybrid) all capable of bringing new customers, who become partners, enjoy great commissions, attract new interested parties and multiply their reach. All services are possible thanks to our investments in technology. Super Afiliados seeks the best tools available on the market and if they are not enough; our team develops a particular technology to meet that demand. Since 2007 we have been operating with a focus on Latin America, especially Brazil. Our know-how about the Latin public will make your company tropicalize its services according to what is most sought after in each region and makes a total difference when this client chooses a company. Contact us and get to know in detail our services, tools and success stories. We are always available for a good chat!
Dr Sarah Jane Perri
Founder & Creator Spinal EnergeticsDr Sarah Jane Perri
Founder & CreatorAbout the speaker
Chiropractor and Counsellor, Founder and Creator of Spinal Energetics
Kim Feenstra
Model & Beauty Brand EntrepreneurKim Feenstra
Model & Beauty Brand EntrepreneurAbout the speaker
Model and Beauty Brand Entrepreneur. A Dynamic creative force driven by moral and ambition.
Wesley Ellul
Special Envoy for Startup Funding and Innovation Government of MaltaWesley Ellul
Special Envoy for Startup Funding and InnovationAbout the speaker
Wesley Ellul is a diplomat, entrepreneur, and technology consultant, specializing in digital marketing, gamification, and creator economies within the emerging tech space. Appointed as the Special Envoy for Startup Funding and Innovation by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and Trade, Wesley is responsible for attracting funding and startups to the Maltese Islands. His influence in this role reflects his deep commitment to fostering innovation and economic growth. A trusted advisor to Web2 companies transitioning into the digital future, Wesley has been publicly lauded by Nyhl Henson, founder of MTV, Nickelodeon, and Country Music Television, as the "Ted Turner of the Web3 industry." Since 2018, Wesley has been a featured speaker at over 40 global events, spanning Dubai, London, Barcelona, New York, Palma de Mallorca, Serbia, Seville, Toronto, Austin, and beyond. His extensive network of professional relationships includes hundreds of emerging tech projects, venture capital funds, DAOs, and service providers, positioning him as a key connector within the industry. Wesley's client portfolio features prominent names such as SiGMA, AIBC, SBC, Rare Evo, Fideum Group, Aminity, MFC Global Films, TMRW Conference, Animaccord, Luna PR, KM Airlines, Avis, Iron Capital, Jade City, Dega Blockchain, and the University of Oxford, among many others. Twice nominated for Blockchain Advisor of the Year at the prestigious AIBC Awards in both Dubai and Malta, Wesley’s expertise and contributions continue to shape the future of emerging technologies.
Uri Poliavich
Founder & CEO Soft2BetUri Poliavich
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Raquel Freestyle
Digital Influencer ALOB SportsRaquel Freestyle
Digital InfluencerAbout the speaker
Jon Vlogs
CEO Jon BetJon Vlogs
CEOAbout the speaker
Jon Vlogs began his journey in 2015, sharing his daily life as a student abroad. His charisma propelled him, resulting in a highly successful vlog channel. Today, he stands out on Twitch with IRL content, often reaching the top of the world. Professional and innovative, Jon has collaborated with renowned brands such as BOSS, Prime Video and Magalu. His authentic connection with the audience strengthens a loyal community.
Luke Todd
CEO, Executive Coach & Trainer MadeYouLuke Todd
CEO, Executive Coach & TrainerAbout the speaker
Luke Todd, Founder and CEO of MadeYou, established the company in 2014 and has since led its growth and expansion into leadership training, executive coaching, employer branding, and 360-degree feedback, serving clients across Europe and internationally. As a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach with over 25 years of experience, Luke brings a wealth of expertise in customer experience, as well as operational management across national and international SMEs. He has successfully founded and managed service, sales, technical support, RFP, design, and marketing teams. To maintain the focus and energy of learners, Luke is dedicated to building strong rapport, consistently applying real-world knowledge and experience to any topic or challenge. His extensive business background allows him to bring relatability and practicality to every learning environment.
Graziella Grech
COO FinanceMaltaGraziella Grech
COOAbout the speaker
Sandzhar Ismailov
Gaming Sector Lead Google MENASandzhar Ismailov
Gaming Sector LeadAbout the speaker
Sandzhar Ismailov is a seasoned leader in the digital advertising industry, with over 14 years of experience at Google leading the largest global Gaming partners. As a trusted advisor to top Gaming companies, Sandzhar has a proven track record of driving business transformation through innovative marketing strategies.
Giusy Campo
Business Development Manager GLI GaminglabsGiusy Campo
Business Development ManagerAbout the speaker
Bill Gantz
Partner Duane MorrisBill Gantz
PartnerAbout the speaker
William M. Gantz is a versatile lead trial lawyer with nationwide experience representing gaming, technology and manufacturing clients in intellectual property and commercial litigation, including patent infringement, trade secret, consumer class action and appeals. Bill is a Team Lead of the firm's Gaming Industry Group. Bill is a well-known speaker and authority on gaming law in the US. Since 2002, he has represented internet and mobile gaming clients in patent infringement litigation and inter parts review of US patents. Bill has extensive experience defending gaming industry clients facing consumer class actions and collective arbitration claims asserting rights to recover revenues under gambling loss recovery and consumer fraud statutes. Bill also regularly advises gaming clients regarding state and federal gambling law, provides legal opinions supporting operations, and gives counsel on licensing and regulatory compliance matters. Bill focuses on supporting digital entertainment businesses and start-ups offering igaming, pay-to-play or "freemium" games, fantasy sports, esports, sports betting, skill games, sweepstakes, retail product promotions and lottery tickets. His gaming clients include those utilizing cryptocurrency, blockchain technology, ICO's and tokens. His pro bono work regularly involves assisting charitable organizations with events or fundraising involving games, contests or raffles.
Emma Blaylock
CEO Pretty TechnicalEmma Blaylock
CEOAbout the speaker
Emma is an experienced business strategist and technology commercialist, having practised formal management consultancy at Deloitte and strategic investments, acquisitions and cross-group business development at Sony’s Corporate Development and M&A group. At Amazon, she delivered strategic initiatives to launch and grow Kindle in the UK and other European markets. Emma holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management in Chicago.
Keith Marshall
Chief Philanthropy Officer SiGMA FoundationKeith Marshall
Chief Philanthropy OfficerAbout the speaker
Keith is known around the island as an energetic, fun-loving, fund-raising force of nature! A Pharmacist by profession, helping others is in his blood and this is reflected in his many successful philanthropic ventures - including his personal “Kilimanjaro Challenge” pet project, which raised an eye-watering €1million towards various causes in Ethiopia and Kenya. He can usually be found halfway up a coastline trek, or handing over a giant cheque to a charity or, when he is able, getting his hands dirty in a small village building something useful for the community. In his own words: “It is their right and our duty.
Hayley Joseph
Director of Operations Africa WA.TechnologyHayley Joseph
Director of Operations AfricaAbout the speaker
Russell Mifsud
Director, Gaming Lead & Global SME KPMG MaltaRussell Mifsud
Director, Gaming Lead & Global SMEAbout the speaker
Natalia Mallia
Senior AI Engineer Axon ParkNatalia Mallia
Senior AI EngineerAbout the speaker
I am a Senior Machine Learning Engineer with a focus on AI and Data Science, particularly in Generative AI. I have a Master's degree in Artificial Intelligence, where I concentrated on machine learning and neural networks. I stay current with the latest AI trends by engaging with the AI community, attending conferences, and experimenting with new techniques in personal projects. My combination of formal education and a passion for continuous learning helps me leverage Generative AI's capabilities, especially in the field of educational technology.
Giovanni Falzone
CEO The Power PluginGiovanni Falzone
CEOAbout the speaker
Taylor Freeman
Co-Founder & CEO Axon ParkTaylor Freeman
Co-Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Taylor has been working in the XR & AI industry for nearly 10 years, during which time he taught the first in-VR class at MIT, was awarded Forbes 30 under 30, and worked on training programs for Google and NASA JPL. He currently serves as the CEO at Axon Park, an AI-powered interactive learning platform. He is a guest lecturer at Harvard's Masters in Design and Engineering program and is a founding council member of XR Inclusion, a nonprofit focused on empowering people of all backgrounds to be included in the immersive computing revolution.
Ayelet Mamo Shay
Director Benefit Business SolutionsAyelet Mamo Shay
DirectorAbout the speaker
Pavel Yurovitskiy
CEO KIT GlobalPavel Yurovitskiy
CEOAbout the speaker
Gordon Einstein
Founder CryptoLaw PartnersGordon Einstein
FounderAbout the speaker
Gordon Einstein is a hybrid Crypto-Attorney, Technologist, and Enterprise Strategist. Gordon received his undergraduate degree in Politics in 1991 from Brandeis University in Boston and then received his JD in 1995 from the USC Gould School of Law in Los Angeles. Initially, Gordon's law practice centered on startup, venture capital, investment banking, regulatory compliance, intellectual property, and general business law. As an avid computer and programming hobbyist, in 2012 Gordon was intrigued by Bitcoin, cryptocurrencies, and the related technologies. By 2014, he was providing legal services to several individuals and companies operating in this space. And by 2016 the majority of Gordon’s law practice involved working with crypto, blockchain, and FinTech startups and funds. This was formalized as CryptoLaw Partners in 2017. Gordon frequently speaks and educates both in the United States and abroad, quite often in Ukraine. Some common themes are issues and developments relating to cryptocurrency, the legal aspects of FinTech, structuring blockchain startups, ICOs, and AML/KYC compliance. Gordon Einstein is a Dubai based technologist, Crypto-Attorney, and Blockchain educator, passionate about the world of cryptocurrencies and The DAO (Decentralised Autonomous Organisations). Since 2016, he runs his own crypto-based law practice at CryptoLaw Partners working with crypto, blockchain, and FinTech startups around the world. His mission is to help stakeholders with the creation of decentralized protocols to suit the legalities of the broader market.
Samir Ceric
COO Blocksport AGSamir Ceric
COOAbout the speaker
Samir Ceric is a C-level executive in a number of tech and financial institutions; former senior executive in finance, telecom and aviation industries; former Chairman of football club; investor and serial entrepreneur with 25+ years’ experience in Asia, Western Europe and the Balkans region; author, mentor, philanthropist, board member, competition judge, public speaker (including London Business School TEDx), alumni member of George Soros Foundation, The Open Society, guest lecturer and mental health campaigner focused on blockchain technology and innovation in the fields of sport, finance, investment and creative industry; aiming to create more transparency and openings in these industries for high level investments including a better ‘fit’ between start-up / scaleup and investment (private and institutional) words; involved with a number of by-invitation only investment clubs including Mayfair Investment Club co-founded by Ceric. Ceric holds Masters in Mathematics obtained at University of Bologna, Italy, and University of Sussex, UK, is currently a PhD candidate (in blockchain), speaks 4 languages and is a former elite athlete, having won the England National Championships in handball. Ceric is married to a renowned fashion designer and has 3 children. Results-proven, growth-oriented and globally accomplished leader with repeated success in multiple industries and markets, expanding international footprint, building shareholder value, driving vision and achieving critical strategic goals. Successful M&A and restructuring track record. Ceric appeared live on ITV, BBC, NBC News, N1 (regional CNN), Al Jazeera, FACE TV, FTV, BH Radio as well as in articles in The Times, The Financial Times, The New York Times, Reuters, Time Out London, the Guardian, The Sunday Times, Vogue Italia, Vogue UK, Madame Figaro. He’s been labelled as one of the ‘UK’s Most Powerful People in Art & Fashion’ by the Times Magazine and ‘London’s Top Tastemaker’ by Time Out London. Ceric regularly attends business and investment conferences in Europe and Asia as a panelist and moderator.
Martin Zarian
Co-Founder Factory 39Martin Zarian
Co-FounderAbout the speaker
Martin Zarian is a full-stack brand builder and internationally recognised keynote speaker who specialises in helping organisations build strong and impactful brands that drive business success and foster collaboration. With over a decade of experience in design, branding, and strategy, Martin brings a unique perspective to the table, blending creativity, strategy, and practicality to help brands reach their goals and avoid all the BS. Recently Martin and his team at Factory 39 were involved in 2 global iGaming rebranding for SiGMA and Wicked games, both projects are up for a series of European awards. As a co-founder of Factory 39, Martin is proud of his team’s vision to become one of the best brand and software consultancies in Southern Europe helping tech companies build their brands and digital products in the most efficient way possible.
Peter Wilson
CEO PWL LegalPeter Wilson
CEOAbout the speaker
Prof. Joshua Ellul
Director Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) University of MaltaProf. Joshua Ellul
Director Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT)About the speaker
Prof. Joshua Ellul is Director of the Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT) and an Associate Professor of Computer Science at the University of Malta. The Centre for DLT developed and runs a world-first multidisciplinary Masters in Blockchain and DLT which takes in students having backgrounds in computer science, law, finance and economics. His research interests span across technological advancements across the blockchain/dApp stack, to techno-regulatory issues of such emerging technologies.
Shaun Choudhary
Partner LongOn CapitalShaun Choudhary
PartnerAbout the speaker
Dinos Stranomitis
Co-Founder & COO AltenarDinos Stranomitis
Co-Founder & COOAbout the speaker
Dinos has been a partner and co-founder of Altenar since 2014 and has overseen the company’s growth into a leading sports betting software provider. Now living in Malta with his wife and two children, Dinos was born in Greece in 1969 and studied engineering in Athens as well as studying as a naval architect and marine engineer in Newcastle. After two years in the navy and four years working as an engineer in the Far East, Dinos moved into the betting industry as a manager at various gaming companies, mainly in the trading and operations departments. Now with years of industry experience under his belt, he passes on his knowledge as a regular guest speaker at numerous iGaming exhibitions around the world.
Tanja Dimitrijevic
Head of Legal Red Acre GroupTanja Dimitrijevic
Head of LegalAbout the speaker
Tanja Dimitrijevic has been involved in distributed ledger technology and cryptocurrencies space since 2018. She specialises in distributed ledger technology, financial services and fintech with a special focus on regulatory and governance compliance and anti-money laundering issues. She has assisted a number of clients launching ICOs and IEOs and a number of crypto exchanges and VFA service providers applying for licenses from the MFSA. Tanja is a former member of the executive committee of the business section within the Malta Chamber of Commerce dedicated to VFA Agents. Moreover, in her current role, Tanja handles all corporate and commercial matters including regulatory compliance, corporate governance and general company law for the Red Acre Group.
Olaf Miska
CPO & Mathematician Wishbone GamesOlaf Miska
CPO & MathematicianAbout the speaker
Jarek Bialek
CEO Revenue CapitalJarek Bialek
CEOAbout the speaker
Since 2004, Jarek Bialek has been active in the fintech sector, dealing with several B2B products and, in addition taking responsibility for the areas of product management, team building, sales and automated support. He also actively involved in the global startup ecosystem: as a mentor, coach, educator and as an entrepreneur.
Jason Fernandes
Co-Founder AdLunam Inc.Jason Fernandes
Co-FounderAbout the speaker
Jason Fernandes is an investor, entrepreneur and advisor in the Web3 space. Fernandes has spent years evaluating token-based investments, first as an analyst and regular guest on the Crypto Now show and then later as an investor and tokenomics expert evaluating tokens, their teams and closing over 200 institutional investments in early stage Web3 companies for a portfolio company publicly listed in Canada and Germany. A member of Cointelegraph’s “Innovation Circle”, Fernandes is frequently quoted in industry outlets like Cointelegraph. Bitcoin.com, Investing.com and others for his views on token architecture and Web3 investing. Fernandes has been awarded the Seaside Startup Summit 2018 Award, Startup@Singapore Award, the First National Technopreneurship competition Award, "Best Business Plan" award from Sybase at the Global Entrepreneurs Challenge at Stanford University, California, the Childnet International Award (UK) in 1999. In 2000 he was featured on Rediff.com's "Achiever Track". In 2015, he won the Asian Scientist Writing Prize, for his piece entitled Moore’s Law and Evolution: How non-biological evolution made Charles Darwin irrelevant, which focused on how evolution has been far outpaced by non-biological evolution and the age of the cyborg. He also holds a patent for a Network DVR. In 2019, he was awarded the Karmaveer Chakra Award.
David Yatom Hay
General Counsel Soft2BetDavid Yatom Hay
General CounselAbout the speaker
Mauro Magro
Founder Get Recruited WorldwideMauro Magro
FounderAbout the speaker
I am a Certified Public Accountant with a passion for recruitment, bringing over seven years of experience working within the iGaming industry, where I have also established a licensed recruitment agency. My career has provided me with a comprehensive view of the industry, as I have worked with firms offering assurance and regulatory services, as well as with affiliation businesses, game providers, and operators. Today, I lead a boutique consultancy that provides diverse services to iGaming businesses, including financial consulting and talent acquisition. With a focus on the iGaming and Fintech sectors, I leverage industry connections and international expertise to help businesses achieve financial success and build strong, effective teams.
Mariana Tostes
Head of Operations FBMDSMariana Tostes
Head of OperationsAbout the speaker
Mariana Tostes is a highly engaged professional in the iGaming industry. Currently Head of Operations at FBMDS, a globally renowned iGaming company known for its innovative approach to online casino game development, Mariana leverages her combined expertise in iGaming and marketing to transform the iGaming industry.
Tejinder Kumar
Group CCO KyrrexTejinder Kumar
Group CCOAbout the speaker
Tejinder Kumar is highly experienced and technically minded senior manager with over 17 years of experience in sales, fintech and online trading industry with a proven track record of building, scaling and managing high performing retail and institutional teams for traditional finance and crypto start ups. Deep understanding of the trading industry, worked in FX, CFDs and Equities sector with a strong interest in Blockchain, Cryptocurrency, CEX, DEX, DeFi, various blockchain platforms and various consensus methodologies (Mining, PoW, PoS).
Eran Shay
Managing Director Benefit Business SolutionsEran Shay
Managing DirectorAbout the speaker
Eran is the co-founder and Managing Director of Benefit Business Solutions Ltd (www.BenefitGibraltar.com )- a Gibraltar based Innovation & Business Consulting firm. Eran has previously led the Financial Advisory Services practice at Deloitte in Gibraltar and has worked for Deloitte for over 15 years, initially based at the Tel Aviv office, Israel. Eran has ample experience in the fields of Corporate Finance, Regulatory Consulting, Business & Strategic Planning, Valuations and Transaction Support: he has led several Initial Public Offerings of companies on the London AIM and Main Stock Exchanges, and has been involved in numerous M&A transactions, particularly in the online gaming sector. Eran serves as President of the Gibraltar-Israel Chamber of Commerce (www.gibrael.org ) and also serves as Senior VP of the European Small Business Alliance (ESBA). Eran holds a Masters in Banking & Finance from Middlesex University, London. Eran has been advising online gaming and betting companies since 2007, assisting and accompanying them in becoming regulated in Gibraltar. In his role as professional advisor and trusted project manager for the setup of online gaming companies, Eran is involved in anything from assistance with the initial setup in Gibraltar and advising on the right structure, liaising with the Gambling Commissioner, preparation of business plan and financial projections, putting together the risk management framework, calculation of capital adequacy requirements and preparation of various other supporting documents as part of the application process. Being a neutral, objective advisor, Eran is able to construct the best local professional service provider team for the client, acting as a dedicated resource on the ground looking after all operational day-to-day aspects of the process that normally fall outside the realms of the lawyers/accountants. Eran advises a wide range of innovative companies including sports betting companies, online casinos, online bingo and poker, and other social gaming companies.
Zack Ritchie
Co-Founder NFT ClubZack Ritchie
Co-FounderAbout the speaker
Ritchie crafts cultural narratives through brand characters, helping brands amplify their identity with mascots that deeply resonate in digital and immersive environments. As founder of NFT Club and Archipals, reimagining Malta’s heritage, he has developed over 400 unique products. His work spans fashion, digital collectibles, large-scale public installations, and exhibitions. Collaborating with brands like Martini and Red Bull, and industry leaders such as Charles & Ron, Des Lucrece, and Deadfellaz, Ritchie combines curiosity and experimentation to create memorable, shareable experiences that drive engagement, using art to connect deeply with audiences.
Vladimir Malakchi
CEO & Managing Partner Xanada InvestmentsVladimir Malakchi
CEO & Managing PartnerAbout the speaker
Vladimir Malakchi is a strategic investor and business scaling expert with over a decade of experience. For the past five years, he has been mentoring iGaming companies, guiding them to commercial success and top rankings in the industry. Recognized as Speaker of the Year and Influencer of the Year, Vladimir is also listed among the top voices in the industry on LinkedIn. He has been nominated for prestigious industry awards multiple times, leading companies to over 300 wins and nominations. As a renowned judge and speaker at global gambling conferences, Vladimir has made a significant impact. In 2024, he founded Xanada Investments, a fund dedicated to supporting promising iGaming projects. The fund aims to revolutionize business scaling by offering not just financial backing but also fostering a community of companies that support each other's success.
Galyna Podoprikhina
Associate WH PartnersGalyna Podoprikhina
AssociateAbout the speaker
Galyna is an Associate at WH Partners, forming part of the FinTech, Intellectual Property, and Gaming & Gambling teams. Listed in the 'Associates to Watch' category of the Chambers Fintech 2024 guide, she advises a wide variety of clients, including crypto-assets service providers, fintech companies, and gaming and gambling entities on both regulatory compliance and licensing. Galyna holds an LL.B. (Hons.) and a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta, and an LL.M. in Maritime and Transport Law from Erasmus University Rotterdam. She has also completed several specialised courses, including the Summer Course on EU Financial Regulation from the Academy of European Law ERA, as well as a Financial Markets Compliance and Regulation course from the Malta Stock Exchange.
Mark Van Weeren
Attorney-at-law Blenheim LawyersMark Van Weeren
Attorney-at-lawAbout the speaker
Mark van Weeren is a business lawyer in Amsterdam. He helps out companies and investors on licences, regulatory compliance and procedures in the Netherlands. Especially financial and crypto service licences. He represents clients in the Dutch licence procedures and those who’s licences are being challenged by competitors, authorities and other parties. He regular challenges public law enforcement by Dutch Authorities in case of a penalty, withdrawal of permits or coercive action. He is also the author of a book on Business Licences in the Netherlands.
Trevor De Giorgio
Consultant Diligenza GroupTrevor De Giorgio
ConsultantAbout the speaker
As a seasoned legal and regulatory consultant with Diligenza Group, I bring over 15 years of expertise in guiding and advising leading gaming companies on the intricate legal and regulatory challenges within the online gaming sector. My career spans key roles such as Chief Legal Officer for IZI Group plc and Greentube, two prominent online gaming operators in Malta and Europe, where I managed comprehensive legal and compliance operations, including contracting, litigation, employment law, and AML functions. I have been instrumental in leading projects focused on acquiring and maintaining licenses across multiple markets and jurisdictions, ensuring that these companies remain fully compliant with evolving laws and regulations. I hold an MA in European Law from the University of La Sapienza in Rome and an LL.D from the University of Malta, which has provided me with a strong foundation in European and international law. Additionally, as a certified MLRO, I possess extensive knowledge and experience in anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing, which I leverage to help companies navigate the complexities of the online gaming industry. In addition to my legal career, I have dedicated over 15 years to the media industry, volunteering as a presenter for various radio and television programs. My passion for media has culminated in the launch of my own TV program, "Spotlight," where I delve into contemporary issues, providing viewers with insightful discussions and expert analysis.
Olegs Cernisevs
CTO BlackcatcardOlegs Cernisevs
CTOAbout the speaker
As the Chief Technology Officer of Blackcatcard, Olegs Cernisevs drives innovation in product development and technology optimization. His extensive background spans banking and payment services, with notable roles at PrivatBank, First Swiss Card, and the Acquiring Committee of the Association of Commercial Banks of Latvia. Olegs has played a pivotal role in shaping IT projects for various European financial institutions. His impact was celebrated by PayTech Awards – in 2023, Olegs received an award in nomination PayTech Leadership. He holds a Doctor of Science degree and has published several scientific papers on fintech-related topics. Furthermore, Olegs is certified in anti-money laundering management and cybersecurity, underscoring his comprehensive expertise in the financial technology sector.
Marcin Kumi?ga
Business Development Director VoluumMarcin Kumi?ga
Business Development DirectorAbout the speaker
Jean Michel Azzopardi
City Leader - Malta BitangelsJean Michel Azzopardi
City Leader - MaltaAbout the speaker
Jean Michel Azzopardi is a seasoned tech and business professional with over 10 years of experience in blockchain and startups. He is currently a self employed fintech Consultant offering a broad range of services in areas such as board membership, technical compliance, sales, strategy, and blockchain architecture. Jean Michel has a proven track record of securing significant funding, pioneering groundbreaking blockchain technology, and building top-performing remote teams. He was the Founder and CEO of Kralanx Cyber Security Malta, a cyber security service provider for the blockchain space, for six years. He also led the APAC Channel at Acunetix where he achieved substantial revenue growth. As a public speaker and content creator, he showcases his passion for the evolving Web3 ecosystem and his vision for a more decentralized and transparent future.
Lior Aizik
COO XBO.comLior Aizik
COOAbout the speaker
Lior Aizik, COO of XBO.com, is a seasoned leader in the cryptocurrency and fintech sectors, with over a decade of experience driving innovation and growth in financial services. As a co-founder of XBO.com, Lior has been at the forefront of developing user-friendly cryptocurrency exchange platforms that aim to make crypto accessible to everyone. His extensive background includes spearheading product development and operations for various companies, where he has successfully led teams in creating cutting-edge financial solutions, including payment gateways and trading systems. Before joining XBO.com, Lior held pivotal roles at industry leaders in the Algotrading and Gaming industry, where he honed his expertise in payment solutions, UX, product management, and trading operation. His career is marked by a deep commitment to leveraging technology to simplify financial processes, ensuring secure and seamless experiences for users. Lior's mission is to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the emerging world of digital currencies. His vision is to create a financial ecosystem where cryptocurrencies are not only a viable alternative but a preferred choice for global transactions. At SiGMA Europe, Lior will share insights on the current opportunities and challenges in the cryptocurrency landscape, drawing from his experience and hands-on approach.
Prof André Xuereb
Founder & CEO Merqury Cybersecurity LimitedProf André Xuereb
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
André Xuereb is a full professor of quantum physics at the University of Malta, where he established the quantum research group. He read for an undergraduate degree in mathematics and physics at the University of Malta, a PhD in theoretical physics at the University of Southampton in the UK, and a master’s degree in entrepreneurship at the University of Malta; he is currently reading for a master’s degree in diplomacy. Since 2021, André is Malta’s Ambassador for Digital Affairs. Outside diplomatic and academic life, he is Chief Scientific Officer of an artificial intelligence start-up and Founder & CEO of a quantum cybersecurity start-up. He is married to a lawyer and is the proud father of three wonderful children.
Richard Mifsud
CEO XprizoRichard Mifsud
CEOAbout the speaker
Richard Mifsud is a serial entrepreneur which has built several successful technology companies with major focus on igaming and fintech. During his more than 20 years career he has held several executive positions from product management, COO, CEO and eventually founding several successful companies. In 2019 one of Richard’s startups has also won the prestigious award for Lottery software provider of the year by 5 star magazine. Richard has experience working with several igaming regulators worldwide including the UKGC (UK regulator), MGA (Malta regulator), BCLB (Kenya), Nigerian Lottery board and Curacao where he also held a personal management license from UK gambling commission. He has also been in the forefront of the integrating blockchain, AI and Fintech into everyday societies with high aspirations about emerging markets in general and testifying this is his work over the years in Africa, Asia and Latin America.
Adam Woodley
Founder A1 TalentAdam Woodley
FounderAbout the speaker
Adam is the Founder of A1 Talent, a boutique Recruitment and Talent Consultancy with a primary focus on the iGaming Industry. He works closely with gaming leaders, serving as a trusted advisor on how to attract top-tier talent. With over 20 years experience in the recruitment field, Adam previously spent seven years at Betsson Group, where he held the role of Global Head of Recruitment. During his tenure, he built and led a Global recruitment function capable of meeting the demands of one of the industry's largest Operators. Leveraging his extensive experience gained both in-house and agency, Adam founded A1 Talent to address the challenges he encountered as a TA leader. A1 Talent offers a fully scalable Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO) solution called ‘Plug and Play,’ where they embed their team within clients' operations, effectively functioning as an internal recruitment team for hire. In addition to their RPO services, A1 Talent also specialises in filling business-critical roles by utilising their vast networks to source the industry's top talent. Adam is passionate about sharing his expertise and engaging with peers and regularly takes to the stage at conferences and events around the World.
Marvin Cuschieri
Group Chief People & Talent Officer LogifutureMarvin Cuschieri
Group Chief People & Talent OfficerAbout the speaker
Marvin is a dynamic and forward-thinking leader with a diverse background spanning consultancy, operations, payments, ride-hailing, and gaming. With over 14 years in senior management roles, he joined Logifuture in 2022, a leader in B2B solutions for iGaming operators, covering tech, product, operations, data, and marketing. As Group Chief People & Talent Officer and Director of Logifuture Malta, Marvin leads the People & Talent functions, managing human resources across eight offices in six countries, while playing a key role as a member of the C-level management team.
David K Lappin
Poker Player & Brand Ambassador Unibet PokerDavid K Lappin
Poker Player & Brand AmbassadorAbout the speaker
Poker Player/Brand Ambassador for Unibet Poker/Host & Producer of The Chip Race Poker Podcast/Freelance Poker Writer & Commentator David has been a professional poker player since 2006 and a brand ambassador for Unibet Poker since 2017. He has been making the 2-time GPI Global Poker Award winning ‘The Chip Race’ podcast since 2015. He has commentated on poker tournaments all over Europe including The Irish Poker Open, Unibet Open, Merit Poker Series, Malta Poker Festival and Battle of Malta. Over the years, he has written over 700 poker strategy and op-ed articles. David’s educational background is varied. He has an BA in History, Art History and Philosophy, an MA in Philosophy, an MA in Screenwriting and an MLitt in Philosophy. Prior to poker, he worked as a TV and Film Screenwriter.
Anneli Nilsson
Founder JobMatchingPartnerAnneli Nilsson
FounderAbout the speaker
Anneli Nilsson is the founder of JobMatchingPartner, a “boutique” recruitment agency licenced based in Malta. JobMatchingPartner recruits globally, offering their services predominantly to clients within the igaming, fintech, managed services, and crypto-industries. With a backgound in sales and customer-centric roles, recruitment quickly became Anneli’s favourite job, when she ”fell into” recruitment back in 2004 in London. Following a successful start in recruitment, she moved to Costa Rica, where she managed a start-up providing managed services to igaming companies in Europe and Latam, before accepting a role moving her to Malta in 2008. After nearly 2 years with what is now the Kindred Group, Anneli joined another startup with multiple brands and stayed as Affiliate Director and COO for 6 years, all the while recruiting “on the side” for a handful of clients. Anneli abdicated from affiliate management to follow her heart and founded JobMatchingPartner in 2019. ”Quality over quantity” and a genuine desire to get ”the right JobMatch” is what drives Anneli. She loves to work within igaming, where the only thing constant is change and you never have a chance to doze off.
Clinton Cutajar
CTO Media TroopersClinton Cutajar
CTOAbout the speaker
Clinton is a seasoned technology expert with extensive experience in information technology, affiliate marketing, and leadership. For the past six years, Clinton has served as a C-level executive at two affiliate marketing firms, where, as Chief Technology Officer, he was instrumental in defining the company's technological direction and strategy. With over 25 years in the tech industry and more than a decade in affiliate marketing, Clinton has a proven track record of leading successful technology projects and fostering innovation within the organisations he has been part of. He holds a Master's degree in Information Security from the University of London, a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science and AI from the University of Malta, a Diploma in Leadership and Management (ILM), and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA ISACA). Additionally, he has pursued further certifications to keep abreast of emerging technologies. Currently, Clinton is reading a Master’s degree in Knowledge-based Entrepreneurship at the University of Malta. Clinton is renowned for his strategic thinking, execution skills, analytical capabilities, and proficiency in converting complex technical ideas into practical business strategies. Apart from his technical expertise, he is also a respected leader and mentor in the tech and iGaming sectors. He regularly engages in industry events, conferences, and networking opportunities, where he shares his knowledge and insights with peers and upcoming professionals.
Mex Emini
CTO SiGMA GroupMex Emini
CTOAbout the speaker
Julian Goffin
Co-Founder & CEO AlunafiJulian Goffin
Co-Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Julian is a commercially minded C level Payment expert with over 10 years experience within the payments industry which includes Business Development (B2B & B2C), Solution Orientated Sales, High Risk Markets together with a full understanding of correspondent banking, SEPA and SWIFT payments and strategic collaborations to ensure a very seamless approach to business. He has built many companies over the time and successfully brought companies from a standing start to multimillion pound revenues.
Dr Gege Gatt
CEO EBODr Gege Gatt
CEOAbout the speaker
Dr. Gege Gatt is the CEO of London-based company EBO an AI enterprise which automates citizen engagement. He is a digital entrepreneur, a TEDx speaker and has won the UK’s Enterprise Awards in 2024. He is a WHO reviewer on healthcare information strategy. Gege serves as an Executive Board Member of the Malta IT Law Association and is a specialist examiner at the University of Malta. He’s a Board Member of Humanity 2.0 developed by the Vatican in Rome with a consortium of thought-leaders to identify and remove impediments to human flourishing. His doctoral degree is in IT Law.
Katerina Shepetenko
Managing Partner Legal PilotKaterina Shepetenko
Managing PartnerAbout the speaker
Marianna Tavella
Chief Legal Officer SiGMA GroupMarianna Tavella
Chief Legal OfficerAbout the speaker
A first-class Cambridge?graduate, Marianna passed the bar in both UK and Cyprus, has extensive experience in corporate and commercial transactions working on venture capital investments, joint ventures, acquisitions and start-ups and is supporting Ikigai Ventures as legal counsel.
Miruna Pandele
Head of Affiliates Satoshi Gaming GroupMiruna Pandele
Head of AffiliatesAbout the speaker
Miruna Pandele is a seasoned professional with over 5 years of hands-on experience in affiliate and influencer marketing. Currently serving as the Head of Affiliates at TrustDice, Miruna is dedicated to leading strategic initiatives and cultivating innovative approaches within the industry. Miruna's expertise lies in the careful orchestration of affiliate programs, leveraging influencer partnerships, and navigating the ever-changing landscape of digital marketing. Her tenure at TrustDice, where she first joined the world of iGaming in 2020, has been marked by a commitment to excellence, driving the brand to new heights through strategic collaborations and forward-thinking initiatives.
Andreas Constantinou
Founder & CEO PokerloadAndreas Constantinou
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Andreas is a passionate entrepreneur with a background in Poker, Technology and Consulting. His academia blends engineering, robotics and business administration. Andreas worked for big organisations such as Ernst and Young (EY), KPMG, TATA Consulting Services and Getronics. As the founder and CEO of Pokerload, he has revolutionized the land-based poker experience and received a global recognition by well-known gambling and igaming exhibitions (SiGMA, ICE, EDGE and WGES) as the most innovative company in the offline world of poker. In September 2023, Pokerload won the pitch competition at SiGMA’s Balkan event.
Giovanni Cunti
CEO Gate.MTGiovanni Cunti
CEOAbout the speaker
Mr. Cunti has more than 25 years experience holding executive roles for top tier technology and financial service companies across the globe. He has been always at the forefront of innovations and cutting-edge technologies, helping companies in building their structures and delivering growth in operations and revenues. Mr. Cunti currently holds the position of CEO for Gate.MT, an EU regulated crypto exchange, part of Gate Group. His main tasks are to drive the strategy of the company and to establish its presence, growth and revenues in the European market. In previous executive positions, he pioneered fintech services and products, including blockchain projects. He is very knowledgeable in crypto and blockchain, and on the changing landscapes and opportunity of this industry. Mr. Cunti received his doctorate degree in Physics from the University of Rome. He holds an MBA from London Business School.
Alexander Kahn
CMO TimguAlexander Kahn
CMOAbout the speaker
Alex, Chief Marketing Officer @ COM/CP/Timgu with 20+ Years of Digital Marketing Experience. With over two decades of experience in digital marketing and senior leadership, Alex has made a significant impact in the iGaming landscape, specializing in the Casino, Sportsbook, and Poker sectors. His career is marked by a commitment to fostering engaging player opportunities through innovative technology solutions. An alumnus of industry giants like Google and GGPoker, Alex has transitioned into a full-time global traveler whilst managing marketing campaigns within the iGaming industry. His proven track record showcases an ability to drive growth in challenging environments, leveraging creative audience segmentation and cutting-edge technology to deliver timely and relevant messages to customers.
Tony Ventura
Innovation and Technology SpeakerTony Ventura
Innovation and Technology SpeakerAbout the speaker
Tony Ventura is a tech influencer, an international speaker, and a dedicated technology researcher. He is known for his work in technology and innovation in Brazil, where he created the Digital Transformation course for the Ministry of Economy. He founded the largest digital tools community in Latin America, positively transforming thousands of lives through technology. In addition, Tony established the Brazil Startups association, supporting numerous startups with technology and investments. He has delivered talks in various cities worldwide, sharing creative ideas for using technology in business. Tony also mentors executives in multinational companies, introducing them to lesser-known new technologies Furthermore, Tony Ventura runs a social project that aims to equip students in economically disadvantaged areas, with apps, websites, enabling them to continue their education, generate income selling services from those tools and support their families financially.
Stefan Sluijter
Global Co-Head EM GroupStefan Sluijter
Global Co-HeadAbout the speaker
Stefan’s responsibilities as Global Co-Head of EM Group include developing new markets and services, establishing new partnerships globally and running smooth and efficient global operations.
Jaguar-Adva Gal
CEO Jaguar Reg&CompJaguar-Adva Gal
CEOAbout the speaker
Jaguar Lawyers Firm leads international business law consulting, including building companies contractual structure, international licensing, regulatory compliance, and court litigation, as well as legal financial arbitration. The firm's focus sectors are high-tech companies and investors, startups - computer law, internet and apps,?and cyber law – Data Privacy and information systems. Jagar Lawyers Firm has accumulated years of knowledge accompanied by Hi Tech exits, stock Offerings, Mergers and Acquisitions,?being internationally renowned in Blockchain and Crypto (virtual currency), Trading and Forex, Gaming and Gambling,?as well as licensing business activities of Medical Cannabis. JAGuar Lawyers' CEO is Jaguar Adva Gal, Adv. CPA, a 1996 top Hebrew University graduate.?JAG has spent years managing international strategic investments in startups, wide-ranging investment and portfolio management for the world's largest venture capital fund - Intel Capital, And led exits in several companies, including publicly traded in NASDAQ.
Nirav Patel
CEO AndariaNirav Patel
CEOAbout the speaker
Nirav is a highly accomplished Payments and Banking Executive with over 10 years of experience driving growth and innovation across financial sectors. As CEO of Andaria, he leads the company in delivering embedded finance solutions tailored to the sports industry, utilizing payments as a powerful tool for unlocking data insights. His expertise lies in aligning complex regulatory frameworks across Europe and the UK with business objectives, enabling organizations to capitalize on new market opportunities. Recognized for his visionary approach within financial institutions and FinTech, Nirav excels in guiding organizations through digital transformation and advancing governance frameworks. With a keen eye for identifying commercial opportunities, he has consistently helped businesses evolve and thrive in a rapidly changing financial landscape, shaping initiatives that ensure both compliance and long-term success. His strategic leadership continues to impact the FinTech sector, driving innovation and growth.
Stoyan Angelov
Founder & CEO EvedoStoyan Angelov
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Stoyan Angelov, recognized in Forbes' "30 Under 30," is a prominent serial entrepreneur and the esteemed Founder and CEO of Evedo's Ecosystem (www.evedo.co). With a focus on integrating advanced technologies such as blockchain, NFTs, SoulBond, and the Metaverse, he has significantly transformed the event and entertainment sectors. As an influential angel investor, Stoyan has contributed to the growth of over 20 startup companies. His leadership at Evedo exemplifies his dedication to driving innovation and scaling value in the global technology arena.
Sidon Farris
Founder & CEO c4n2Sidon Farris
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Started in 2018 by Sidon Farris (CEO, Founder), c4n2 has spent the last five years developing a formidable reputation for helping brands, businesses, and individuals reach their full potential within the iGaming & gambling sector.
Yoel Zuckerberg
CPO Soft2BetYoel Zuckerberg
CPOAbout the speaker
Yoel Zuckerberg is Chief Product Officer at Soft2Bet and brings to the role more than 15 years of experience in the gambling industry. His career spans across European and US markets in both B2C and B2B sectors and his expertise includes CRM, operations, SEO, customer acquisition, payments and strong knowledge of key industry verticals such as sports betting, casino, poker and others. As a product management professional, he drives product development and strategy at Soft2Bet.
Alexey Rozhkov
CEO MoneyGateAlexey Rozhkov
CEOAbout the speaker
My name is Alexey Rozhkov, and I hold the position of CEO at the payment system MoneyGate. I obtained degrees in engineering, economics, and law from Moscow State University of Civil Engineering (MGSU-MISI), the Higher School of Economics, and the Moscow State Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia. I possess extensive experience across various fields: business, public service, and executive authorities. I have led projects such as youth policy in Moscow, managed an agro-industrial enterprise (including a bakery, mill, and the cultivation of wheat and other grains), and supervised an FMCG network. Additionally, I became part of the top management team of the largest elevator service company in Eastern Europe and am a member of IPSC as both a shooter and a range officer. At present, I serve as a consultant for GoBit, a cryptocurrency exchange in Turkey, and as the CEO of MoneyGate (Canada MSB), a payment system. I am also the owner of an IT company that develops applications and payment solutions for the iGaming/crypto industries. Furthermore, I am the founder of CPI, an association of fintech companies which includes divisions such as CPI Events (conferences in CIS countries and Turkey) and CPI Traders (a community of P2P traders, exchange points, and agents). I am also a partner in the project Satoshkin, a media resource dedicated to P2P trading and iGaming.
Francisco Javier Fernandez de la Fuente
Co-Founder & Head of Trading Thebit ResearchFrancisco Javier Fernandez de la Fuente
Co-Founder & Head of TradingAbout the speaker
Francisco has been a pro trader in different fields for the last 16 years. He currently specializes in DeFi and swing cryptocurrencies trading. Head of trading and co-founder of Thebit Research for over two years. Ranked as top 3000 on-chain reputations in the world in Ethereum main net in 2022.
Cal Evans
Managing Associate Gresham InternationalCal Evans
Managing AssociateAbout the speaker
Multi-Award winning Digital Asset lawyer with experience working with the biggest firms in Crypto, NFT's, Metaverse and Web3. A not 'secret tech geek' owning patented crypto technology. Advocate for Crypto, Digital Asset adoption. Monaco Voice 40 under 40. Proudly featured in some of the worlds biggest media including: CNBC, Forbes, Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, Cointelegraph, Easyjet Magazing and others.
Mark Flores Martin
CEO XGENIAMark Flores Martin
CEOAbout the speaker
Mark combines expertise in ethical hacking, AI, and game development to push the boundaries of technology. Starting out securing systems for high-value clients like NASA and Disney, Mark transitioned into AI, building and scaling multiple endeavors. Achieving his first profitable exit at age 25 - a mobile game - Mark went on to found several startups and enduring businesses. His passion for innovation eventually brought him back to the gaming industry, where he’s using AI to create groundbreaking solutions for tomorrow's iGaming sector. For Mark, the enjoyment of building a startup is the process, the innovation and the team behind it.
Daniel Gunba
Founder & CEO TRIION GamingDaniel Gunba
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Daniel Gunba is the Founder and CEO of TRIION Gaming. Daniel started his company in the iGaming sector a year and a half ago and has already led his team to prestigious awards and successful results. Daniel and his team are working on enhancing the iGaming experience by incorporating technologies like Al and VR. TRIION Gaming provides a virtual boutique experience for online casinos, allowing people to experience their favorite games in new ways. In addition to his one year of running his own company, Daniel has 9 years of experience in the iGaming industry.
Mikko Puhakka
Advisory Board Member & Mentor Ventures ThriveMikko Puhakka
Advisory Board Member & MentorAbout the speaker
Mikko Puhakka was born in Finland but has lived in 4 continents (Europe, US, Africa and Asia). Mikko relocated 8 years ago from Beijing, China back to Europe and to Malta after a more than a decade in China where he worked with both Chinese and international companies. Majority of his work during last 25 years has been result oriented leading to ‘’all sides of the negotiation table’’ successfully helping companies raise money, find customers in new markets, investing, selling and also buying companies in diverse cultural environments. His track record includes seed investment into MySQL which became the first Unicorn out of Finland. Currently Mikko works at his own consulting company Lion Partners with private clients such as Ventures Thrive and public sector clients. He also serves on select advisory roles e.g. Global AI Council, Fieldstream and Transtar Networks. ‘’Converting opportunities into actionable business deals’’
Aymen Soufi
Strategic Director SunContractAymen Soufi
Strategic DirectorAbout the speaker
Armed with his background in Investment Banking and Private Equity, Aymen Soufi helps projects create?new business models, linking real economy to the blockchain and cryptos. Co-founder and advisor in some crypto-linked projects, he is currently the Strategic Director of SunContract in charge of designing and implementing growth strategies based on the tokenization of Real Wold Assets.
Dr Vanessa Camilleri
Senior Lecturer AI Department - University of MaltaDr Vanessa Camilleri
Senior LecturerAbout the speaker
Dr. Vanessa Camilleri, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Artificial Intelligence, brings extensive expertise in the field of AI in Education, Intelligent Interfaces and Human-Machine Interaction, Game-based Learning as well as Extended Reality for Education & Training as well as Ethics in AI. In addition to a number of publications in the areas mentioned, Dr. Camilleri is an active member of various Faculty Committees, currently presiding as the Chair of the Faculty of ICT Outreach Committee. Her commitment to education extends beyond academia, as evidenced by her active involvement in school outreach initiatives. With a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Camilleri has participated in a number of EU-funded projects, including notable programs such as EuroMed Heritage, Interreg, and the Framework Programmes 6 and 7 (FP6 & FP7), alongside several ErasmusPlus Projects. Presently, she is engaged as a key partner in an ongoing ErasmusPlus Project -‘ThinkGame’, the SEA-EU Enabled Project - ‘ENABLE’, as well as having recently been awarded funding for 2 projects as Principal Investigator from the National Xjenza Agency in Malta, thus showcasing her dedication to advancing the field of artificial intelligence in its various applications.
Martina Cutajar
Senior ESG Advisor ARQ GroupMartina Cutajar
Senior ESG AdvisorAbout the speaker
Martina Cutajar is a dedicated Senior ESG Advisor with a background in biology and a Master’s degree from the University of Malta. With a strong foundation in environmental conservation, Martina served as Malta’s first Marine Park Site Manager, where she successfully drafted the park’s Management Plan and led stakeholder consultations, including with government agencies, to ensure long-term sustainability. Martina's transition into the ESG space was driven by her deep belief that industries, including gaming and corporate sectors, play a pivotal role in achieving global sustainability goals. During her five years managing the marine park, she was actively involved in helping companies fulfill their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) obligations, organizing initiatives that aligned environmental stewardship with business success. Martina’s expertise now focuses on integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into core business strategies. She works closely with organizations to help them navigate the complexities of ESG frameworks, enhance transparency, and build resilience through responsible governance and ethical business practices. Passionate about sustainability and social impact, Martina believes that gaming and corporate industries are key players in shaping a more sustainable future, and she is dedicated to supporting these sectors in making meaningful ESG contributions.
Dean Akinjobi
CEO Footbal MediaDean Akinjobi
CEOAbout the speaker
Dean Akinjobi has been involved in Cryto since 2010 and is CEO of Football Media, a global digital advertising and sponsorship agency, that has a platform of websites and social that generate in excess of over 41 million monthly unique visitors. Football Media helps brands to reach and engage with global audiences across digital, through digital marketing and advertising across web 2 and web 3, as well as helping brands to secure sponsorships with football clubs and ambassadors. Football Media also provides marketing activation strategies for many crypto and blockchain related brands.
Vasilii Gamov
CEO PeakyAdsVasilii Gamov
CEOAbout the speaker
Vasilii Gamov has been working in advertising for 13+ years. He has experience in iGaming, finance, crypto, e-commerce, video production, health, beauty, and education industries. He’s come a long way from scratch to C-level positions and launching new businesses. Now he’s CEO at PeakyAds, a marketing agency. They provide marketing and media services all around the world.
Matthew Montebello
Professor AI Department - University of MaltaMatthew Montebello
ProfessorAbout the speaker
Prof Matthew Montebello is a full professor and the head of the Department of Artificial Intelligence at the Faculty of ICT, University of Malta. Before joining the University in 1999 with a PhD in Computer Science he was already heavily involved in Education in secondary schools after graduating in 1990 at the University of Malta B.Ed.(Hons) degree. Having obtained extensive teaching experience and having been involved with the introduction of computer labs through the Ministry of Education, he proceeded to follow the Computer Science domain when he pursued his post-graduate studies obtaining a Masters and a Doctorate at Cardiff University in Wales in 1996 and 1998 respectively. Furthermore in 2009 and 2016 he also completed an M.A. and an Ed.D. (Higher Education) specialising in the application of arti?cial intelligence to e-learning. In 2017 he was offered a visiting academic status at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign where he collaborated with the Computer Science department and College of Education on numerous projects and research initiatives. In May 2018 he was appointed Adjunct Professor at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, and developed a next generation VLE that employed social media concepts. At the University of Malta he forms part of the Web Editorial Board, the Digital Education Committee, and numerous other University of Malta committees. Since November 2022 Professor Montebello has been assisting the University of Malta with the disruption Generative AI and Large-Language models have brought about in higher education. Apart from co-authoring the guidelines for academics and students on the use of Generative AI Tools, he has co-facilitated numerous workshops, in collaboration with the Office for Professional Academic Development, on the adoption of Generative AI within the educational process for academics and local educators.
Angelo Dalli
CSO & CTO UmnaiAngelo Dalli
CSO & CTOAbout the speaker
As Umnai’s Chief Executive Officer, Angelo is responsible for leading the company’s commercial, product and technology strategy. Umnai was founded as an innovative AI focused solutions provider that is creating new AI technology that can explain itself and its decisions while helping to assist people rather than replacing them, with an emphasis on achieving a positive social impact. Angelo has published over 23 scientific publications in Europe and the US and has over twenty years of experience in various executive positions in technology, entertainment and fintech companies. Angelo has also represented Malta in various international events and one of his first international achievements was to win a bronze medal at the International Olympiad in Informatics (IOI) in 1995. As a serial entrepreneur, Angelo was involved in four IPOs and invested in more than 40 successful companies. This long track record was recognised in 2014, when he was awarded with Malta’s Top Entrepreneur of the Year award. Angelo’s profile is a realization of the mantra he works by ‘To create scaleable, repeatable technology businesses that lead by innovation’.
Dieter Brockmeyer
CPO Diplomatic World GroupDieter Brockmeyer
CPOAbout the speaker
Dieter Brockmeyer is a senior media industry and innovation expert, author, international keynote speaker, and panel host. He is Chief Project Officer (CPO) of Diplomatic World Group in Brussels and cofounder the Diplomatic World Institute (DWI). He is cohost of the “Two the power of MORE” audio podcast series on innovation thinking. He curates international industry events and developed the Wholistic World Innovation Trophy (WWIT) that DWI announced remotely in 2021 for the very first time and had its physical premiere in 2022 at Casa Llotja del Mar in Barcelona. The award is based on the concept of “Wholistic Innovation” Dieter developed for the Institute and that is explained in his book “Pandemia’s Box” available on Amazon in English and German.
Polina Kapitonova
HR Advisor Alpha AffiliatesPolina Kapitonova
HR AdvisorAbout the speaker
Global HR professional with years of experience in HR management, teams' development, recruitment, branding and other HR functions across different industries such as IGaming, Affiliates, Forex, Entertainment, Fintech. My focus is to create effective teams for business and develop solutions that help the players work faster, involved, more efficient and truly data driven.
Shahar Attias
CEO Hybrid InteractionShahar Attias
CEOAbout the speaker
Shahar Attias is a Globally recognized iGaming expert, a CRM strategist, and a frequent speaker at the industry's leading events. Following a career as a senior executive with 888, Playtech and PokerStars, Shahar has founded Hybrid Interaction - a boutique consulting agency, made by a premier team of experienced hands-on specialists. To date, they have held more than 200 successful consulting projects across all verticals and through most jurisdictions, including online migration projects with brick-and-mortar casinos in the Dutch, Swiss, Georgian, UK, and US markets; among their clients are gambling powerhouses such as Greentube, Hard Rock & PlayStar in NJ (USA), GiG, Casino du Lac (Partouche), Logrand (MX), Holland Casino, Grand Casino Baden, Horizons Casino, Groupe Barrière, Entain / GVC / BwinParty / Sportingbet / Bet.pt, IGT, William Hill, Karamba, Crocobet, BetConstruct, Pin-up, EvoPlay, bgo, Win2day, Neto, DazzleTag, GetsBet.ro and Platin Casino.
Maciej Szatkowski
Google Pre-Sales Engineer SqualioMaciej Szatkowski
Google Pre-Sales EngineerAbout the speaker
A seasoned technical leader, Maciej Szatkowski boasts 18+ years of experience in IT, consistently delivering business growth through a blend of technical expertise and strategic thinking. He has a proven track record in leading product development, spearheading enterprise-wide cloud and automation initiatives, and managing technical teams. Maciej holds numerous professional certificates, including certifications in SAFe and ITIL methodologies. He is also a five-times Google certified professional, holding certifications as a Cloud Architect, Cloud Security Engineer, and Data Engineer. His core skills encompass Agile methodologies, data processing, generative AI, and cloud solutions, particularly within the Google Cloud Platform. He boasts extensive experience in software development, automation, and DevOps, showcasing a unique blend of leadership, business acumen, and deep technical skills.
Emilio Takas
Head of SEO Gentoo MediaEmilio Takas
Head of SEOAbout the speaker
Formerly a Visual Storytelling multifaceted digital creative, with a strong technical background on websites, design, digital marketing and analytics helping people achieving the most out of their online appearance for over 21 years, Emilio is currently Head of SEO (Sports) at Gentoo Media, which you might remember by its former name, GiG Media, the affiliate media division of GiG (Gaming Innovation Group). He is also a visiting lecturer at Athens University of Economics and Business (AUEB) teaching SEO and Marketing Analytics, a seasoned speaker and a judge to SEO and iGaming Conferences and Awards.
Alessandro Gherardi
Co-Founder & Director Fomento AgencyAlessandro Gherardi
Co-Founder & DirectorAbout the speaker
Alessandro Gherardi is the founder and CEO of Fomento Agency, a premium affiliate network specializing in emerging markets such as Asia, India and Latam. With a background in business and marketing, Alessandro has always been passionate about helping companies grow their online presence. Under his leadership, Fomento Agency has worked with a diverse range of clients, from small operators to big businesses, providing tailored strategies that drive engagement and growth across digital platforms. Alessandro's expertise lies in his ability to combine creativity with data-driven marketing, ensuring that his clients not only reach their target audiences but also build long-term, loyal customer relationships. His deep understanding of emerging trends in the digital world allows Fomento Agency to stay ahead in a competitive market. A dynamic and visionary entrepreneur, Alessandro is committed to innovation and excellence in every project. His hands-on approach and dedication to delivering results have earned him a reputation as a trusted leader in the industry. Whether through social media campaigns, SEO, or branding strategies, Alessandro and his team at Fomento Agency continue to shape the digital marketing landscape, helping businesses thrive in an ever-evolving online world.
Morten Rongaard
Co-Founder PixelpaiMorten Rongaard
Co-FounderAbout the speaker
Morten is globally recognized as an NFT OG, having foreseen the transformative impact of NFTs and digital assets. He has worked with companies like FIFA, BBC Studios, Pro Cycling,ITV Studios and many more in shaping the strategy and creating projects using blockchain technology. Morten focos on the ecosystem of Web4, where technology meets trust and transparency and are recognized for his ability to demystify the complexities of Web4, helping and educating brands and companies for the new oppourtunities and potential. In his daily work, Morten is building the future financial internet and are deeply involved in collaborative efforts that redefine interactions with digital assets and money, offering his expertise to a wide range of sectors from fintech to gaming. His commitment to knowledge-sharing and empowering others is evident in his role as a regular speaker and moderstor around the world and serving on boards like Nordic Blockchain Association and Asia Web3 Alliance Japan, where he consistently advocates for a tech-driven world that's open to all.
Isaac Zarb
CTO Simply StakingIsaac Zarb
CTOAbout the speaker
Passionate about tech, Cybersecurity Blockchain and AI, with experience in igaming, fintech, cybersec, Blockchain and AI.
Clint Griscti
CEO apidae DigitalClint Griscti
CEOAbout the speaker
With a growth-first mindset and a passion for analytics and tracking, Clint lives for taking businesses to new heights through digital innovation & growth strategies. Outside Business Development and making sense of shifting digital paradigms, Clint is an accomplished diver and basketball player and enjoys daily reading pastimes.
Kevin Plumpton
Group CEO KyrrexKevin Plumpton
Group CEOAbout the speaker
Kevin Plumpton is currently Group CEO at Kyrrex, an international digital finance firm, providing fiat and crypto products and services within an integrated Web 3 ecosystem. Kevin is also a warranted lawyer and boasts a decade of experience collaborating with local and international organizations, offering business management solutions, legal counsel, and regulatory expertise. He's a seasoned entrepreneur who founded successful startups, the latest of which was Diligex. As a practicing advocate, Kevin specialized in Finance, Business, Corporate Governance, Risk, and Compliance Legislation. He's a pioneer in Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Counter Financing Terrorism (CFT) compliance and is better known for his brainchild Due-Diligence platform, KYCMATIC. Kevin's interests also extend to finance and digital market technologies.
Minna Ripatti
Attorney at Law & Founding Partner Legal Gaming Attorneys at LawMinna Ripatti
Attorney at Law & Founding PartnerAbout the speaker
Minna Ripatti is a highly experienced Finnish Attorney at Law with over a decade of specialized expertise in the iGaming sector. As the Founding Partner of Legal Gaming Attorneys Law, she focuses on providing tailored legal services to clients, with particular emphasis on the Finnish market. Her practice covers a broad range of areas, including risk assessment, marketing regulations, licensing, administrative proceedings, and litigation. Minna has worked extensively with top-tier iGaming companies and suppliers, guiding them through the complexities of obtaining licenses across multiple jurisdictions. She is widely recognized in the iGaming legal community for her in-depth knowledge of the field and her unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional legal counsel. With significant experience in both in-house legal roles on the supplier and operator sides of the iGaming industry, Minna brings a comprehensive, industry-specific perspective to her practice, ensuring that her clients’ needs are fully understood and effectively addressed.
Matthew Felice Pace
CEO Simply StakingMatthew Felice Pace
CEOAbout the speaker
After over a decade in academia and in various technical roles, Matthew embarked on the entrepreneurial journey co-founding Simply Staking in 2018, with the vision of “empowering the decentralised world of tomorrow”. Since then, he has led the company as CEO to become a global leader in blockchain infrastructure provision and development. Navigating a cutting-edge technological landscape as well as a highly fluctuating market, he spearheaded the growth of the company to a 50-person operation across three continents, supporting foundational blockchain projects such as Chainlink, Lido, Polkadot and the Cosmos Hub, providing high-quality RPC nodes and developing core technology such as shared sequencing and cross-chain trading.
Torben Friis
Managing Director Match Liquidity DMCCTorben Friis
Managing DirectorAbout the speaker
Torben Friis is the Managing Director in charge of global distribution at Match Liquidity DMCC. Match is a leading market maker for financial institutions and wholesale clients seeking access to institutional liquidity across capital markets. Torben is a Danish national having started his financial career at Saxo Bank moving on to Asset Management in Switzerland and setting up IG.com in Europe and leading the expansion of activtrades.com to mention a few. Areas of interest are digital assets including central bank digital currencies and what will be the next step for the financial industry as a whole.
Ivana Flynn
SEO Director BetswapIvana Flynn
SEO DirectorAbout the speaker
Ivana Flynn, SEO with 16 year of experience, an author of the original test of the SEO value of follow/nofollow links, well experienced and enthusiastic internet marketer and SEO consultant, achieving great success with clients across several industries. Ivana has been working with iGaming for 9 years now, she is a well seasoned conference speaker and SEO evangelist. She has spoken in all of the important industry conferences and is a 2x Brighton SEO speaker. Ivana has been featured in several popular podcasts such as 'Majestic', 'SimilarWeb', 'I hate SEO' and many more where she shared her SEO and marketing expertise. She is a co-founder of a growing YT channel 'The SEO Club' and loves speaking at conferences about SEO and marketing.
Eugene Ravdin
Head of Communications and Marketing MightyTipsEugene Ravdin
Head of Communications and MarketingAbout the speaker
Before joining MightyTips, I spent 19 years with the UEFA official website in various roles, most notably as the Editor-in-Chief of the Russian-language editorial team. I've worked on men's and women's UEFA EUROs, UEFA Champions League and UEFA Europa League finals, interviewed the likes of Arsène Wenger and Guus Hiddink, commentated English Premier League and Serie A for Setanta, hosted live sports shows on TV and radio, built UEFA Champions League community on VK from scratch to million followers, and reported from Camp Nou and the City of Manchester Stadium. Strangely enough, I have a degree in IT (although it was long ago) and rich experience as a voice-over artist. I am a father of two and an amateur basketball player.
Sergejs Ponomarjovs
CMO OSH CasinoSergejs Ponomarjovs
CMOAbout the speaker
Sergejs Ponomarjovs is an award-winning CMO and SEO problem solver with over 20 years of experience in the digital marketing industry. A passionate AI enthusiast, he leverages cutting-edge technology to drive results and solve complex SEO challenges, delivering innovative solutions across various sectors.
Ivonne Montealegre
Poker Tour Operations Manager SiGMA GroupIvonne Montealegre
Poker Tour Operations ManagerAbout the speaker
Harmen Brenninkmeijer
Managing Partner NYCE InternationalHarmen Brenninkmeijer
Managing PartnerAbout the speaker
Harmen Brenninkmeijer has a 30+ year track record in developing, manufacturing, and distributing technology products in the gaming industry. His expertise derives from selling and operating in over 75 countries with an emphasis on emerging markets. His extensive experience across the gaming industry has given him a wealth of knowledge, proving invaluable in business and enabling him to regularly contribute to panels on a wide variety of subjects. Harmen founded the Gaming Incubator in 2007 and has invested in the development of over 20+ technology focused companies. Today he is building NYCE International to represent industry-leading companies, connecting them across the globe with operators, and developing unique ventures along the way.
Warren Tristram
Head of Gaming, Lottery and eSport NuveiWarren Tristram
Head of Gaming, Lottery and eSportAbout the speaker
Warren has been actively involved in payment processing helping to grow the nascent online gaming industry in the US. Warren has 20 years’ industry experience so understands the challenges and opportunities that gaming provides. During his career Warren has held senior roles with a number of well-respected vendors and operators, he is an active speaker contributing to industry magazine articles and events, and also holds a Masters in the Management of International Payments Ecosystem.
Dan Shannon
Head of Marketing & SEO Casino KingsDan Shannon
Head of Marketing & SEOAbout the speaker
Dan Shannon is an iGaming Marketing Expert and the current Head of Marketing & SEO at CBS Global. He manages the company's day-to-day brand awareness efforts through strategic marketing initiatives. With over 14 years of experience working with some of Europe’s leading gaming brands, he specializes in driving brand growth and visibility. Dan has a proven track record and extensive experience in regulated markets worldwide, particularly in the UK market.
Andrey Beyerbah
Co-Founder & CEO GamixterAndrey Beyerbah
Co-Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Andrei Beyerbah is an experienced marketing and business expert, with a career spanning from 2015. After founding his own advertising agency at the age of 21, Petr led it to become a market leader within six years, collaborating with major brands like Coca-Cola and the NHL. In 2019, Andrey transitioned into the iGaming industry, where he took on roles such as CMO and Head of International Marketing for companies like Parimatch and Fonbet. Over his career, Andrei has been recognized for his marketing effectiveness with three prestigious EFFIE awards. As the co-founder and CEO of Gamixter, Andrei is dedicated to providing marketing teams across the globe with powerful tools to engage players and enhance their financial and user metrics. His mission is to transform online casinos from mere collections of slots into comprehensive entertainment platforms, all while simplifying the process for marketing teams so they can focus on what matters most – creating exceptional player experiences.
Piotr Piasecki
Board Member Revenue CapitalPiotr Piasecki
Board MemberAbout the speaker
Piotr has over 25 years of experience managing enterprises as CEO in EU, UK and overseas. He specialises in marketing and sales. As a Board Member of Revenue Capital LLC he oversees the core elements of the company’s activities, revolving around developing and selling Web3 products and services, portfolio investments as well as brand building and visibility.
Dr Simon Planzer
Partner PLANZER LAWDr Simon Planzer
PartnerAbout the speaker
Dr Simon Planzer is founding partner at PLANZER LAW AG, which features an internationally widely recognised legal niche-specialisation in TECHNOLOGY, GAMING and ENTERTAINMENT. The firm’s team provides highly specialised services on all gaming matters relating to Switzerland and EU/EEA. The firm has served as lead firm to navigate clients through intricate multi-jurisdictional challenges and complex international business projects. Services notably include strategic advice, regulatory work, ensuring compliance and a wide range of legal services. Dr Planzer wrote his PhD on EU/EEA gaming regulation and studied i.a. at the universities of Harvard, College of Europe, St. Gallen, and the European University Institute. He has published extensively on gaming matters and serves as regular speaker at the leading industry conferences. He has been invited repeatedly by both the IAGR and the GREF to present to regulators. Through his work with regulators, presentations and publications, he has substantially contributed to the cause of empirical-based and sound gaming regulation. Dr Planzer also serves as Lecturer in Law and Director of a Competence Center on Gaming & Entertainment.
Michael Caselli
Chairman Clarion GamingMichael Caselli
ChairmanAbout the speaker
Michael Caselli is a 20+ year iGaming industry veteran and considered one of the world’s leading experts on online gaming. He is a sought-after expert who hosts, chairs, and speaks at international iGaming conferences and has provided insight to international news broadcasts including CNBC, MSNBC and the BBC. In 1998 Michael launched the world’s first daily news website for online casino players. He launched several print magazines in the sector including consumer titles including, Gambling Online Magazine, Gambling.com Magazine and Bluff Magazine. He simultaneously launched the trade magazine iGaming Business and its associated affiliate and regional titles. Michael served as the editor of several of his magazines. Michael’s publishing businesses grew to include trade and consumer conferences and exhibitions including iGaming Affiliate and iGaming LIVE! In 2015 Michael sold his trade publishing and conferencing businesses to Clarion Events.?? Today Michael serves as Chairman of Clarion Gaming, is a director of iGaming Business, is a sector investor and is an advisor for companies in the iGaming space. ?? Michael holds an MBA and it’s thesis was the first academic work concentrating on iGaming. He has been honored by his peers throughout his career for his publications, expertise and contributions. He has been honored as a Leader in Gaming by the Global Gaming Expo, and has been given a lifetime achievement award for Outstanding Contribution to the Industry by SiGMA.
Alexiei Dingli
Professor of Artificial Intelligence University of MaltaAlexiei Dingli
Professor of Artificial IntelligenceAbout the speaker
Prof Alexiei Dingli is an AI expert and Professor at the University of Malta. With over 20 years of experience in the field, he has helped numerous companies successfully implement AI solutions. His work has been recognized as world-class by international experts, and he has received numerous awards from organizations such as the European Space Agency, the World Intellectual Property Organization, and the United Nations. In addition to his considerable peer-reviewed publications, he has also been a core member of the Malta.AI task force, working to position Malta as a global leader in AI.
Greg Lacan
COO UniK SEOGreg Lacan
COOAbout the speaker
Greg Lacan is a seasoned SEO strategist with years of experience promoting crypto, casino, and sports betting projects globally. As COO for a leading agency, Greg has developed innovative strategies to promote iGaming projects online, implementing SEO best practices to attract users. Greg brings his expertise and passion for SEO to provide attendees with valuable insights and actionable strategies for success in the iGaming industry.
Sarah Psaila
Business Development Manager - Gaming and Gambling Group-IBSarah Psaila
Business Development Manager - Gaming and GamblingAbout the speaker
Kat Arnsby
Head of Customer Growth Kindred GroupKat Arnsby
Head of Customer GrowthAbout the speaker
I’ve worked in the gambling industry for over 20 years with focus on casino and poker products. My main areas of operational interest are AI driven personalisation, careful customer profiling and segmented communication strategy.
Carlos Sánchez
CEO TipsterChatCarlos Sánchez
CEOAbout the speaker
Startup founder and senior executive with 15 years of experience leading disruptive companies in the media research and technology sectors. As co-founder of The Data Republic, I launched Spain's first Social TV analytics platform, Tuitele, attracting top media clients and leading to the company’s acquisition by Kantar. At Kantar, I rolled out Social TV Ratings globally and created a multi-million dollar revenue stream. I also led Kantar’s Innovation Accelerator, fostering agile product development. In 2021, I launched a business management platform for Xolo in Spain and Italy, boosting the company's global revenue by 12%. Currently, I'm the CEO of TipsterChat, an app for sports bettors to find and follow professional tipsters.
Maruska Buttigieg Gili
CCO (Malta) FalconXMaruska Buttigieg Gili
CCO (Malta)About the speaker
Ms. Buttigieg Gili has over 25 years of expertise in the Maltese financial services sector. She began her career at the Central Bank of Malta, where she held various positions, including roles within the economic statistics department. Here, she developed a deep understanding of the Maltese regulatory framework, the EU regulatory requirements, and gained experience in implementing ECB regulations in Malta. During this period, she also represented the Central Bank of Malta in several ECB working groups. Following her tenure at the Central Bank, Ms. Buttigieg Gili spent 15 years with BNF Bank, where she held multiple roles such as Money Laundering Reporting Officer (MLRO) and Compliance Officer at intermittent periods. She also served as the Chief Risk Officer of the bank for over five years. Additionally, she represented the bank on the Executive Committee of the Malta Bankers Association (MBA) and participated in technical committees focused on AML/CFT and regulatory compliance. She also represented the MBA on the AML/CFT Strategic Working Group at the European Banking Federation. In 2023, Ms. Buttigieg Gili joined FalconX Ltd as the Chief Compliance Officer and MLRO.
Maria Sayapina
Director of Casino GameloungeMaria Sayapina
Director of CasinoAbout the speaker
Maria Sayapina is a highly accomplished digital marketing leader renowned for her expertise in SEO across diverse industries, including iGaming, Big Data, Finance, Medical, and e-commerce. Currently serving as the Director of Casino at Gamelounge in Malta, Maria has driven remarkable expansions into key markets. With a track record of 70% performance increase in key markets, Maria's strategic acumen extends to advising on product quality and growth plans for mergers and acquisitions. Her leadership roles at Gamelounge and Raketech Group have seen her excel in team management, innovative strategy formulation, and seamless execution, driving substantial user acquisition, engagement, and revenue growth.
Adel Gaisin
CPO WatchersAdel Gaisin
CPOAbout the speaker
With over 10 years of experience in creating digital products as an entrepreneur and Head of Product, I have led projects with complex product and business metrics. I’ve built and developed cross-functional teams of up to 50 members, including engineers, product managers, analysts, and designers, enabling successful product innovation and execution for startups and corporations. Currently, I am leading and growing the product at Watchers.
Adrian Niculescu
CEO TOMORROWerse CapitalAdrian Niculescu
CEOAbout the speaker
Adrian Niculescu is a successful fintech investor and estate entrepreneur, spending more than 20 years building and developing companies. Adrian is the CEO of Meta Description but above all, he is the CMO EMEA of CloudCoin Consortium, a digital currency you can store offline in a PNG or TXT file. Adrian experience include 30 tech start-ups mentored since 2014, 250 real estate transactions completed since 2008 and a long career in senior position.
Nicholas Aquilina
Partner BRANDL TALOSNicholas Aquilina
PartnerAbout the speaker
Nicholas Aquilina is a partner at BRANDL TALOS specialising in, international gaming, betting and entertainment law, EU law, social, skill and fantasy gaming, e-sports and videogaming. Nicholas provides regulatory, corporate and transactional advice, and regularly represents clients before national courts and regulators, European associations, EU institutions and the CJEU. He has assisted clients in several licensing procedures across Europe and the US and advised on large-scale transactions in the gaming and betting sector. He is a co-author of Social Gaming in Europe, and frequently contributes to legal publications and international conferences. Chambers Global ranks Nicholas as a leading international gaming lawyer: “Nicholas Aquilina is rated highly by market commentators as a “first-class legal and regulatory professional”, who “has played significant roles in corporate and regulatory mandates relating to high-profile transactions and international online sports betting.
James Candy
Founder&CEO Candy-Pay.ioJames Candy
Founder&CEOAbout the speaker
My name is James Candy and I'm a banking & crypto payments specialist that's has been navigating the risk/challenges that companies in the iGaming space have to mitigate when it comes to running their operational accounts. At Candy-pay, we pride ourselves of our extensive network of banking institutions that perfectly tailor to solve these issues for our clients.
Santiago Asensi
Founder and Managing Partner Asensi AbogadosSantiago Asensi
Founder and Managing PartnerAbout the speaker
Santiago Asensi is the Managing Partner and Founder of Asensi Abogados. He is a qualified lawyer specializing in Gaming and Betting Law and is an expert in regulation and litigation for online and land-based operators and gaming-related stakeholders in Spain. Asensi is listed in the “Thought Leaders” category of the Who’s Who Legal publication and is also considered a Band 1 listed lawyer in the Gaming and Betting section of Chambers & Partners, two independent guides that profile the world’s leading lawyers, describing him as a “pioneer”, “the first choice for gaming advice”, with a “strong reputation built over the years”. After winning the corresponding public tender, Asensi and his team developed the first online gambling regulatory regime for Colombia, which is considered a model by experts and widely emulated in various Latin American jurisdictions. Asensi is an officer of the International Gaming Consultants Association (IAGA). In addition, he is the co-author of The Gaming Law Book -Thomson Reuters- and the Spanish Gaming Market Report -MECN-. He is a frequent speaker at major international gaming conferences and a frequent author of articles on the gaming industry.
Danielle Francis
Co-Founder & CEO bCOACHED Training SolutionsDanielle Francis
Co-Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Transitioning from an engineering background to a certified executive coach, Danielle has carved a niche in the training and coaching industry, impacting ventures from early-stage startups to executives at global companies such as LinkedIn, Etsy, and Binance. Her nearly two decades of experience have made her a key figure in empowering people and organizations to reach their highest potential, utilizing her extensive knowledge of business operations, human behavior, and organizational dynamics. Danielle and her team at bCOACHED Training Solutions focus on actionable training and coaching for growing companies, reducing friction and aiding effective scaling. They offer tailored training programmes to help founders and teams perform under pressure, promoting innovation and continuous growth. She also holds an MBA and works in shaping future leaders as a lecturer at EU and IESE Business Schools, specializing in entrepreneurship, design thinking, and communications.
Dr Claudia Borg
Senior Lecturer AI Department - University of MaltaDr Claudia Borg
Senior LecturerAbout the speaker
Her interests are primarily focused on the application of AI techniques to the processing of the Maltese language. This leads to several research threads, from large language models to investigation of bias in language models. She coordinated LT-BRIDGE, an H2020-Widening-Twinning project to bridge the gap between European and Maltese research in AI and Language Technologies. She currently leads several projects to develop the necessary computational tools to process Maltese, funded by MDIA, Malta Enterprise, and various EU programs. She was involved in building the first automatic speech recognition system for Maltese through the University of Malta Research Excellence Fund. She received the Women and Girls Inspirational Leadership Award 2023 from the British High Commission in recognition of the work done in the field of innovation and technology.
Vitali Matsukevich
COO SOFTSWISSVitali Matsukevich
COOAbout the speaker
As SOFTSWISS’ Chief Operating Officer, Vitali Matsukevich combines strong leadership with an acute understanding of the iGaming business landscape. After five years of experience in the online poker industry, Vitali transitioned into IT, joining SOFTSWISS in 2014 as a Manual QA Engineer. Recognising his skills could be better applied in a different capacity, he shifted to the role of Operations Manager, where he was responsible for creating client bonus policy and overseeing content and game management. With extensive experience in operations and management, Vitali plays a pivotal role in driving SOFTSWISS’ growth and optimising its internal processes. His leadership and strategic oversight have been instrumental in expanding the company’s global presence and enhancing its product offerings across the online gaming industry.
Cristiano Blanco
Chief Experience Officer DaznBetCristiano Blanco
Chief Experience OfficerAbout the speaker
Cristiano Blanco is a highly experienced professional in the iGaming industry, with a career that began in 2007. He has been instrumental in driving the sector's international growth, holding senior roles with strategic, commercial, product and organizational responsibilities. His expertise includes managing product lines such as Sportsbook, Casino, and Gaming, as well as excelling in product delivery, P&L management, change management, and leveraging data-driven strategies for business success. Cristiano’s leadership has been key to developing highly successful products. Notably, he has contributed significantly to the success of the Kindred Group and ComeOn Group, where he held senior positions while effectively leading multinational teams. Cristiano holds a degree in Law and an MBA from Derby University in the UK, which has provided him with a solid understanding of business operations, further enhancing his career achievements. He is known for being motivated, passionate, and results-oriented, consistently delivering excellence in his field and embracing new challenges to ensure organizational success.
Dr Ioannis Revolidis
Lecturer of Media, Communications & Technology Law University of MaltaDr Ioannis Revolidis
Lecturer of Media, Communications & Technology LawAbout the speaker
Dr. Ioannis Revolidis studied law at the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece. He is a legal academic at the Centre for Distributed Ledger Technologies (DLT), responsible for the legal stream of the interdisciplinary research and teaching endeavors of the Centre. He is also a lecturer in the Department of Media, Communications, and Technology Law at the Law Faculty of the University of Malta. Ioannis has been teaching and researching in European Information Technology Law for the past 12 years in various European countries such as Germany (Leibniz University Hannover), the UK (Queen Mary University of London), Norway (Norwegian Research Center for Computers and Law), Greece (Aristotle University Thessaloniki). He focuses on the law and regulation of emerging technologies with an emphasis on digital commercial transactions, digital assets, copyright law, data protection law, private international law, electronic commerce law, civil liability and the philosophy of law.
Michele Magro
Head of Legal & Compliance NSUS MaltaMichele Magro
Head of Legal & ComplianceAbout the speaker
Michele is a legal & compliance professional with a focus on gambling law compliance, commercial law and AML/CFT. Previously, Michele spent ten years in the public sector, most recently as Technical Advisor to the CEO at the Malta Financial Services Authority, and Chief Counsel - International Affairs & Policy at the Malta Gaming Authority, where he was also Chairman of the Supervisory Council. During his time at the MGA, Michele also sat on the Board of Directors of the Gambling Regulators European Forum.
Glenn Camilleri
European & Esports Trading Manager Betsson GroupGlenn Camilleri
European & Esports Trading ManagerAbout the speaker
Glenn is a seasoned Esports Trading Manager at Betsson with 8 years of experience in the gaming industry. Driven by a passion for esports and competitive gaming, he has witnessed the growth of the esports scene and the dedicated fanbase that surrounds it. At Betsson, Glenn has played a pivotal role in expanding the company's esports offerings and engaging with the community. His contributions have helped solidify Betsson's position as a leading player in the esports betting market.
Txema Hermoso
CGO RevpandaTxema Hermoso
CGOAbout the speaker
Txema has over eight years of experience in the gambling industry, primarily focusing on B2C marketing strategies, including SEM, SEO, and growth marketing. Although he initially studied cinematography and spent a decade in film production, he transitioned to the iGaming sector upon moving to Malta. There, he developed a passion for creating strategies that engage customers through Unique Selling Propositions (USPs) and enhancing websites with compelling content. His work aims to increase authority and optimize technical features for improved performance.
Justin Franssen
Attorney at law & Partner Kalff Katz & FranssenJustin Franssen
Attorney at law & PartnerAbout the speaker
Justin Franssen is an attorney at law and partner at Kalff Katz & Franssen, where he leads the Gaming Practice. His comprehensive advisory and litigation practice regularly deals with sector-specific acquisitions and complex public affairs processes. Prior to his admission to the Dutch Bar, Justin acted as general counsel for a gaming developer in Amsterdam and New York. His career as an attorney at law began at an associate firm of KPMG, where he founded their European Gaming & Entertainment Services Group. He subsequently spent 12 years as head of the Gaming, Sports & Entertainment practice group at a medium-sized law firm in Amsterdam. Justin regularly publishes in national and international professional journals, is a frequent speaker at sector events and conferences, and is on the editorial boards of Gaming Law Review & Economics and Online Gambling Lawyer. He is a board member of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL). Justin is also member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) and holds a seat on the Advisory Board of the International Research Institute for Gambling and Gaming in Bonn. Justin has received no less than eight consecutive Band 1 rankings in the Chambers Global Guide.
Cordelia Morgan Cooper
Founder CMC ConsultingCordelia Morgan Cooper
FounderAbout the speaker
Amit Kumar Baid
Head of Tax BTG AdvayaAmit Kumar Baid
Head of TaxAbout the speaker
Amit Baid is the Head of Tax at BTG Advaya. He has close to 20 years of extensive experience in Indian tax laws and has been advising clients spanning across sectors on tax structuring, planning, compliance, and dispute resolution. Amit’s practice covers cross border M&A (buy and sell side), inbound and outbound investment structuring, business restructuring, transfer pricing, bilateral APAs, tax litigation / representation, compliances, expat policies, employment structuring, and due diligence. His experience also includes working on unilateral and bilateral APAs, setting up of a domestic Infrastructure Fund and AIFs in GIFT IFSC, and assistance in preparing valuation reports. Amit has worked with companies globally across diverse sectors including technology, banking and financial services, private equity funds, media and communications, energy, infrastructure and automobile etc. Apart from his experience with Indian taxation, Amit has also been involved with direct tax regulations in Thailand, Indonesia, Mauritius, the Philippines, Vietnam, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Amit started his career with Ernst & Young and thereafter led the tax team at Morgan Stanley’s India office for about 15 years. Amit has read commerce from St. Xavier’s College and is a qualified Chartered Accountant.
Riccardo Furlan
Game Producer Spade GamingRiccardo Furlan
Game ProducerAbout the speaker
Duncan Garvie
Head of ADR Services CasinoReviews.comDuncan Garvie
Head of ADR ServicesAbout the speaker
Sini Rantala
SEO Lead BetssonSini Rantala
SEO LeadAbout the speaker
Sini is the SEO Lead at Betsson, responsible for regional SEO acquisition, retention, and delivery by leading a sustainable SEO strategy. A firm believer in the power of learning and curiosity, Sini constantly explores emerging trends and best practices to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of search algorithms. She has a passion for innovation and growth and combines these with each new challenge.
Reuben Portanier
Advisory Partner GTG?Reuben Portanier
Advisory PartnerAbout the speaker
Reuben Portanier is GTG’s Advisory Partner. Reuben joined GTG in 2018 as the co-founding partner of GTG Corporate. Reuben is a C-Level professional with executive management experience in the consulting, technology, gaming and financial sectors. At GTG, he is responsible for the Gaming and Business Advisory, Outsourcing and Compliance Consulting, and Governance and ESG. Mr Portanier served as the CEO of the Malta Gaming Authority for 5 years and is a former board trustee of the International Association of Gaming Regulators. He is a former gaming advisor to the European Commission and the Government of Malta. Mr. Portanier also held management consultancy experience with Arthur Andersen, and held C-Level positions in the ICT sector. Reuben is a frequent speaker at international conferences, whilst he was awarded as one of the 50 most influential persons in the gaming industry by the Gaming Intelligence Magazine, and as iGaming Consultant of the Year by iGaming Idol. Reuben is a Board Member of the Malta Football Association, was a visiting lecturer on sport integrity with the ISDE University in Barcelona. Mr Portanier is a member of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL).
Gor Chatyan
Head of Marketing BetConstructGor Chatyan
Head of MarketingAbout the speaker
Gor Chatyan is a results-driven business development and marketing expert with over 10 years of experience in the Marketing, iGaming, and B2B sectors. Specializing in creating and executing strategic marketing plans, he has a proven track record of managing global product portfolios and driving significant business growth. His expertise spans market research, digital marketing, affiliate marketing, and customer engagement. Gor is highly adept at leveraging data analytics to inform strategy and optimize performance, ensuring alignment with business goals and KPIs. A visionary leader, Gor is committed to delivering innovative solutions that propel businesses forward in competitive markets.
Maria Bashkevich
Head of Marketing UplatformMaria Bashkevich
Head of MarketingAbout the speaker
Maria Bashkevich is the Marketing Maverick at Uplatform. Having extensive experience across various iGaming verticals and global markets, Maria has gained expertise in player psychology and regional needs. She's the mastermind behind all marketing strategies, propelling Uplatform to the forefront of the iGaming industry. Her marketing strategies power digital growth and successful market expansions, making her the force behind Uplatform's marketing dominance.
Martin Oelbermann
Director MECNMartin Oelbermann
DirectorAbout the speaker
Gabriel Monidelle
CEO HockeyAllsvenskan?Gabriel Monidelle
CEOAbout the speaker
Gabriel Monidelle, CEO of HockeyAllsvenskan, is a trailblazer with over 25 years of experience shaping the fast-paced entertainment industry. From music and film to football, he’s held executive positions, and for the last four years, he’s been at the helm of HockeyAllsvenskan, transforming it into a rising force. Under his leadership, the league has shattered expectations, achieving record-breaking growth in attendance, TV ratings, and digital engagement. Monidelle has fostered a vibrant, fast-paced culture where every move is focused on creating buzz, driving ticket sales, and securing sponsorships.
Stefano Sbordoni
Founder Sbordoni&PartnersStefano Sbordoni
FounderAbout the speaker
Pedr?o Bet
Director Aposta OnlinePedr?o Bet
DirectorAbout the speaker
I have over 16 years working with in the sports-betting field within Brazil and was the first to promote online betting sites in the country. Before my time with Duelbet I operated as a consultant for leading online betting companies so that they could enter into the Brazilian market.
Teresa Meyer
Tax Lawyer BMA AdvogadosTeresa Meyer
Tax LawyerAbout the speaker
Teresa Meyer is a Brazilian Tax Attorney at BMA Advogados, specialising in direct tax advisory. Based in S?o Paulo, Brazil, she has gained international experience working in Austria and Spain, where she advised on cross-border tax matters and tax aspects of foreign direct investments in Brazil. Teresa holds an LL.B. degree from PUC-SP in Brazil and an LL.M. degree in tax law from WU in Austria and UIC Catalunya in Spain.
Witoldo Hendrich
Founder Online IPSWitoldo Hendrich
FounderAbout the speaker
Josh Berger
Founding Community Member PKTJosh Berger
Founding Community MemberAbout the speaker
Josh has 15+ years experience as a founder and entrepreneur in tech and entertainment. He started his career innovating social media marketing and ran a global marketing agency in 2009 working with blossoming company to movie studios with hundreds of millions of marketing dollars. Through this endeavor he co-founded multiple startup driving them from concept to product. Additionally, Josh produced and wrote multiple Hollywood films and worked as an executive at Radical Studios. In 2018 he became a founding community member of PKT (www.pkt.cash), which is a decentralized media network on Base that pays people to stake and host infrastructure to power the network. He Co-founded PKT Pal (www.pktpal.com) in 2020, which provides plug & play infrastructure hardware for the PKT Network and at-home streaming.
Fabio Zammit
Founder & CEO Root CodexFabio Zammit
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Fabio is the CEO and Founder of Root Codex, with over 20 years of expertise in the technology sector, particularly in the dynamic fields of online gambling, blockchain, and fintech. Recognizing the demand for a reliable and efficient tech partner to support internal teams, Fabio established Root Codex. In his role as CEO, Fabio takes a hands-on approach to every project, ensuring that the company's core values of reliability, transparency, and innovation are at the forefront of every solution. By profession, Fabio is a software engineer. Prior to founding Root Codex, he set up a successful consultancy in London, where he had the privilege of working with top-tier companies such as HSBC, Coral and AOL. His diverse experience also includes collaborating with different founders to launch various start-ups, further broadening his expertise in both the technical and business aspects of the industry.
Sergey Bidzan
CEO Eden EsportsSergey Bidzan
CEOAbout the speaker
Sergey Bidzan is the CEO of Eden Esports, bringing 14 years of experience in the esports industry to his role. He leads the company’s global efforts to deliver premier esports services and events, with operations across Europe and the Americas. Sergey is committed to advancing the esports landscape through innovative tournament operations, content creation, and strategic partnerships, positioning Eden Esports as a prominent player on the international stage.
Ricardo Domingues
President APAJO (Portuguese Online Gambling Association)Ricardo Domingues
PresidentAbout the speaker
With a career in the gambling industry since 2005, he currently serves as President of APAJO (the Portuguese Online Gambling Association) and is a board member of both APAN (Portuguese Advertisers Association) and ACEPI (Portuguese Ecommerce Association). Additionally, he holds the position of Director of International Markets at the Betclic Group. He graduated in Finance and Investments from Babson College in Boston, USA, in 1995. Although his academic background is in finance, his passion for advertising and marketing led him to transition into these fields shortly after beginning his career in banking. Over the past two decades, he has worked extensively in the media and technology sectors, consistently focusing on the digital landscape.
Alexander Martin
Non-Executive Director & Advisor Dice GP SárlAlexander Martin
Non-Executive Director & AdvisorAbout the speaker
Alexander Martin is an expert and veteran in the gambling industry. Today he is advisor and NED of gambling companies after he sold as CEO SKS365 Malta Ltd. to Lottomatica in April 2024. Alexander joined SKS365 as CEO in December 2019, responsible for leading SKS365 Malta Ltd.. The flag ship brand PlanetWin365 is an online led omni-channel sports betting and gambling company with 1000 shops. With a clear vision, mission and strategy seen tremendous by continuous improvement of customer, product, and employee experience. While growing PlanetWin365 the business added PlanetPay365 and PlanetSpin365. Before Alexander was Executive Board Member at the Gauselmann AG leading sports betting retail and online both B2B and B2C; igaming business both B2B and B2C; EMI and PSP services; and coin handling machine business. From 1999-2014, Alexander, was part of leadership team of top management consulting firm Kearney GmbH focusing on the Digital Transformation of companies in various industries across the globe esp. in High-tech, software, hardware, retail, consumer goods, financial institutions and in the process industry.
Francesca Zammit
Associate / Advisory - Technology NOUVFrancesca Zammit
Associate / Advisory - TechnologyAbout the speaker
Francesca brings a strong background in information technology and a passion for driving excellence in cybersecurity and compliance to her role as Associate Advisory – Technology. With a BSc (Hons) in Business & IT from the University of Malta, Francesca is certified as an Expert in the SWIFT Customer Security Programme and holds credentials as a GDPR Data Protection Officer (DPO) and ISO27001 Lead Auditor. She has received training as an ISO27001 Lead Implementer, ISO22301 Lead Implementer (BCMS), ISO42001 Lead Implementer (AIMS), and DORA Lead Manager. Her career includes extensive experience in performing IT audits, cybersecurity-related audits, and GDPR compliance audits, as well as ISMS implementations. At NOUV, Francesca specialises in guiding organisations through ISMS implementations, GDPR compliance, and technology projects, delivering strategic advisory and consultancy services. Her proactive approach and technical expertise ensure organisations meet international standards and navigate digital transformations seamlessly.
Tamara Novitovi?
Head of SEO Bazoom GroupTamara Novitovi?
Head of SEOAbout the speaker
Tamara is the leading SEO at Bazoom Group in Denmark, helping clients of all sizes in competitive markets achieve their SEO goals. As an active conference speaker, she also shares expert insights on data-driven, customized link-building strategies for success in iGaming, affiliate, and FinTech markets.
Evgen Belousov
CEO GR8 TechEvgen Belousov
CEOAbout the speaker
Evgen Belousov is the CEO of GR8 Tech, the provider of high-performance sportsbook and casino platforms. As CEO, Evgen oversees business development, performance, and global expansion. He works closely with marketing, product, retention, billing, and business analytics teams to execute the company's strategy and achieve its goals. Evgen is highly skilled in business development and growth management, revenue generation processes, business digitalization, and gambling products and tech solutions for the gambling industry. He is committed to driving innovation and growth in the iGaming industry and is passionate about helping iGaming operators scale their businesses and achieve sustainable, measurable success in any regulated market.
Dr Joerg Hofmann
Partner Melchers Law FirmDr Joerg Hofmann
PartnerAbout the speaker
Dr. Joerg Hofmann is head of the Betting and Gaming Group of Melchers Law Firm in Germany. He is a Past President of the International Masters of Gaming Law (IMGL). He has been consistently ranked as a “Leading Individual” in Gaming & Gambling by Chambers Global and listed among “Germany’s Best Lawyers” in the category “Gaming Law” by Handelsblatt and BestLawyers. Joerg frequently publishes articles in international professional journals and speaks regularly on leading gaming law conferences around the world. Who’s Who Legal granted Joerg the global award “Gaming Lawyer of the Year” in 2023”. Joerg lectures in gambling law at the University of Heidelberg as well as at the Bucerius Law School in Hamburg.
Christian Tirabassi
Senior Partner Ficom LeisureChristian Tirabassi
Senior PartnerAbout the speaker
Christian Tirabassi is the Founder and Senior Partner of Ficom Leisure, an M&A advisory and consultancy company specialized in the offline and online betting & gaming industry since 1996. Ficom Leisure has more than 75 years of combined experience and expertise in all segments of the B2B and B2C international gambling industry: Betting, Casino, Lottery, Live Casino, Bingo, Poker and Skill Games for land-based and online, mobile, social gaming and e-sports. Christian leads a team to provide strategic and corporate advisory, business consultancy and sell-side and buy-side investment-related services from locations in London, Rome, Madrid, Malta and Miami. Ficom Leisure is specialized in the internet gaming & betting sector since its inception in 1999 working in each stage from strategy, planning, launch and development in all of the regulated markets.
Stefano Tino
Managing Director, Italy Betsson GroupStefano Tino
Managing Director, ItalyAbout the speaker
Stefano Tino has been in the gaming industry since 2012, he has always had a passion for gaming to such an extent that he dedicated his dissertation to the world of casinos. Over the years he worked in several gaming companies contributing to the success of different projects around the world, from Italy, and Africa to South America. He joined Betsson in 2021 as the Managing Director of the Italian operations tripling the group's revenue in Italy through the growth of Starcasino and the historic launch of the Betsson brand, making Italy the largest regulated business for the group.
Raimund Marcinkevi?
CEO Guru Pay UABRaimund Marcinkevi?
CEOAbout the speaker
After 20 years of playing the accordion—including performances with one of the country’s top youth orchestras—the transition to orchestrating payments has been a natural progression. Now, at the helm of a profitable EMI that has been in the market for the past six years, the focus is driving innovation in financial services. At 17, he became the youngest Lithuanian in his university and earned the title of the youngest CEO of an EMI in the country. The professional journey began even earlier, at age 16, as a Board Member at EYP Lithuania, responsible for Finance a part of a global NGO engaging 25,000 youth across Europe each year.
Kersten James Chircop
Business Development Director GMRKersten James Chircop
Business Development DirectorAbout the speaker
Kersten is a leading figure in Maltese esports. Thirteen years ago, he co-founded GMR, which has, which has grown into Malta's premier organiser of esports and video game events, hosting major competitions like PLAYCON, the Malta ePremier League, and the Malta Cyber Series. Kersten’s goal was simple: to create a hub for Maltese gamers. Starting when esports was still in its infancy, he turned GMR from a school project into a key player in the industry. His dedication goes beyond running GMR - he holds a degree in Computer Science and has worked with GosuGamers, a leading esports media company. This combination of experience and education has cemented his position as a leader in Maltese esports. Now, Kersten is focused on expanding GMR internationally, continuing his vision of fostering growth within the esports and the video games communities.
Valentin Alsen
Co-Founder Dilanti MediaValentin Alsen
Co-FounderAbout the speaker
With close to 20 years in online marketing and web development within the online gambling industry, Valentin Alsen is both a seasoned SEO professional and an online gambling expert. As Co-Founder and Director of SEO at Dilanti Media, he has established the company as a leader in online gambling affiliate marketing. Prior to co-founding Dilanti Media in 2018, Valentin held key positions at respected companies in the online gambling sector. He served as Head of SEO at Catena Media, where he was part of the management team that transformed the company into a prominent online casino affiliate, developing successful SEO strategies for various brands. He also served as SEO Manager at Starfish Media N.V. and was the first SEO Manager at Betsson Group. Throughout his career, he has overseen and developed numerous well-known online gambling properties, including CasinoEuro.com, Betsson.com, BetSafe.com, JohnSlots.com, and AskGamblers.com. His deep understanding of both the online gambling industry and search engine optimization, along with his commitment to staying at the forefront of developments, have solidified his reputation as an authority in the field. Valentin's expertise enables Dilanti Media to provide top value to players, matching them with the best-suited online gambling operators and driving growth for partners.
Maciej Or?owski
Founder ICP HUB PolandMaciej Or?owski
FounderAbout the speaker
Founder of ICP HUB Poland & Orion Accelerator. Advising WEB3 startups in Poland & CEE. Building local ecosystem for launching & accelerating projects ?in Internet Computer ecosystem. Strong enthusiast of sustainable business models & tokenomics.
Ishan Haque
Executive & Head of Business Shuffle.comIshan Haque
Executive & Head of BusinessAbout the speaker
Ishan Haque is a founding executive at Shuffle.com, the world’s fastest-growing crypto iGaming brand. Launched in 2023, Shuffle reached $15B in wagering turnover in under 2 years.
Jessica Maier
Founder & Director EGARA (Executive Gaming and Risk Advisory)Jessica Maier
Founder & DirectorAbout the speaker
Jessica Maier is a co-founder of EGARA (Executive Gaming and Risk Advisory), a gaming consultancy firm specialised in providing C-level advice on regulation, licensing, risk-management, and compliance. Having been a partner in a law firm focussed on gaming law and the Chief Risk Officer/Head of Legal and Compliance and Head of Government Affairs in gaming software companies, Jessica comes with both private practice and in-house experience and has worked on various projects and public policy initiatives in close collaboration with regulators, legislators and industry stakeholders. She has been involved in numerous licensing proceedings (B2B and B2C), has performed regulatory due diligence reviews in the context of corporate acquisitions and provides strategic advice to help clients keep abreast of regulatory developments that impact their business, including ESG. Jessica is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors (IAGA) and Global Gaming Women (GGW).
Rachel Decelis
ESG lead KPMG MaltaRachel Decelis
ESG leadAbout the speaker
Rachel is a chemist and chartered environmentalist, having 18 years’ experience in sustainability. She joined KPMG in 2022 as Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) lead, after having worked in both the environmental consultancy and regulatory sectors. Throughout her career, Rachel has worked with public and private entities in various sectors, including in gaming, construction, waste management, energy, and manufacturing. Her specialisations include ESG reporting, climate change, environmental permitting, reporting, and auditing, as well as air quality monitoring and impact assessment. Rachel is also a skilled trainer and communicator, having lectured at various levels in academic settings, and published articles online and in print. She is also a co-founder of the ESG in Gaming roundtable.
Stefan Kovach
Technology Innovation & Growth ConsultantStefan Kovach
Technology Innovation & Growth ConsultantAbout the speaker
Stefan is a seasoned moderator with extensive experience in building fast-growing tech businesses across the gambling and blockchain sectors. With a background in strategy, marketing, and product development, he has held senior roles at PokerStars and was CEO of FunFair Technologies. He has been involved in prominent web3 projects, with the ATP, Rafa Nadal, the Australian Open and many gambling operators and startups showcasing a deep commitment to the intersection of sports, gaming, and gambling. Passionate about fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing, Stefan is dedicated to advancing the conversation around technology in these dynamic industries.
Sergio Muscat
Founder Oxygia ConsultingSergio Muscat
FounderAbout the speaker
Sergio Muscat is a 20-year veteran of the iGaming, Payments and Technology industries. His experience spans from project management to strategy, operations, and management advisory. He founded Oxygia Consulting in 2018 with the goal to assist companies in through their growth stages by providing with that all-important “Swiss-army-knife” advisory, providing a sounding board to top management and support to all levels within the company when steering their organisations into the future. Sergio’s interests and experience across technology, science and art allow him to provide a multi-faceted and creative approach to strategic, operational, and human insight matters, defining him as a well-respected advisor to his long-standing clients.
Alon Segev
Managing Partner Segev LLPAlon Segev
Managing PartnerAbout the speaker
Alon is the managing partner of Segev LLP, a full-service business law firm with offices across Canada and the U.S. Alon has over two decades of experience in gaming and betting, M&A and commercial transactions, corporate transactions, real estate, secured lending, technology, and dispute resolution. His focus on risk analysis, decision-making, and process implementation leads to successful negotiations and risk mitigation for his clients. Alon’s clients come from a variety of industries, including digital media, technology, gaming, lending, retail, real estate, hospitality, and manufacturing. Alon is also a sought-after speaker who is regularly invited to speak at conferences around the world, including the Canadian Gaming Summit, Next.io, SiGMA, the American Bar Association, SBC, IAGA and more. He is a member of the International Association of Gaming Advisors, the American Bar Association, and a General Member of the International Masters of Gaming Law and is ranked as a leading lawyer by Chambers & Partners.
Dr Robert Zammit
Partner WH PartnersDr Robert Zammit
PartnerAbout the speaker
Robert Zammit is a regulatory, licensing and litigation lawyer and practices in the Gaming and Transport industries. His principal areas of expertise are licensing of gambling businesses and regulatory compliance in the area of gambling, intellectual property, information security, privacy and data protection. He assists clients with the preparation of correct procedures to be put in place to monitor and identify suspicious transactions related to money laundering. He also advises our client companies on employment matters. Robert is a member of the Malta Chamber of Advocates and of the International Masters of Gaming Law. Robert is listed as a Next Generation Partner in the "Commercial, Corporate and M&A" practice area in Malta in the Legal 500 EMEA 2020 Guide. Robert conducts business in English, Italian and Maltese, all of which he speaks fluently. Robert holds a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta and was admitted to the Bar in Malta in 2008.
Dr Joseph Borg
Partner WH PartnersDr Joseph Borg
PartnerAbout the speaker
Joseph Borg heads both the Fintech and the Gaming and Gambling practices of WH Partners. Joe is ranked in the Chambers FinTech 2024 guide in the FinTech Legal practice area in Malta. He is also ranked as a "Leading Individual" in the FinTech practice area in Malta by Legal 500 EMEA 2024 guide, where WH Partners is listed as a Tier 1 law firm in Malta. Joe practices in the areas of Esports, Corporate, IT, Telecoms and Intellectual Property Law. Joe is a Co-Founder and currently the Vice-President of Bitmalta, which is a non-profit organisation with a mission to promoting discussion about blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies in Malta. Joe was an elected Member on the Board of Trustees of the International Association of Gaming Regulators. He originally joined the Authority in March 2007 as Director Legal and Enforcement and occupied this position for almost 4 years. He is a General Member of the International Masters of Gaming Law and a lecturer in Gaming Law at the University of Malta. Joseph graduated with an LL.M. with Distinction in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law from the University of Strathclyde (Glasgow). He holds a Doctor of Laws degree from the University of Malta.
Christos Zoulianitis
Director of Market Strategy PlaysonChristos Zoulianitis
Director of Market StrategyAbout the speaker
An experienced iGaming professional, Christos has more than nine years’ experience in the online gambling industry, whilst also having acquired knowledge in the lottery, retail and land-based casino sectors. Since joining Playson in 2018, Christos has played an important role in supporting Playson’s commercial growth, managing key accounts in Europe, LatAm, CIS and Baltic markets. In recent years, his hard work secured some major deals for the company, bringing in VIP partners such as 888 Group, Betflag, Snai, Kaizen, OPAP, MeridianBet, and many others. In his new role as Director of Market Strategy, he will oversee the entire network of operator partners, building and maintaining relationships in all regulated markets, whilst spearheading the company’s entry into new regions.
Richard Bron
Chairman & CEO Concorde MediaRichard Bron
Chairman & CEOAbout the speaker
Richard Bron is a successful entrepreneur who combines over 4 decades of experience across Media, Technology and Entertainment. In 1981, he joined his family’s music businesses and became CEO of Bronze Records, a joint venture with Chris Blackwell of Island Records. This included working in the areas of Artist Management, Music Publishing, Agency, Concert Promotion, Video and Music Production affording him the opportunity to work with major artists such as Mot?rhead, Manfred Mann’s Earth Band, Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Uriah Heep, Osibisa, Girlschool, Robbie Williams and Metallica. In 1994, he established Blueprint Digital creating customised software systems for Blue Chip organizations including Cable and Wireless, British Telecom, Apple and Glaxo Smith Kline. Blueprint then pioneered a revolutionary digital media content supply chain, launching the first ever Music and Movie digital download & streaming services with mainstream retailers like Best Buy, Walmart, HMV, Virgin, Media Saturn & Tesco. This platform was instrumental in the evolution of the global “Ultraviolet” Digital Movie service. Richard is now Chairman of Concorde Media, managing a portfolio of investments focusing on Emerging Technologies and Disruptive Entertainment Start-Ups. Concorde is developing the most advanced Free Roaming Hyper Reality business in the world, enabling immersive access to events & other inaccessible experiences in ways previously thought impossible. Having recently served as the Interim CEO of the London City Lionesses professional women’s football team, Richard and Concorde are leading the way in building new ecosystems for Women’s Football. Amongst the projects in this portfolio, they’re pioneering new commercial business models for Community engagement, Grassroots Girls Clubs, Talent representation, Closed Loop Recycled Teamwear, Girls Academies and pathways to the professional game. Combining 4 decades of experience and considered amongst the foremost thinkers on the convergence of Media, Technology & Entertainment, Richard advises global business leaders and corporations on their most critical issues, opportunities, strategy, technology, transformation and acquisitions, across all industry stakeholders and geographies.
Mark Watts
Executive Director AircashMark Watts
Executive DirectorAbout the speaker
Joined Aircash in April 2023 as igaming exec Director. Career starting in 2006 on the Isle of Man managing global Casino Operators for Microgaming. Learned the industry focusing on Poker, Casino & Bingo. Moved to London 2011, Started at DataCash (MasterCard) as Head of gaming for the gambling portfolio. Learned to industry from a payments prospective focusing on card processing, gate way services & alternative payments. Approached to join Paysafe 2014, re-located to Gibraltar. Took control of the igaming portfolio for paysafecard, successfully transferred the operation to Ireland pre-Brexit. Later stage added responsibility of Skrill & Neteller before leaving in 2023. Aircash is the next chapter in a very successful igaming career.
Kris Galloway
Head of iGaming Product SumsubKris Galloway
Head of iGaming ProductAbout the speaker
Ohad Straschnov
Senior Compliance Director Soft2BetOhad Straschnov
Senior Compliance DirectorAbout the speaker
Ohad Straschnov is the Senior Compliance Director at Soft2Bet, where he leads the group's compliance and regulatory projects that have seen Sof2Bet obtain licenses in countries like Italy, Greece or Romania in the past 12 months. Ohad joined Soft2Bet in 2023, bringing with him experience in both B2C and B2B gained at DraftKings, SBTech, and 888. Ohad and his teams engage in daily, in-depth discussions focused on operational, and regulatory compliance, market expansions, licensing processes, and acquisitions.
Ramona Cassar Azzopardi
Head of Tax & Private Client WH PartnersRamona Cassar Azzopardi
Head of Tax & Private ClientAbout the speaker
Ramona Cassar Azzopardi is recognised as a leading taxation lawyer and practitioner in Malta. She is highly ranked in several directories including the Chambers Europe Guide, Legal 500 and Women in Tax Leaders Guide by World Tax. Prior to joining WH Partners, Ramona was at a noted Maltese law firm. Ramona advises on tax matters across various sectors, specialising in Tech and Fintech. Her niche expertise in these sectors uniquely positions her to provide expert advice on matters across several industries and on both direct and indirect tax matters related to cross-border transactions. Ramona is a Council Member of the Malta Institute of Taxation and Chair of the Taxation Committee. She is also Vice President of Ally Law, Committee Member of CFE, Member of the Chamber of Advocates and the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners where she is a Committee Member on the Taxation Sub-Committee. Ramona is frequently invited to speak at IBA events and other international tax conferences. and she has contributed to several renowned tax publications. Head of the Private Client Team at WH Partners Ramona is regarded as a leader in this sector and advises High Net Worth Individuals on how they may manage and protect their assets. Ramona’s multijurisdictional expertise is internationally recognised.
Alina Tace
Partner WH Simion & PartnersAlina Tace
PartnerAbout the speaker
Alina Tace is a seasoned regulatory lawyer with more than 12 years of professional experience spanning in gambling, intellectual property, technology and media. In gambling, she has been active from the very beginning of the reformation of the Romanian legal framework, being well-versed on the entire spectrum of licensing, compliance, enforcement and interpretation of gaming legislation, business operations and dealings with regulators, particularly from a regulatory and technical perspective, but also contentious. Her multi-jurisdictional approach ensures there is no duplication of legal effort for the firm’s clients. Licensed as a European Trademark and Design attorney, Alina is advising clients on the full spectrum of IP aspects, both contentious matters such as infringement claims, and advisory services like IP transactions and portfolio management. Complementary, she has gained substantial practice in anti-money laundering, general commercial and corporate, consumer protection, advertising and audiovisual areas. A regular contributor to specialized publications and lecturer on gaming and IP matters, she is ranked as Rising Star by Legal 500 in both the Gambling and Intellectual Property areas since 2018. Accolades highlight her expertise, with clients praising her as “a highly knowledgeable lawyer in gaming matters” and lauding her “exceptional know-how and dedication to achieving goals”.
Tom Vechy Vecsernyes
Founder & CEO Seyu SolutionsTom Vechy Vecsernyes
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
An energetic, driven entrepreneur and marketing specialist who is keen on creating new marketing and business opportunities by combining and developing new IT solutions which could bring happiness into the lives of fans and event organisers, brands alike. Founder & CEO of 'Seyu - Together for victory!' which is a technology solution for sports fans that enables them to motivate their favorite teams or athletes from anywhere in the world. The company uses partners’ existing IT infrastructure to allow fans around the world to post images to stadium LEDs and other digital surfaces during sports events or feature the live broadcast through a moderated channel and then instantly share them on social media with media-branded frames. The service, which has been proven to be successful at more than 1000 sports and lifestyle events, is one of the leading sports tech services in Europe, and lovers of international sports are regularly able to enjoy its benefits as well in 33 countries.
Liam Mulvaney
Founder BiglyLiam Mulvaney
FounderAbout the speaker
Liam Mulvaney is the Founder of Bigly, a brand-new games studio that provides a new way for operators to access epic online slot and casino content at a capped cost. Over the last 15 years, Liam has held a number of senior management roles with power houses such as NetEnt, Quickspin, Gamingtec and Blue Guru Games.
Ashley Lang
CEO Pragmatic SolutionsAshley Lang
CEOAbout the speaker
Ashley Lang has more than two decades of leadership experience in the iGaming industry. He is a serial entrepreneur having co-founded B2B marketing firm Green Room Media, B2B technology provider Odobo and B2C iGaming operator Lottomart. He has also held senior leadership positions in established gaming companies including as a founding executive member of Mansion and a non-executive director at bet365 for 14 years. As CEO of Pragmatic Solutions he has led the company with a consecutive triple-digit % YOY growth over the last four years, while introducing groundbreaking discussions on platform technology to empower operators’ success. His introduction of the innovative 'CPU' model for platform provision has reshaped the approach senior stakeholders are taking in deciding their future selection of platform technology and the role the supplier play is empowering their business.
Juana Bischoff
Senior Business Development Manager Oddin.ggJuana Bischoff
Senior Business Development ManagerAbout the speaker
Juana Bischoff has a 14-year successful track record in Business Development, leading business growth by acquiring and developing global key clients. As Senior Business Development Manager at Oddin.gg, she is essential in building and nurturing long-term relationships within the end-to-end esports betting ecosystem Oddin.gg has created with its extensive network of partners. Before Oddin.gg, Juana played a critical role within the Business Development function at Bayes Esports, closely with the team of Sportradar. Her entrepreneurial mindset, strategic thinking and strong commitment to finding the best solutions for clients accelerated revenue growth. Juana shares: “Collaborating closely with partners is always a key part of a successful relationship and my main approach. Understanding and providing the best solutions to support them in their strategic growth ambitions drives me every day.“
Jeremiah Maangi
CEO iGaming AFRIKAJeremiah Maangi
CEOAbout the speaker
Mercy Sharon
Journalist iGaming AFRIKAMercy Sharon
JournalistAbout the speaker
Martin Sack
Founder & Director Brainstorm OnlineMartin Sack
Founder & DirectorAbout the speaker
Philisiwe Bhengu
Director of Operations Africa Research iGamingPhilisiwe Bhengu
Director of Operations AfricaAbout the speaker
Ondela Vundisa
Account Manager Phoenix 7Ondela Vundisa
Account ManagerAbout the speaker
Marko Golemac
Sales Manager Nsoft CompanyMarko Golemac
Sales ManagerAbout the speaker
Domenico Mazzola
CEO CatoritechDomenico Mazzola
CEOAbout the speaker
With 10 years of experience in sales and account management, I have a proven track record of driving revenue growth and enhancing profitability through strategic sales execution. My strong background in software development and iGaming allows me to deeply understand clients' needs and challenges, enabling me to offer innovative, customized solutions. In addition to my sales expertise, I am also a passionate sales coach and public speaker, eager to share my knowledge and insights with others. I founded iGaming Sales Heroes, a community of sales enthusiasts, and was honored to win the iGaming Sales Idol 2022, a prestigious award recognizing top sales talent in the industry. Today, as the Co-Founder and CEO of CatoriTech, I am thrilled to lead a company dedicated to transforming the iGaming industry with ABACUS, our Player Account Management System. My mission is to empower and inspire other sales professionals to reach their full potential while driving innovation and excellence in the iGaming space.
Alessio Crisantemi
Editor Gioco NewsAlessio Crisantemi
EditorAbout the speaker
Fabrizio Bergamaschi
SVP Gaming Global Multichannel NuveiFabrizio Bergamaschi
SVP Gaming Global MultichannelAbout the speaker
Mark Grech
Co-Founder & CEO PyazaMark Grech
Co-Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Mark Grech is a seasoned product expert and emerging tech advisor with over 10 years of experience in the iGaming industry, having worked with leading companies in Product, Marketing, and Technology. He founded Prodmark 365 with a focus on developing the next generation of immersive products using emerging technology to disrupt across various industries. For the past 8 years, Mark has been deeply involved in the Crypto, Blockchain, and Web3 spaces, driving innovation and developing innovative solutions. As a versatile leader, Mark is driving Pyaza, a creative product idea he envisioned and built to reach its full potential, across social networking, community building, and tokenization.
Job Weku
CEO iGaming Consult AfricaJob Weku
CEOAbout the speaker
Milena Sakune
Head of HR Revpanda GroupMilena Sakune
Head of HRAbout the speaker
Milena Sakune?is a dedicated HR leader with experience mostly focused in the iGaming sector. A psychology graduate with expertise in personnel management, she joined Revpanda Group in its startup phase and now oversees people operations across a team of professionals spanning 15+ countries. Always on the lookout for talented experts, she drives team expansion while ensuring a friendly, efficient work environment. Her approach is vital to fostering cross-cultural collaboration and scaling HR in fast-paced, dynamic settings.
Neil Micallef
AI Supervision and Market Surveillance Manager Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA)Neil Micallef
AI Supervision and Market Surveillance ManagerAbout the speaker
Neil Micallef leads AI supervision and market surveillance at the Malta Digital Innovation Authority, with a focus on implementation of regulatory frameworks on trustworthy, human-centric AI. Previously, he contributed to AI research at CERN in Geneva and managed local projects in critical infrastructure and transport, where he specialized in solutions architecture. Neil holds a Master’s in Artificial Intelligence with distinction and is involved in AI research with the University of Malta, exploring the intersection of computer vision and biomedicine.
Olga Finkel
Co-Founder & Partner WH PartnersOlga Finkel
Co-Founder & PartnerAbout the speaker
Olga Finkel is a partner at WH Partners, providing advice on strategic, regulatory, and commercial matters to businesses primarily focused on, or supporting, digital economy and emerging technologies. She has been advising stakeholders in the gaming and gambling industry for over 20 years. Olga is ranked as a top-tier gambling lawyer by Chambers & Partners Global and is recommended for Data Privacy & Protection, Data Security, and IT by Lexology Index (ex-Who’s Who Legal).
Nadiya Attard
CCO ElantilNadiya Attard
CCOAbout the speaker
An expert in gaming with over 10 years of experience as a B2B and B2C.
Davinia Cutajar
Partner WH PartnersDavinia Cutajar
PartnerAbout the speaker
Davinia Cutajar is a partner at WH Partners and the international secretary of the Malta Chamber of Advocates (Kamra tal-Avukati). Her main areas of practice are dispute resolution and corporate law. She also assists on private client matters and advises on AML compliance. At WH Partners, Davinia assists individuals and corporates on complex civil, commercial, and regulatory disputes. She regularly advises on cross-border matters, particularly in the EU, and is used to coordinating and co-operating with teams in multiple jurisdictions. Throughout her career, Davinia has settled a number of high-profile claims for damages linked to negligence or breach of law. Before joining WH Partners, Davinia was the Managing Partner of a law firm in Malta focusing on corporate law and financial services, employment law, real estate law, relocation services and yacht and trademark registration.? Her legal career started as a litigator with a well-respected law firm in Valletta. She later moved to corporate, trustee and compliance law, fulfilling the role of Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Compliance Officer for a corporate and trustee services provider in Malta, before taking on the role of director. Davinia was admitted to the Malta Bar in March 2006, and has been a member of the Chamber of Advocates since. She was elected international secretary of the Chamber of Advocates in 2023. Davinia is a member of the Institute for Financial Services Practitioners (IFSP) and forms part of the IFSP's Sub-Committee on Compliance.
Carl Brincat
Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs LeoVegas GroupCarl Brincat
Director of Policy & Regulatory AffairsAbout the speaker
Carl Brincat serves as Director of Policy & Regulatory Affairs within LeoVegas Group, responsible for relationships with regulators and legislators worldwide, and the Group's regulatory policy posture.? He joined LeoVegas in August 2024, after a period of gardening?leave following his departure in January from his previous role as Chief Executive Officer of the Malta Gaming Authority, which role he held for the duration of his 3-year contract after stepping up from his previous position as Chief Legal & Enforcement Officer within the same Authority.? Carl is a lawyer by profession, admitted to the bar in Malta.
Quirino Mancini
Partner WH Partners ItalyQuirino Mancini
PartnerAbout the speaker
Quirino Mancini is the global head of the gaming and gambling practice at Tonucci & Partners (www.tonucci.com), a top Italian general practice firm with offices in Rome, Milan, Brescia, Padua, Florence, Tirana, Bucharest and Belgrad. Quirino is one of the leading Italian gaming and gambling lawyers with a specialist practice of more than 15 years. He acts for many Italian and foreign-based online and land-based companies operating in the Italian gaming market advising them on all business strategy, legal regulatory and operational connected to their activities. Alongside his robust and long-established legal and regulatory practice he also runs a bespoke matchmaking and business strategy service to provide clients with a broader and more customised type of assistance that notably includes also introduction and facilitation of dealings with the local regulatory authorities, banks as well as scouting and suitability checks on potential business partners. He is also heavily engaged in the sports & entertainment fields and regularly advises market analysts, banks, investment houses and venture capital funds directly or indirectly involved in the Italian market.
Adriana Frank
ESG Professional Certified GRI ConsultantAdriana Frank
ESG Professional Certified GRIAbout the speaker
Adriana Frank, a GRI Certified Professional, is an entrepreneurial ESG professional with a background in accounting and audit. Since 2019, she has been committed to helping companies and individuals tackle climate change by implementing sustainable practices. Adriana has training in Carbon Footprinting and Net Zero Planning from Northumbria University and IEMA. She holds a Master’s degree in Management from Université Catholique de Louvain, Belgium, and a Diploma in ESG from the University of Malta. Briefly collaborating with a local consulting firm, Adriana designed and delivered ESG reports for clients, offering actionable improvement suggestions and developing an ESG roadmap to guide organizations on their sustainability journey. In the iGaming sector, Adriana has experience in content creation, copywriting, and localization (BR/PT/FR), covering a wide range of topics including game descriptions, betting guides, responsible gaming practices, and regulatory compliance. Her work also extends to legal content, including terms and conditions, privacy policies, and responsible gaming guidelines, ensuring clarity and adherence to industry standards. With a unique dual focus on ESG and iGaming, Adriana leverages her sustainability expertise to promote responsible and sustainable practices within this rapidly evolving industry.
Ivan Filletti
CEO GamingMaltaIvan Filletti
CEOAbout the speaker
Serge Sokolov
Portfolio Director OneevenSerge Sokolov
Portfolio DirectorAbout the speaker
Daniel Finkler
Co-Founder & CEO Berlin International Gaming (BIG)Daniel Finkler
Co-Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Daniel Finkler is the CEO and Co-Founder of Berlin International Gaming (BIG), one of the most successful and far-reaching esports organizations in Germany. Since its founding in 2017, BIG has developed into one of the leading organizations in international esports, backed by a strong fan culture. The Berlin-based organization now employs over 50 people and has expanded its business into areas beyond esports operations, including event management, merchandise, consulting, and bootcamp services. Today, BIG’s top partners include global brands such as Red Bull, Logitech, Pizza Hut, Acer, Volvic, and Philips.
Gianfranco Scordato
Professional Business Coach MobMentorGianfranco Scordato
Professional Business CoachAbout the speaker
Side by side with his a high profile "boutique firm"? CasinoMarketWatch, Gianfranco is busy today in launching his new project within the field of professional development and business coaching; the “MobMentor”. Gianfranco blends decades of diverse expertise with his always’ passion for empowering individuals and organizations alike. He brings a wealth of experience honed through years of leadership in various sectors, notably in the gaming industry. Prior to his coaching endeavors, Gianfranco made significant strides in executive roles, including as Head of Global Business Development at Tumas Group, Executive Dir. and Member of the Board for RELIGA, Executive Dir. of Tumas Gaming and several more C-Level positions in prestigious properties such as Saint-Vincent Resort & Casino, Gran Casino Costa Brava, Casino, Campione, Casino Lugano and others. Through his journey, Gianfranco has cultivated a unique skill set encompassing strategic management, start-up ventures, and forging strategic alliances. His hands-on experience in casino operations has provided invaluable insights into optimizing efficiency and profitability while maintaining the highest standards of quality and customer service. With a keen eye for innovation and a knack for strategic foresight, Gianfranco's journey has evolved today into this new, thrilling and more personal chapter that will boost his personal brand “MobMentor” as a top reference in the Professional Business Coach arena. Now, as a Professional Business Coach at MobMentor, Gianfranco's mission is to leverage his wealth of experience and insights to mentor and coach aspiring professionals and entrepreneurs, guiding them towards their goals with clarity, confidence, and strategic acumen. In this role, he continues to inspire growth, foster innovation, and empower success in individuals and businesses alike, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of professional development.
Floris Assies
Founder & CEO Better World CasinosFloris Assies
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Floris Assies is founder and CEO of Better World Casinos. He has been working in iGaming since 2016. He holds a bachelor in international communication and has extensive international experience through?which he has experienced first hand the dire state the world is in. This has set him on course to contribute to making a fairer and more sustainable world and lead to finding BetterWorldCasinos.com, a platform that reviews gambling companies on their ESG performance and sustainability?in order to inform the public, raise awareness and make the industry more transparent and accountable. He is leading the conversation on ESG and CSR in the industry and is actively building?the 'ESG and CSR leaders in gambling' community.??
Inspector Mindblow
Founder MNBL CompanyInspector Mindblow
FounderAbout the speaker
13 years in content creation & community building primarily in gaming. Over 2500 videos and 1.3 million subscribers in total across all YouTube channels.
James Scicluna
Co-Founder & Managing Partner WH PartnersJames Scicluna
Co-Founder & Managing PartnerAbout the speaker
James is a Malta Advocate and a Solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales. He has practiced law in the UK and Malta, both in private practice and as in house counsel. James is a versatile lawyer who predominantly advises organisations operating, invested, investing or with exposure to the Gaming & Gambling, Sports, Real Estate and Hospitality & Leisure industries. His main areas of expertise are M&A, corporate finance, company law, gambling regulation, devising strategic commercial solutions within a regulated environment, IPR licencing, sponsorship, brand development and protection. James also has experience of advising business owners and senior executives on their estate planning and succession, together with WH Partners' private client and tax teams. In 2012 James formed a partnership with Olga Finkel to create WH Partners. Before that, James held the positions of Chief of Regulatory and Corporate Affairs, and General Counsel respectively for a leading European online gambling operator, prior to which he worked as a solicitor in the corporate & commercial team of a top 50 law firm in London.
Fiorentina D'Amore
Managing Director Bitpanda (Malta, Italy, UAE)Fiorentina D'Amore
Managing DirectorAbout the speaker
Fiorentina is a seasoned sector leader with over 25 years of experience across Malta’s largest banks, fintech startups, and cryptocurrency businesses. Specializing in innovation, operational risk, regulatory compliance, and strategy, she drives success through the application of technical regulatory excellence. A frequent speaker, she advocates for best practices in fintech, highlighting corporate governance's role in fostering industry growth. Fiorentina holds a Master’s degree in Technology and Innovation Management, with research and a published thesis on knowledge dissemination in digital industries. She is Chairperson of FIMA and serves as Managing Director for Bitpanda, guiding one of Europe’s top names in crypto and investments platforms.
Ulrik Bengtsson
Chair of the Board RaketechUlrik Bengtsson
Chair of the BoardAbout the speaker
Ulrik Bengtsson has spent the last 20+ years in consumer platform businesses, across industries such as; Broadcasting, Betting & Gaming and Telecom. Most notably Ulrik was the CEO of William Hill, resulting in the £ 2.9bn acquisition by Caesars and subsequent carve-out sale to 888 in 2022. Before that he was the CEO of Global Betting and Gaming operator Betsson. Ulrik also spent seven years with broadcasting company Modern Times Group (MTG) first as CEO for the Swedish broadcasting business, Viasat, and later as CEO for the Emerging Markets Pay-Tv business. More recently Ulrik held the roles as COO and CCO for British telco giant ViginmediaO2 Currently Ulrik is the Chair of two-sided travel market place Hostelworld as well as Chair of Affiliate company Raketech and Slot Operator Gamenation. He is also working as advisor and investor in early stage Betting and Gaming related companies.
Dr Franklin Cachia
Director & Lead Consultant CSB GroupDr Franklin Cachia
Director & Lead ConsultantAbout the speaker
Dr Franklin Cachia joined CSB Group in 2019 and as of July 2024, holds the position of Director & Lead Consultant - Legal, Tax & Regulated Industries. He was previously employed with a law firm and tax advisory firm for over 7 years. He attended the University of Malta, and successfully completed a Bachelor of Laws degree, followed by a Doctor of Laws degree in 2012. In fulfilment of his LL.D., Franklin submitted and defended his thesis entitled: “The Custody Business in the Financial Sector”. Franklin obtained his Advanced Diploma in International Taxation (ADIT) which helped him solidify his foundations in domestic and international taxation. He is also a Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS) and has an International Diploma in AML Compliance (ICA).
Fiorella San Martin Pizarro
Compliance & Data Protection Specialist L&L EuropeFiorella San Martin Pizarro
Compliance & Data Protection SpecialistAbout the speaker
Fiorella is a tax & corporate lawyer and a compliance specialist, currently Head of Compliance for L & L Europe, online gambling operator with presence in Malta, Sweden and The UK, who had recently implemented the ESG program within the company. Had been Legal Director & Compliance Officer for ALD Automotive Peru (subsidiary of Societe Generale Bank), where she had been responsible for AML/FT, Data Privacy and ESG reporting, Regulatory Compliance, Risk Management and Internal Audit Committees. Has many years of experience in Legal Consultancy, Tax Compliance, Tax Audit and licensing for different sectors in Latam and in Europe. Is involved in different community projects, some of them related to education and ESD (Education for Sustainable Development) in Peru, Europe and Asia.
Claus Hambach
Founding Partner Hambach & Hambach Law FirmClaus Hambach
Founding PartnerAbout the speaker
Tania Pinho
Senior Associate Lektou - Cortés, Sociedade de Advogados, SP, RLTania Pinho
Senior AssociateAbout the speaker
Tania began her legal career in 2005 and has nearly 20 years of experience. As a senior associate at Lektou - Cortés, Sociedade de Advogados, Tania especializes in Gaming Law. Her practice encompasses various areas, including money laundering, corporate governance, and data privacy, as she manages complex, high-profile cases while ensuring regulatory compliance for licensed online gaming and betting operations in Portugal. Tania has a strong track record in negotiating and resolving disputes, crucial for facilitating business growth and strategic planning. Prior to joining Lektou, she served as senior legal counsel for Melco Resorts & Entertainment, where she supported the company's gaming, corporate and commercial activities, as well as tourism and entertainment legal matters. Before that, she was an associate at leading law firms in Macau and Portugal and worked as an in-house consultant at Venetian Macau S.A. Currently based in Lisbon, Tania is licensed to practice law in both Portugal and Macau. Several years of experience in Macau have provided her with a deep understanding of the legal landscapes of both regions, allowing her to work effectively across diverse cultures and jurisdictions. She holds a Law Degree from the Faculty of Law, Lisbon University.
Paula Murphy
Business Development Manager Mindway AIPaula Murphy
Business Development ManagerAbout the speaker
Paula Murphy is Business Development Manager at Mindway AI. She specialises in helping operators meet regulatory requirements and enhance player protection through use of technology. Paula joined Mindway AI after spending 6 years as Founder and Managing Director at KnowNow Limited, a business dedicated to providing information for the compliance and safer gambling community. Prior to setting up KnowNow Ltd she was Managing Director of the legal information division of the Wilmington Group PLC who are the parent company of the International Compliance Association. Paula is passionate about helping operators boost player protection through a data driven approach to early detection and intervention.
Jose Simon
Commercial Director Yggdrasil GamingJose Simon
Commercial DirectorAbout the speaker
I’m a dynamic Commercial Director with a proven track record in the gaming industry, currently leading commercial operations at Yggdrasil Gaming in Malta since December 2023. With more than 15 years of expertise in commercial development, sales, and strategic negotiations, my focus lies in driving business growth through innovative product development and tailored market strategies. You have held pivotal roles at Stakelogic, Skywind Group, and Games Global, where you spearheaded product performance initiatives and enhanced sales across key markets. Your leadership in omni-channel strategies and product pipeline development has been instrumental in delivering successful, high-performing gaming solutions across Europe, the Middle East, and Latin America. Known for your ability to anticipate market needs, you continuously drive business growth by aligning product development with customer demands and ensuring top market performance.
Jekaterina Dubnicka
Head of Marketing & Communications SlotsjudgeJekaterina Dubnicka
Head of Marketing & CommunicationsAbout the speaker
Jekaterina Dubnicka is the Head of Marketing and Communications at Slotsjudge. A highly experienced marketing manager, Jekaterina has a passion for iGaming that’s evident in her enthusiastic approach to her role. This position sees Jekaterina take the lead on communication strategies, shaping the voice of her brand to drive engagement and awareness. Jekaterina is adept at creating compelling ideas that stay ahead of the latest trends, ensuring that Slotsjudge is on the cutting edge of content creation. Great care is given to the managing of media relations, as Jekaterina aims to build meaningful connections that allow the Slotsjudge brand to grow organically. Jekaterina is a regular contributor at SiGMA Europe, offering in-depth discussions on the future of iGaming and its marketing sector. Her outlook is often described as future-facing, as she looks to set new standards for content creation and user engagement at Slotsjudge. By leveraging her marketing experience and digital platforms, Jekaterina drives growth and innovation which amplifies the Slotsjudge brand.
Chris Cachia
Co-Founder Bloxx BureauChris Cachia
Co-FounderAbout the speaker
Corinne Valletta
General Counsel Betsson GroupCorinne Valletta
General CounselAbout the speaker
Corinne Valletta is the General Counsel for Betsson Group, leading all legal, regulatory and compliance matters for the Group’s daily operations, based in Malta. She originally joined Betsson Group in May 2017 as the Head of Regulatory Affairs and Group Compliance. Corinne has been following the industry since 2008. Her interest in its regulation, but particularly its politics, started with her role within Malta’s gambling regulator, where she spent the majority of her time supporting Malta’s participation in international and EU affairs. While this aspect remains her dearest one, as chief in-house counsel Corinne oversees the management of the Group’s 25+ licences in various markets, the governance of the different areas which directly or indirectly impact the gambling industry and its constant development supported by the underlying contractual relationships and negotiations, whether tech, commercial or otherwise. Corinne graduated Doctor of Laws from the University of Malta in 2009 and obtained her Masters Degree in Computer and Communications Law from Queen Mary University of London in 2011.
Staffan Engstr?m
Co-Founder & CEO Fieldstream.AiStaffan Engstr?m
Co-Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Staffan is a data- and marketing science entrepreneur who has worked with optimization of iGaming Marketing since 2013.? He began his work with AI in 2017-2019 together with Stanford University building a prediction model using neuro data creating the world largest neuro data base for marketing research purposes. Fieldstream AI is his fourth start-up.?
Dima Mariievskyi
Head of Growe PartnersDima Mariievskyi
Head of Growe PartnersAbout the speaker
Dima Mariievskyi is the Head of Growe Partners and an expert in affiliate marketing within the iGaming and betting sectors, with over 8 years of industry experience. He specializes in traffic acquisition, partnership development, and building transparent, win-win relationships. Under his leadership, Growe Partners expanded globally and won the "Best Affiliate Program" at the 2024 SiGMA Americas Awards. Dima has significantly boosted brand visibility at major industry events, including SiGMA Europe, iGB Affiliate London, iGB Live Amsterdam, and SiGMA Americas, while driving innovation and optimizing affiliate performance.
Yanica Sant
Group Legal Director - Regulatory evoke plcYanica Sant
Group Legal Director - RegulatoryAbout the speaker
Yanica Sant holds the role of Group Legal Director (Regulatory) at evoke plc, heading the regulatory team within the legal division, and is responsible for providing the legal perspective on various regulatory matters. She was previously General Counsel of the Malta Gaming Authority, having spent just under 8 years there, fulfilling various functions within the legal, policy and enforcement department.
Cindy Macintos
Chief People Officer PinnacleCindy Macintos
Chief People OfficerAbout the speaker
As Chief People Officer at Pinnacle, where I have been committed to our mission for over eight years, I am dedicated to creating an engaging, value-driven employee experience while advancing a culture that celebrates diversity, equity, and inclusion. With over ten years of expertise in leadership, people development, and performance management, my focus is on driving organizational performance through strategic talent development. I am passionate about empowering individuals to realize their potential, aligning their growth with Pinnacle’s overarching goals. By integrating strategic vision with empathy, I aim to inspire our team members to drive the company’s success while fulfilling their own professional aspirations.
Maurizo Soccodato
Founder & CEO Global LabMaurizo Soccodato
Founder & CEOAbout the speaker
Maurizio Soccodato is an Italian entrepreneur and long-standing professional in the technology and gaming sectors, currently serving as CEO and founder of Global Lab Ltd., a certified testing laboratory regarded as one of the most innovative worldwide. With over thirty years of experience, he has held leadership roles, contributing to the international expansion of various businesses. Maurizio has demonstrated a keen ability to develop and maintain business relationships with clients and global partners. He is known for his commitment to service and product quality, supporting clients in their market growth and implementing innovative business strategies. Global Lab, with its headquarters in Malta and additional locations in Romania, South Africa, and Brazil, has established itself as a prominent figure in the gaming industry. His mission is to make the world of certifications clearer, more transparent, and accessible to all. "He always says: it is not important to be the first or the biggest, but to be the best in the market... Quality First, Clients First."
Victor Borg Barthet
Director & CEO Air Dice MaltaVictor Borg Barthet
Director & CEOAbout the speaker
CEO and Director of Air Dice Services Malta, a successful iGaming provider. I love all things Casino, my 15 year iGaming journey has been a lucky one taking me from across many industry pillars. From the early days of AML D4 as a service provider through to working with operators on CRM and campaign optimisation, and CRM and Responsible Gaming as platform provider and now being part of a great game provider going from strength to stengeth. I am very passionate about understanding players and what makes a game great. I always seek innovation in everything we do, to stand out from the crowd and to try new things. Over the years I have seen huge market shifts as the balance between regulation and over-regulation is guided more by public opinion rather than facts, impacting all industry pillars as well as the players. This industry is always changing, we are constantly evolving and innovating as a result.
Barbara Beltrami
Country Manager - Italy Kindred GroupBarbara Beltrami
Country Manager - ItalyAbout the speaker
Barbara joined Kindred Group in October 2017 as Italian Country Manager. She has a long history in online gaming, so much so that she likes to define herself a “veteran” in this industry. She started her career in igaming in 2008 when online poker had just been regulated and the now over Eur 2billion Italian igaming industry, had just taken off. Barbara has been Italian Country Manager for PokerStars for 6 years, launching and growing the brand in Italy. In 2012 she relocated to Malta from Rome, after PokerStars moved its Italian operations on the Island. In 2016 joined Betsson Group as Global Brand Manager for the Italian Brand StarCasinò. Thanks to the success in Italy, the brand was also launched in Spain in 2017 and she took care of the marketing launch in the Spanish Market as well. Since October 2017 Barbara became part of Kindred Group and now she is leading the operations for the Italian market from Milan. She is absolutely passionate about marketing, and considers herself extremely lucky to be part of an industry that gave her the possibility to grow as a manager and marketing professional. Barbara is enthusiast to work in such an important and advanced market as Italy, with a lot of competition and challenges that stimulate her competitive attitude. In her free time, apart from spending time with her little girl and her husband, Barbara is a devoted yoga practitioner and teacher and skier.
Giulio Coraggio
Head of Italian Intellectual Property and Technology DLA Piper PartnerGiulio Coraggio
Head of Italian Intellectual Property and TechnologyAbout the speaker
Giulio Coraggio is the Location Head of the Italian Intellectual Property & Technology department at the law firm and the co-chair of the global gaming and gambling sector of the firm. With a career spanning over two decades, Giulio has become a trusted advisor to some of the most prominent gambling operators, guiding them through the complexities of the Italian market. Specializing in both online and land-based gambling, Giulio provides comprehensive legal support on regulatory compliance, licensing, and strategic business planning. His deep understanding of Italy's intricate gambling regulations has been instrumental in assisting international operators to establish and expand their presence in the country. He adeptly navigates clients through legal challenges related to advertising, consumer protection, and data privacy, ensuring they operate within the bounds of Italian law while maintaining competitive advantage. Giulio's proficiency extends beyond gambling law into technology, data protection, and cybersecurity. He is highly regarded for his insights into how emerging technologies impact legal frameworks, particularly in areas like the IoT and artificial intelligence. This multidisciplinary approach allows him to offer holistic solutions that address both current legal requirements and future technological developments. An accomplished author and speaker, Giulio frequently contributes to leading legal publications and presents at international conferences. He shares his knowledge on topics such as regulatory trends, compliance strategies, and the interplay between technology and law. His thought leadership has made him a sought-after commentator in industry circles.
Enrico Bradamante
Managing Director GS ManagementEnrico Bradamante
Managing DirectorAbout the speaker
Enrico Bradamante is an experienced executive, investor and advisor with more than twelve years of iGaming industry experience. He currently serves as Chief Growth Officer at Relax Gaming, the leading content supplier and aggregator. His previous roles include Managing Director of NetEnt, Chief Commercial Officer at Aristocrat Interactive (formerly Pariplay) as well as key commercial roles at Kodak and Dell. Enrico is the Chairman & Founder of the industry trade association iGaming Executives Network (iGEN). Enrico is based in Malta and holds an MBA from INSEAD and a MMechEng from the University of Trieste.
Dante Micucci
Country Director - Italy OKTODante Micucci
Country Director - ItalyAbout the speaker
With over 15 years of experience in the gaming industry, I am a passionate and driven Country Director at OKTO, a leading provider of payment and marketing solutions for gaming operators. In my current role, I oversee the operations, compliance, security, sales and business development of OKTO's products and services in Italy, ensuring the highest standards of quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction. I leverage my analytical skills, team building and leadership abilities, and compliance and security expertise to manage and grow OKTO's presence and reputation in the Italian market. I also collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, such as regulators, suppliers, partners, and clients, to identify and implement innovative and effective solutions that meet their needs and expectations. My mission is to deliver value-added and seamless gaming experiences that enhance the engagement and loyalty of players and operators. I am always eager to learn new skills, explore new challenges, and contribute to OKTO's vision and culture of excellence and innovation.
Giuseppe Donato
Country Director - Italy Kiron InteractiveGiuseppe Donato
Country Director - ItalyAbout the speaker
I started my adventure in the world of iGaming in 2008. After several experiences with national and international companies, I arrived at Kiron Interactive where, since January 2021, I have held the role of Country Director Italy.
Vlad Karols
Chief Compliance Officer ZBX Crypto ExchangeVlad Karols
Chief Compliance OfficerAbout the speaker
As the Chief Compliance Officer at a cryptocurrency exchange platform, I oversee the development and implementation of standards, policies, and procedures to ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and industry best practices. I have years of experience in regulatory compliance and internal audit in financial services. I hold the International Diploma in Anti-Money Laundering from the International Compliance Association (ICA), the Certified Internal Auditor (CIA) credential from the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA), and a master's degree in Economics from the University of Latvia.
Dave Pulis
Co-Founder & Director ZBX Crypto ExchangeDave Pulis
Co-Founder & DirectorAbout the speaker
Albert Feng
COO ZBX Crypto ExchangeAlbert Feng
COOAbout the speaker
Albert, COO of ZBX, brings over a decade of expertise in advising and operating within the realms of Chinese domestic and foreign policy, finance, cybersecurity, and strategic business solutions. With a strong focus on facilitating entrepreneurs and projects, he has successfully guided numerous ventures in expanding across Asia and connecting Asian enterprises with Western markets through tailored payment and business strategies. Having built his career across the UK, Gibraltar, Malta, and Beijing, Albert has cultivated an extensive network of professional relationships, leveraging this experience to drive ZBX’s mission of providing innovative and compliant financial solutions within the crypto exchange landscape.
Victor Olinger
Program Director RNG FoundryVictor Olinger
Program DirectorAbout the speaker
Victor Olinger is the Program Director at RNG Foundry, a leading gaming accelerator that supports and invests in innovative gaming studios. With over a decade of experience in the iGaming industry, Victor brings a wealth of expertise in product innovation, business development, and strategic management. At RNG Foundry, he oversees and mentors 19 studios across 10 countries, driving their growth through high-quality gaming content and market-leading distribution.
Emily Asava
Regional Business Development Manager – Africa SA GamingEmily Asava
Regional Business Development Manager – AfricaAbout the speaker
Ambani Netshishivhe
Director of Africa Highlight GamesAmbani Netshishivhe
Director of AfricaAbout the speaker
Kevin Mallia
Head of Regulatory Affairs BuitIn MTKevin Mallia
Head of Regulatory AffairsAbout the speaker
Kevin has been part of the gaming industry since 2000, working with leading companies across various roles. Over the past decade, he has transitioned to consultancy, where he leverages his deep industry knowledge to support both start-ups and established firms in navigating the gaming landscape. Currently, Kevin acts as an external advisor to Random Consulting, which collaborates with the Cura?ao Gaming Board’s licensing team, assisting in the review of license applications and enhancing operational processes to drive efficiency and compliance.
Luca Camilleri
Head of Compliance BuiltIn MTLuca Camilleri
Head of ComplianceAbout the speaker
Luca is an external advisor for Random Consulting, which collaborates closely with the Cura?ao Gaming Control Board to review license applications and develop effective gaming policies. Previously, Luca led the gaming advisory team at one of Malta’s top audit firms, managing a diverse portfolio of clients that included both start-ups and multinational industry leaders. His expertise spans multiple gaming jurisdictions, including Malta, the UK, and Curacao. Additionally, Luca has served as an in-house compliance officer for a large international gaming company.
Dr Sarah Tua
Head of Legal BuiltInDr Sarah Tua
Head of LegalAbout the speaker
Dr. Sarah Tua is a legal professional with over 14 years of experience in law and policy. After earning her law doctorate in 2010, she worked for an international consultancy firm for several years. She then transitioned to the European Parliament, advising on legislative matters and drafting soft laws. Currently, Dr. Tua is an external legal advisor for Random Consulting, which collaborates closely with the Curacao Gaming Control Board to tackle legal challenges, conduct due diligence, and develop strategies. Her expertise in legislative processes and consultancy positions her as a key asset in fostering compliance and innovative legal solutions globally.
Mario Galea
Senior Consultant Random ConsultingMario Galea
Senior ConsultantAbout the speaker
Mario Galea is a pioneering figure in regulated online gaming. He established the Malta Gaming Authority in 2004 and served as its first regulator for five years. He played a crucial role in introducing online gaming to the United States, significantly shaping the industry's landscape. Throughout his career, Mario has assisted numerous jurisdictions in implementing regulated online gaming, and his innovative methods for regulatory management—particularly in responsible gaming—have been adopted as industry standards. Currently, he works with the government of Curacao, the largest online gaming jurisdiction, giving him the opportunity to continue to influence regulation in emerging sectors of the industry . His expertise and commitment to regulatory excellence have made him a key player in promoting safe and responsible gaming practices worldwide. Additionally, he chairs and assists various compliance boards for large gaming operators, helping them establish robust functions that meet modern regulatory?norms.
Hamed Faqirzai
Director of Growth Luna Media Corp.Hamed Faqirzai
Director of GrowthAbout the speaker
Hamed Faqirzai is an accomplished PR and communications strategist and current Director of Growth at Luna PR with a focus on elevating brand visibility and engagement within the Web3, blockchain, GameFi and digital finance spaces. With extensive experience crafting compelling narratives and driving impactful media campaigns, Hamed specializes in building awareness, trust, and thought leadership for innovative tech companies. His expertise spans strategic partnership building, media outreach, content development, and the creation of tailored communications strategies that resonate with diverse global audiences. Currently at the helm of high-profile campaigns at Luna PR, Hamed supports clients by positioning them as leaders in their fields through targeted, data-driven initiatives.
Glen Smith
CSR & Communications Coordinator iGEN (iGaming Executives Network)Glen Smith
CSR & Communications CoordinatorAbout the speaker
Senior marketing creative and environmentalist. I am passionate about nature and the environment, and for the past few years I have been involved in a number of different initiatives around sustainability, corporate social responsibility and environmental care. I am now helping companies and organisations to become more sustainable, working with leading organisations, brands and innovators across government, technology and business.
Antti Koivula
Legal Advisor Legal Gaming Attorneys at LawAntti Koivula
Legal AdvisorAbout the speaker
Antti Koivula, Legal Advisor at Legal Gaming Attorneys at Law, ?is an analytical and detail-oriented iGaming lawyer with an exceptional understanding of the industry's practical aspects. His unique background sets him apart in the field, as he spent over a decade working as a professional sports bettor. Antti works closely with operators interested in the legislative reform in Finland and provides valuable insights to help them navigate regulatory changes and opportunities in the market.
Heikki Koivula
Head of Compliance Legal Gaming Attorneys at LawHeikki Koivula
Head of ComplianceAbout the speaker
Heikki Koivula, Head of Compliance at Legal Gaming Attorneys at Law, is a seasoned iGaming professional with extensive experience across the gambling industry.? With a front-row seat to the development of various licensing regimes, Heikki brings deep insight into the complexities of achieving compliance across diverse regulatory landscapes. His expertise includes recognizing how even subtle differences in legislative language can significantly affect interpretation and compliance outcomes.
Dr Sara Al Madani
The Emirati EntrepreneurDr Sara Al Madani
The Emirati EntrepreneurAbout the speaker
Sara Al Madani is also called "Dr." Sara Al Madani, owns a restaurant, is a fashion designer, a tech-preneur, and an entrepreneur. She got the idea to start her own business when she was 15 years old. They chose her because of her success as a young businesswoman and entrepreneur. Sara was asked to encourage women in the UAE to be more active and confident in order to be successful in business. Sara is a well-known speaker at many universities, colleges, and institutes. She is known for her creativity and hard work. Sara Al Madani started speaking in public and gave keynote speeches at more than 182 events from 2016 to 2018. She was recently on the first season of the reality TV show "Real Housewives of Dubai." On June 1, 2022, her show started.
Dr Jane Thomason
Emeritus Chair World Metaverse CouncilDr Jane Thomason
Emeritus ChairAbout the speaker
Dr Jane Thomason is Chief Editor of Metaverse and Web 3 for “Frontiers in Blockchain” and a globally recognised thought leader in Metaverse, Web3 and MedTech. She is an Industry Associate at University College London, Centre for Block- chain. She is the author of “Block- chain for Global Social Change,” “Ap- plied Ethics in a Digital World,” and “Advancements in the New World of Web 3: A Look Toward the Decen- tralized Future”. Dr Jane was named as one of “8 Metaverse experts to follow,” “Top 100 women in Web 3 and Metaverse,” and “Top 25 Women in Fintech and Blockchain, MENA” and was featured by CNN in their se- ries on the Metaverse “Decoding the Secrets of the Metaverse.” She was honoured in 2023 by AIBC Eurasia as “Web 3 Leader of the Year.” She is also the co-founder of a “Women in Deep Tech Network and Investment Platform.
James Bennett
Group Head of Communications EveryMatrixJames Bennett
Group Head of CommunicationsAbout the speaker
Highly-accomplished PR, communications, content and marketing specialist, former journalist and editor. Creative, versatile and dedicated professional with excellent management, commercial, PR & communications skills. Expert in gaming, sports betting, highly regulated businesses and technology. Bilingual and fluent in French.
Nat Brewer
Marketing Manager Push GamingNat Brewer
Marketing ManagerAbout the speaker
Experienced Marketing and Brand Manager, with a demonstrated history of working in the gambling & casinos industry. Strong operations professional skilled in: Marketing, iGaming, Event Management, Operations Management, Account Management, Relationship & People Management, Crisis Management, Sales & Negotiation, Internal Audits, the Hospitality Industry and the English Language Travel Industry.
Elena Deb
Events Director AltenarElena Deb
Events DirectorAbout the speaker
Multilingual Marketing Master with a Legal Edge Leveraging a Master's Degree in Marketing and a Bachelor's Degree in Law, I bring a unique blend of strategic insight and legal acumen to the table. Speaking in English, Spanish, Italian, Maltese, French, and Russian, I excel in cross-cultural communication and international business environments. With a rich background in the iGaming industry, specializing in sportsbook software provision, I have honed my skills in digital marketing, event, brand and PR management, and client relations. My experience extends to prestigious agencies like BBDO Group, where I collaborated on campaigns for renowned clients such as Philip Morris, M&M, P&G, Mercedes, and Shell as an Account Manager graduated from BBDO School in Client Services and received with the team Cannes Lions award for the campaign ''Car vs Piano''.
Oliver De Bono
CEO Quantum GamingOliver De Bono
CEOAbout the speaker
Chief Executive Officer with 18 Years Experience in iGaming, E commerce, Team Management, Affiliate Marketing, Media Buying, SEO and Sales.
Natalie Loshatynska
Head of Marketing Data.BetNatalie Loshatynska
Head of MarketingAbout the speaker
My career began as a Customer Support Manager in 2018, simultaneously with my path in the iGaming industry. I started my work as a PR manager during COVID-19 in 2020 as a junior manager, and now I am a Team Lead of the PR Department, managing the team and showing everything I know to three more people in my department. For the whole of 2020, I had a good practice of preparing press releases, texts for social media and awards, looking for a decent topic for editorials, etc. In a year, I was looking for more theoretical knowledge and passed successfully 3-months of PR courses for the Global Market led by Julia Petryk, the Ukrainian PR guru. Knowing both theory and practice helped me to create the PR strategy in a faster and easier way. Having five years in the iGaming industry and three years in PR, being PR Team Lead, and conducting seven companies with a B2B and affiliate direction helped me grow. For now, I give the final decision on all texts that go publically - awards, press releases, and editorials — looking for topics that are interesting to the audience and publishing them free of charge. Moreover, I manage all the social media channels and launch promotional campaigns there. I had experience dealing with the content for the website and reputation that saves your company's image in the public world. I am responsible for communication with the legal department, C-level management, and company employees for protection and sharing information with the external world. The key to success is growing, so I am taking care of the budget planning, strategy for the whole year, quarterly and yearly results, company reputation, etc.
Diego Mendez
CCO MicrogameDiego Mendez
CCOAbout the speaker
Experienced Director with a demonstrated history of working in the Gaming Machines, VLT and Casino services industry. Skilled in product direction, Operations Management, Customer Acquisition, Hospitality Industry, Loyalty Programs, and Mobile Applications. Strong professional graduated from Bologna Business School.
Danilo Arrichiello
Business Development Manager PG GamingDanilo Arrichiello
Business Development ManagerAbout the speaker
Danilo Arrichiello was born and raised in Italy. He has gained work experience travelling around the world to more than 35 countries in several sectors. In 2017, he handed over such experience by joining the Gambling industry as a business marketing and strategy manager in Pegma Group Srl, a gaming platform provider. He is currently the Business Development Manager at PG Gaming Ltd, a market leader operating worldwide. His greatest strength is the ability to overcome many obstacles quickly, as well as to foresee and prevent possible hurdles in advance. His business concepts are based on intuition, strategy and creativity.
David Sichinava
CEO Lambda GamingDavid Sichinava
CEOAbout the speaker
David Sichinava, CEO of Lambda Gaming, spearheads a groundbreaking approach in the iGaming industry. Recognized for Lambda’s 8BIT concept, which won the startup pitch at SiGMA Malta Europe in November 2023, David is now leading its significant expansion. With a background in developing a wide range of gaming experiences, he continues to drive Lambda’s vision for innovation and growth in the gaming world.
Steve Evans
CEO & Founder Racing StarsSteve Evans
CEO & FounderAbout the speaker
CEO & Co-Founder of Stars Games (Racing Stars) with over 25 years of experience in various aspects of the gambling industry from being a croupier, betting shop manager and moving to iGaming.
Christian Zammit
Senior Consultant Bridge AdviceChristian Zammit
Senior ConsultantAbout the speaker
Christian Zammit is a seasoned financial crime compliance professional with over 11 years of experience. Leveraging a strong foundation in Banking and Finance (Hons., University of Malta, 2013), he began his career in regulatory compliance and anti-money laundering (AML) within the Maltese banking sector. In 2018, Christian joined the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) as a Compliance Officer within the Supervision Section. He quickly rose to the position of Manager, overseeing the supervision of credit and financial institutions, long-term insurance license holders, and retirement scheme administrators. Christian joined Bridge Advice Ltd in May 2024, and is now focusing on providing business consulting and advisory services in all aspects of financial crime compliance.
Annalise Vassallo Seguna
PO - Managing Legal Counsel Malta Digital Innovation Authority (MDIA)Annalise Vassallo Seguna
PO - Managing Legal CounselAbout the speaker
Annalise Vassallo Seguna holds the position of a Managing Legal Officer at MDIA. She practices in the areas of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, Distributed Ledger Technologies and contract law. Dr Seguna also assists in the drafting of legislation and serves as an advisor on a number of boards related to the schemes and initiatives of the MDIA. She graduated with a Master of Advocacy from the University of Malta in 2018 and was granted the warrant to practice law in 2019. Apart from her extensive experience in civil and commercial law, Dr Seguna also holds a Masters in Distributed Ledger Technologies.
Sean Ellul
Experimental InnovatorSean Ellul
Experimental InnovatorAbout the speaker
Sean is an experimental innovator, with a polymathic background that ranges from public policy, anthropological philosophy and software engineering. Driven by his fascination of problems, and the development of experimental solutions, Sean's multifaceted approach towards tech and philosophy means there's always something new and interesting that captures his attention.
Mona Motwani
Founding Venture Partner Ixia CapitalMona Motwani
Founding Venture PartnerAbout the speaker