Current Speakers

Jiří joined the Czech National Bank in 2016 and is currently Head of the Payments and Oversight Unit and Deputy Director of the Payments Regulation Division in the Cash and Payments Department. His team focuses on legal and policy matters concerning European and national payment frameworks, cross-border cooperation, and the oversight of financial market infrastructures. In addition, the Payments Regulation Division covers innovation and analytical activities in this area.
Jiří is also a member of several policy bodies of the European Central Bank and the European Banking Authority. His professional background includes roles in public administration and legal advisory services. Jiří holds a Master’s degree in Law from Charles University in Prague and completed part of his studies at the Free University of Berlin.

Dr Charles C. Phiri is a distinguished architect dedicated to advancing well-behaved, auditable AI/ML and data-intensive systems. With over 25 years of experience engineering transformative solutions across multiple disciplines and industries, Dr Phiri is an Executive Director with JPMorgan Chase, designated as SME AI/ML Innovation in the Global Technology Enterprise Architecture team. His work contributes to redefining enterprise-wide AI/ML reference architectures and consumption patterns, forming the baseline for firmwide risk characterization of AI/ML and agentic systems and motivating operational excellence for distributed and cloud-native AI systems.
Throughout his career, Dr Phiri has achieved high-impact successes, ranging from designing scalable R&D solutions in financial services, semiconductors, telecommunications, space and defense, digital storage infrastructure, and medical devices, to spearheading innovative projects that merge deep technical rigor with practical application. Notably, he was part of the team that developed an exoskeleton-based solution to assist post-stroke patients in regaining mobility and contributed to cutting-edge advances in robotics, commercial satellite systems, microwave and RF systems, A-GPS systems, real-time embedded technologies, MEMS, and ultra–low-energy designs, progressing from R&D to the commercialization of multi–billion devices.
A respected thought leader and active contributor in his field, Dr Phiri researches advanced AI/ML systems with a clear focus on delivering practical, real-world solutions in constrained environments. His other contributions include areas such as neuromorphic computing, deep learning, spiking neural networks, robotics, context-free grammars, formal verification, and the systems engineering of robust, characteristically auditable distributed AI systems in real-world environments (IntRob’25). His academic research interests include developing real-time collision avoidance for industrial robotic arms (ICIRA 2021) and fuzzy rule-based outlier detection (ISA Transactions, 2021); dynamical system specification and stabilization (ICIRA 2017); accelerating robot learning through context-aware middleware (ICIRA 2016); adaptive, intelligent self-calibrating systems (2011); and scaffolded life-long robot learning from human skills (2019), all of which underscore his dedication to bridging theoretical innovation with tangible, real-world applications.
Dr Phiri is also a Senior IEEE Member, a Chartered IT Professional with the British Computer Society, and designated Gartner Peer Community Ambassador. He earned his PhD in Humanoid Robotics from the University of Portsmouth, reading humanoid robot learning from human action skills (motion planning, scaffolded life-long robot learning). He holds an MSc in Internet Systems from the University of Liverpool.
Beyond his corporate credentials, Dr Phiri is passionate about leveraging technology (including remote sensing and satellite imaging systems) to address critical gaps in food systems across Sub-Saharan Africa through regenerative precision agriculture and logistics ventures. His lifelong commitment to self-calibration is exemplified by his accomplishment as a 4th Degree Black Belt in Tae Kwon-Do, which is built on the tenets of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and an indomitable spirit.

Within CBI Commercial & Marketing Division, Lucrezia Lancia is the Head of Sales Office, playing a key role in delivering advanced Open Finance payment and digital banking solutions to clients, contributing to the development of innovative offerings and go-to-market strategies.

Anastasia Sakharova is an ICA-certified expert in financial crime risk with extensive experience in AML/CFT compliance across digital assets, fintech, and the broader financial services sector.
She joined Sumsub in 2021 and progressed to Head of Digital Assets, where she played a key role in strengthening compliance across Sumsub’s products and services by leveraging her deep expertise in technology and regulatory frameworks.
She currently serves as Head of Compliance, leading strategic initiatives to ensure Sumsub’s products and services remain fully compliant while helping clients navigate complex and evolving regulatory environments.

Walter Schmölzer is the founder and CEO of Unifits, the leading simulation and validation platform for payment environments. With a background in business and computer science, he spent over a decade in banking software development, project leadership, and payments consulting before founding Unifits in 2010. Today, Unifits works with banks and central banks across Europe and beyond, helping them manage scheme compliance and reduce operational risk in complex, always-on instant payment infrastructures.

Victor joined Google Pay’s Business Development team in 2018. Currently based in Zurich, he leads partnerships with domestic payment schemes globally as well as financial institutions across the DACH region. Previously, he was based in London and in charge of merchants across the DACH region and Google Pay’s expansion into MENA. He was also responsible for growing Passes/Valuables integrations for flight, transit, event tickets, and loyalty programs within Google Wallet for EMEA.

Prior to joining Google Pay, Victor was in key account management, working with some of Google’s top advertisers in Dublin and New York from 2012 to 2018. He holds business degrees from Imperial College London and the University of Mannheim.

Robert Bashford is the Head of the TARGET Services Testing and Financial Section at the European Central Bank.
With over 25 years of experience in banking and financial services, Bobby has held roles spanning payments, securities ,project management and software implementation.
Bobby has worked on TIPS since its inception, including its’ launch in 2018 and through the migration of the Euro-Zone ACHs to TIPS in 2021 and 2022. Other notable TIPS milestones were the launch of SEK settlement in 2024 and the 2025 launch of DKK settlement and the implementation of the EU Instant Payments regulation.
In his current role Bobby has a diverse portfolio, managing the teams responsible for software testing, migration , financial reporting and performance, and external communications.
Bobby has presented at previous industry events including SIBOS, sharing insights on the TARGET Services and also presents in the numerous ECB focus sessions on both testing and financial topics related to payments, securities and collateral management.

Mr. Ritesh Shukla is Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) & is responsible for formulating business strategies and leading business development by deploying NPCI’s technology and solutions in International Markets.
His responsibilities include engaging and collaborating with traditional as well non-traditional players in payment eco-system to drive business strategy and achieve growth.
Mr. Shukla holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration with specialization in International Business. He has over 20 years of work experience with expertise in areas of
managing country business, leading business development and relationship management.
Prior to joining NPCI, he was part of MasterCard’s business in Middle East and North Africa. During his 6 years with MasterCard, he has performed a wide array of roles in country management, business development functions, P/L functions to drive profitability and market share, a role in which he provided best-in-class financial services to top-tier multi-national
corporations and financial institutions. His previous stints include working with Visa Inc. and leading financial institutions such as Axis Bank, HDFC Bank and SBI Cards in payments business.

With over 25 years of experience in the payments industry, Dirk has worked across both traditional banking and fintech, holding senior roles in sales, product management, business development, and project delivery. His career spans major financial hubs including Frankfurt, Berlin, and New York, giving him a strong international perspective on payments innovation and transformation

His responsibilities include the development and maintenance of SEB Group’s internal sanctions requirements and practices, as well as the execution of the Groups enterprise-wide sanctions risk assessment. Henrik began his banking career in 2005 in trade finance. Since 2010, he has worked in various compliance and risk management roles focusing on sanctions at different banks, and has been involved in several financial crime transformation projects.

Ekaterina leads a specialized expert team at Commerzbank covering the areas of tender management, project implementation, technical consulting, and go-to-market of innovations. With her 20 years of experience in tech and banking, she places the clients’ perspective at the centerpiece of every initiative, ensuring tailored solutions that align with their evolving needs. Ekaterina is passionate about driving digital transformation and fostering innovation, making her a trusted partner for bridging technical advancements with business objectives.

Built and commercialized instant payment solutions in Asia with Citi, currently responsible for growth & strategy of Citi’s instant payment solutions globally. Prior experience in building and scaling machine learning payment analytics tool to help clients prevent incorrect payments. Passionate about solving complex challenges in payments, with focus on fraud and compliance.

Sovon Chatterjee is the Director of Product Management at HSBC.

He is an accomplished Product Management expert, bringing 20+ years of extensive experience in the banking and finance sectors. His career spans various roles in Sales, IT, Operations and Product Management across Asia and Europe, allowing him to develop a comprehensive understanding of both market dynamics and technical requirements, enabling him to effectively engage with clients and stakeholders whilst driving product adoption and satisfaction.

Throughout his career, Sovon has successfully led the development and management of key payments and receivables products and propositions, leveraging his engineering expertise to bridge the gap between technical teams and business objectives.

As the interim Head of Emerging Payments, Europe at HSBC, Sovon also leads the development and implementation of innovative payment solutions across the region and also provides thought leadership and oversees delivery of the future of payment landscape.

Giorgio Andreoli has extensive professional experience in digital financial solutions and innovative services, spanning multiple industries and executive roles. Before joining the EPC in March 2023 he has been working from Sep 2021 at the European Central Bank (ECB) on the Digital Euro project. From 2010 to 2021 he served as a Managing Director at Accenture, working on digital finance, payments, and open banking projects for Italian and European clients. Before then he worked for 15 years in the telco sector, eventually serving as Director of Strategic Marketing at Ericsson South-East Europe.

With nearly twenty years of experience, Thea has built a solid and versatile track record in payments and e-identity. She operates at the intersection of strategy, technology and innovation, where complex challenges meet the need for clear direction and practical execution. Across both financial institutions and technology-driven organisations, she has led innovative initiatives with tangible impact. Her career, including roles at ABN AMRO and CM.com, combined with her work as an independent strategic consultant, positions her as a natural connector between business, IT and regulation.

Thea is valued for her sharp analytical mindset, pragmatic approach and the energy with which she mobilises people and organisations. She thrives on complex challenges and has a strong ability to break them down into manageable components and translate them into actionable solutions. She combines strategic thinking with a hands-on mentality, always focused on creating value.

Beyond her professional work, Thea actively contributes to a more inclusive fintech landscape. As a goodwill ambassador for EWPN and initiator of a network for payment professionals, she promotes greater visibility, connection and knowledge sharing within the sector.

Her involvement in the Leadership Board aligns seamlessly with her ambition to accelerate innovation in instant payments and to create stronger visibility for female expertise within fintech.

Neil has 20+ years’ experience of transactional banking with large global banks. He started his cash management career at Citibank UK in 1998 and then later at Citibank in South Africa prior to joining HSBC South Africa in 2008 where he initially headed up product in GPS before taking over the role of Country Head of GPS in 2013. Neil is responsible for managing and delivering GPS core payment product capability, and ensuring adherence with relevant scheme and conduct rules, regulation and HSBC policy.

Stefan took his first steps at Raiffeisen Bank International AG (RBI) in 2011 as a working student in the IT Delivery Risk area. Over the following years, he worked as an IT Consultant within the company and outside as a strategy and management consultant in the financial world for Capco and Leonid Consult. Additionally, he served as a Group Program Manager for various topics such as bank regulations, big data, and analytics.
In recent years, he led the Data Tribe in the Group Data Management area, tasked with establishing modern data management in agile environments. Since July 2022, Stefan has been part of the RBI IT Management Team for IT Core and Data, leading cross-functional strategic Data Transformation, with focus on Data Mesh implementation, as part of IT Strategy & Transformation. Last year he took over the implementation of a new compliance and second line of defense function for prudential compliance and heads the new department including deputizing the Group Regulatory Compliance Officer of RBI.

Vincent Brennan is an industry authority on the future of banking, and payments, with an extensive executive leadership track record in transformation, operations and risk management. He has over 40 years’ experience in FS with 20+ working in banking payments and on industry bodies (including Euro Banking Association Deputy Chairman up to 2021), and more recently as a Transformation Director at Accenture and as a non-Executive Director.

David Ballaschk is a payments expert in the Deutsche Bundesbank’s Directorate General Payments and Settlement Systems. His work focuses mainly on cross-border and real-time payments. He is a member of various G20 and G7 groups focussing on payments.

Robert Kiszely graduated from Eotvos Lorand Science University in Computer Science. He was hired as the first Capsys employee in 1998. Over the past 26 years he has gained experience in several fields in banking and financial IT: expert consultancy, development, implementation and support of securities settlement, pension fund administration and payment systems. Robert has successfully led several domestic and international projects. As Director of Professional Services, he runs the professional support of Capsys’ international partnership programme, focusing on Immediate Payments and PSD2/ Open Banking. Robert has been recognised as one of the leading experts of Immediate Payments and PSD2/Open Banking in Hungary, having spoken at numerous conferences on these topics. Over the last three years he has led the architectural design and subsequent implementation of two major immediate payment implementations in Hungary.”

Bence Marosi has a diverse work experience spanning over two decades. Bence started his career at Citibank Hungary in 1999, where he held various roles such as Management Associate, Senior Citigold Executive and Investment and Citigold Head. In 2007, he joined UniCredit Bank Hungary, where he led multiple key areas in Retail, Private Banking and Corporate Divisions. In 2020, he joined GIRO Zrt. where he held the COO position between 2021-2023. Since 2023, he is Business Director of GIRO Zrt., overseeing GIRO’s Service Portfolio, Business Development and Testing activities.

Eoin Sheanon is a Policy Manager at the Central Bank of Ireland, where he leads the Consumer Policy team within the Policy Directorate. He manages a team of ten policy specialists across several key EU legislative initiatives including the Payment Services Regulation, the Financial Data Access Act, and the Retail Investment Strategy among others, as well as domestic legislative initiatives such as Ireland’s Access to Cash Act, which came into force in June 2025. Eoin’s work centres on strengthening consumer protection, ensuring market integrity and shaping the regulatory framework in Ireland’s rapidly developing financial services landscape.

Eoin previously served as the Head of the Central Bank of Ireland’s Representative Office to the EU in Brussels, where he was responsible for establishing and leading the Bank’s first foreign office. Before that, he served as Ireland’s financial services attaché with the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs, representing Ireland in EU Council negotiations on all banking and payments files, including the instant payments regulation, as well as digital finance files such as DORA and MICA.

Eoin has previously held senior roles in policy and supervision in the Central Bank and has worked as in both the Irish and EU Parliaments. Eoin has a Master’s Degree in Economic Science from University College Dublin.

Merima Mahmutović is a Senior Manager for Strategy, Transformation, and Technology Consulting for Southeastern Europe at PwC. She leads major transformation projects in the financial sector, designing innovative solutions and enhancing business models through collaboration with leading international and domestic banks, fintech companies, and payment institutions. Her work places a strong focus on developing and implementing modern platform services: including open banking and SEPA payment systems, that help financial institutions build competitive and future-ready digital ecosystems.

Merima also brings over 12 years of experience in the banking industry. Throughout her career, she has held a variety of roles from SME sales and product development for small businesses to serving as Director of the Banking Support Division in the major European Banking groups. She has also worked in a large IT company, where she was responsible for developing business with financial sector clients in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Beyond her professional work, Merima is deeply engaged in community and industry development. She serves as Chair of the Executive Board of the European Women Payments Network (EWPN), one of the leading European association based in the Netherlands. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the eCommerce Association in Bosnia and Herzegovina and a member of the Banking and Finance Committee at AmCham.

Born in Sarajevo, Merima holds two master’s degrees — one in Banking and Insurance, and another in Information Systems Management, a program developed in cooperation with Microsoft. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Digital Innovation, further demonstrating her dedication to continuous learning, professional growth, and the advancement of the financial technology landscape.

She is married and has one daughter.

Anton Kornilov is a global payments executive and advisor with over two decades of leadership experience at Mastercard and American Express, where he worked across cross-border, account-to-account, cards, and instant payment models in Europe and global markets. He now runs his own advisory practice, Kernel Acumen, supporting banks, PSPs and fintechs on payments commercialisation, regulatory change and operating-model evolution.
Throughout his career, Anton has worked at the intersection of strategy, regulation and commercial execution, helping organisations translate policy and market change into practical payment propositions and scalable operating models. Alongside his work in payments, he is a Board Director at Volleyball England and an active coach, bringing a strong belief that payments, like sport, are a team effort — reliant on trust, clear roles, interoperability and coordination across many participants.

Denitsa Rebaine has over 10 years of experience in financial crime compliance. She is currently the EMEA Deputy Head of Sanctions at Bank of New York. Previously she was a Sanctions Compliance Officer at Citibank.
In her role, she manages sanctions risk and provides advice and guidance to functional partners and key stakeholders – regionally and globally, on OFAC, EU and UK sanctions regulations.
In April 2020 Denitsa started the Compliance Time podcast which brings together compliance experts and creators from all over the world.