Rita Martins is a results-oriented executive specialised in leveraging the latest technologies and solutions in FinTech and Web3 to transform Financial Services. Rita is the author of "Web3 in Financial Services" Book. She also serves on the Advisory Board of a range of startups in the fields of DeFi, blockchain, digital assets and crypto at the intersection with finance.Previously, Rita held the pivotal role of Global Head of FinTech Partnerships at HSBC, where she played a key role in incubating and accelerating disruptive technologies, carving significant advancements in the FinTech landscape. Her extensive background also includes strategy and digital transformation roles at Accenture and Ernst & Young, where she led large-scale digital transformation projects, helping clients achieve strategic milestones.Rita speaks about how blockchain is transforming traditional finance via new forms of money (stablecoins, CBDCs, tokenised deposits), new infrastructure (via leveraging blockchain technology to drive cost efficiency) and tokenising any asset. You can find out more about rita here: https://www.ritamartins.co.uk/

Rita Riera, Marketing Director at Neverless, brings her unique blend of innovation and strategic creativity to the fintech world. Rita's background is highlighted by award-winning campaigns from her tenures at advertising agencies Ogilvy and R/GA London, where she's given talks about how to blend creativity, technology & strategy.Her diverse educational background in journalism, physics, and digital marketing has helped forge a unique approach to audience engagement.Beyond her professional expertise, Rita is dedicated to writing sitcoms, philosophy and even a launching music career. This eclectic mix not only underscores Rita's professional achievements but also enriches her creative pursuits.

Sabrina boasts 15+ years in top management consulting with PwC, KPMG, Bayer, and AlixPartners across Germany, Switzerland, Sydney, and Singapore. She's led projects for Credit Suisse, Sky/Comcast, and various industries.Now, as Founder of "Unconventional Leaders," Sabrina shares her expertise in Crypto, Web3, and AI. Her mission is to equip founders with insights to avoid traditional finance pitfalls. Known for her prowess in process setup and team leadership, Sabrina is a sought-after speaker in the Crypto/Web3 circuit.Sabrina has spoken at numerous panels on leadership.

Sadie Raney is the co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of quant digital asset hedge fund Strix Leviathan and the Chief Executive Officer of Eve Wealth, a female-founded financial services network that provides women with the resources and opportunities to grow their financial well-being. Sadie also helped found Makara, one of the first SEC-registered automated investment advisors in crypto, which spun out of Strix Leviathan in 2021 and was acquired by Betterment in 2022. Prior to founding Strix Leviathan in 2018, Sadie served as Financial Controller for Blue Box, a cloud computing startup, where she helped lead the finance and administration team through the company’s acquisition by IBM. She has also served in financial controller roles at MTR Western and Aramark and as a Senior Financial Analyst at Grand Bank Yachts. She began her career at Deloitte. Sadie serves as an advisor to Franklin Payroll and Jetson, and is an advisory board member for Veriledger. She is also a mentor for the Barcelona Technology Transfer Group at IESE Business School and a member of the Female Founders Alliance.Sadie was listed as one of Hedge Fund Journal’s 50 Leading Women in Hedge Funds in 2023 and was featured in 100 Women in Finance’s 100WFinTech Changemaker series. She has also been featured on CNBC’s Crypto World show and Bloomberg’s What Goes Up podcast, as well as in CNBC, Bloomberg, Forbes, Barron’s, and Financial News, among others. She has spoken at universities and conferences including the University of Washington, IESE, Cyberport Academy, Avalanche Summit, CoinAlts and the IIA Seattle Fraud Conference.Sadie holds a B.A. from Pepperdine University and an M.B.A. from the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, during which she attended the IE Business School in Madrid for an International MBA exchange.

Samantha brings 25+ years of experience in financial services as an attorney, regulator, central banker, policy maker and advocate, chief compliance officer, and consultant. She is acknowledged as an international authority on AML and sanctions compliance, payments, and blockchain technology.

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Recently, Samantha has been advising clients on the development of robust compliance programs and leading the compliance function of digital assets startup companies. In addition to her roles at AWIC, she currently serves as the Founder & CEO of Unconventional Consulting and Senior Advisor to several management consulting firms. She has served as CCO at two crypto exchanges and a non-fungible tokens (NFTs) platform. At each company, Samantha established a comprehensive compliance program, oversaw day-to-day compliance activities such as customer onboarding and transaction monitoring, managed registration and licensing, interfaced with regulators, and secured strategic banking partners. Prior to these experiences, Samantha was a Senior Director in the risk and regulatory compliance consulting practice at Guidehouse.

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Samantha launched new strategies and initiatives in financial crime compliance, payments, and innovative technology at BAFT, the international banking subsidiary of the American Bankers Association.  Her efforts significantly increased the association's policy influence and industry visibility. She also produced industry tools that are globally recognized as best practice, including a playbook for obtaining and maintaining correspondent banking accounts, an indemnity agreement for securing the return of funds fraudulently transferred abroad, and a framework for auditing blockchain solutions used in banking.

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Samantha joined the Federal Reserve Board at height of the global financial crisis and FinCEN following the 9/11 terrorist attacks to write regulations implementing the laws which transformed the U.S. financial services industry:  the Dodd-Frank Act and USA PATRIOT Act. At the Fed, she drafted rules governing remittance transfers (Reg. E), mortgage lending and servicing (Reg. Z), check clearing and processing (Reg. CC), and debit card interchange and routing (Reg. II). Samantha also led the retail payments team’s analysis of mobile and cryptopayments, oversight of the Fed’s check, ACH, and payments security systems, and introduction of chip and PIN cards and faster payments in the U.S. In addition to writing regulations at FinCEN, Samantha brought high-profile enforcement actions against financial institutions for Bank Secrecy Act violations and negotiated agreements with foreign counterparts to share financial intelligence information.

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As the global head of regulations and compliance, Samantha built international money transmitter Ruesch’s compliance function from scratch in 15 months to prepare the company for sale. After Travelex acquired Ruesch, she integrated the compliance teams, programs, and technology systems world-wide. Samantha began her career as an attorney at top-tier global law firm of Morrison & Foerster.

As Lockton's Blockchain Advisory Leader, Sarah is focused on positioning Lockton as a trusted advisor, thought leader and solution developer for insuring blockchain and digital asset companies and the risks they face. Lockton has successfully placed coverage for a number of blockchain companies including trading platforms, lenders, decentralized finance companies, mining companies, wallet providers, market makers, liquidity providers, investment managers, asset managers, private equity/venture capital firms, custodians, payment platforms, blockchain technology incubators and others.

Pioneering leader in cryptocurrency sanctions with over 16 years of experience developing policy, building compliance programs, and spearheading complex financial investigations. Unique 360 degree view of sanctions compliance through experience at a large global crypto exchange (Kraken), blockchain analytics firm (Chainalysis), and the U.S. Government (OFAC, FinCEN, and DEA). Passion and strengths include initiation and successful execution of evolving and unprecedented projects.EXPERIENCE➡ DEA: I was first introduced to crypto investigations at DEA, tracing opioid darknet market vendors through their blockchain movements.➡ OFAC: I then pivoted to OFAC where I added the first digital currency address identifier to the SDN List in 2018. This will always be one of my favorite jobs - those of us working crypto at that time had to think through so many new and complex policies - it was never a dull moment. ➡ CHAINALYSIS: I was so impressed and intrigued with crypto tracing investigations that I joined Chainalysis and worked with some of the most talented and passionate people in this space. ➡ FINCEN: I was pulled back to the government to work on Special Measures at FinCEN. I was able to work on some incredibly important data collection, analysis, and investigations applying Special Measures authorities. ➡ KRAKEN: I am currently interpreting and operationalizing regulations for a large global cryptocurrency exchange and managing an incredibly talented group of investigators who are dedicated to sanction compliance.

Shailee Adinolfi has experience at the intersection of cryptocurrency, payments, international institutions, and governments. Currently leading business development at Trust Machines, focusing on scaling Bitcoin layers for consumer-facing products such as Leather wallet (@leatherbtc), a Bitcoin liquidity protocol (@GraniteBTC), and a top level domain tied to web3 identity (@dotlocker). Previously, she led business development for MetaMask, the world's largest self-custodial crypto wallet with over 100 million users. At ConsenSys, she collaborated with governments, multilateral institutions, and Visa to pilot digital currencies on Ethereum. Prior to her work in crypto, spent a decade implementing trade policy and digital payments projects across East Africa, South Asia, and the Middle East.

Sina Meier is a dynamic force at the helm of 21Shares AG, serving as the Managing Director and Head of Switzerland & Strategic Relations & Middle East. With an unwavering passion for innovation, she has orchestrated the explosive growth of 21Shares in the Swiss home market and, as of 2023, has extended her visionary leadership to the thriving landscape of the Middle East.An influential advocate for the widespread adoption of blockchain and crypto, Sina has emerged as a prominent voice in the financial arena. Her journey with 21Shares began in January 2020, where she joined the pioneering ETP issuer after a series of notable roles within Swiss Private Banks.As a Certified International Wealth Manager (CIWM), she brings a blend of expertise and vision to spearhead innovative investment processes.Drawing upon a rich tapestry of 30 years in the financial realm, Sina seamlessly integrates her wealth of experience with an infectious enthusiasm for the disruptive digital industry.

Smriti is a Blockchain Security Researcher. After having a successful career in consulting, having worked with Deloitte and Tata Consultancy Services, Smriti has been working with OpenZeppelin for last 3 years, focusing primarily on blockchain security, web3 threat-modelling, smart contract auditing and incidence response. With over 5 years of experience in building and security the web3 ecosystem, Smriti talks about DeFi, NFTs, Metaverse, Stablecoins, account abstraction and everything that is in the web3 world.

Sue Kuraja, InsurTech SMENational President, Women in Insurance & Financial Services | Brokerage Director, MassMutual Agency Brokerage, Arizona Sue Kuraja, the esteemed National President of WIFS – Women in Insurance & Financial Services also leads as a Brokerage Director for MassMutual Agency Brokerage in Arizona. Recognized as the WIFS 2022 Woman of the Year, Sue continues to spearhead distribution and sales in the enterprise arena for her strategic partners. Her dynamic career includes significant contributions to the startup ecosystem as a mentor for many accelerators and as a judge for MassChallenge.As an Insurtech Subject Matter Expert (SME), Sue played a pivotal role in launching the digitization of the first cash-value whole life insurance policy on the blockchain in June 2024. Her expertise has been instrumental in driving innovation and growth within the insurance industry. Sue's projects primarily focus on securitizing the insurance sector, pushing forward technological adoption among enterprise clients, institutional platforms, and in fostering trust in digital assets across the U.S. private sector.A passionate advocate for blockchain and AIoT (Artificial Intelligence of Things), Sue is convinced these technologies can significantly enhance trust, collaboration, and efficiency within the insurance and financial services ecosystem. Her commitment to integrating modern technology into the insurance and financial services industries is evident through her leadership in tech-enabled discussions aimed at modernizing operations.Her latest endeavors concentrate on securitizing the life insurance marketplace, thus creating opportunities for agencies, BGAs, and RIAs to engage in the digital asset ecosystem and a secondary marketplace. Sue's thought leadership is recognized on stage at prominent industry events, including Insurtech Insights, Reuters, ACAP (Association of Croatian American Professionals), WIFS, and NAIFA (National Association of Insurance & Financial Advisors).When not advancing technological innovation or speaking at industry events, Sue enjoys spending quality time with her husband, Robert, and their four children, supporting local community initiatives, and attending sporting events. She is also the founder of The Consulate Group, a brand committed to driving practice transformation within the insurance and financial sectors.

Sorcha Mulligan is a Web3 & Immersive Technology entrepreneur, advisor, mentor & diversity advocate drawing on a 15 year TradFi Corporate Treasury career in Tier 1 Financial Institutions. Founder of The SMEChain, a Consultancy for purpose driven founders applying emerging technology to solve real world problems addressing ESG challenges, she has been immersed in the world of Blockchain since 2016.

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Sorcha sits on numerous industry group committees or represents as Ambassador or Mentor for AWIC, Women in Immersive Tech Europe WiiT, BlockW, Blockchain Ireland, the Impact Innovation Foundation, Tech FoundHer, ECOTA, CHAISE & Global InvestHer. Sorcha has been voted Top 100 Women in VC & Startups in Ireland, Top Voice for Diversity & Inclusion, Top 100 Women in Blockchain & LinkedIn Top Voice.

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Sorcha has featured as a speaker, moderator, panelist, podcast guest at over 50 events & conferences in-person, online & hybrid all over the world & is open to speak passionately about technology for positive change. Her core objective is to join the dots across networks of networks to elevate & empower women & diverse thinkers.

Stacey Rolland is a leading expert in emerging technology policy and strategy in Washington, DC. She brings two decades of experience in Congress, the Treasury Department, private sector risk management, and government relations. She is the founder and CEO of Zero One Strategies, a boutique government relations firm focused on emerging tech policy in areas such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, decentralized technologies, cyber, data, and digital infrastructure, as well as the multiple policy issues impacting these sectors, including tax and financial services.Before founding Zero One Strategies, Stacey established and led an emerging technology government relations practice at a top-ten government relations and public affairs firm in Washington, DC. She also served in senior risk and compliance roles at Capital One. In the public sector, Stacey served within the Treasury Department as Chief of Staff to the Office of Tax Policy and senior advisor to the Office of Legislative Affairs. She also served as senior tax policy advisor to Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Congressman Xavier Becerra. Stacey holds a J.D. from UCLA School of Law, a B.A. from Smith College, and CIPP/US and CIPM data certifications from the International Association of Privacy Professionals (IAPP). She serves on the advisory board and as a senior fellow for World in 2050, as a contributor to Diplomatic Courier, and as an advisor to emerging technology organizations. Stacey frequently speaks and publishes on emerging technology policy issues.

Steffi is a highly skilled and experienced business development professional with a passion for driving growth and innovation. As the Marketing Head at Metaco APAC and MEA, her primary focus is to advance the institutional adoption of digital assets by providing institutions with a robust and secure digital asset infrastructure.

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Steffi is passionate about fintech, and her expertise in the field has helped her to develop a deep understanding of the industry. She is also a strong advocate for advancing more women in fintech and is actively involved in initiatives that promote gender diversity in the industry.