fintechview Issue #1 | March 2023

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magazine

11+ Leading

Women Shaping FinTech

The No.1 UNICORN Ugnė Buračienė Group CEO, payabl.

Issue #1 . Spring 23

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Contents 04 06 08 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34

Intro Introducing our No1

Leading Women in FinTech Presenting 10 of the Leading Women Shaping FinTech

Ugne Buraciene Group CEO, payabl

Alexandra Spyrou CEO, PS Novus Consulting

Vaida Saltenyte Head of Partnerships, YouHodler

Marilena Iakovou CMO, M4Markets

Madalina Rotaru CEO MENA, CAPEX

Carla Nemr Chief Business Development Officer, Tickmill

Tereza Demetriou People’s & Culture Manager, NetU

Marianna Hadjiantoniou Group HR Director, GR8 Tech and Owner of PERHA Group

Viktoria Soltesz Founder, PSP Angels

Georgia Pitta CFO, ECOMMBX

Lilly Pavlou Director, Qube Events

Must-See Event Your Mind Media 6th Year Anniversary Event in London

Economic Outlook Q1 2023 Financial events shaked the first quarter of 2023

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Introducing our No1.

One of the most critical elements to driving business growth is having the right people and the right team in place. At fintechview we introduce high-caliber executives from high-growth organizations in Fintech, PayTech, Banking, Crypto, InsurTech, RegTech, Real Estate, Gaming and more, as they share their lived experience in building the right team for growth, the evolution of growth teams as the business scaled, along with learnings and pitfalls.

Started as an online blog, we are now ready to launch our very first digital and printed magazine and continue sharing story-tellings!

Historically, the financial sector has been a male-dominated one, and FinTech is not an exception to this. Fortunately, there are strong female executives making a significant difference in the sphere of FinTech by bringing their expertise and passion into their work, motivating women to break down obstacles and reach the top management positions.

Having our first issue launched in March, couldn’t be any different than dedicated to powerful women who excel in their sector. In this very first issue we give voice to 11 leading women in fintech, banking, paytech, forex, crypto, gaming and IT tech, sharing their insights, experiences throughout the years, their role and corporate vision, as well as on a more personal note their views on career, motherhood and challenges they face in the professional world.

Enjoy, an issue full of inspiration, brains and beauty!

Drosoula Hadjisavva Consultant Editor-in-Chief

Read us online www.fintechview360.com Follow us

Contact us: Consultant editor in chief: Graphic Designer: Photo Production: Content Support:

info@fintechview360.com • marketing@fintechview360.com Drosoula Hadjisavva Demetra Ioannou Petros Demetriou Maria Phytidou

The information contained in this publication has been obtained from sources the publishers believe to be correct.

The publisher wishes to stress that the information contained is ‘general’ in nature and for informational purposes only, promoting personal opinions and thoughts.

Presenting

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11+ Leading Women Shaping FinTech

Women represent less than 10 percent of leadership both as founders and as members of executive boards of fintech firms. While the share of women leaders has been steadily improving over timemostly as improved representation in newer firms-large gender gaps continue to persist.

Women hold less than 25 percent of board seats in banks and bank supervision agencies and account for about 5 percent of bank CEOs globally (Sahay et al., 2022). A recent study by OMFIF* confirms these trends in gender gaps for the financial sector more broadly, specifically looking at central banks, sovereign wealth funds, and pension funds.

This is shown to have economic and financial implications – for instance, Sahay and Cihak (2018) find that greater shares of women on bank boards and banking supervision boards are associated with greater bank stability.

While the small percentage of women in FinTech, around the globe, is a constant topic and pain point for the industry, many talented women are not only making waves but also making a real difference in their companies and FinTech as a whole.

We are glad to introduce to you 11 FinTech leaders, whose footsteps inspire us!

Presenting

Ugnė Buračienė Group CEO, payabl.

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Ugnė Buračienė Group CEO, payabl.

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My strength comes from close examples and encounters I had as a young woman building my career and it is important to recognise women and their potential in your close environment.”

How many years has payabl. been in the business and if possible, to share few information about your operations and vision Payabl. was established in 2011 and is a leading payments institution with regional offices in Cyprus, Germany Netherlands, Italy, Poland, Lithuania, and the UK. We can facilitate transactions from 300+ payment methods and with our extensive expertise, we enable businesses to grow and positively transform the communities they engage in.

Here at payabl. we offer customers a high-tech, high-touch approach, providing future-ready payment solutions for merchants from a wide range of sectors around the world.

Our vision is to create a future where instant, transparent payments positively transform the communities merchants engage in.

Our Mission is to be the global financial services partner of choice for merchants globally. We will achieve this with the introduction of payabl.one – our platform for all financial needs of clients and merchants which encompasses acquiring, banking, issuing, banking as a services and other embedded financial services for e-commerce industry. Clients are able to test, apply or enable any services in one platform and manage all their day to day activities in payabl.one. All of our core services are embedded in the platform for the ease of the client.

What’s the biggest challenge digital businesses are facing today, in your opinion?

One of the key challenges in payments and financial services today is the complexity of the systems and processes involved. For merchants, it can be overwhelming to navigate the many different payment methods and systems available, as well as the regulations and compliance requirements that come with them.

PAYTECH / PAYMENTS

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10 To operate successfully in this environment, merchants need to have a deep understanding of the various payment options available to them and the associated costs and risks. They also need to be able to integrate these options seamlessly into their existing business processes, which can be time-consuming and resource-intensive.

What is in your opinion the future of PayTech and how is payabl. is preparing for it?

It’s no secret that digital payments will continue to gain popularity as customers grow more accustomed to mobile and online shopping – this is a given. At payabl. we’re looking beyond this. We’re focused on offering our merchants omnichannel payment solutions so they can capitalize on both online and in-store payments.

With this new omnichannel model and businesses straddling both sides of the consumer landscape, there is a heightened focus on creating consistent, recognisable experiences with brands, and ensuring that customers have access to seamless browsing and purchasing experiences whether they interact with businesses in person or online. For any online or omnichannel business, robust, universal and seamless payment methods are crucial for navigating the globalisation of commerce.

At payabl. we’re constantly looking for ways to innovate and improve the payments experience of our merchants. Right now, we’re focused on bringing our merchants a holistic, omnichannel payments solution.

It’s called payabl.one and it will allow our merchants to manage all of their payments activities from one app.

Financial snapshots, fraud data, payment processing – everything will be in one place. This is a game changer for a business as it will unify hundreds of different processes saving time and money.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

I admire Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank. She is a powerful woman in business and

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I relate to her views on the importance of gender diversity in leadership positions and the need to address the gender pay gap.

My strength comes from close examples and encounters I had as a young woman building my career and it is important to recognise women and their potential in your close environment. My number one woman is my grandmother – her values and her business sense, leadership and focus gave me the best lessons as a growing adult.

What is the action or decision you’re most proud of?

My greatest decision, so far, is the decision to build my career in the payments sector and to be leading a PayTech as diverse and innovative as payabl.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

Mothers bring a unique set of skills and experiences to the workplace that makes them valuable contributors to any team. When I became a mother I also got a super-human upgrade in so many areas of my life. I am able to multitask, I am militant in my time management, I have a deeper empathetic connection and I can adapt to situations instantly.

As a mother, you’re always working on the fly and this is a valuable skill. That said, a key pillar to being able to ‘do it all’ is also to have a supportive partner – to me, this is essential and one does not come without the other.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the business world?

My piece of advice is to find your voice. Don’t be intimidated by who is around you. If you know your stuff then share it with confidence. Knowledge is power and confidence is key.

Also do not be afraid to make mistakes, if you are proactive – you are bound to fail sometimes, that is not a disadvantage – learning from your mistakes and bettering yourself is a great skillset to have.

At payabl. we pride ourselves on the close attention we pay to our

clients’ individual needs, so paying the same level of attention to the valuable members of our team, is only natural. This is why, unlike other companies, we are placing no restrictions on how the cars are used - people are free to take their kids to football practice, drive to the beach or even take a road trip across the beautiful island of Cyprus,” explains Ugnė Buračienė, group CEO of payabl.

PAYTECH / PAYMENTS

Near the end of 2022, payabl. announced that they will be providing every Cyprus-based employee a BMW car.

According to Ugnė Buračienė, Group CEO of payabl., this decision was spurred by the desire to make the life of payabl.’s growing team at its Limassol HQ easier and reduce the burden of having to purchase and maintain a personal car, which is the main mode of transportation in Cyprus.. The first batch of BMWs was shipped to the company’s Limassol HQ just in time for its Christmas party in mid-December. payabl. is 150 people strong with 60% of the employees based in Cyprus. All of the current HQ employees will receive a car by the end of May with the new hires receiving a car after successful completion of their probation period.

Who is Who | Ugne Buraciene started her FinTech career 15 years ago at a technology and software company and has steadily worked her way up to becoming one of the most respected thought leaders in the FinTech space and most notably – the group CEO of payabl.

With offices in Cyprus, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Germany, payabl. is among the most important FinTech companies internationally in the field of digital payments – a success that can be directly attributed to the expertise and leadership of Ugne.

Well-respected in the FinTech space, Ugne is an advisor to Klarpay and the Cyprus-based tech-investor WhiteBream.

Ugne is also the Country Ambassador for the European Women Payments Network and is championing the growth and innovation of the payments sector globally.

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Alexandra Spyrou CEO, PS Novus Business Consulting

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History has shown that under pressure, human creativity and its capacity to solve difficult issues is often at its very best. In these unpredictable and emerging days, the need for detailed assessment of risks and challenges, as well as, understanding the opportunities are very crucial .”

How many years has PS NOVUS been in business and if you can share some information about your background and PS NOVUS’ operations and vision PS Novus Business Consulting Ltd was the result of a long career journey in the professional services industry and an empirical observation of the market which in my opinion was lacking solutions for businesses that required financial advice and management adjusted to their individual needs (external CFO services). What the market was offering was generic solutions that did not meet the specific needs of businesses and even when such solutions were available, the information provided had to be “deciphered” in a way which would allow for practical application to that specific business.

As a CFO in the legal industry, I gained vast experience in operational and debt restructuring and spearheaded initiatives with respect to the creation of both single and multi-family office services, while I also led the set-up of single-family offices for families with substantial wealth.

With the establishment of the firm, we set a clear vision to create a boutique consultancy firm dealing directly with the business management and financial affairs of our clients and to be considered as a trusted partner, providing innovative, tailor-made solutions aiming at business growth and wealth protection.

What’s the biggest challenge the financial sector is facing today, in your opinion?

The financial services industry has been undergoing a fundamental shift for many years now. As more people rely on digital technologies to handle tasks and expect businesses to meet their new digital needs, financial services have been pivoting. Over the last few years, the focus on digital transformation has accelerated. For banking, lending, and account recovery management in particular, the “new”

challenges the industry is facing are in the context of having to adapt to constantly evolving customer demands and be agile in a recently strained economy. As of the first quarter of 2023, when it comes to technology readiness and an inability to capture the full potential of costly investments, digital transformation efforts in financial services remain incremental, localised, siloed, and fragmented, leading to imbalances across the organisation.. Additionally, for the first time in decades the labour market has shifted in ways that have allowed employees to gain advantage over employers and strong negotiating power, since many high-skilled, high-demand roles are open and difficult to fill. This challenge can be tackled with a twofold approach: emphasising ESG initiatives and rethinking the industry’s outdated traditional working setups. This means embracing remote work as well as investing in eLearning and coaching capabilities.

Data breaches also continue to be a major concern in the financial services industry. Financial services are a prime target for cybercrime due to the sensitive nature of their data.

Finally, financial services are already one of the most heavily regulated industries. As the industry shifts to new technologies, so do the regulations. Regulators are moving to increased supervision and enforcement.

What is in your opinion on the future of the financial sector, how it will evolve and how PS Novus is getting ready for it?

Nobel prize winner Niels Bohr once said: “Prediction is very difficult, especially if it‘s about the future”. That warning feels particularly appropriate in today’s financial services industry, where the pace of change keeps accelerating, and not only as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Volatility and uncertainty are ever more prevalent. International standard setters and regulators such as the Basel Committee and the European Commission are already looking forward and have shifted their focus to new trends, prod-

FINANCIAL SERVICES ucts, and emerging risks, such as ESG related risks and everything related to fintech, suptech, digitization, crypto, artificial intelligence, machine learning etc. But the current challenging times also create opportunities and provide a real imperative for regulators, policy makers, and the financial sector to take a bigger leap into the future and set ambitious goals for the longer term. History has shown that under pressure, human creativity and its capacity to solve difficult issues is often at its very best.

Again, this is where financial advisory services come into play, as they can assist to reduce /or even eliminate risk and help companies move in the right direction.

What is an action or decision you’re most proud of?

The first thing that comes to my mind is to state the obvious: the establishment of my own firm through very challenging times, and deciding to follow a more difficult career path associated with different responsibilities and duties compared to what I was used to. Looking back on my professional development through the years, I would say that I am particularly proud of the fact that I have managed to be a leader that inspires my peers.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

Every woman determines her own strength, whether we are talking about a mother who fights for her children, or a woman who consciously chooses and pursues a specific career path, or a woman who is fighting in a male-dominated society for rights that others may take for granted, such as the right to education, the right to drive, the right to freedom. So I admire all the women who continue to fight for what they believe in and make the choices that make them happy. If you ask me though which woman I consider my role model and would like to have a successful career similar to hers, that would be Christine Lagarde, the president of the European Central Bank. She held the reins of the ECB from 2019 onwards and was voted twice

by Forbes as the most powerful woman in the world. She was previously appointed as the Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund at a time when the European sovereign debt crisis especially in Greece was intensifying, with fears looming of loan defaults; yet she managed with her exceptional talent and broad experience to provide invaluable leadership and steer the EU through a critical time for the global economy.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

Every woman should know that she can respond to both roles, if she decides to do so. Being a mother does not and should not exclude the possibility of her having a successful career. Even though we are a long way from achieving perfect equality, there are women nowadays who are holding positions at the higher level. During these challenging years we have been through and the demanding professional environment that I worked for I am allowed to to comment that is not about motherhood but parenthood. Work-life balance can be difficult however it’s not impossible. Becoming a parent can help people become more self-aware, more empathetic, and develop new skills and relationships that help them thrive at work and become more success-

ful leaders. My personal opinion is that you should become a role model for your children through your achievements and actions and enrich them with values that matter.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the fintech world?

Believe in yourself, make sure that your voice is heard, be authentic, work with integrity, and create your own opportunities are some of the key attributes I would advise young women aspiring to work in fintech to develop Learn from others who have gone before you, find those mentors you can trust fully, both men and women, and set time aside to support, guide and build up others earlier in their career. Passion and kindness is inspiring and infectious. The financial services and fintech sectors have a perception of being very complicated and difficult to thrive in without prior experience. However, every industry has its own chal-

lenges and complications, don’t be afraid to get stuck into complex topics, pull them apart and understand them. Remember that if you don’t ask, the answer is no.

Who is Who | Alexandra is the CEO of PS Novus Business Consulting Ltd and has extensive experience in the finance and banking sector through her 9 year working experience as CFO of the biggest law Firm in Cyprus. She is a member of STEP, ICAEW and ICPAC and holds an Advanced Diploma in International Taxation from Chartered Institute of Taxation. Furthermore, she is a Member of the Board of Directors in Ancoria Bank Limited and Chairwoman of Audit committee and holds the position of an Independent Non-Executive Director in the Board of Directors of ‘GMM Global Money Managers AIFM Ltd’. She is a Board member in the Cyprus -South East Asia Business Association of CCCI and in the Women association of WICCI Cyprus.

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Vaida Saltenyte Head of Partnerships, YouHodler

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Governments are struggling to keep up with the pace of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology.

Hence, there is a lack of unified and consistent regulation.”

How many years have Youhodler held in the business and if you can share information about your operations and vision?

YouHodler first started in 2017. By the time 2018 came around, we decided to become a crypto lending platform - helping our clients HODL crypto in the bear market while still using its value.

Then, our operations and vision for the future became clear seeing how users were interacting with the products and what they wanted.

Fast forward to 2023, and our platform has grown far beyond a simple crypto-lending structure.

What’s the biggest challenge the crypto sector is facing today, in your opinion?

In my opinion, the biggest challenge the crypto sector is facing today is regulatory uncertainty. Governments are struggling to keep up with the pace of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Hence, there is a lack of unified and consistent regulation. As we see, the technology adoption is global, but the regulation is local. As a result, businesses and investors are also confused about how to proceed - ultimately hindering innovation in the sector.

We want to create an intuitive, people-centric solution. Therefore it is important to emphasize that we build not only crypto for everyone but finance for everyone.

A close second to regulatory uncertainty is security. While blockchain tech is secure, many products built around it are not. We all know the high-profile hacks of cryptocurrency exchanges.

While people are getting better at self-custody, the risk remains. We need to improve raising awareness and holding those accountable for security misfires.

Fiat currency is not going away.

It still has use cases and benefits.

There is also cryptocurrency. That comes with its own set of unique benefits. Until now, there was never a solution to harness the benefits of both worlds in one place. That’s what we are creating.

What is in your opinion the future of crypto and NFTs? And how is YouHodler preparing for it?

Cryptocurrency and NFTs are exhibiting strong staying power. However, the future of this technology depends on a few factors like regulation, market trends and technological advancements. In my opinion, crypto and blockchain tech will continue to evolve, not just in finance, but in every industry. Regardless, YouHodler is preparing for this future in many ways. We do this with help from our clients by listening to them. This client-first approach helps us grow efficiently

CRYPTO and sustainably while staying focused on what we first set out to do in 2017.

would not apply at all, or would apply for both.

Furthermore, we are preparing ourselves through various licenses and partnerships. For example, our Swiss FinTech license is in progress which will help us build financial bridges between Web2 and Web3. Furthermore, we have already established local entities of subsidiaries in Italy and France.

Or recently announced integration with Ledger and many other upcoming strategic partnerships show our position on long lasting collaborations. . Recent launch of our B2B offering also expands the possibilities not only for us but also for other companies, like crypto wallets, to significantly increase their revenue when working with YouHodler.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the business world?

I would like to emphasize two things. First, educate yourself as crazy. There is not enough time to consume all the knowledge there is so while self education is extremely important, building personal network is even more so.

Educate and network (partying on friday nights does not count as networking) as much as possible. Find professional events that are interesting to you, joining local meetups, online webinars, online programs - invest in yourself. This will allow me to learn from other people and their experiences as well.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

I would not like to distinguish one or two particular women.

I have many individuals that I admire a lot. Yet I discover new inspirations every day. I admire strong powerful women who led the countries and are not between us anymore and I admire the young brave women of new generations.

And secondly - find a mentor or few mentors. We cannot know everything about life or business and career when we start, so having people with whom you can talk about your ambitions and desires is crucial for your success - remember to build that support circle, it will be priceless.

I wish someone had told me this when I was young.

However, I truly believe in the extreme benefits of having a strong woman support circle. Not only friendship circle, but business network, where professional and personal experiences can be shared without a judgment or prejudice - just pure help. This comes not only at the same level of occupation or job title, but also mentoring and guiding team members to unleash their full potential. This is true power.

The action or decision you’re most proud of?

I got personally interested in the cryptocurrency industry in 2016 and in 2017 I joined my first job in a crypto project.

Since then there have been many ups and downs, new projects, companies and industry events. But exactly because it is such an active and rapidly changing industry, I believe it was truly the best choice to dive full in and build expertise.

Now, 6 years later, I can share some nice and some horror stories from my past around different crypto industry events and how that impacted the professional and personal environment, but all of them build an irreplaceable experience that I can put to work every day and help my team to build such knowledge or advise partners on best ways to build value in this space.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

To be honest, I do not understand why it should even be a question at all. I believe it is a matter of choice and each of us see it differently. Anything a woman chooses should be supported either way. To be a full time mom, to pursue a full time career only or to combine both - these all are full time jobs and should be respected as such.

I would like to have children one day and I would like to have my career too. I am sure this will come with its own challenges but having an understanding and supportive partner is the key. It is time to move the expectations from women having to raise the children alone. If two people brought a child into this world, both parents should raise their children equally. Therefore in such a case, the career question either

Who is Who | Vaida is the Head of Partnerships at YouHodler, a FinTech company with headquarters in Switzerland and a member of the Crypto Valley Association.

Vaida has over 12 years experience of working in finance and crypto companies, specializing in marketing and strategic partnership activities.

Passionate about cryptocurrencies, new technology, and entrepreneurship she easily identifies growth and collaboration opportunities in any situation.

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Marilena Iakovou Chief Marketing Officer, M4Markets

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As someone who is enthusiastic about innovation and technology, I am thrilled to be part of a dynamic industry that continually pushes the boundaries of possibility.”

How many years has M4Markets been in business and if you can, share a little information about M4Markets’ operations and vision.

M4Markets has been in the financial sector for over 3 years now, and it has been an incredibly fulfilling experience to be a part of this journey from the beginning. As the Group CMO, my role has been to build and strengthen the M4Markets brand, develop our marketing strategy, and create engaging campaigns that resonate with our target audience. Our vision is to become a leading online trading provider globally, and I am excited to be a part of a team that is committed to achieving this goal. Almost there!

What’s the biggest challenge the financial sector is facing today, in your opinion?

The future of the financial services sector is a very exciting topic, with promising prospects that are highly technology-driven, creating innovative avenues for growth. However, with this increased reliance on technology comes the task of balancing innovation with regulatory compliance. While regulatory compliance can be a daunting task, it plays a fundamental role in supporting innovation by fostering trust and stability in the financial markets.

At M4Markets, we certainly recognise the importance of regulatory compliance and strive to maintain the highest standards while continuing to push the boundaries of innovation. By striking a delicate balance between regulatory compliance and innovation, we can deliver the best possible trading experience to our clients. As someone who is enthusiastic about innovation and technology, I am thrilled to be part of a dynamic industry that continually pushes the boundaries of possibility.

FOREX | FINTECH What is, in your opinion, the future of the financial sector, how will it evolve, and how is M4markets getting ready for it?

I strongly believe that technology will play an even more fundamental role in the financial services industry in the future, which I’m very excited about as it will create plenty more avenues for growth. M4Markets is always exploring ways to leverage technology to elevate our offerings and enhance our clients’ trading experiences. Innovation in technology such as faster internet and trading speeds, advanced market tracking algorithms and the enhanced ability to engage in financial services whilst being mobile are all exciting advances.

As someone who is always playing around with the latest techy things, I am thrilled to be part of a dynamic industry that constantly pushes the envelope of what is achievable and possible.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

As a woman in the financial sector, I admire many powerful women who have made a significant impact in the industry. However, if I had to choose one, it would be Melinda Gates. Not only has she been a trailblazer in the field of philanthropy, but she has also made a significant impact as a multimedia product designer. Her diverse skill set, including her background in designing multimedia products, speaks to her versatility and creativity.

As a marketing professional, I appreciate the importance of creativity and innovation in driving growth and success, and Melinda Gates is an excellent example of someone who has successfully applied her skills in a variety of fields. Her dedication to empowering women and improving access to healthcare and education is truly inspiring, and I believe that her leadership and advocacy have been instrumental in creating positive change.

The action or decision you’re most proud of?

The action I am most proud of is my role in launching the M4Markets brand and driving its growth and success over the past few years.

As someone with more than a decade of experience in financial marketing, I can hand on heart say it has been incredibly fulfilling to work closely with the team to develop a strong brand identity and create engaging campaigns that resonate with our target audience.

Seeing the positive impact we have had on our clients’ trading experiences and the growth of our business is also incredibly rewarding. This can only effectively be achieved if the person who is marketing a product truly believes in it.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

As a working mother in the financial sector, I understand the unique challenges women face in balancing their careers and family life. I’m passionate about breaking down barriers and fostering a culture of success for women in the industry. With the right support and mindset, it’s of course possible to excel both personally and professionally.

I’m committed to promoting this message to young women who aspire to enter the financial sector.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the fintech world?

To young women who wish to enter the fintech world, I would advise them to be confident in their abilities, seek out mentors and role models, and be willing to take risks and try new things. I can attest to the fact that the industry is constantly evolving and there are many exciting opportunities available for those who are passionate about innovation and technology. By staying curious, learning from others, and being open to new experiences, young women can make a meaningful impact in the industry and achieve great success.

Who is Who | Marilena holds a degree in Marketing and Advertisement and a master’s degree in Public Relations & Communication from the La Salle University of Philadelphia. She brings more than 10 years of hands-on experience in planning and executing effective marketing campaigns aimed at driving revenue and growing awareness for renowned Global companies.

Marilena has been working in the financial sector since 2012 and has held key marketing positions with major global financial companies.

As M4Markets Group’s CMO, Marilena is responsible for developing, implementing and monitoring the overall marketing strategy of the Group.

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Madalina Rotaru CEO MENA, CAPEX

How many years has Capex been in the business and if possible, to share few information about its operations and vision We have been present in the global markets starting with 2016, and since then, we have built up our name step by step. CAPEX.com currently operates four licenses worldwide, granted by today’s most prestigious regulatory bodies. Our customer-centered approach and the constant expansion of our services and products have led to the rapid growth we’ve shown in such a short period. Moreover, the vision we have helps fuel our business. From day one, we have envisioned CAPEX.com as a brokerage powerhouse that facilitates access to every aspect of everyone’s financial needs under one roof. And we support our vision by constantly evaluating our services. We want to ensure our products are as user-friendly as possible while dedicating our efforts to their technological advancement and innovation.

FOREX | FINTECH What is the biggest challenge the sector is facing today, in your opinion?

I think that one of the biggest challenges in the fintech sector is maintaining the balance between innovation and regulation. Fintech companies often develop new products and services that disrupt traditional financial models and have the potential to transform the financial industry. However, they must also comply with complex regulatory requirements to ensure consumer protection, prevent fraud, and maintain financial stability.

Finally, customer adoption is another challenge for fintech companies. Financial services are traditionally conservative, and consumers may hesitate to trust new industry players.

Fintech companies must build strong relationships with their customers and gain their trust by providing high-quality services and exceptional customer experiences.

What’s in your opinion the future of the financial services industry, how it will evolve?

The financial services industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Digitalization is a major trend, with institutions investing in mobile banking, digital wallets, and blockchain. The rise of fintech firms is also disrupting traditional financial institutions, leading to greater innovation and personalization of products and services. Additionally, sustainability and ethical considerations are increasingly important to consumers.

This makes financial institutions offer more sustainable investment options and demonstrate their commitment to responsible practices. Overall, the industry will likely continue evolving rapidly, with increased automation, greater use of blockchain, and the growth of digital payment methods among the key trends.

To summarize, the future of the financial services industry is characterized by digital transformation, personalization of products and services, increased regulation, fintech disruption, sustainability, and ethical considerations. The industry is expected to evolve rapidly, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer demands. Financial institutions must adapt to these changes to remain competitive, including investing in digital solutions, integrating fintech services, and demonstrating a commitment to sustainable and ethical practices.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

There are many women to admire for their achievements, but I admire Adena Friedman the most. She made a significant impact in the field of finance and technology. As the CEO of Nasdaq, she is one of the few women who lead a major global stock exchange.

Under her leadership, Nasdaq has become a leading player in technology and finance. She pushed the limits by developing several innovative initiatives, including creating a marketplace for private securities and implementing blockchain technology in the stock exchange. Her contributions to Nasdaq and the finance industry as a whole have had a significant impact, and her commitment to empowering women and promoting diversity will continue to shape the future of finance and technology. For me, she is an inspiration.

The action or decision you’re most proud of?

Tackling the fin-tech business is one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It’s a challenging industry that encourages self-improvement and allows for loads of personal knowledge to be gained. It helped me evolve, develop new skills, and incentivized me to build a career in this field. And I’m glad I did.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

I can tell you that there is often a societal expectation for women to choose between motherhood and a career. This expectation can create barriers for women in the workforce, particularly in male-dominated industries like fintech. It is important to recognize that motherhood and a career are not mutually exclusive and that women can and should have the opportunity to pursue both if they so choose. Ultimately, it is up to society as a whole to recognize and address the systemic issues that can make it difficult for women to balance motherhood and a career.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the fintech world?

There are several pieces of advice to consider. First, build a strong foundation of knowledge and skills in finance and technology. Pursue a degree in a related field and seek practical experience through internships or other opportunities. Additionally, stay updated with industry trends by closely monitoring the industry news daily.

To succeed in this fast-evolving industry, working diligently and constantly improving and developing your skills is essential. It’s also advisable to follow as many field experts as possible who will provide valuable information to help you in your career.

“

Tackling the fin-tech business is one of the best

decisions I’ve evermade. It’s a challenging industry that encourages self-improvement and allows for loads of personal knowledge to be gained.

Who is Who | Financial markets executive with extensive expertise in fintech and business development for capital markets.

At the helm of the fintech revolution - pushing Key Way Group forth through innovation, global recognition, and a strong focus on customer experience and customer education. Madalina Rotaru is the CEO MENA at Capex.com

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Carla Nemr Chief Business Development Officer, Tickmill

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By enhancing our clients’ overall experience, increasing our operational efficiency, and developing our proprietary technology, we will remain an industry-leading broker.”

FOREX | FINTECH How many years has Tickmill been in business and if you can share some information about your background and Tickmill’s operations and vision The Tickmill Group was established in 2014, and through the years, it has evolved into a global award-winning multi-regulated broker offering trading in a wide variety of CFD asset classes and exchange-traded derivatives (Futures and Options). The company has offices in London, Cyprus, and South Africa and employs over 250 individuals worldwide.

Our goal is to empower traders to reach their full potential by providing the best possible environment and excellent trading conditions. Our vision is to continue growing, enter new markets, and expand our product offering, services, and tools while maintaining premium quality services and competitive trading conditions.

I joined Tickmill in 2017 and have been working on expanding the company’s outreach and partnership network globally. My focus is to grow Tickmill’s client base and find ways to develop the company to serve it better. I have been working in the retail brokerage industry for over a decade, occupying key positions in Sales and Business Development with reputable firms.

What’s the biggest challenge the financial sector is facing today in your opinion?

There are several challenges that the financial sector is facing today, such as regulatory compliance and cybersecurity, a constantly changing macroeconomic landscape, and the need to keep up with technological advances and stay ahead of the competition. It is essential for companies to uphold regulatory requirements to safeguard clients. At the same time, investing in cybersecurity measures is a must to prevent cyberattacks and ensure clients’ funds and data are protected. It is equally important for companies to be able to withstand the challenges of the uncertain macroeconomic landscape, be it inflation, market volatility or the current banking sector turmoil. I would also add to the list the significance of investing in innovation and technology to maintain a competitive edge.

What is in your opinion the future of the financial sector, how is Tickmill getting ready for it?

In my opinion, fintech is revolutionising the financial sector through digitalisation, automation, and AI. This is best reflected in the changing behaviour of traders; for example, a growing number of people trade or manage their accounts through apps on their mobile phones. Consequently, new regulatory frameworks are being introduced to foster a safe environment for all, and this also ties in well with what we discussed above about cybersecurity and client protection. At Tickmill, we are committed to investing in the latest technologies and developing new business models to stay current and satisfy our clients’ changing needs and expectations. By enhancing our clients’ overall experience, increasing our operational efficiency, and developing our proprietary technology, we will remain an industry-leading broker.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

There are many female pioneers, from literature to science and the financial sector who have broken barriers, paved the way, and served as role models for the rest of the world so it is hard to pick just one. Having said that, Angela Merkel is one powerful woman I am especially fond of. She was one of the most influential and dynamic leaders in modern politics and rose above many challenges during her career with resil-

ience, intelligence, and leadership. She is an inspiration to people around the world and a shining example of what women can accomplish.

The action or decision you’re most proud of?

One of the defining moments of my life was the decision to lead a global team here at Tickmill and help it grow worldwide. It has been a challenging but rewarding experience as it allowed me to develop my skills, gain valuable experience and make a positive impact on the company. Taking on this position has helped me improve my communication skills and work effectively with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds. This experience has made me more culturally aware, which is vital when working with colleagues and clients from other parts of the world. I am very proud of the work we have accomplished as a team, and I look forward to new and exciting projects in the future.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

Motherhood has been greatly beneficial to my career as it helped me gain valuable skills and experiences which have proven extremely useful in my professional life. As a mother, I improved my time management, leadership, multitasking, problem-solving, communication, and empathy skills, since a family is a microcosm of society or a company if you like. These skills have helped me increase my productivity, effectiveness, resilience and problem-solving and enabled me to communicate better and collaborate efficiently with my colleagues. It is essential that organisations recognize and support these skills and allow women to integrate work and family life. I appreciate that I am part of a company that values employees and helps them maintain a healthy work-family balance.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the fintech world?

To all the women who aspire to pursue a career in the fintech world, I would suggest, first and foremost, staying up to date with the latest trends and developments, as this is a rapidly evolving industry. An excellent way to do that is to attend industry events, follow thought leaders on social media and connect with people in the industry to build your network and learn from others. Seek mentors, as they can help you navigate the industry and develop your career. Most importantly, though, be passionate, be curious, be confident.

Who is Who | Carla Nemr is the Chief Business

Development Officer at Tickmill. Carla’s business acumen and market awareness have largely contributed to the Group’s expansion. She was voted one of the ”Influential Arab Women” during the Arab Women Summit 2022 in Dubai.

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Tereza Demetriou People & Culture Manager, NetU

“

The consistent feedback I receive from people I have worked with is that I added value in anything I have taken on, leaving my positive ‘mark’ along my way, and that to me, is my greatest achievement and reward.”

How many years NetU been in the business, and can you share more about its operations and vision?

NetU is a leading IT solutions and services organization in the Eastern Mediterranean region with offices in Cyprus and Greece. Our vision is a world transformed by digital innovation that serves people and organisations in a sustainable way. Since our founding in 1991, we have consistently been selected by medium and large organizations to be their IT business partner. By designing solutions to seamlessly integrating business processes and technology, we empower our customers to digitally transform and achieve their objectives; whether investing for the first time, upgrading or optimizing existing systems.

With a prestigious client list, projects in more than 40 countries and numerous awards, NetU is recognized as the leading Systems Integrator. Our success comes down to our talented people and our dedication to our clients. I am proud and honoured to be part of such a great company!

What is the biggest challenge in the ICT sector today?

With the rise of digitalization in our personal and professional lives, cyber security is the biggest challenge of the ICT sector. The loss suffered from data breach is immense and can be catastrophic. From an employer perspective, talent shortage is by far the greatest challenge we face in the industry. As digitalization spreads, tech skills are sought after, not only within the tech industry but across all sectors simultaneously, while the supply of new ICT professionals is diminishing. In 2020, ICT graduates in the EU constituted merely 3,9% of the total graduates (DESI, 2022). Furthermore, issues such as gender representation in ICT specialists continue to plague the industry, reducing the talent pool even further (DESI, 2022).

What is the future of the financial sector, how will it evolve and how is ICT supporting this industry?

The financial sector has become digitalised by moving towards digital money, such as online banking, smartphone apps, e-wallets with contactless payment functionality and other money transfer platforms. Money does not need to be tangible and exchanged physically. Also, consider that just in the last 30 years more than 600 currencies ceased to exist and digital currencies (cryptocurrencies), have emerged. This digital transformation has brought innovation in the finance industry, has made transactions agile and seamless, it has given us more options in how we save, invest, transfer, manage or even spend our money. It has altered our relationship with money and the reliance or trust we place

in the traditional banking sector. Also, our personal data is now more heavily linked with our money, giving rise to GDPR and cyber security issues. It’s a fact that technology goes hand in hand with finance, forcing the sectort to evovle even more agressively, broadening its scope and possibilities and giving rise to new specialiasations within the labour market.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

Jacinda Ardern, who served as the 40th Prime Minister of New Zealand and the leader of the labour party from 2017 to 2023. At the age of 37, she was the world’s youngest Head of State and less than a year into her tenure, she became a mother, challenging the status quo of being a leader and a mom. She served through unprecedented times with many challenges to overcome and de-

IT | TECH

livered remarkable results. I admire her for leading with compassion and staying true to herself, her values and priorities throughout, her tenure and even at her resignation.

What are you most proud of?

The consistent feedback I receive from people I have worked with is that I added value in anything I have taken on, leaving my positive ‘mark’ along my way, and that to me, is my greatest achievement and reward.

What is your view on motherhood and career?

It is a challenging journey and I am still learning from it. The disruptive feeling I battle with, is that of guilt. Wanting to do more in all aspects of my life but having to set limits and be ok with that. For me, motherhood and career are about mastering the art of balance, being able to enjoy the journey and feel enough in both. I strive to be a role model for my kids and demonstrate in practice attributes I value, such as being hard-working and ambitious. The fact that I have a supportive and caring spouse, relieves some of the buren in my daily struggles.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the ICT world?

Absorb as much as you can, align with your manager’s expectations and deliver, show initiative and take on additional tasks, put in extra time and effort to accelerate your learning curve, be resilient to change and see the bigger picture!

Who is Who | Tereza is the People and Culture Manager in NetU, whereby designs and deploys hands-on people

strategic initiatives. Tereza is a Chartered Psychologist with the British Psychological Society and her academic background in Organisational Psychology. Her HR journey started 14 years ago from start-ups to global multi-asset companies, across six industries.

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Marianna Hadjiandoniou Group HR Director of GR8 Tech & Owner of PERHA Group

How long has Parimatch been in the business, and if possible, to share information about Parimatch operations globally and locally?

Our course in the betting industry began in 1994.

Parimatch is a global brand known for its fighting spirit and partnerships with leading football clubs, athletes, and e-sports organizations. From 2021, our expertise in betting and iGaming technologies became vital. This is how Parimatch Tech was founded to meet the demand of the Parimatch brand for new technologies.

On January 25th of, 2023, a new company entered the global iGaming B2B market, named as GR8Tech—a successor of Parimatch Tech. It combines experience in the iGaming market with a focus on long-term partnerships, commitment, and an approach to delivering outstanding gaming services to satisfy the even greatest ambitions of its customers.

Now, GR8 Tech provides full tech coverage for established betting businesses, including platform technologies and services necessary for the gambling operations. In addition, GR8 Tech offers consulting, integration and operation through a one-stop-shop approach. The result is integrated, stable, durable, adaptive and highly scalable business solutions for iGaming companies, which are easy to integrate and manage without oversight or intrusion.

What is the biggest challenge the gaming sector is facing today, in your opinion?

I will use the recent words by our CEO Evgen Belousov, who, among other things, mentioned that today’s B2B iGaming market is quite saturated with offers. Yet, it lacks consistency, convenience, and great service. We are here to change that and set a new norm for what a great product means. GR8 Tech composes tailor-made gaming solutions designed to evolve and fit the changing business environments, thus allowing our partners the freedom of forward-thinking and longterm planning.

What’s, in your opinion, the future of gaming, and how will it evolve?

The gaming industry has made great and varied strides over the past two decades. Technology has evolved so much that its experience is now extremely different from the last century. It is, therefore, worth looking at the most important technological developments in gaming to see how they will evolve. If we want to see an aspect of this de-

“

It is vital to note that when you choose to do something, to give your all. Faith, passion and hard work are the three key components of success.”

TECH | GAMING

velopment, I believe that gamification will usher in a new golden age in gaming. Gamification refers to the use of game-like elements in non-game contexts. In gaming, it involves incorporating game-like features into online betting sites to make the gaming experience more engaging and enjoyable for players.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

As a person, I admire every woman who has the courage and the leading decision to bring children to life to stand untiring and intact in the effort for the individual happiness of her children, to develop the feeling of collectivity, to delineate goals in her professional framework and to conquer new peaks constantly. All this without losing herself, even though of the mistakes she makes.

The action or decision you’re most proud of?

I think focusing on one action or decision would be unfair. Many actions or decisions, however, brought excellent results. As a result, our company is one of the Best Workplaces in Europe. At GR8 Tech, we believe that every person is unique and has their own way of pleasing their people. No matter how we choose to do it, the important thing is to be authentic, to mean it. I will continue with my team to highlight that each employee is a small leader who has, first of all, the “know in him”, knows his strengths, but also does not stop looking in the mirror, recognizing the weaknesses, learning and developing daily.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

It is a well-known fact that even in the current era, the roles of a woman are rather confusing. On the one hand, It is acceptable for a woman to have a career, but on the other hand, this does not relieve her of the social “obligations” that many consider her to have, such as taking care of the home and raising children.

Indeed, motherhood and career are a complex combination. From a personal perspective, I have managed to combine them as, on the one hand, I offer the love but also the necessary support to my children. On the other hand, I continue to delineate goals so that the course of my company has only one path—that of success.

What advice would you give young women wishing to enter the business world?

It is vital to note that when you choose to do something, to give your all. Faith, passion and hard work are the three key components of success. Take criticism of others seriously, but not personally.

There is an inner strength that all people hide within them. You cannot feel that power if you let others influence you, trying to impose who you should be. But if you let your heart be free to follow what you love and want in your work, things will be different. Personally, I try to listen to that inner strength and listen to it. Women who wish to enter the business world should take the opportunity they are given.

Who is Who | Marianna is the Group HR director of GR8 Tech, which is the evolution of Parimatch Tech.

She has made an important career as an executive HR professional and experienced consultant, with wide exposure to local and international companies with numerous human resources.

Marianna practices HR Consulting, with an emphasis on defining and implementing HR strategies, and undertakes start-up operations as well as management of HR aspects for large-scale corporate reorganizations.

Additionally, Marianna is a member of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and holds an MSc in Human Resource Management from the University of Surrey, UK. She is also a certified Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO) Professional, Secretary to the Board of Directors of CSR Cyprus and certified trainer by the Cyprus Human Resources Development Authority.

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Viktoria Soltesz Founder, PSP Angels the most suitable payments and banking solutions on the market: weapply on behalf of the merchants with the most relevant providers and banks, allowing them to make the right decision, based on price, safety, integration, etc. We also consult about fraud and chargeback solutions, crypto payment acceptance, asset security and risk, hedging, etc What is the biggest challenge you had to face in your sector and how do you differentiate with other PSP providers?

We are not a payment service provider nor a bank.

We are an independent and unique payment consulting firm with access to the “hidden” market information which is necessary for every online business in order to make informed business decisions. In this industry, everything is changing all the time. Also, a lot of information is well hidden as many businesses deals are conducted on a personal level (I know you, trust you, so I service you) So one needs to use all their network, connection, time, expertise, and money to remain up to date with the latest information. Which provider does what? For how much? What works, what doesn’t? Who settles on time? Who is risky?

Who to trust when reaching out to new jurisdictions?

What are the preferred payment methods in various countries? Which PSP provides these payment methods plus and accepts my risk online business?

Which provider does what? For how much? What works, what doesn’t? Who settles on time? Who is risky? Who to trust when reaching out to new jurisdictions? What are the preferred payment methods in various countries? Who is the PSP which provides these payment methods How many years has PSP Angels been in the business and if possible, to share few information about your operations, target regions and vision I started as a tax accountant in Cyprus over 15 years ago. When more and more clients started to have issues with moving funds internationally and asked me about bank compliance, instead of tax planning, I realised that there is a huge gap in the market for an independent payment consultancy service, which explains how “banks think” and how to adhere to it. I opened PSP Angels 4 years ago, with the aim to simplify and explain this very complicated and subjective world of high risk payments.

Today we specialised in providing consultancy services to not only payment institutions but also to high risk online businesses (forex, gaming, crypto, adult, CBD, etc). We screen the market to give an accurate picture to our clients about their possibilities for payment processing and banking. We partner up with hundreds of payment service providers (PSPs) and acquiring banks, to understand their acceptance criteria & their services.

We usually set up an overall payment strategy for businesses to optimise the risk and cost of the payment providers. We assist financial institutions with correspondent accounts, high-low risk portfolio balancing, pricing, etc. We also assist our clients with

What are the preferred payment methods in various countries? Who is the PSP which provides these payment methods plus accepts my risk online business?

We invest in building our vast network with banks, payment institutions, and the market leading fintech businesses to gain valuable and up to date information about the payment scene. We ask these questions on behalf of our clients, and we keep our pulse on the market to be able to give updated market information.

How has technology and digitalizationimpacted fintech and payments post-pandemic?

Technology and digitalization is obviously a big part of the payment market since we’re talking about online businesses. I think we got the “lucky end” of the pandemic as the closedowns positively affected the majority of the high risk verticals: adult, gambling, investments, streaming, ecommerce, future tellers, online education, etc. The increased sales figures allowed the companies to invest in technology and come up with innovative ideas, so today we see the results. Several online companies also absorbed the payment vertical

PAYMENTS

(Uberpay, AmazonPay, BinancePay) and many developed an in-house, custom-built gateway which now is ready for white labelling. Multiple new gateways, payment service providers, EMIs and wallets have been born in the last couple of years. So we definitely see a massive boom in this industry in the last few years. Although this market is still very heavily demand oriented (meaning businesses are looking for banks and payment providers all the time while providers’ compliance pick and choose whom to work with), the supply is undeniably catching up and providing a wider range of options for even the higher risk and challenging (grey market) operations. The main issue however, is that even though technological development is present, there is still a huge misunderstanding and subjectivity when it comes to high risk payment processing, mainly on the side of the merchants. The market changes and while you could process payments easily 5 years ago at a relatively low cost for almost every vertical, today the banking compliance is much stricter, which pushed the prices and expectations up.

So the current payment landscape, even though it seems like it’s filled with multiple options, is much more regulated and therefore more expensive. Many people are still confused about possibilities and prices, and since they are collecting their information from the sales people of the payment providers and banks, they can easily walk into the trap of “trusting” the wrong providers and taking unnecessary risks and costs. This is why independent payment consultants are increasingly needed in this market.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

My personal hero is my mother. She completed 3 degrees, had a very demanding government position, was a legal advisor to the Ministry, she is still teaching at Universities and runs her own seminars about legislative changes. But she also still cooks every day for my Dad and had the time to raise me (that was the hardest part I think, *laughs*). Growing up watching her work taught me that nothing is impossible, when we plan our time well. Her way of handling the most complex problems with ease and common sense showed me how to see the big picture and resolve any challenge in life. She taught me to see the good in every situation, so today I have the courage to start any project without the fear of failure. I truly believe my upbringing is my biggest asset and she played a big role in my future success and happiness.

What action or decision are you most proud of?

Our curiosity and the willingness to assist. When I started PSP Angels, I was a confused and suffering merchant myself who needed help. So I was very firm that we will never leave any client unattended. We keep an open mind and try to help every online business providing an initial free chat and search. I believe there are not many payment consultants out there who can independently listen to the issues of the client in order to fully understand their situation and needs without the will to sell something to them. We are honest, (sometimes brutally honest) about the possibilities and risks. But this is how we keep our integrity and have returning clients. Also, we are very curious. I still want to hear all the industry gossip and educate myself about the latest news. I encourage all my team members to invest in their personal developments and support them fully on their lifelong education journey in this ever changing industry.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

Motherhood and career are two important aspects of life, and I believe it is possible (although hard) for a woman to balance both successfully. Of course, it can be challenging to juggle the demands of motherhood and a career, especially when it comes to managing time and resources, but it’s important to recognize that every woman’s situation is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to balancing motherhood and a career. Some women may choose to put their career on hold to focus on raising their children, while others may decide to continue working while balancing childcare responsibilities. Many workplaces are becoming more family-friendly, offering flexible work schedules, paid parental leave, and other benefits that can help women manage the demands of motherhood and a career. Ultimately, the decision to balance motherhood and a career is a personal one that each woman must make based on her own priorities, values, and circumstances. It is important to support women in whatever path they choose and to work towards creating a society that values and supports both motherhood and women’s careers.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the fintech world?

Young women are very lucky as they are born in an age where they have the best possible opportunities in the history of humankind. Thanks to technological advances, the gender, colour and other personal differences seem to disappear (if you’re working from home the only performance indicator is your work other than your personal circumstances). My advice to everyone (not only women) is to take advantage of this amazing opportunity and embrace their dreams. I truly believe that every disadvantage can be turned into an advantage if used wisely, so we should dare to try new things, fail, learn and do it again. With this mindset, there is no failure, only a lesson to be learned.

Who is Who | Viktoria is the founder of the payment consulting firm, PSP Angels, which helps online businesses optimise their payment flows and costs by finding the best payment and banking solutions. (pspangels.com). Viktoria is also Partner, at consulting boutique firm in Malta, within the iGaming industries, specifically. She also has been running her own finance and tax consulting firm in Cyprus for over 15 years now. (viktoriasoltesz.com) She used to lecture at the University of West London and is a regular speaker at iGaming, blockchain, fintech and investment conferences.

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Georgia Pitta Chief Financial Officer, ECOMMBX

“

Those who have the foresight and vision to convert challenges into opportunities will benefit the most. Innovation and agility are the key to success.”

How many years has ECOMMBX been in the business, what are its operations and vision?

ECOMMBX obtained and activated its Electronic Money Institution license at the end of 2017. In 2018, the business was set up, people were hired in key positions, relationships were established with strong partners, and we focused on studying all the applicable new regulations to make sure we fully comply.

Soon after, we were able to connect to the SWIFT and SEPA payment systems, which allowed us to be fully operational by the middle of 2018. Additional strategic partnerships were established in the following years, which enabled us to provide BACS, CHAPS and Faster Payments, cross-currency transactions, currency conversion, and multi- routing options.

Our mission is to offer corporate clients all the tools they need for smooth and quick international payments. That includes opening e-accounts, executing payment transfers via SEPA and SWIFT, and in general providing a fast and secure global transaction environment.

At the beginning of 2021 we became a European Acquirer, offering acquiring services to the European merchants of the group. We also became principal members of Mastercard, and we are now in the final stages of obtaining our Visa principal membership.

ECOMMBX’s vision, which is embedded in its overall strategy, is to deliver high quality VIP banking services via advanced digital banking technologies. We continuously expand our strategic partnerships and update our technology to achieve this goal and maintain it.

FINTECH / PAYMENTS

Above all, what defines ECOMMBX is that we take a customer-centric approach to all we do. Every service is designed to satisfy specific needs while at the same time safeguarding our customers’ interests. This corporate culture is inseparable from ECOMMBX’s focus on the well-being of its people. As an employer, ECOMMBX invests in providing good working conditions, and is the first company in Cyprus to introduce the 4-day working week.

What is the biggest challenge you had to face in the fintech sector?

Powered by the digital revolution, fintechs have transformed the financial sector, especially the payments industry. Innovation is the driver of fintechs, and there is no end to innovation. It involves continuous technological updating and enhancement. The challenge here is to embrace racing technology and stay ahead of the curve, without disrupting the operational tasks. Customers’ demand for hi-tech solutions leaves no room for complacency. We have to be able and ready to update and upgrade at all times.

The action or decision you’re most proud of?

I am actually very proud of my decision to join ECOMMBX. I am proud to say that I have been with the Company from day one, and had the opportunity to experience the growth, the challenges and changes that a fintech start-up has to go through. Being with ECOMMBX and the finance function from the very beginning gave me a unique opportunity to experience the birth and growth of a Finance Function and the Company as a whole.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

Motherhood is a lifetime commitment. Once you become a parent, that becomes your top priority. Being a working mother is therefore a challenging combination. Balance is paramount – but easier said than done. As a working mother of two, I have to balance my time, energy and effort, to advance my career without compromising the wellbeing and development of my children. Through communication and quality time, I compensate for the hours that I am not around.

Another very practical challenge is to make sure we keep up with the ever-changing regulatory requirements and limitations, including AML compliance, sanctions and new taxation reporting requirements that relate to payment services.

And with an increase of cyber-attacks, the need for advanced cybersecurity is imperative. Being a start-up – especially in the fintech sector – is a challenge by default, as we have to earn the trust of our customers, partners and providers, and of course the regulators. As a fintech company in Cyprus, we are determined to prove ourselves to EU and non-EU stakeholders.

What advice would you give to young women who wish to enter the fintech world?

My advice to young women who are interested in this industry is not to be afraid of the unknown. I believe that fintech, by nature, should embrace diversity, and women have their place in this sector. We have to understand and accept that this is an industry that is constantly changing, and we are therefore on a path on non-stop learning. Don’t be afraid to ask and learn, and you will be rewarded with an exciting career.

The last two years have been challenging for all businesses.

First, we had the pandemic, then the Ukrainian-Russian war and the geopolitical instability which shook the market. Now increased inflation and interest rates are governing today’s market conditions.

Who is Who | Georgia has held to position of Chief

What is your opinion on the future of payments and how is ECOMMBX preparing for it?

The payments industry is experiencing revolutionary change, and electronic payments are playing an important role in transforming the industry. The trend is clearly towards a cashless payment environment. Fintech is the future in the payments and financial services industry, and now it is at its peak in terms of demand and opportunities. Those who have the foresight and vision to convert challenges into opportunities will benefit the most. Innovation and agility are the key to success.

ECOMMBX already has new products in the pipeline. Technological improvements, enhanced services, as well as additions and acquisitions relating to technology are running in the background, not just for this year, but also long-term.

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

I admire women who have targets and vision, and never compromise their values on their road to success. I admire all women who support other women and see other powerful women as mentors rather than a threat. Personally, my mother has been a great inspiration to me. Without her, I could not have made any of my dreams come true – including the career path that I followed. I admire mothers who see the future via their children and selflessly support them. I dream of being such a mother to my children.

Financial Officer and Executive Director of ECOMMBX Ltd since 2017. As a founding member of the company’s senior management, she actively participated in the digitization genesis of the company. She also set up the company’s accounting and finance departments, as well as the management Risk Committee, and Investment Committee, and is a member of all.

Other key responsibilities include ensuring that the business meets its budgetary targets and minimum capital requirements as per Central Bank Directives, while safeguarding clients’ funds in accordance with the regulatory guidelines and EU Directive.

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Lilly Pavlou Director, Qube Events

“

A company that cares and offers value - and a company ready to be accountable for that value.

In the very competitive area of conferences and events, we spent years building a brand that could not only align with these values, but also lives true to them.”

How many years have Qube Events been in business, and can you share some information about your operations, objectives, and vision?

QUBE Events was established in 2016 - so we’ve been in business for over seven years! Our QUBE motto is “Where Great Minds Unite!”

QUBE Events was created to provide an authentic platform where business leaders can build and cultivate long-lasting relationships in a healthy and productive space.

We focus on hosting high-level international conferences for senior executives, predominantly in the Fintech sector, with a strong influence in Payments, Banking, RegTech, Finance, Financial innovation, Private Wealth, and Forex. What sets QUBE Events apart is our strong focus on quality, our attention to detail, and our immense passion for what we do.

We host events in Malta, Belgium, Cyprus, Ireland, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and Greece, and in 2023 we are also launching our Payments & RegTech series in Austin, Texas, in the USA. We are very proud to have built an excellent reputation within the events and conferences space - and personally am also very excited for the year ahead!

What’s the biggest challenge your sector is facing today, in your opinion?

The most significant challenge is the rising travel, venue, and accommodation costs. This impacts us us immensely , as QUBE prioritises hosting events in the best 5-star locations worldwide. We always aim to deliver the highest quality event experiences for our Sponsors, partners, and attendees.

What is the future of the financial sector, how will it evolve and how will Qube Events be supporting this evolution?

The financial services and fintech sector has a reputation for being highly complex, turbulent, and constantly evolving. It’s challenging to predict what the industry will look like in the future, especially considering today’s geopolitical and economic landscape. However, the result of these challenging times puts forth the perfect opportunity for industry leaders and regulators to set future goals to drive the financial sector forward. Financial institutions need to remain adaptable, and flexible and learn how to keep up with to the rapid pace of technological developments. At QUBE, we facilitate change by gathering the leading global executives, thought leaders, and influencers to share their insights and experiences on current developments. Also, we are constantly expanding into new sectors, covering different locations across Europe and soon the USA. Our objectives are to expand into new markets and grow our international network thoughtfully and strategically.

FINANCIAL SERVICES | EVENTS

Which powerful woman do you admire the most?

Oprah Winfrey comes to mind. Her energy, passion, and almost everything about her is admirable and inspiring. She is a positive force in the world who brings an unmatched range of people and information into people’s lives. Oprah genuinely cares, and she is authentic. She has used her platform and success to help motivate and empower people worldwide.

The action or decision or decision are you most you’re most proud of?

I am very proud of the growth and success of QUBE Events. We aimed to build a company that could truly make an impact in the B2B Events space. A company that cares and offers value - and a company ready to be accountable for that value.

In the very competitive area of conferences and events, we took years to build a brand that could not only align with these values, but also remains true to them.

What’s your view on motherhood and career?

We are incredibly fortunate to have a choice. I believe women are incredible forces – and we can achieve everything we truly desire. We must always do everything possible to build and support the people around us. This, for me, is what I call work-life balance.

What advice would you give to young women wishing to enter fintech?

It’s an exciting time to be in fintech! There are many opportunities arising everywhere and every day.

I believe that women entering the fintech sector are equally embraced – and I see powerful women in amazing companies.

Lilly Pavlou is the Executive Director at QUBE Events since 2015. QUBE Events are created to provide an authentic platform where business leaders can build and cultivate long lasting relationships offering customized event experiences.

Who is Who | Lilly Pavlou is the Executive Director at QUBE Events since 2015. QUBE Events are created to provide an authentic platfrom where business leaders can build and cultivate long lasting relationships offering customized event experiences.

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MUST-SEE Event

YMM Celebrates 6 Years of Supporting Financial Services in Marketing and PR in AI Focused Event Your Mind Media (YMM) the innovative marketing agency that specialises in supporting financial services companies in achieving measurable results through the latest marketing and communication techniques this year celebrates its 6th birthday.

The agency supports a range of financial institutions such as banks, FinTech firms, VCs, Forex/CFD brokerages and companies concentrated on crypto, NFT’s, and Web 3.0. Through its London headquarters and office in Dubai, YMM has a global reach and excels at delivering results for marketing and PR campaigns in English, Arabic, German, Spanish and French.

It was a night of celebrating 6 years of strong achievements for the YMM team, its clients, and partners. To start the night off, guests descended into the DC universe via a secret door in “Wayne Manor”, home to the famous billionaire Bruce Wayne, AKA Batman… All attendees spent the evening celebrating in a venue that resembled Gotham City.

Elizabeth Rayment, Director and Founder of Your Mind Media (YMM) commented on the anniversary:

“

As a marketing and PR agency specialising in financial services, our goal has always been to provide our clients with the best possible service and help their businesses grow. YMM organised this event because we wanted to highlight and thank our clients and partners for their continued support. We also used the opportunity to shine a light on how much marketing practices have evolved over the past 6 years.”

She continued to say:

“

Marketing and communication practices have undergone a significant transformation with the integration of AI technology. Although some might fear the arrival of machine generated marketing activities, we at YMM welcome them as we believe these new technologies only assist us further in delivering innovative solutions and achieving outstanding results for our clients. Once again, we want to express our sincere appreciation to our clients for their loyalty and trust. We value these relationships greatly and look forward to continuing to serve our clients for many more years to come.”

AI in Marketing Focused Celebrations The evening was heavily focused around the theme of AI in marketing. YMM’s new AI generated team member Emma, welcomed guests as they entered Park Row, the Central London based Grade II listed Art Deco venue.

That evening YMM also revealed its new AI generated imagery that was created through the artificial intelligence (AI)- powered image generator Midjourney using text prompts.as created through the artificial intelligence (AI)- powered image generator Midjourney using text prompts.

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We combine advisory and industry experience to provide efficient solutions.

Deneo Partners is an advisory firm that provides a wide range of services to both private and corporate clients. Our management and employees aim to provide solutions to the most complex issues our clients face, through a hands-on and professional approach that safeguards and enhances value.

Value Enhancing Exper • Investment Firms: Full-service provider to global investment firms and regulators including but not limited to Cyprus (CySEC), the UK (FCA), South Africa (FSCA), Dubai (DFSA) and many offshore jurisdictions like the Seychelles (FSA), Mauritius (FSC), the British Virgin Islands (FSC), the Bahamas (BFSB) and the Vanuatu (FSC).

• E-Money & Payment Institutions: Assist with the initial set-up and licensing and provide ongoing support post-authorization.

• Crypto: Assist clients who wish to register as Crypto providers around the globe, including Crypto Asset Service Provider (CASP) with CySEC or Virtual Currency Provider License (VASP) in Estonia.

• Company Formation: Sm process within the Republic other European and offshore • Corporate Services: Rang services, always striving for • Trademark Registrations: property services, includin name protection.

• Premium Directorships: Ac of senior executives wi industries and sectors, both • Legal Opinions: Collabora firms to assist clients in prov Opinion and to understand t limitations.

• Compliance & AML: Assist companies globally by offering compliance and AML support in various jurisdictions including Investment Firms in Cyprus and Securities Dealer firms in Seychelles.

• ICARA & Capital Adequacy: Advise and collaborate with clients on preparing for the ICARA and capital adequacy requirements and providing all necessary reports.

• Outsourced Compliance: Outsourced compliance officer services to Securities Dealer firms regulated by the Seychelles FSA or alternatively assist with locating fit and proper compliance officers.

• Mergers & Acquisitions: solutions for acquisitions, ventures and other transactions.

• Capital Raising: Acting advisers and guide clients capital raising.

• Corporate Restructuring: W determine the causes performance and devise an plan that will help create va

• Internal Audit: Preparation of internal audit reports for Management and the organization’s Internal Audit Committee.

• Accounting: From systems set-up to financial reporting, we provide ongoing support for complex accounting issues.

• Tax Planning: We offer a wide range of international tax services, including personal and corporate tax.

• External Audit: Preparation of statutory audit of financial statements based on International Auditing Standards (IAS).

• Banks: Full banking services of banking institution and a the way to the opening of accounts.

• EMIs & PSPs: Finding financial institutions which supervised and regulated by governmental agencies.

Serviced Offices

CYPRUS • SEYCHELLES deneopartners.com info@DeneoPartners.com

• Offering clients the oppo substance for their com equipped, dedicated ser locations in Limassol, Cypru according to local regulator

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