I am an executive leader and manager, with over two decades of experience across international banking, securities services, and digital transformation.I am the Co-Founder and Lead Managing Partner of a boutique consultancy firm, Manifest Executive Consultancy in Dubai, dedicated to advising financial institutions & market infrastructures on digital transformation across the Middle East & Africa, and delivering workshops focused on fintech. Simultaneously, I am co-founding a stealth start-up that leverages blockchain technology for global operations.In my most recent role at Citi, I led the custody business across the Middle East & Africa, managed teams in 14 markets, launched a new custody branch in Saudi Arabia, recruited top talent, drove strategic expansions, and oversaw a significant P&L. During this period, I built strong, enduring relationships with leading regional and global banks, broker-dealers, and investors, working closely with local regulators and capital markets infrastructure. Before joining Citi, I served as Head of the International Department at Takasbank, the CSD and Clearing House for Borsa Istanbul, representing Turkey in various international industry bodies, including leadership positions on several management boards.The securities services industry is undergoing a profound transformation with the adoption of new technologies. Over the next few years, this evolution will reshape the landscape, demanding that regulators, intermediaries, and infrastructure not only adapt but take a proactive role in leading with the vision, skills, and technological capabilities necessary to thrive.In response, I have dedicated recent years to focusing on emerging areas such as paytech, wealthtech, digital assets, tokenization of RWAs, sustaintech, and AI. My mission is to bridge the gap between traditional financial services and digital innovation by fostering strategic partnerships and driving forward-looking projects.I am an active member of the Digital Assets Working Group at the MENA Fintech Association and mentor at the LEAP initiative of the DIFC Innovation Hub, further contributing to the fintech ecosystem.I hold a PhD in Corporate Finance, MSc degrees in International Banking & Finance and Money & Banking, and a BSc in Computer Engineering, where I graduated as valedictorian.This unique combination of my professional and academic background, equipped me with the skills to lead innovative firms, execute digital transformation while maintaining the highest standards in governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance.