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Previous Speakers
Maria Panayiotou
President, Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA)/ Managing Director, AML & Compliance Officer GMM Fund Management
Maria Panayiotou is the Managing Director and the AML Compliance Officer of GMM Fund Management, an AIFM licensed and regulated by CySEC. Prior to joining GMM Fund Management, she was serving as the Head of the Company Administration of LLPO Law Firm with 15 years of experience in the fields of registration, administration, advising and structuring of companies in various professional sectors and industries and she was the AML Compliance Officer of LLPO Law Firm since 2016 and Compliance Officer’s Assistant of LLPO Law Firm since 2010. She is also approved as a NOMAD for Cyprus Stock Exchange. Mrs Panayiotou holds an MSc in Finance (University of Cyprus) and a BSc in Economics (University of Cyprus) and she passed the Advanced Examination on Financial Services Legal Framework from the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commissions.
Maria Panayiotou is the Managing Director and the AML Compliance Officer of GMM Fund Management, an AIFM licensed and regulated by CySEC. Prior to joining GMM Fund Management, she was serving as the Head of the Company Administration of LLPO Law Firm with 15 years of experience in the fields of registration, administration, advising and structuring of companies in various professional sectors and industries and she was the AML Compliance Officer of LLPO Law Firm since 2016 and Compliance Officer’s Assistant of LLPO Law Firm since 2010. She is also approved as a NOMAD for Cyprus Stock Exchange. Mrs Panayiotou holds an MSc in Finance (University of Cyprus) and a BSc in Economics (University of Cyprus) and she passed the Advanced Examination on Financial Services Legal Framework from the Cyprus Securities & Exchange Commissions.
Dr. George Theocharides
Chairman
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
Dr. George Theocharides (BΕng (Hons), MBA, PhD) is the Chairman of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). He is also the Chairman of the Risk Standing Committee (RSC). The RSC is part of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the successor of the Committee for Economic and Markets Analysis (CEMA), for which Dr. Theocharides served also as Chairman, between March and December 2022. He served as CySEC’s Vice Chairman from July 2020 to September 2021 and was previously a CySEC Board member. He has extensive experience working in the wider financial sector.
Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission
Dr. George Theocharides (BΕng (Hons), MBA, PhD) is the Chairman of the Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC). He is also the Chairman of the Risk Standing Committee (RSC). The RSC is part of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) and the successor of the Committee for Economic and Markets Analysis (CEMA), for which Dr. Theocharides served also as Chairman, between March and December 2022. He served as CySEC’s Vice Chairman from July 2020 to September 2021 and was previously a CySEC Board member. He has extensive experience working in the wider financial sector.
Theodoros Loykaidis
Director General, Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF)
Theodoros Loukaidis is the Director General of the Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation (RIF). Prior to joining RIF in May 2020, Theodoros held strategy and business development roles within large multinational corporations, including CK Hutchison Holdings Limited and Colt Technology Services Group Limited, a Fidelity Investments Company. He holds an MBA from Warwick Business School, UK, an MSc degree in Communications and Signal Processing from Imperial College, London and a BEng (Hons), First Class, in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from UMIST, UK.
Theodoros Loukaidis is the Director General of the Cyprus Research & Innovation Foundation (RIF). Prior to joining RIF in May 2020, Theodoros held strategy and business development roles within large multinational corporations, including CK Hutchison Holdings Limited and Colt Technology Services Group Limited, a Fidelity Investments Company. He holds an MBA from Warwick Business School, UK, an MSc degree in Communications and Signal Processing from Imperial College, London and a BEng (Hons), First Class, in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from UMIST, UK.
Marios Tannousis
CEO, Invest Cyprus
Marios Tannousis is the CEO of Invest Cyprus. He has over 24 years of international corporate experience, including 12 in the international banking and financial services group Societe Generale, where he served in various key posts. He is a Member of the Boards of the European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) and the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI). He holds a degree in Economics and an MBA. He regularly represents Cyprus at international conferences.
Marios Tannousis is the CEO of Invest Cyprus. He has over 24 years of international corporate experience, including 12 in the international banking and financial services group Societe Generale, where he served in various key posts. He is a Member of the Boards of the European Fund and Asset Management Association (EFAMA) and the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and a Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI). He holds a degree in Economics and an MBA. He regularly represents Cyprus at international conferences.
Tilmann Galler
Global Market Strategist
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Tilmann Galler, Executive Director, works as a global capital market strategist for German-speaking countries at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Frankfurt. He is part of the global Market Insights team, which creates, analyzes and derives implications for investment strategies based on extensive research for institutional and retail clients around the global economies and capital markets.
Prior to joining J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Tilmann spent six years at UBS Global Asset Management as a portfolio manager managing equity and balanced mandates for institutional clients. He was a member of the European equity portfolio construction team. He also worked for Commerzbank Securities as an equity trader. Tilmann holds a diploma in business administration (BWL) of Hohenheim University. He is a certified EFFAS Financial Analyst (CEFA) and a CFA charterholder.
J.P. Morgan Asset Management
Tilmann Galler, Executive Director, works as a global capital market strategist for German-speaking countries at J.P. Morgan Asset Management in Frankfurt. He is part of the global Market Insights team, which creates, analyzes and derives implications for investment strategies based on extensive research for institutional and retail clients around the global economies and capital markets.
Prior to joining J.P. Morgan Asset Management, Tilmann spent six years at UBS Global Asset Management as a portfolio manager managing equity and balanced mandates for institutional clients. He was a member of the European equity portfolio construction team. He also worked for Commerzbank Securities as an equity trader. Tilmann holds a diploma in business administration (BWL) of Hohenheim University. He is a certified EFFAS Financial Analyst (CEFA) and a CFA charterholder.
Michael Biemann
Senior Vice President and Fixed Income Strategist
PIMCO
Michael Biemann is a senior vice president and fixed income strategist in the London office. He initially joined PIMCO in 2010, and previously worked on the emerging markets team and in the executive office. Prior to rejoining the firm in 2020, he was CEO of the U.K. mortgage lender Selina Finance, and a strategy consultant for the Boston Consulting Group. He has also served in the U.S. Treasury Department in the Office of the Middle East and North Africa, worked as a teaching fellow of finance at Harvard University, and was an assistant to Dr. Carmen Reinhart. He has 10 years of investment and financial services experience and holds a master’s degree in economic policy from Harvard University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida.
PIMCO
Michael Biemann is a senior vice president and fixed income strategist in the London office. He initially joined PIMCO in 2010, and previously worked on the emerging markets team and in the executive office. Prior to rejoining the firm in 2020, he was CEO of the U.K. mortgage lender Selina Finance, and a strategy consultant for the Boston Consulting Group. He has also served in the U.S. Treasury Department in the Office of the Middle East and North Africa, worked as a teaching fellow of finance at Harvard University, and was an assistant to Dr. Carmen Reinhart. He has 10 years of investment and financial services experience and holds a master’s degree in economic policy from Harvard University and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. He received an undergraduate degree from the University of Florida.
Georgios Leontaris
Managing Director, Chief Investment Officer - Switzerland and EMEA
HSBC Private Bank
Georgios is the regional Chief Investment Officer, EMEA and Switzerland for HSBC Global Private Banking. He has a crucial role in developing the HSBC house view, asset allocation, thematic ideas and thought leadership pieces. He is in close contact with client-facing teams as well as Private Banking and Wealth clients across the region to provide investment advice across all asset classes.
Georgios has been with HSBC since 2007 and has received multiple awards, including Citywire Selector’s Top 40 under 40 in 2022 and Best Wealth Management Rising Star Under 40 in the 2023 WealthBriefing Swiss Awards. Prior to his current role, he was heading the Fixed Income Advisory Team in Switzerland, and was responsible for the management of $1.5billion of tailored fixed income mandates. Georgios holds a Master’s of Science degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and is a CFA Charterholder.
HSBC Private Bank
Georgios is the regional Chief Investment Officer, EMEA and Switzerland for HSBC Global Private Banking. He has a crucial role in developing the HSBC house view, asset allocation, thematic ideas and thought leadership pieces. He is in close contact with client-facing teams as well as Private Banking and Wealth clients across the region to provide investment advice across all asset classes.
Georgios has been with HSBC since 2007 and has received multiple awards, including Citywire Selector’s Top 40 under 40 in 2022 and Best Wealth Management Rising Star Under 40 in the 2023 WealthBriefing Swiss Awards. Prior to his current role, he was heading the Fixed Income Advisory Team in Switzerland, and was responsible for the management of $1.5billion of tailored fixed income mandates. Georgios holds a Master’s of Science degree from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and is a CFA Charterholder.
Demetris Themistocleous
Senior Manager, Fund Services, PwC Cyprus
Demetris is a board member of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and a Senior Manager of the Fund Services team at PwC Cyprus. Demetris has an experience of over thirteen years working in an Assurance and Advisory capacity and is currently responsible for the overall oversight of PwC’s Fund Administration division servicing various types of collective investment schemes, both Cypriot and non-local ones.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance Accounting and Management from the University of Nottingham, UK and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Cypriot counterpart ICPAC.
Demetris is a board member of the Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA) and a Senior Manager of the Fund Services team at PwC Cyprus. Demetris has an experience of over thirteen years working in an Assurance and Advisory capacity and is currently responsible for the overall oversight of PwC’s Fund Administration division servicing various types of collective investment schemes, both Cypriot and non-local ones.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance Accounting and Management from the University of Nottingham, UK and is a member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) and the Cypriot counterpart ICPAC.
Jay Woods
Chief Global Strategist, Freedom Capital Markets (US)
As a former Executive Floor Governor at the NYSE, Jay has over 30 years of exchange floor trading experience. He is a chartered market technician (CMT) and a regular commentator on all major US financial news outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Business News. His experience includes serving as chief market strategist at DriveWealth Institutional, and as a direct market maker, Jay has led trading in some of the most active issues at the NYSE through his roles at Spear, Leeds & Kellogg, Goldman Sachs, and IMC. Freedom Capital Markets is part of Freedom Holding Corp., a global financial group listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
As a former Executive Floor Governor at the NYSE, Jay has over 30 years of exchange floor trading experience. He is a chartered market technician (CMT) and a regular commentator on all major US financial news outlets such as CNBC, Bloomberg, and Fox Business News. His experience includes serving as chief market strategist at DriveWealth Institutional, and as a direct market maker, Jay has led trading in some of the most active issues at the NYSE through his roles at Spear, Leeds & Kellogg, Goldman Sachs, and IMC. Freedom Capital Markets is part of Freedom Holding Corp., a global financial group listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange.
Franck Nicolas
Responsible Strategy Development at Global Fixed Income, BNP Paribas Asset Management
Franck Nicolas joined BNP Paribas Asset Management in November 2018 as a Client CIO within MAQS (Multi Asset, Quantitative & Solutions). In 2023, he became Responsible Strategy Development at Global Fixed Income. Franck began his career in 1991 as derivatives & equity portfolio manager with the Compagnie Financière Benjamin & Edmond de Rothschild in Geneva. From 1994 to 1998, he was a fixed income portfolio manager with HSBC Midland Bank both in Paris for the asset management and in London for the capital markets. He joined CDC Asset Management in 1999 as a financial engineer, before being appointed director of quantitative engineering & research in 2002. In 2005, he also took in charge of the economic research & strategy department. In 2007, he became Head of the Global Allocation and ALM Department for Natixis Asset Management, and was head of the Business Unit Investment & Client Solutions between 2012 and 2018. Franck Nicolas holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Aix-en-Provence, a PhD in Management from the University from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, and an MBA from HEC Business School in Geneva. He is author of “Retraite: stratégies de placement”, Eska Editions, 2011 and “Investment Strategies for Retirement”, Eska Editions, 2017 and several research articles.
Franck Nicolas joined BNP Paribas Asset Management in November 2018 as a Client CIO within MAQS (Multi Asset, Quantitative & Solutions). In 2023, he became Responsible Strategy Development at Global Fixed Income. Franck began his career in 1991 as derivatives & equity portfolio manager with the Compagnie Financière Benjamin & Edmond de Rothschild in Geneva. From 1994 to 1998, he was a fixed income portfolio manager with HSBC Midland Bank both in Paris for the asset management and in London for the capital markets. He joined CDC Asset Management in 1999 as a financial engineer, before being appointed director of quantitative engineering & research in 2002. In 2005, he also took in charge of the economic research & strategy department. In 2007, he became Head of the Global Allocation and ALM Department for Natixis Asset Management, and was head of the Business Unit Investment & Client Solutions between 2012 and 2018. Franck Nicolas holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Aix-en-Provence, a PhD in Management from the University from Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, and an MBA from HEC Business School in Geneva. He is author of “Retraite: stratégies de placement”, Eska Editions, 2011 and “Investment Strategies for Retirement”, Eska Editions, 2017 and several research articles.
Richard House
Managing Director - CIO for Emerging Markets, Allianz Global Investors
Richard House leads the Emerging Market Fixed Income area at Allianz Global Investors. He joined Allianz Global Investors in 2018 as CIO Emerging Markets Debt and is primarily responsible for managing the Allianz GI EM Bond team. His public EM Debt track record stretches back to 2000. He is a sovereign specialist and a portfolio manager by training. He has research responsibilities for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) area in the Near East/Central Asia and other “distressed” sovereign borrowers. Previously, Richard was Head of Emerging Market Debt at Standard Life Investments from 2012 to 2017. He held the same role at Threadneedle Asset Management for five years before that. Earlier in his career, Richard worked for eight years as an emerging market debt portfolio manager for HSBC based in Geneva, and for three years as an emerging market debt trader at Wadhwani Asset Management. He began his career in 1994 as an emerging markets economist with Lombard Odier Asset Management. Richard holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Sunderland, UK, and an MSc in Finance and Economics from York University, UK.
Richard House leads the Emerging Market Fixed Income area at Allianz Global Investors. He joined Allianz Global Investors in 2018 as CIO Emerging Markets Debt and is primarily responsible for managing the Allianz GI EM Bond team. His public EM Debt track record stretches back to 2000. He is a sovereign specialist and a portfolio manager by training. He has research responsibilities for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) area in the Near East/Central Asia and other “distressed” sovereign borrowers. Previously, Richard was Head of Emerging Market Debt at Standard Life Investments from 2012 to 2017. He held the same role at Threadneedle Asset Management for five years before that. Earlier in his career, Richard worked for eight years as an emerging market debt portfolio manager for HSBC based in Geneva, and for three years as an emerging market debt trader at Wadhwani Asset Management. He began his career in 1994 as an emerging markets economist with Lombard Odier Asset Management. Richard holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Sunderland, UK, and an MSc in Finance and Economics from York University, UK.
Elina Asimakopoulou
Senior Trader, Société Générale Luxembourg
Elina Asimakopoulou is a Senior Cross Asset Trader at Société Générale in Luxembourg with more than 15 years’ experience in the multi asset financial industry (bonds, equities, ETFs, ETDs) and specialized in Fixed Income Cash and Derivatives. She has also previous experience in proprietary trading in futures and stocks and has spoken in various summits in the trading sector. Her expertise includes different trading strategies in the fixed income field, execution optimization through pre and post trade analysis of key metrics, constant model calibration between low and high touch flows, contributing to her success in the trading landscape. Elina holds a BSc in Statistics and Actuarial Science, a post graduate degree in International Finance and a MifId II Certication for Advisor.
Elina Asimakopoulou is a Senior Cross Asset Trader at Société Générale in Luxembourg with more than 15 years’ experience in the multi asset financial industry (bonds, equities, ETFs, ETDs) and specialized in Fixed Income Cash and Derivatives. She has also previous experience in proprietary trading in futures and stocks and has spoken in various summits in the trading sector. Her expertise includes different trading strategies in the fixed income field, execution optimization through pre and post trade analysis of key metrics, constant model calibration between low and high touch flows, contributing to her success in the trading landscape. Elina holds a BSc in Statistics and Actuarial Science, a post graduate degree in International Finance and a MifId II Certication for Advisor.
Michael Konstantinou
Senior Portfolio Manager, Athlos Capital
Michael embarked on his career as a bond trader on the European Investment Grade trading desk at Barclays in London, where he spent 11 years specializing in Financials and Sovereigns and was promoted to a Director. At his time at Barclays, he also traded dollar denominated bank capital assets in the New York office. He was also a part of the European Emerging Markets trading team in London, gaining experience in the CIS sovereign and corporates market. In 2018, he moved on to head the European Financials bond trading team at Credit Suisse in London, where he was eventually promoted to a Managing Director running the European Investment Grade bond trading desk. He managed teams across London, Hong Kong and Madrid covering a vast majority of the IG/HY bond spectrum across different currencies. Michael has recently joined Athlos Capital as a senior portfolio manager and holds a BSc (Honors) in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Michael embarked on his career as a bond trader on the European Investment Grade trading desk at Barclays in London, where he spent 11 years specializing in Financials and Sovereigns and was promoted to a Director. At his time at Barclays, he also traded dollar denominated bank capital assets in the New York office. He was also a part of the European Emerging Markets trading team in London, gaining experience in the CIS sovereign and corporates market. In 2018, he moved on to head the European Financials bond trading team at Credit Suisse in London, where he was eventually promoted to a Managing Director running the European Investment Grade bond trading desk. He managed teams across London, Hong Kong and Madrid covering a vast majority of the IG/HY bond spectrum across different currencies. Michael has recently joined Athlos Capital as a senior portfolio manager and holds a BSc (Honors) in Accounting and Finance from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Petros Mavrommatis
Vice President, Cyprus Investment Funds Association (CIFA)/ Head of KPMG Cyprus Asset Management Services
Petros Mavrommatis is the Head of KPMG Cyprus Asset Management Services. He is a graduate of the University of Northumbria in Newcastle with a Ba in Accountancy. He is a practicing member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) and a member of the Cyprus Investment Fund Association (CIFA) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC).He is currently having a sit as an observer at the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Investment Fund Association. He is also the Vice President of the Corporate Governance and Professional integrity committee of ICPAC. Furthermore, he is the co-founder and vice chairman of the KPMG Cyprus Audit Committee Institute. Petros embarked on his relationship with KPMG in 2004. He has extensive auditing experience with local and international clients in a variety of industry sectors such as Investment Funds, Investment Companies, Insurance, Banking, Energy, Mining and General Trading. He has also assisted and advised clients with respect to Funds licensing, structuring and administration services. Petros also served in the past, as KPMG’s assistant of the Head of Quality & Risk and the Ethics and Independence partner.
Petros Mavrommatis is the Head of KPMG Cyprus Asset Management Services. He is a graduate of the University of Northumbria in Newcastle with a Ba in Accountancy. He is a practicing member of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA) and a member of the Cyprus Investment Fund Association (CIFA) and the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Cyprus (ICPAC).He is currently having a sit as an observer at the Board of Directors of the Cyprus Investment Fund Association. He is also the Vice President of the Corporate Governance and Professional integrity committee of ICPAC. Furthermore, he is the co-founder and vice chairman of the KPMG Cyprus Audit Committee Institute. Petros embarked on his relationship with KPMG in 2004. He has extensive auditing experience with local and international clients in a variety of industry sectors such as Investment Funds, Investment Companies, Insurance, Banking, Energy, Mining and General Trading. He has also assisted and advised clients with respect to Funds licensing, structuring and administration services. Petros also served in the past, as KPMG’s assistant of the Head of Quality & Risk and the Ethics and Independence partner.
Verena Ross
European Securities and Markets Authority
Verena Ross is the Chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). She took up the role on 1 November 2021 and is responsible for representing the Authority as well as preparing the work of and chairing its Board of Supervisors and Management Board.
Between 2011 and 2021 Verena Ross served as ESMA’s first Executive Director, when she was responsible for building up the organisation and overseeing its day to day running.
Prior to this, Verena held a number of senior posts in the UK's Financial Services Authority (FSA) and was a member of the FSA's Executive Committee. Verena joined the FSA in 1998 to run the Executive Chairman’s office during the regulator’s start-up phase and was briefly a seconded advisor to the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission in 2000. She held various positions in the FSA’s Markets Division and was Director of Strategy & Risk Division before becoming Director of the International Division.
Verena is a German national. Following studies in Sinology and Economics in Hamburg, Taipei and London (SOAS) she began her career at the Bank of England in 1994, where she worked as an economist and banking supervisor.
Verena Ross is the Chair of the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA). She took up the role on 1 November 2021 and is responsible for representing the Authority as well as preparing the work of and chairing its Board of Supervisors and Management Board.
Between 2011 and 2021 Verena Ross served as ESMA’s first Executive Director, when she was responsible for building up the organisation and overseeing its day to day running.
Prior to this, Verena held a number of senior posts in the UK's Financial Services Authority (FSA) and was a member of the FSA's Executive Committee. Verena joined the FSA in 1998 to run the Executive Chairman’s office during the regulator’s start-up phase and was briefly a seconded advisor to the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission in 2000. She held various positions in the FSA’s Markets Division and was Director of Strategy & Risk Division before becoming Director of the International Division.
Verena is a German national. Following studies in Sinology and Economics in Hamburg, Taipei and London (SOAS) she began her career at the Bank of England in 1994, where she worked as an economist and banking supervisor.
Benjamin Alt
Head of Global Private Equity Portfolios
Head of Private Equity Consumer Investments
Schroders Investment Management (Europe) S.A.
Benjamin Alt is head of Global Private Equity Portfolios and also heads the Private Equity Consumer Investments team.
Prior to taking on his current role, Benjamin covered Schroders Capital private equity investment activity in Europe, as well as in the US while in secondment in New York. Before joining Schroders Capital in 2008, Benjamin worked in the Investment Banking division of Sal. Oppenheim in Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany.
Benjamin holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Private University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany.
Head of Private Equity Consumer Investments
Schroders Investment Management (Europe) S.A.
Benjamin Alt is head of Global Private Equity Portfolios and also heads the Private Equity Consumer Investments team.
Prior to taking on his current role, Benjamin covered Schroders Capital private equity investment activity in Europe, as well as in the US while in secondment in New York. Before joining Schroders Capital in 2008, Benjamin worked in the Investment Banking division of Sal. Oppenheim in Frankfurt and Cologne, Germany.
Benjamin holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Business Administration from the Private University of Witten/Herdecke, Germany.
Jigna Gibb
Head of Commodities & Crypto Index Products
Bloomberg
Jigna Gibb is Head of Commodities and Crypto Index Products at Bloomberg. In her role, she is responsible for the flagship Bloomberg Commodities (BCOM) family index suite, which is linked to products totalling over $107bn AUM, as well as the roll out of new index launches.
Prior to joining Bloomberg Mrs. Gibb was Head of Origination for the Quantitative Investment Solutions team at Deutsche Bank. Her responsibilities included Portfolio, Cross Asset and FICC QIS product development, marketing, and origination to institutional investors globally. She has created and innovated risk premia and quantitative investment solutions at the bank since the platform’s inception in 2012 and worked in collaboration with the DB Quant Research team.
Mrs. Gibb worked at Barclays for eight years both in London and New York. In a structuring sales role, she was integral in developing the Commodities Investor Solutions business. Over her tenure at Barclays she delivered a diverse range of investment solutions such as index strategies, collateralised commodities obligations, structured products and fund solutions to institutional investors. She started her career at Goldman Sachs as a Financial Sales Analyst in the Securities division.
Mrs. Gibb received her M.A. in Mathematics from the University of Oxford.
Bloomberg
Jigna Gibb is Head of Commodities and Crypto Index Products at Bloomberg. In her role, she is responsible for the flagship Bloomberg Commodities (BCOM) family index suite, which is linked to products totalling over $107bn AUM, as well as the roll out of new index launches.
Prior to joining Bloomberg Mrs. Gibb was Head of Origination for the Quantitative Investment Solutions team at Deutsche Bank. Her responsibilities included Portfolio, Cross Asset and FICC QIS product development, marketing, and origination to institutional investors globally. She has created and innovated risk premia and quantitative investment solutions at the bank since the platform’s inception in 2012 and worked in collaboration with the DB Quant Research team.
Mrs. Gibb worked at Barclays for eight years both in London and New York. In a structuring sales role, she was integral in developing the Commodities Investor Solutions business. Over her tenure at Barclays she delivered a diverse range of investment solutions such as index strategies, collateralised commodities obligations, structured products and fund solutions to institutional investors. She started her career at Goldman Sachs as a Financial Sales Analyst in the Securities division.
Mrs. Gibb received her M.A. in Mathematics from the University of Oxford.
James People
Senior Alternatives Sales Specialist EMEA Alternative Wealth Management
Franklin Templeton
James joined Franklin Templeton in October 2021 as an Alternative Sales Specialist, covering the EMEA region, with a particular focus on the UK and Ireland.
Prior to joining FT, James was a principal at CQS, distributing alternative credit solutions to the UK, Swiss and Nordics clients. James also worked at Muzinich and BlueBay Asset Management, both credit focused asset managers, as a sales director with global remit. James started his career, spending 7 years at Goldman Sachs, initially on the credit trading desk and later as an institutional portfolio manager in the Fixed Income team at GSAM. James holds a BSC in Economics from Westminster business school and a post graduate business degree in International Banking & Finance from Columbia Business School in New York.
Franklin Templeton
James joined Franklin Templeton in October 2021 as an Alternative Sales Specialist, covering the EMEA region, with a particular focus on the UK and Ireland.
Prior to joining FT, James was a principal at CQS, distributing alternative credit solutions to the UK, Swiss and Nordics clients. James also worked at Muzinich and BlueBay Asset Management, both credit focused asset managers, as a sales director with global remit. James started his career, spending 7 years at Goldman Sachs, initially on the credit trading desk and later as an institutional portfolio manager in the Fixed Income team at GSAM. James holds a BSC in Economics from Westminster business school and a post graduate business degree in International Banking & Finance from Columbia Business School in New York.
Marios P. Charalambides
Partner, Board Member, Head of Financial Services, RSM Cyprus
Marios P. Charalambides is a Partner, Board Member and the Head of Financial Services of RSM Cyprus Ltd. He has more than 20 years of professional experience with specialisation in the Financial Services industry. He has led numerous audit and advisory engagements both in Cyprus and abroad, ranging in size and complexity. He is a frequent speaker on topics related to financial services and has published many articles on the subject. He holds a BSc in Finance and is a Fellow Member (FCA) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Marios P. Charalambides is a Partner, Board Member and the Head of Financial Services of RSM Cyprus Ltd. He has more than 20 years of professional experience with specialisation in the Financial Services industry. He has led numerous audit and advisory engagements both in Cyprus and abroad, ranging in size and complexity. He is a frequent speaker on topics related to financial services and has published many articles on the subject. He holds a BSc in Finance and is a Fellow Member (FCA) of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW).
Gerasimos Ntouskas
Board Member, Technology Consulting, KPMG Limited
Gerasimos leads the Technology Consulting service portfolio which includes the Lighthouse, our Center of Excellence for AI, Data, and Emerging Technologies, the Cyber and Digital Trust and the Digital Services at KPMG in Cyprus.
With over 20 years of experience in providing technology advisory services, he specializes in data-driven transformation, technology-driven business, and digital transformation, Cyber and Information Protection, digital product design, development, and commercialization for several KPMG clients locally and internationally from a variety of industry sectors.
Gerasimos leads the Technology Consulting service portfolio which includes the Lighthouse, our Center of Excellence for AI, Data, and Emerging Technologies, the Cyber and Digital Trust and the Digital Services at KPMG in Cyprus.
With over 20 years of experience in providing technology advisory services, he specializes in data-driven transformation, technology-driven business, and digital transformation, Cyber and Information Protection, digital product design, development, and commercialization for several KPMG clients locally and internationally from a variety of industry sectors.
Harry Michaelides
Treasury and Investment Junior Director, ECOMMBX
Harry is a certified asset manager, appointed as the Treasury and Investment Director to reinforce the ECOMMBX team and prepare it for the expected growth that the company is steering towards. He combines his previous experience in leading international investment and trading firms with a stellar track record in asset and project management related to digital wealth platforms and associated solutions and applications. Harry is Managing Treasury and Investment operations and is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and reporting all Treasury and Investment activities, identifying and quantifying strategic and financial risks related to the Treasury and Investment activities, carrying out foreign exchange transactions and investments on behalf of the Company. With an eye to the future and a capacity to rise to this industry’s challenges, he is a valuable asset to the ECOMMBX leadership.
Harry is a certified asset manager, appointed as the Treasury and Investment Director to reinforce the ECOMMBX team and prepare it for the expected growth that the company is steering towards. He combines his previous experience in leading international investment and trading firms with a stellar track record in asset and project management related to digital wealth platforms and associated solutions and applications. Harry is Managing Treasury and Investment operations and is responsible for preparing, reviewing, and reporting all Treasury and Investment activities, identifying and quantifying strategic and financial risks related to the Treasury and Investment activities, carrying out foreign exchange transactions and investments on behalf of the Company. With an eye to the future and a capacity to rise to this industry’s challenges, he is a valuable asset to the ECOMMBX leadership.
Monica Ioannidou Polemitis
Member of the Board of Directors, Research and Innovation Foundation (RIF)
Monica Ioannidou Polemitis serves on the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation of Cyprus. With over 20 years of experience in strategic advisory, she has led numerous projects, helping companies define their vision and develop effective business strategies. Currently, as the Founder and CEO of Hybrid ConsulTech, she focuses on delivering digital transformation and data analytics solutions. Monica also serves as President of the ICC Cyprus Women Network, where she actively promotes and supports female leadership in business.
Monica Ioannidou Polemitis serves on the Board of Directors of the Research and Innovation Foundation of Cyprus. With over 20 years of experience in strategic advisory, she has led numerous projects, helping companies define their vision and develop effective business strategies. Currently, as the Founder and CEO of Hybrid ConsulTech, she focuses on delivering digital transformation and data analytics solutions. Monica also serves as President of the ICC Cyprus Women Network, where she actively promotes and supports female leadership in business.
Spyros Ierides
CFA, Chartered MCSI, Manager, Asset Management, CISCO - Bank of Cyprus
Spyros Ierides heads the Asset Management Unit at the Cyprus Investment & Securities Corporation (CISCO), providing portfolio management and independent investment advisory services, helping Institutional, Corporate, Governmental and (U)HNWI clients manage their wealth, and meet their investment targets. Prior to this position, he held various roles in the financial services sector, including Head of Premier Banking at Bank of Cyprus, Head of Own Account Trading at a CIF, and officer at the CySEC, accumulating 17 years of professional experience. Spyros holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Cyprus and an MSc in Economics from the University of Warwick, and the CySEC’s Advanced Certification. He is a member of the CIFA and of the local CISI and CFA societies.
Spyros Ierides heads the Asset Management Unit at the Cyprus Investment & Securities Corporation (CISCO), providing portfolio management and independent investment advisory services, helping Institutional, Corporate, Governmental and (U)HNWI clients manage their wealth, and meet their investment targets. Prior to this position, he held various roles in the financial services sector, including Head of Premier Banking at Bank of Cyprus, Head of Own Account Trading at a CIF, and officer at the CySEC, accumulating 17 years of professional experience. Spyros holds a BSc in Economics from the University of Cyprus and an MSc in Economics from the University of Warwick, and the CySEC’s Advanced Certification. He is a member of the CIFA and of the local CISI and CFA societies.
Dimitrios Batzis
Head of Southern CEE & Mediterranean countries
Schroders Investment Management (Europe) S.A.
Dimitrios Batzis is Head of Southern CEE & Mediterranean, and is responsible for the business and strategic development in this region which consists of overall 7 countries. He is also the ESG Representative Germany, Austria & CEEMED covering all client-facing topics around ESG, sustainability and impact.
From 2019-2022 he was Head of Greece, Cyprus & Malta. He joined Schroders in Frankfurt in 2017 as Sales Executive servicing clients located throughout the CEE & Mediterranean region.
From 2016-2017 Dimitrios worked for Deutsche Bank within the Investment Banking division.
From 2013-2016 he was a Product Manager at the Treasury department of Bank of China in Frankfurt. He was responsible for the bank’s bond offerings and relationship building with German institutional clients seeking to invest in Chinese bonds.
From 2009-2013 he was a Trader for a Family Office in Switzerland & Greece.
Mr. Batzis holds a Diploma (MA) in business administration from the Goethe-University in Frankfurt and holds the CFA ESG certification.
Schroders Investment Management (Europe) S.A.
Dimitrios Batzis is Head of Southern CEE & Mediterranean, and is responsible for the business and strategic development in this region which consists of overall 7 countries. He is also the ESG Representative Germany, Austria & CEEMED covering all client-facing topics around ESG, sustainability and impact.
From 2019-2022 he was Head of Greece, Cyprus & Malta. He joined Schroders in Frankfurt in 2017 as Sales Executive servicing clients located throughout the CEE & Mediterranean region.
From 2016-2017 Dimitrios worked for Deutsche Bank within the Investment Banking division.
From 2013-2016 he was a Product Manager at the Treasury department of Bank of China in Frankfurt. He was responsible for the bank’s bond offerings and relationship building with German institutional clients seeking to invest in Chinese bonds.
From 2009-2013 he was a Trader for a Family Office in Switzerland & Greece.
Mr. Batzis holds a Diploma (MA) in business administration from the Goethe-University in Frankfurt and holds the CFA ESG certification.
Matt Miclea Serchovsky
Head of ESG Country Research, BMI
Matt Sechovsky is Head of ESG Country Research. He is based in London and previously worked in BMI’s Political Risk team. Matt joined BMI in 2019, having previously worked in business consulting, with a focus on geopolitical risks and due diligence in EMEA, and in international development consulting. He holds degrees in Economics, and Conflict and Development, and is an EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst.
Matt Sechovsky is Head of ESG Country Research. He is based in London and previously worked in BMI’s Political Risk team. Matt joined BMI in 2019, having previously worked in business consulting, with a focus on geopolitical risks and due diligence in EMEA, and in international development consulting. He holds degrees in Economics, and Conflict and Development, and is an EFFAS Certified ESG Analyst.
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