Technology and Finance

Efi Pylarinou Fintech & Blockchain Advisor
Fintech, Technology and Finance

Efi Pylarinou Fintech & Blockchain Advisor

Efi Pylarinou Fintech & Blockchain Advisor Efi Pylarinou is a globally recognized fintech and blockchain advisor, with a unique background that blends Wall Street finance, academia, and digital innovation. Based in Switzerland, she is one of the most active independent voices in fintech commentary, regularly publishing articles, whitepapers, and multimedia content on digital finance, AI, and decentralized technologies.  Efi began her career in investment banking and quantitative finance before pivoting toward fintech. She has since become a leading analyst on wealthtech, regtech, and blockchain applications in finance. Her blog and YouTube channel feature regular deep dives into market trends, startup analysis, and emerging technologies, earning her a wide audience among practitioners, investors, and regulators.  As a keynote speaker and advisory board member, Efi is involved in shaping digital finance policies and strategies at both corporate and governmental levels. Her contributions extend beyond analysis, she actively mentors fintech startups and promotes ethical and inclusive technology development.  Pylarinou’s influence is particularly felt in Europe and the Middle East, where her work bridges the gap between technology and institutional finance. Her multidisciplinary perspective makes her an essential voice in a rapidly evolving ecosystem, helping stakeholders understand both the

David Brear Co-founder and CEO of 11:FS
Technology and Finance, Fintech

David Brear Co-founder and CEO of 11:FS

DAVID BREAR THE CO-FOUNDER AND CEO OF 11:FS David Brear is the co-founder and CEO of 11:FS, a digital consultancy that has helped define the modern fintech playbook. With a background that includes digital leadership roles at Lloyds Bank, Aviva, and Gartner, Brear has positioned himself at the center of financial innovation in the UK and globally.  At 11:FS, Brear leads a team that builds challenger bank platforms, consults for financial institutions, and produces widely followed fintech content. Their podcast ‘Fintech Insider’ is one of the most popular in the industry, featuring interviews with top leaders and analysis of breaking trends. Brear is known for his straight-talking style, often challenging the status quo in banking and advocating for customer-centric, agile technology solutions.  His belief that ‘digital banking is only 1% finished’ has become a mantra among fintech professionals. He frequently speaks at international events, appears in media commentary, and mentors emerging fintech founders. Under his leadership, 11:FS has worked with major players including NatWest, Standard Chartered, and numerous startups. David’s influence stems from his ability to combine strategic vision with practical implementation, helping clients transform bold ideas into operational succes

Theodora Lau Founder of Unconventional Ventures
Technology and Finance, Fintech

Theodora Lau Founder of Unconventional Ventures

THEODORA LAU   FOUNDER OF UNCONVENTIONAL VENTURES Theodora Lau is the founder of Unconventional Ventures, a firm dedicated to supporting innovation that benefits traditionally underserved populations in finance. A passionate advocate for diversity, ethics, and inclusion in fintech, Lau has become a respected voice at the intersection of technology, policy, and social impact.  Her writing regularly appears in top industry publications, and she co-authors ‘The Financial Revolutionist’ as well as her own newsletter ‘Fintech Prose.’ Lau is also the co-host of the podcast ‘One Vision,’ where she interviews innovators across fintech, healthtech, and digital transformation.  With a background in technology and strategic development, Lau speaks frequently at global conferences and advises startups and corporates alike on building more inclusive and human-centered products. She is deeply involved in initiatives promoting financial health, ethical AI, and equitable access to services.  Lau’s influence in fintech is unique: while she does not build or fund companies directly, she shapes the culture and conversation of the industry. Her commitment to purpose-driven innovation has helped shift the focus of fintech from growth-at-all-costs to sustainable, inclusive progress. As the industry matures, voices like hers are more critical than ever.

Leda Glyptis Chief Client Officer at 10x Banking
Technology and Finance, Fintech

Leda Glyptis Chief Client Officer at 10x Banking

Leda Glyptis Chief Client Officer at 10x Banking Leda Glyptis is a fintech executive, author, and advocate for transformation within the banking industry. As Chief Client Officer at 10x Banking and former CEO of Foundry, a fintech subsidiary of 11:FS, Glyptis has been at the vanguard of digital innovation inside financial institutions. She is best known for her thought leadership on the cultural and systemic challenges of fintech adoption, particularly through her book ‘Bankers Like Us.’ Her writing, frequently published in outlets such as Fintech Futures, combines humor, critical insight, and personal experience, offering a rare inside look at the push and pull between old and new in finance.  Glyptis is a popular keynote speaker and is widely respected for her ability to communicate complex challenges in a relatable, narrative style. She frequently calls out tokenism and superficial innovation, instead promoting structural change and authentic engagement with new technology.  Her influence is particularly strong among banking professionals who are seeking to lead or manage change within legacy institutions. Leda Glyptis continues to be a critical voice in fintech, not just pointing toward innovation, but showing the path to get there.

Chris Skinner Author, Speaker & Commentator
Technology and Finance, Fintech

Chris Skinner Author, Speaker & Commentator

CHRIS SKINNER AUTHOR, SPEAKER & COMMENTATOR Chris Skinner is a renowned author, speaker, and commentator on the future of financial services. He is best known for his influential blog, ‘The Finanser,’ and for books such as ‘Digital Bank’ and ‘Doing Digital,’ which have become essential reading for executives navigating digital transformation. Skinner’s influence spans decades, and he has advised banks like BBVA, ING, and JPMorgan Chase on how to evolve their strategies for the digital age.  He is widely considered one of the most respected independent voices in fintech, often cited for his deep insights into the structural and societal impacts of technological innovation. In 2025, Skinner joined the advisory board of WebAccountPlus AI Innovation Ltd., collaborating with other fintech thought leaders to reimagine post-Open Banking infrastructure. His continued focus on the convergence of finance, society, and technology places him at the forefront of long-term fintech thinking.  Skinner’s role is not to build products or invest in startups, but to articulate the direction of change. Through writing, keynotes, and advisory engagements, he has helped shape how banks and regulators understand and respond to innovation. His work remains essential to anyone seeking to understand the past, present, and future of financial technology.

Jason Mikula Independent Fintech Analyst & Publisher
Technology and Finance, Fintech

Jason Mikula Independent Fintech Analyst & Publisher

Jason Mikula Independent Fintech Analyst & Publisher J ason Mikula is an independent fintech analyst, consultant, and publisher of the highly regarded newsletter ‘Fintech Business Weekly.’ With experience spanning traditional financial institutions and fintech startups, Mikula offers a rare insider-outsider view of the sector. He began his career at Goldman Sachs before transitioning into growth and product roles at firms like Enova and LendUp.  Today, he serves as an advisor to early-stage fintechs and provides consulting services on go-to-market, compliance, and product development. His newsletter and podcast have become must-reads for fintech professionals seeking analysis beyond the headlines.  Mikula is especially respected for his detailed coverage of consumer lending, regulation, neobanks, and crypto-fintech intersections. His research has been cited by major media outlets and is frequently shared by policymakers, founders, and investors. Mikula’s impact lies in his ability to synthesize complex industry developments into accessible, critical commentary.  As a trusted analyst with hands-on experience, he bridges the gap between the boardroom and the policy table, helping the fintech ecosystem understand itself more clearly and navigate regulatory risk with insight.

Technology and Finance, Fintech

Lex Sokolin Head Economist at ConsenSys

LEX SOKOLIN Head Economist at ConsenSys Lex Sokolin is a fintech futurist, entrepreneur, and economist currently serving as Head Economist for decentralized protocols at ConsenSys, a leading blockchain technology firm. His work focuses on the convergence of traditional financial services with decentralized finance (DeFi), tokenization, and web3 innovation.  Sokolin publishes ‘The Fintech Blueprint,’ a widely read newsletter that dissects trends in finance, crypto, and economics with a macro and philosophical lens. His writing, teaching, and consulting work have earned him recognition as one of the most intellectually provocative voices in fintech.  Previously, Sokolin led fintech strategy at Autonomous Research and held executive roles at NestEgg Wealth and AdvisorEngine. He combines a deep understanding of institutional finance with a pioneering approach to decentralized technology and token economics.  In 2025, Sokolin has become an increasingly influential voice in shaping how financial institutions approach programmable money, AI agents, and blockchain-based governance. His work guides not only entrepreneurs and developers, but also regulators and incumbent firms trying to make sense of an increasingly tokenized world.

Susanne Chishti – CEO of FINTECH Circle
Technology and Finance, Fintech

Susanne Chishti CEO of FINTECH Circle

Susanne Chishti CEO of FINTECH Circle S usanne Chishti is the CEO of Fintech Circle, a global platform for fintech education, investment, and thought leadership. As an investor, board advisor, and author, she has built one of the most influential communities in European fintech, helping connect startups, corporates, and investors.  Chishti’s background spans senior roles in investment banking at Deutsche Bank and Morgan Stanley, giving her the traditional finance expertise that informs her work in fintech. At Fintech Circle, she has led training programs, pitch events, and investment initiatives that support innovation across payments, insurtech, wealthtech, and regtech.  She is also the editor of the bestselling ‘FINTECH Book’ series, including volumes on WealthTech, InsurTech, and AI in Finance. These publications have become foundational texts for professionals and students alike. Chishti’s influence extends to her public speaking and board roles, including at Crown Agents Bank and various advisory panels. Her work emphasizes knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and the role of fintech in building more resilient financial systems. She remains one of the most impactful fintech voices in Europe and beyond.

Levelling Up Competitive Gaming ESCS Is Giving Power Back to Players and Creators
Technology and Finance

Levelling Up Competitive Gaming ESCS Is Giving Power Back to Players and Creators

Levelling Up Competitive Gaming ESCS Is Giving Power Back to Players and Creators By Desk Reporter I magine being able to invite friends to a tournament and start competing in minutes without needing a tech team or massive infrastructure. That’s exactly the experience ESCS is delivering to game developers and players alike. At the heart of the platform is a simple idea: make social and competitive play seamless, viral, and rewarding. ESCS enables developers to plug in full-featured tournaments, real-money play, social invites, and rewards within just 15 minutes using their SDK. But the journey didn’t begin with tech; it began with passion. The founding team set out to make “play with me” more than a casual invite.  They wanted it to mean something. As they listened to game developers, they uncovered a broader challenge an inefficient, outdated system of game distribution that was missing out on billions in community-powered engagement. With feedback in hand, ESCS grew into a powerful platform focused on retention, monetization, and virality. It became a creator-powered engine where developers and influencers alike could build active gaming communities and monetize them fairly.  Being named a Unity Verified Solution has only added to the platform’s momentum. This recognition put ESCS in an elite league of global partners and validated its performance, security, and usability. For developers, this kind of endorsement brings confidence. For the ESCS team, it brought the fuel needed to expand faster and deeper into the gaming ecosystem.  The platform’s flexibility is key. Developers can choose which features to activate whether it’s traditional tournaments, entry-fee challenges, or shareable revenue models. All of this is built with fairness and compliance at its core. Secure backend validation ensures every tournament result is real, while AI-powered anti-cheat tools protect gameplay integrity. Players, creators, and studios all benefit from transparent revenue sharing and an ecosystem built for trust. But ESCS isn’t just about infrastructure. It’s about community.  Their social layer ESCS Clubs, brings players together in real-time, wherever they already are: on websites, inside games, or even in Discord. With chat, streaming, leaderboards, and direct challenges, these digital clubs turn passive audiences into active players. The results? A dramatic boost in engagement, session time, and tournament participation. The company’s momentum is also reflected in its funding strategy. With backing from industry veterans and a clear growth engine in place, ESCS is currently raising a $2.5 million seed round to scale toward 10 million monthly active users.  The model is designed to be capital-efficient and fueled by network effects where each new creator or game increases the platform’s value exponentially. Looking ahead, ESCS is already planning its next leap: connecting games to blockchain rewards and digital ownership. Their vision is to let players own their achievements, history, and even tournament moments securely stored on-chain.  Whether it’s NFT-based rewards or community-owned Clubs, ESCS sees a future where players are more than participants; they’re stakeholders in the gaming world they help create. At the center of it all is Ewgeniy Oganian, the founder and CEO of ESCS. With a background in mathematics and a deep love for gaming, he brings both technical expertise and creative vision.  Ewgeniy’s mission is simple: to turn the act of playing a game into a social, monetizable, and shareable experience. In the next few years, ESCS doesn’t just want to support games it wants to be the infrastructure behind them.  From massive global tournaments to indie creators launching their first community challenges, the platform is laying the groundwork for a new era of distribution one powered not by platforms, but by people.

Vanessa Kingori
Technology and Finance

Vanessa Kingori A Trailblazer in Media & Tech

Vanessa Kingori A Trailblazer in Media & Tech By Peter Davis Vanessa Kingori OBE is a name that echoes influence, innovation, and integrity across industries. As the Managing Director at Google for Technology, Media, and Telecoms, she stands at the forefront of a digital revolution, leading with clarity and purpose. Her journey, which spans publishing, fashion, and now technology, reflects a deep commitment to transformation, storytelling, and equity. Born in Kenya and raised in the UK, Vanessa’s perspective is deeply global. Her early fascination with storytelling led her into the world of publishing where she rapidly rose through the ranks. She became a historic figure at British Vogue when she was appointed as the first woman and first person of color to serve as Publishing Director in the magazine’s 100-year history. Later, she became Chief Business Officer at Condé Nast, overseeing some of the most iconic titles in global media. Her leadership helped reshape the business models of legacy publications and ensured they remained relevant in a rapidly evolving digital landscape. Vanessa’s time at British Vogue was particularly pivotal. Working alongside Editor-in-Chief Edward Enninful, she helped usher in a new era for the magazine, one that celebrated diversity and authenticity. Under their leadership, Vogue covers began to reflect a broader spectrum of beauty, power, and culture. More than just images on glossy pages, their work shifted conversations around representation in fashion, publishing, and beyond. Her influence at Condé Nast expanded across brands, where she championed inclusive hiring, equitable pay, and modern, audience-focused business strategies. The move to Google was not a departure from her purpose, but a natural evolution. At Google, Vanessa has brought her media expertise and passion for innovation into a realm where technology amplifies stories and scales ideas to reach billions. She understands that in today’s digital age, technology is not just a tool, but a powerful cultural force. Her role at Google allows her to partner with global clients, helping them navigate transformation with intention and creativity. Throughout her career, Vanessa has led with strong values. Integrity, empathy, and intentionality are at the core of her leadership style. She believes that leadership is a service, one that is less about authority and more about creating environments where people feel empowered to thrive. Her ability to lead high-performing teams while staying grounded in authenticity has earned her admiration across industries. Vanessa’s commitment to diversity is not a side project, but a central pillar of her work. Having experienced firsthand the challenges of navigating spaces where she was often the only person of color, she has consistently worked to open doors for others.  From boardroom decisions to mentorship programs, she advocates for systemic change that benefits underrepresented voices. Her efforts have proven that inclusivity and business excellence are not mutually exclusive, but deeply intertwined. Recognition for her work came in 2016 when she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to the media industry. The honor was a milestone, not only for her personally but for the countless individuals she has inspired along the way. It symbolized the impact of her leadership and the growing recognition that the future of business lies in diversity, innovation, and purpose. Balancing high-pressure roles with well-being is something Vanessa takes seriously. She values boundaries, reflection, and sustainability in her work ethic. She openly speaks about the importance of rest, family, and mental clarity as tools for better decision-making. For her, leadership is not just about output, but about longevity and quality. Her approach to social media is equally thoughtful. She uses platforms like Instagram not only to share professional highlights, but also personal reflections and joyful moments. Her digital presence blends elegance, intelligence, and honesty, offering a multidimensional view of leadership. In doing so, she dismantles outdated notions of what success should look like and encourages a new generation to lead on their own terms. Vanessa is not only a business leader, but also a mentor, a storyteller, and a builder of legacies.  She is actively involved in initiatives to support underrepresented talent in both media and technology. Her focus remains on creating impact, whether that is through mentoring young professionals, shaping the future of digital communication, or advising global brands on responsible innovation. For Vanessa, success is not merely a personal milestone, but a shared experience. It is about lifting others as she rises, using her platform to amplify marginalized voices, and building systems that are more just, dynamic, and inclusive. Her story is one of vision and resilience, but also one of community and collaboration. From the pages of Vogue to the algorithms of Google, Vanessa Kingori OBE has carved out a space that is bold, necessary, and deeply influential. Her legacy is not just one of firsts, but of lasting change. And as she continues to lead across industries, one thing remains clear — her work is far from over. She is not simply navigating the future, she is shaping it.

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