About The Summit
AECSD – AMEDA İstanbul Summit 2024 is designed to explore emerging technologies and future opportunities in capital markets.
Collaboration between member institutions will be encouraged, best practices in the sector will be shared, and actionable outputs such as comprehensive reports and webinars will be produced.
The Summit will focus on critical areas such as capital market operations, financial technologies and business development, information security and risk management. AECSD İstanbul Summit 2024 aims to band together the participants of the leading capital markets financial institutions and financial technology organizations of the Eurasian region for further enhance the integration in the region.
AECSD Chairman's Message
Welcome to the AECSD & AMEDA İstanbul Summit 2024. This year marks a historic occasion as we bring together members of both the Association of Eurasian Central Securities Depositories (AECSD) and the Africa & Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA) for the first time. Our theme, Building the Future of the Capital Markets in Eurasia, Africa and Middle East: The Role of CSDs – Bridging Markets, Bridging Continents,” captures the spirit of this significant event. Türkiye, with its unique position as a bridge between continents and capital markets, is the ideal host for this summit. We are honored to organize such a prestigious gathering that will undoubtedly enhance our international profile and reflect the distinction of our organizations.
The AECSD & AMEDA İstanbul Summit 2024 promises to be an unparalleled platform for collaboration and innovation. We have organized several panels and sessions designed to address the critical issues and opportunities facing our industry today. Participants from diverse backgrounds will have the opportunity to network, engage in one-to-one meetings, and initiate new collaborations. MKK is proud to host this unique event, and we are confident it will significantly contribute to the future of capital markets across Eurasia, Africa, and the Middle East.
Dr. Ekrem ARIKAN MKK CEO and Board Member, AECSD Chairman, and The World Forum of Central Securities Depositories (WFC) Board Member
AMEDA President's Message
Abdulla Jaffar Abdin, Chief Operating Officer, Bahrain Clear, AMEDA President, and WFC Vice-Chairman
On behalf of the Africa and Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA), I am delighted to express our sincere appreciation to our esteemed colleagues at Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu (MKK) for inviting us to this esteemed conference.
The theme of this year’s conference, “Building the Future of Capital Markets in Eurasia, Africa, and the Middle East: The Role of Central Securities Depositories (CSDs),” aligns perfectly with our association’s mission and vision. As we come together to discuss and shape the future of our capital markets, the role of CSDs becomes increasingly vital in promoting stability, transparency, and growth across our regions.
AECSD-AMEDA Istanbul Summit 2024 - Broadcast (October 3-4, 2024)
DAY 1
DAY 2
Agenda
| Registration |
| The World Forum of Central Securities Depositories (WFC) Board Meeting |
| Scheduled Bilateral Meetings (Borsa Istanbul, Takasbank, MKK) |
| Lunch |
| Borsa İstanbul Group Premises Tour |
| AECSD Annual General Meeting |
| AMEDA Annual General Meeting |
| Welcome Reception |
| Pre-dinner Reception |
| İstanbul Summit Bell-Ringing Ceremony |
| Welcome Dinner |
| Registration & Welcome Coffee |
| Opening Remarks Mehmet ŞİMŞEK – Republic of Türkiye Minister of Treasury and Finance İbrahim Ömer GÖNÜL – Chairman of the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye Dr. Ekrem ARIKAN – MKK CEO and Board Member AECSD Chairman & WFC Board Member Abdulla Abdin – Bahrain Clear Chief Operating Officer AMEDA President & WFC Vice-Chairman Yedil MEDEU – Kazakhstan Central Securities Deposiory (KCSD) Board Member WFC Chairman |
| Coffee Break |
| Open Keynote Speech |
| Executive Panel: Strengthening Capital Markets and Regional Collaborations |
| Lunch |
| Borsa İstanbul Group Presentation |
| Executive Panel: Bridging Capital Markets and Re-designing the Role of CSDs in Digital Era |
| Coffee Break |
| Executive Talks: What is Next? New Instruments & New Services |
| Closing Remarks AECSD and AMEDA Secretariat |
| Free Time and Transfer to Gala Dinner |
| Gala Dinner & AECSD 20th Year Award Ceremony |
| Welcome Coffee |
| Keynote Speech |
| Panel Discussion: Managing Multi-Dimensional Risks |
| Coffee Break |
| Keynote Speech |
| Presentation Session: Sustainability, Corporate Governance and Investor Services |
| Lunch |
| MoU Signing and Other Official Ceremonies |
| Presentation Session: Sharing Experiences & Best Practices Exchange |
| Fireside Chat, Closing Remarks & Conference Wrap Up |
| Group Photo |
| Free Time (Transfer to Hotels and Bosphorus Tour) |
| Bosphorus Sightseeing Cruise Tour & Dinner |
Speakers
Opening Remarks
Osman ÇELİK
Deputy Minister Ministry of Treasury and Finance of the Republic of Türkiye
İbrahim Ömer GÖNÜL
İbrahim Ömer GÖNÜL - Chairman of the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye
He worked at Şekerbank T.A.Ş. as a money markets assistant specialist and specialist in Fund Management. In 2004, he joined the Capital Markets Board and worked in the Department of Institutional Investors. After serving as Personnel Manager and Deputy Head of Department, he was appointed as Vice Chairman of the Board in 2014.
Gönül was appointed as the Chairman of the Capital Markets Board on 18 April 2022. Gönül speaks fluent English and intermediate German, he is married and has 2 children.
Dr. Ekrem ARIKAN
Dr. Ekrem ARIKAN - MKK CEO and Board Member AECSD Chairman, WFC Board Member and AMEDA Board Member
Dr. Arıkan earned his bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering at Boğaziçi University and his MBA at Yeditepe University. He received his PhD degree from Istanbul Ticaret University in Business Administration. He speaks advance level English and German, also beginner-level Arabic.
He began his career as a computer engineer at Microsoft as an International Program Manager, focusing on Windows operating system development for Turkish markets.
Dr. Arıkan held various managerial positions at Ziraat Teknoloji A.Ş. and Ziraat Insurance Company, providing IT services for Ziraat Finance Group, the largest governmental bank of Türkiye. His career path includes pivotal roles at the EPİAŞ (Energy Exchange – Enerji Piyasaları İşletme A.Ş.) , which was founded in year 2015 as the energy exchange company of Türkiye, where he contributed to the establishment of the Transparency Platform, strategic planning, and international collaborations.
In 2016, he joined Borsa Istanbul Group at Takasbank A.Ş. as the Executive Vice President for Information Technology.
Since April 2019, he has been working as General Manager and Board Member at MKK which is Central Securities Depository and Trade Repository of Türkiye. Here, he has been instrumental in launching numerous products and services, enhancing the organization’s capabilities and range of services.
Dr. ARIKAN, has assumed the Chairmanship of the Association of Eurasian Central Securities Depositories (AECSD) starting from September 2023. By virtue of this duty, he has become a Board Member of the World Forum of CSDs (WFC).
Abdulla Jaffar ABDIN
Abdulla Jaffar ABDIN - Bahrain Clear Chief Operating Officer AMEDA President & WFC Vice-Chairman
Yedil MEDEU
Yedil MEDEU - Chairman of WFC, Deputy Chairman of KCSD
Yedil Medeu is a Deputy Chairman of the Management Board of Central Securities Depository JSC (KCSD) since June 2021. He has over 15 years of experience in the securities market of the Republic of Kazakhstan.
Prior to joining KCSD Mr. Medeu was a Director of Securities Market Department at the Agency of the Republic of Kazakhstan for Regulation and Development of Financial Market. He was responsible for supervision of professional participants’ activities in the securities market and preparation of documents related to the securities market development taking into account priorities of the socio-economic development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. In addition, Yedil Medeu spent 8 years with the National Bank of the Republic of Kazakhstan at Securities Market Department.
Mr. Medeu graduated from Al-Farabi Kazakh National University in 2007 majoring in Management. In 2009 and 2017 he graduated from Kazakh Economic University named after T. Ryskulov with Master of Business Administration degree and from National Graduate School of Policy Studies with Master of Public Economics degree in Tokyo.
Keynote Speakers
Prof. Dr. Göksel AŞAN
Prof. Dr. Göksel AŞAN - President of Finance Office of Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye
Göksel Aşan worked as a Research Assistant at İstanbul University between 1988 and 1998. After working as an Assistant Professor at Istanbul Bilgi University since 1998, he became Assoc. Prof. Dr. in 2008 and received his tenure in 2017.
After working many years at İstanbul Bilgi University in several different positions, Göksel Aşan served as a Vice-Rector at İstanbul Aydın University between July 2018 and October 2018.
On October 16, 2018, he was appointed by President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan as President of Finance Office of Presidency of the Republic of Türkiye.
Serdar ÇELİK
Serdar ÇELİK - Head of the Capital Markets and Financial Institutions Division OECD / France
Colin PARRY
Colin Parry - Chief Executive Officer International Securities Services Association (ISSA) / Switzerland
Colin is the CEO of ISSA. He is responsible for creating & executing the ISSA strategy, growing the membership, and ensuring that ISSA continues to help the Securities Services industry develop solutions and reduce risk. He also runs his own consulting business.
Prior to joining ISSA in September 2019, Colin co-founded a fintech (Atomic Wire) and set -up his own consulting business after almost 25 years at UBS.
At UBS he held a number of senior roles in the US, UK and Switzerland in both Operations and Finance, including running the global investment banking Operations and creating Finance Shared Services.
Colin holds a Bachelor’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from Birmingham University (UK) and graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
Speakers
Marcus Van ABBÉ
Marcus Van ABBÉ - R3, Head of Digital Market Infrastructures / United Kingdom
Marcus van Abbe is a dedicated professional in the field of Financial Market Infrastructures (FMIs), with over thirteen years of experience. His career has been marked by meaningful contributions to the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG), where he helped transition the organisation into a global multi-asset class business. This transformation focused on enhancing the complete value chain of services within the securities ecosystem. At LSEG, Marcus initially concentrated on improving data and analytics capabilities, understanding the importance of data-driven insights for LSEG customers. His work helped diversify revenues from the core exchange business and grow the information services. Later, he shifted his focus to mergers and acquisitions (M&A), where he played a part in strategic inorganic growth. A significant milestone in his M&A efforts was his involvement in the acquisition and integration of Refinitiv. This acquisition was a major step for LSEG, expanding its global reach and multi-asset offerings. It enhanced LSEG’s capabilities in data management and provided tailored solutions to diverse customer segments. In the past four years, Marcus has turned his attention to Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) within FMIs. He is involved in developing strategies to leverage DLT for expanding digital security services, aiming to improve securities issuance, settlement processes, and data transparency. His work in this area focuses on enhancing operational efficiency and resilience in financial systems. Currently, Marcus is the Head of Digital Market Infrastructures at R3, where he continues to contribute to innovation and transformation in the financial sector, working towards the future of digital securities and the broader financial ecosystem.
Bandar ALKAHAİL
Chief of Business Development (Acting CEO)
Securities Depository Center Company (Edaa) / Saudi Arabia
Dr. F. Ayzer BİLGİÇ
Dr. F. Ayzer BİLGİÇ - Public Disclosure Services Director, Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu (MKK) / Türkiye
Bruce BUTTERILL
Executive Director
America’s Central Securities Depositories Association (ACSDA) / Colombia
Birahim DIOUF
Chief Executive Officer
Dépositaire Central/Banque de Règlement / Ivory Coast
Miguel ESPINOZA
Miguel ESPINOZA - CSD Product Owner Montran Corporation / Romania
Mr. Miguel Espinoza is the Head of Product for Montran’s CSD solution and the Solution Delivery Manager of the Securities and Trading division. He has been actively involved in the development and implementation of over 25 Central Securities Depositories around the world. Coming from an IT background, Miguel has been combining his technical and business knowledge to provide Montran
clients with the best possible CSD solution adopting best practices and focusing on settlement optimization and efficiency.
As head of product, Miguel is responsible for the general development and the definition of the product roadmap of the Montran CSD solution. With his team, he is constantly reviewing and researching the implemented processes, new initiatives, and emerging technologies to determine possible enhancements and the way forward for Montran’s CSD product.
Dr. Güzhan GÜLAY
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güzhan GÜLAY - Executive Vice President Borsa İstanbul / Türkiye
Ali İhsan GÜNGÖR
Ali İhsan GÜNGÖR - Executive Vice Chairman, Capital Markets Board (CMB) of Türkiye Chairman of the Board of Directors, Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu (MKK) / Türkiye
In April 2021 he promoted as the Executive Vice Chairman of the CMB and currently assuming the responsibilites of the Investment Fims Department and Institutional Investors Department.
Ali İhsan GÜNGÖR earned his BA degree in Economics from Hacettepe University. He holds a MSc in Econometrics from Gazi University and an MSc in Finance from George Washington University School of Business.
Dr. Önder HALİSDEMİR
Dr. Önder HALİSDEMİR - CEO & Board Member Misyon Bank / Türkiye
Halisdemir has more than 30 years of experience, working in finance industry at various leadership roles accross most prestigious banks. He first gained visibility on the international stage with his online credit approval project, which was the first in its field and recognized with global awards.
Halisdemir is passionate about improving financial wellbeing for all. He serves as Chairman of Finance Executives Foundation, a Turkish NGO with an extensive network of banks, financial institutions, universities, and finance professionals with representatives across three continents.
Haruna JALO-WAZIRI
Haruna JALO-WAZIRI - Managing Director & CEO Central Securities Clearing System Plc (CSCS) / Nigeria
With nearly 30 years in Investment Banking, Securities Trading, Pension Funds Administration, and Asset Management, Jalo has held executive roles at The Nigerian Stock Exchange (now Nigerian Exchange Group Plc), UBA Stockbrokers Limited, UBA Asset Management Limited (now United Capital Securities Limited and United Capital Asset Management Limited), Kakawa Discount House Limited (now part of FBNQuest Merchant Bank Limited), and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). His extensive board experience includes FSDH Merchant Bank Limited, Nigeria-German Chemicals Plc, Protea Oakwood Hotel Limited, Coral Properties Limited, UBA Stockbrokers Limited, and UBA Asset Management Limited. He also chaired the Central Organizing Committee of the Nigeria Economic Summit #27, a key private-public sector dialogue in Nigeria.
Jalo also serves as the Vice President of the Africa and Middle East Depositories Association and represents the World Forum of Central Securities Depositories on the Board of the International Securities Services Association (ISSA), Geneva. He is active in various committees of the Securities and Exchange Commission, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, and Nigerian Economic Summit Group. Additionally, he is a Non-Executive Director at the Lagos Commodities and Futures Exchange (LCFE) and serves on the boards of several non-profits, including BusinessDay’s Advisory Board, Special Olympics Nigeria, and AIFA Reading Society, where he is Vice President.
An award-winning executive and alumnus of Lagos Business School, IESE Spain, and Venture Capital Institute of America, Jalo holds degrees in Economics and Business Administration. He is a Chartered Stockbroker, an Associate of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) UK, and a life member of the Institute of Directors, Nigeria.
Ekaterina DEMUSHKINA
Ekaterina DEMUSHKINA - Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board National Settlement Depository (NSD) / Russia
Ekaterina Demushkina is the Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board of the National Settlement Depository (NSD) responsible for legal affairs and for risk management. Ekaterina has extensive 30-year experience in the financial industry, including 7-year tenure in the Central Bank of Russia and around 20 years in depository and clearing infrastructure. Among her professional accomplishments is the active participation in laying the foundation of the Russian securities market and drafting key pieces of legislation for post trading services including the laws on securities market, clearing, central counterpart and clearing activities.
Jesse KAGOMA
Jesse KAGOMA - Chief Executive Officer CDSC Kenya
Jesse was the General Manager, Business Support Services and CFO for the business until his appointment. He joined CDSC in May 2018 and is a seasoned and accomplished business manager with over 19 years of experience in financial reporting, business turnarounds, advising on business growth, strategy formulation and its execution, business valuations, balance sheet restructuring, merger and acquisitions processes, budgetary controls, financial planning, investment funds management, tax planning among others spanning different sectors of the East African Economies.
He holds a Master’s in Business Administration (Finance) from the University of Nairobi and a Bachelor of Business Management (Finance & Banking) from Moi University. Jesse is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK). He is currently pursuing his PhD in Business Administration (Finance) at the University of Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology.
Mustafa KESKİNTÜRK
Mustafa KESKİNTÜRK - Director of Portfolio Management A1 Capital - Pardus Portfolio Management Co. / Türkiye
Riham G. KHEDR
Riham G. KHEDR - Secretary General Africa & Middle East Depositories Association (AMEDA)
She succeeded in getting the Illinois Institute of Technology Diploma (IIT) in Financial Markets with a straight A. A graduate of the Faculty of Commerce and Business Administration, Foreign Trade major. Very well trained by elite trainers from the US Agency for International Development project (USAID) and US Treasury on Everyday Communication Techniques for the Workplace, Introduction to Financial Derivatives in Egypt, Primary Dealers in Government Securities, Electronic Trading, Economics of Financial Markets, Introduction to Financial Markets, Train the Trainer workshops 1 through 4 Securities Lending and Borrowing System: Overview and Functional and System Specifications, Basic Corporate Finance, Settlement Guarantee Fund (SGF), Certified Securities Representative (CSR) provided by the USAID- Barents Group, LLC, Capital Markets, and Bankruptcy Issues By Marc E. Albert, Esq., and bankruptcy law practitioner, Marrison & Hecker, L.L.P. Washington, DC.
Ali KIRALİ
Ali KIRALİ - Chief Executive Officer Turkish Mercantile Exchange (TMEX) / Türkiye
Özkan İlkay KIZILTOPRAK
Özkan İlkay KIZILTOPRAK - Executive Vice President, Market Operations Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu (MKK) / Türkiye
Özkan İlkay KIZILTOPRAK received his bachelor’s degree from İstanbul University’s International Relations Department at the Faculty of Economics.
He started his carreer at Citibank in 1995 working in the treasury and securities operations then moved to AFinance Plc Dublin in Ireland as the country manager for three years. He re-joined Citibank in 2002 and managed securities services, treasury, cash services, import and export and brokerage operations as the group manager until 2018.
During his tenure at Citibank he successfully led many local and international projects and took active roles in the Banks Association, Takasbank and MKK working groups. The integration of SWIFT messaging between Takasbank, MKK and intermediary institution, establishing capital gain tax processes on securities transactions, implementation of securities dematerialization process, holding fixed income instruments at beneficial owner level at MKK and elimination of “three zeros” from securities nominals are some of the critical projects that he led.
Before joining MKK he worked at few of the major capital markets solution provider companies where he managed business and product development, operational excellence and project management units in addition to advisor and trainer roles.
He holds Capital Markets Level 3 and derivatives instruments licenses as well as business intelligence tools certificates.
Mr. KIZILTOPRAK assigned as the Executive Vice President responsible for Market Operations at Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu A.Ş. on 07.10.2020.
Arman MELKUMYAN
Mr. Arman MELKUMYAN - Secretary General The Association of Eurasian Central Securities Depositories (AECSD)
Arman Melkumyan has more than 13 years of experience in the financial industry. Mr. Melkumyan is an expert in financial markets, cross-border cooperation and post-trading services; clients and international relations; new business processes development and implementation.
Mr. Melkumyan started his career at NSD in 2011 as account manager working with key professional participants of Russian financial market. After 3 years he changed his position to Relationship manager and after fruitful cooperation with key Russian and foreign financial institutions Mr. Melkumyan became a head of foreign client relations and took part in the series of successfully launched and implemented projects with key local and foreign clients. Starting February 2018 Mr. Melkumyan is in charge of international relations, management of cash and securities correspondent accounts and building cross-border links with Russian and foreign financial institutions.
Starting October 2018 Mr. Melkumyan assigned as the Secretary General of the Association of Eurasian Central Securities Depositories (AECSD). Being the Secretary General the main scope of work is
- Planning and coordination of the activities of the Association
- Organizing and holding the events (conferences, seminars, training webinars, working groups, committees)
- Conducting research in various areas
Mr. Melkumyan is a member of different working groups of World Forum of CSDs (WFC) and leading the development of E-learning platform(https://aecsd.org/en/e-learning/) – one of the initiatives of WFC for CSDs’ knowledge exchange.
Jim MICKLETHWAITE
Jim MICKLETHWAITE - Managing Director, Head of Financial Markets Thomas Murray / United Kingdom
Elif GÖNENÇER
Elif GÖNENÇER - Assistant Secretary General, Turkish Capital Markets Association / Türkiye
Before her role at TCMA, Gönençer worked at the Capital Markets Board of Türkiye (CMB) in various capacities: in the Intermediary Activities Department from 1997 to 2005, in the Research Department from 2005 to 2006, and in the Audit Department from 2006 to 2009. From 2009 to 2021, she worked in the Accounting Standards Department. She also served as the Chairperson of the Examination Committee at the Capital Markets Licensing Registry and Training Agency Co. Inc. and was the Head of the Licensing and Registry Group at the CMB.
Gönençer graduated from the Faculty of Political Science at Ankara University, majoring in Business Administration. She completed her master’s degree in European Union and International Relations, obtaining a dual degree from Bahçeşehir University and the Centre International de Formation Européenne (CIFE) / Institut Européen des Hautes Etudes Internationales (IEHEI) in Istanbul, Nice, and Berlin. Additionally, she completed a second bachelor’s degree in International Relations in English from Anadolu University in 2021.
Zafer MUSTAFAOĞLU
Zafer MUSTAFAOĞLU - Deputy General Manager Halk Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş. / Türkiye
Bulat NİZAMOV
Bulat NİZAMOV - Product Expert CMA Small Systems AB, Solution / Sweden
Bulat is a seasoned Solution and Product Expert with over 20 years of experience in financial systems integration, software development, and product management. He has led transformative projects for Central Banks and Exchanges/Central Securities Depositories (CSDs) worldwide. Bulat played a key role in developing and implementing trade and post-trade solutions, such as TRAD/X and DEPO/X v3, now used in over 15 countries. These solutions are specifically tailored for Central Banks and CSDs, outperforming those of industry giants. He has successfully implemented Auction, Trading, Collateral, and Depository systems in various countries, including Indonesia, Brunei, Chile, Jordan, Nigeria, Moldova, and Vietnam. His expertise includes comprehensive consultation, business analysis, and solution design, ensuring clients achieve their strategic goals. With a background in economics and mathematics/engineering, Bulat combines business insight with technical expertise to deliver precise and efficient solutions. Previously, he served as an Option Trader and Analyst at investment firms, including Renaissance Capital.
Taşkın ÖKER
Taşkın ÖKER - Executive Vice President Takasbank / Türkiye
Experienced IT executive with a demonstrated success in the history of banking, finance and stock market industry for +26 years. Skilled in IT service management, De-Centralized Systems Management (Blockchain Development), Network and Cyber Security, Database and Middle-Ware Architect, Centralized Systems Management, IT Strategy, Business Demand Management, IT Budgeting, Application Design and Development, Systems Integration, Vendor Management involving Enterprise Software, Business Intelligence, ITIL. strong operations professional graduated from Istanbul University. Skilled in IT Service Management,
Experience at a glance:
– Budgeting and Planning of IT Capacity, Expense and Resources,
– Designing of IT Infrastructure and Services,
– Purchasing and Contracting of IT Products and Services,
– IT Infrastructure and Security Operations,
– Technical Project Management,
– Managing Enterprise Software Projects,
– Customer-driven Service Management,
– Staffing, Well-supported, Motivated and Dedicated Teamwork.
Made IT strategy and setup organization aligned with business requirements, and built IT Services from end to end. Has proven added value, initiation, self-commitment and achievement in start-up, stabilize, transition and development of IT business.
Emir Münir SARPYENER
Emir Münir SARPYENER - Board Member & General Manager Tera Yatırım Menkul Değerler A.Ş. / Türkiye
Embarking on a 30-year career in the finance sector, Sarpyener took his first step in banking. He later continued as a Research Analyst and held positions as Head of Research Department at various reputable institutions.
In 2004, Sarpyener was appointed as the CEO of Raymond James Turkey Inc., guiding the company to become one of the leading players in the Turkish Capital Markets. During this period, he was also appointed to the company’s Board of Directors.
From 2014 to 2021, Sarpyener continued his career in Portfolio Management. He was a Portfolio Manager and Business Development Director at Aura Portfolio Management Inc. He then joined Tera Yatırım Securities Inc., first as a consultant the to Board of Directors and subsequently, as of October 2021, as General Manager. As of April 2023, Sarpyener is also a Board Member of the company.
Throughout his career, the departments he has managed, including Research and Sales, have consistently ranked highly in international assessments. He has played an active role in numerous primary and secondary public offerings and block sales. With extensive experience and knowledge spanning 30 years in the Turkish Capital Markets, Research, Asset Management, and Mergers & Acquisitions, Sarpyener possesses significant expertise in introducing and marketing Turkish Capital Market instruments to institutional investors operating in various regions around the world.
Imelda SEBAYANG
melda SEBAYANG - Director of Finance and Administration Indonesia Central Securities Depository (KSEI)
She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the Faculty of Engineering, University of Indonesia. Prior to her current role, she served as Director and Country Head of Securities Services (Custodian Bank) at Citibank Indonesia from 2013, and as Director and Head of Investors & Intermediaries (Custodian Bank, Cash Management & Trade Finance) at Standard Chartered Bank from 2003 to 2013.
She has also been an active member of several KSEI committees, including the Business Committee (2016-2018), the Regulatory Committee (2018-2020, 2020-2023), and the Internal Control Committee (since 2022). Additionally, she has held strategic positions in professional organizations such as the Indonesian Mutual Fund Management Association (APRDI) where she serves as Presidium Council Member (2021-2023) and was a Management Member from 2018 to 2021. She is also the Chairman of the Indonesian Custodian Bank Association (ABKI) (2021-2023), having previously served as Deputy Chairman (2018-2021) and as a member of the Education & Social Committee (2016-2018).
Sarah TARAWNEH
Sarah TARAWNEH - Chief Executive Officer Securities Depository Center (SDC) / Jordan
Sarah also served on the board of ANNA (Association of National Numbering Agencies) for the term of three years (2019-2021) dedicated to supporting the industry of standardization in capital markets in the region.
Sarah is specialized in Capital market legislation, Depository, Clearing and settlement, compliance with international standards and best practices.
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Law from the University of Jordan, and a license of practice from the Jordanian Bar association; she also attained many professional training and certificates in financial services field.
Jalil TARIF
Jalil TARIF Secretary General Union of Arab Securities Authorities (UASA) / The United Arab Emirates
Jalil Tarif currently serves as the Secretary General of the Union of Arab Securities Authorities (UASA). Tarif started his career in the Central Bank of Jordan and held the positions of Executive Director and Deputy Director General in Amman Financial Market between 1992 and 1999, where he oversaw Jordan’s entire capital market. Through his role as Deputy Director General, Tarif assisted in writing the new securities law that implemented the three separate entities that make up Jordan’s Capital Market today. In 1999, Jail Tarif was appointed as the first Chief Executive Officer of Amman Stock Exchange. He left his position as CEO in December 2012 to become the Secretary General of the Union of Arab Securities Authorities located in Dubai. Some of the roles Tarif has held during his career include:
President, NSC-Unix user group, Atos-Euro Next Market Solutions; Chairman of IOSCO Self-Regulatory Organization Consultative Committee; Member, OECD Corporate Governance Working Group, MENA region; Chairman of FIAS.
Osman Günsel TOPBAŞ, PhD
Osman Günsel TOPBAŞ, PhD - Co-Founder & Managing Partner Manifest Executive Consultancy / The United Arab Emirates
Gunsel Topbas is a seasoned financial industry professional with over two decades of executive experience in capital markets and securities services, particularly in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.
He is a recognized leader in digital transformation, focusing on fintech, blockchain, digital assets, and the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs). Gunsel frequently speaks at major industry forums.
Gunsel is the co-founder of Manifest Executive Consultancy, a Dubai-based boutique firm specializing in fintech advisory and training, with a focus on the future of finance and post-trade services. The firm also advises on digital assets, tokenization, and AI implementation in financial institutions.
In his most recent role as Managing Director and Regional Head of Custody for MEA at Citibank DIFC, Gunsel led teams across 14 countries, launched a new custody branch in Saudi Arabia, and drove strategic expansions. He managed a substantial P&L, built strong relationships with global banks, broker-dealers, and investors, and collaborated with local regulators and regional CSD associations. Before Citibank, he headed the International Department at Takasbank, representing Turkey in international securities organizations.
Gunsel is also a co-founder of a stealth startup leveraging blockchain technology. As a member of the Digital Assets Working Group of the MENA Fintech Association and a mentor at DIFC Innovation Hub, he actively supports fintech startups and champions financial innovation.
He holds a PhD in Corporate Finance, two MSc degrees in International Banking & Finance and Money & Banking, and a BSc in Computer Engineering. Accredited as a ‘Distinguished Public Speaker’ by Toastmasters International, Gunsel is known for his engaging talks on the future of finance.
Stuart TURNER
Stuart TURNER - Founder and Chairman Avenir Technology Limited / United Kingdom
Stuart’s 30 year career prior to founding Avenir focussed on exchanges, clearing houses and CSDs, initially in risk management and IT, but later specialising in founding new FMIs (in London and Dubai) or updating them for new products and new systems (in South Africa and New Zealand). This included innovations such developing the world’s first 24 hour CCP clearing house (for energy products) and one of the first carbon registries.
After many years of working for FMIs, Stuart became a capital markets consultant and advised on market development, systems procurement, products and risk management. Stuart has also advised governments on capital market development and the operations of emissions markets. He has also undertaken audits of several FMIs across the world.
He and his colleagues founded Avenir Technology in 2011 to create a simplified, cost-effective technology platform that was easier to use than those of existing suppliers. Avenir is implemented around the world from Argentina to Vietnam.
Stuart is also Chairman of Avenir Registrars Limited, a full-service CREST registrar in the UK, and Chairman of Avenir Registrars Ireland, a Euroclear-enabled registrar.
Setenay YAĞANOĞLU, PhD
Setenay YAĞANOĞLU, PhD - Director of Data Services Merkezi Kayıt Kuruluşu(MKK)
She holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Bilkent University. She was awarded the British Council scholarship for her MSc in Social Sciences studies at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom. She went on to embark her professional experience with academic skill and received her PhD in Finance from Istanbul Ticaret University in 2020 with a thesis entitled “An Analysis of Investors in Turkey on Behavioural Biases of Distance Effect, Herd Behaviour and Over- Confidence”. Her field of interests are mainly Behavioural Finance, Risk Appetite Measurement, and Systemic Risk Indicators.
As the Director of Data and Trade Repository Services Department at MKK, she aims at expanding the data services at MKK through various projects and applications which will contribute to the analysis of systematic risk, creation of meaningful outputs of capital market data and increase in financial literacy.
Yasser ZAAZAA
Yasser ZAAZAA - Managing Director & CEO The Egyptian Central Securities Depository / Egypt
Ömer GAZİMİHAL
Ömer GAZİMİHAL - Deputy General Manager, Enterprise Product Management Turkcell Digital Business Services / Türkiye
Saner GENÇOĞLU
Saner GENÇOĞLU - Senior Vice President, Risk Management, QNB Finansinvest, Türkiye
Saner Gençoğlu holds an MBA degree from the University of Rhode Island, College of Business, and a B.S. in Economics from Istanbul University. Accredited as an FRM since 2020, Gençoğlu currently serves as Senior Vice President of Risk Management at QNB Finansinvest. Having experience in market, credit, and operational risks for over a decade, he has been involved in both banking and brokerage risk management aspects throughout his career. In addition to driving ESG activities in his current position, he is also responsible for overseeing credit controls and performs full-fledged risk management activities across the company.
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Visa Information
It is possible to obtain e-Visa 7/24 at everywhere with internet connection. The applicants can obtain their visa after they fill in the necessary information concerning their identity, passport and travel dates and pay visa fee online. The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye provides information about the procedure for entering and exiting the territory of the Republic of Türkiye.
It is possible to obtain e-Visa 7/24 at everywhere with internet connection. The applicants can obtain their visa after they fill in the necessary information concerning their identity, passport and travel dates and pay visa fee online. The website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Türkiye provides information about the procedure for entering and exiting the territory of the Republic of Türkiye.