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Summary
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Speakers
The Gulf region in 2025 is poised for robust growth, driven by diversification efforts away from oil dependency and significant investments in technology, renewable energy, and infrastructure. Countries such as the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are implementing ambitious visions to enhance their global competitiveness, attract foreign investment, and foster innovation. The region is expected to benefit from increased trade relations, particularly with emerging markets, and a focus on sustainable development. However, challenges such as geopolitical tensions, fluctuations in oil prices, and the need for regulatory reforms will require careful navigation.
Join us for a complimentary event as we delve into the complexities and opportunities of 2025 under the theme "Seize the Shift: Harnessing Opportunities in a Risk-Driven World." Explore key topics with us:
- Navigating the interplay of geopolitical rivalries, economic shifts and evolving trade dynamics.
- Credit Risk in Motion: Shaping the Future with Advanced Modelling.
- Navigating Change: Creating Actionable Insights from External Data Using AI Tools.
- Artificial Intelligence Powering Market Intelligence.
- From Volatility to Value: Aligning Risk, Data, and Valuation Strategies for Success.
This is a highly attended event each year. Seating is available on a first-come basis, so register early!
View the full agenda here*
We will also be hosting an exclusive private markets breakfast about data and AI innovation before the main conference. Learn more here
Questions?
Please contact us if you need more information or have trouble accessing the webinar.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Jithin Ravindran Vadakoott
Associate Director, Quantitative Modeling
Jithin Vadakoott is an Associate Director at S&P Global, based in Hyderabad. He is responsible for leading the model validation efforts within the organization, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of quantitative models used across various financial applications. Jithin holds a Master’s degree from IIT Bombay, where he developed a strong foundation in analytical and technical skills. He is also a certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM). Prior to joining S&P Global, he worked at HSBC Bank in the Model Validation team, where he contributed to the validation of credit risk models and enhanced the bank's risk management framework. With a passion for data-driven decision-making, Jithin is committed to driving innovation and excellence in model development practices.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Joe Farhat
Head of Divisional Account Management – MEA
Joe is an Executive Director leading the Divisional Account Management function for the Middle East and Africa at S&P Global Market Intelligence. With over 20 years of global experience spanning Europe and the Middle East, he has consistently assisted clients in the financial and corporate sectors to navigate complex challenges amidst evolving market dynamics, delivering essential insights that drive informed decision-making and strategic growth.
Lauren Stevens
Quantitative Researcher & Developer, Abu Dhabi Investment Authority
Lauren Stevens is a Quantitative Research & Development Lead in the Strategy & Planning Department of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA). Prior to joining ADIA, Mrs. Stevens was Senior Vice President, Senior Strategist for FactSet’s Content and Technology Solutions, responsible for analyzing market research and determining the direction of the FactSet content, cloud, alternative data and technology strategy. Mrs. Stevens holds a B.S. in Policy Analysis and Management from Cornell University.
Aidan Miller
Director Data & Advanced Analytics, MUBADALA
Aidan is passionate about the positive disruption of AI and Machine Learning on the Private Equity Industry. He brings over 30 years of international experience building data teams and embedding advanced analytics solutions to solve business problems - working in London, Amsterdam, Hong Kong, San Francisco, Norway and now Abu Dhabi as the Head of Data Management and Advanced Analytics. His professional experience is complimented with an advanced degree in Engineering Mathematics and Stochastic methods from Bristol University; and a master’s degree in advanced Financial Modelling.
Massimo Falcioni
Chief Competitiveness Officer, Abu Dhabi Investment Office
He leads the organization's efforts to grow and diversify Abu Dhabi’s economy through private-sector investments. He also oversees strategic initiatives that accelerate innovation and financial services development contributing to the economic diversification of the emirate and enhancing its reputation on the world stage. Massimo previously held the role of Chief Executive Officer at UAE Federal Company Etihad Credit Insurance, where he established and led the national export credit agency, helping accelerate the UAE’s economic non-oil diversification by supporting exports and re-exports of goods, services, and capital.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Natznet Tesfay
Head of Insights & Analysis
Her areas of specialization include geopolitical risks and influence mapping affecting emerging market debt vulnerabilities, energy transition pathways and global supply chain re-alignment. Before leading the research group, Natznet led the Africa team for over a decade, developing the integrated analytic capabilities as well as regional risk indicator and horizon scanning infrastructure, drawing on a range of methodologies such as geospatial analysis and scenario modeling techniques
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Andreas Darmawan
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Director, Quantitative Specialist
Andreas works with APAC clients in understanding & utilizing complex datasets in their quantitative workflows. Prior to joining S&P Global, he was a proprietary trader where he utilized and developed quantitative methods for automated trading strategies. Andreas holds a Doctorate degree in Electrical Engineering from The University of Tokyo, specializing in wireless communications and signal processing.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Jon Jay Yu
Senior Director, Credit Solutions
Jon Jay Yu is the Head of Credit Solutions for the Asia-Pacific, Middle East, and Africa regions at S&P Global. In this role, he is responsible for the development and adoption of key products, including RatingsDirect, RatingsXpress, and the China Credit Analytics Platform, ensuring their effective integration across these diverse markets. Jay also leads a dedicated team of Credit Specialists who provide essential support to the Credit business in the Asia-Pacific region.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Mark Moss
Executive Director, Desktop Business Development
Mark Moss is an Executive Director at S&P Global, leading the Capital IQ Solutions business unit across EMEA financial institutions. With 20 years in financial intelligence, including roles at London Stock Exchange Group and Dealogic, Mark excels in strategic leadership, aligning functions, and driving product innovation. He holds a BA in Economics and an MSc in Finance, and is dedicated to integrity, collaboration, and value creation for clients
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Luke Armstrong
Head of Buyside Risk, Financial Risk Analytics
Luke Armstrong is Buy Side Risk Product Manager at S&P Global Market Intelligence. He has a decade of experience in buy side risk management working at CQS and Bluebay Asset Management. As product manager, he is responsible for the design and build of S&P Global Market Intelligence's next generation buy side risk management platform. Luke holds a BEng in Aerospace Engineering with first class honours from the University of Southampton.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Gavan Nolan
Executive Director, Business Development and Research, Fixed Income Pricing
A published author, Gavan has written about the credit markets from the accounting scandals of the last decade through the financial and European sovereign debt crises. He is a well-known commentator on the credit default swaps (CDS) markets, including credit fundamentals and CDS mechanics, in particular ISDA definitions, credit events and auctions. He has been a frequent contributor to both print and broadcast media, and quoted in Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, Daily Telegraph, Bloomberg, Reuters, Dow Jones, Global Capital, CNBC and BBC's R4 Today programs.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Aditya Sharma, CFA
Director, Product Management
Aditya Sharma, CFA, is Head of Product Management for Textual and Professional Datasets, and Quantitative Signals at S&P Global Market Intelligence. He leads the development and execution of product strategies that deliver quantitative solutions built on raw and processed text, traditional and alternative data.
Aditya Sharma, CFA, is Head of Product Management for Textual and Professional Datasets, and Quantitative Signals at S&P Global Market Intelligence. He leads the development and execution of product strategies that deliver quantitative solutions built on raw and processed text, traditional and alternative data.
Aditya is a specialist in textual and quantitative analytics, with deep expertise in applying advanced machine learning and natural language processing techniques to financial data. He joined S&P Global in April 2021 and has previously held global roles in data science and strategy at Western Union Business Solutions in London and Social Market Analytics, Inc. in Chicago.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Raphael Bruneau
Director, Derivatives Data Business Development
Raphael joined S&P Global in 2016 and currently works in business development covering clients across EMEA. Prior to S&P Global Raphael spent more than 15 years in derivatives across various positions in traditional financial institutions and FinTechs, such as ICAP, Northern Trust, Prism Valuation.He holds two Master degrees, one from Birmingham university (MSc in Economics) and one from Bordeaux university, France (MAGEFI - Economics and Finance).
S&P Global Sustainable1
Patil Mesrobian
Head of Commercial MEA – Sustainability Solutions
Patil serves as the Sustainability Solution Director for the Middle East at Sustainable 1, where she plays a crucial role in delivering tailored sustainability solutions that facilitate the region's transition to a greener economy. Her primary focus is to assist clients in integrating sustainability intelligence into their strategic decision-making processes. This enables them to effectively navigate the complexities of climate change risks and financial implications, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements while capitalizing on opportunities for growth and competitiveness in a rapidly evolving global marketplace.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Nour Taher, CFA
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Senior Credit Product Specialist
Nour is a Senior Credit Product Specialist in the Credit & Risk Solutions Department, based in Dubai. He focuses on assisting multinational companies, financial institutions as well as professional service companies in improving their credit-related workflows, across a broad range of industries globally. Nour has over 10 years of experience in developing complex solutions related to all aspects of credit risk, specializing in delivering regulatory, pricing, and IFRS9 solutions.
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Liam Hynes
S&P Global Market Intelligence
Head of New Product Development – Public Markets
Liam Hynes serves as the Global Head of New Product Development. In this role, he leads strategic product innovation, driving the development of cutting-edge research & solutions across the firm’s extensive data and analytics platforms. His work spans the entire solution life cycle from proof-of-concept development, business assessment, beta client engagement, blueprint creation, product development, go-to-market strategies and commercialisation. Under Liam’s leadership, the team has delivered impactful research such as Questioning the Answers, blueprint solutions such as QTA & Ripple Effect and product launches with CCDE.
Before assuming his current role, Liam served as Head of ESG & Quant Specialists, EMEA, advising S&P clients on quantitative modelling, climate risk assessments, and alternative data integration. Prior to S&P Global, he was Founding Partner & Portfolio Manager at Monreith Capital LLP, managing a Global Financials Hedge Fund. He also held senior investment roles at Liontrust Asset Management and Occam Assest Management, focusing on emerging markets and commodities.
Liam is currently pursuing a PhD in AI & Finance from Kemmy Business School, where his research covers natural language processing, network theory, and AI-driven executive sentiment & behavioural analysis. He has also earned a BSc (Hons) in Mathematics from the University of Limerick and holds a Machine Learning certification from Stanford University.