Babamuradov Takhir Kamalovich is the Head of the Department of International Relations and Information Technologies at the Association of Banks of Uzbekistan, where he leads strategic cooperation with global financial institutions and oversees the implementation of modern digital solutions in the banking sector. He received his foundational education at Tashkent State University from 1978 to 1983, specializing in Applied Mathematics. In line with the growing demand for economic expertise in public administration, he continued his studies and obtained an economics qualification in 1989. Beginning in 1994, Babamuradov served at the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan, taking on senior roles focused on fostering international cooperation and attracting foreign investment. To deepen his understanding of global markets, he completed advanced coursework in macro- and microeconomics at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., in 1999. Between 2001 and 2005, he managed a major industrial development initiative involving high-tech composite materials. He then spent a decade (2006–2016) as a financial consultant in a venture capital company, supporting oil production and retail projects in Kazakhstan. From 2016 to 2020, he led the analytical division of Uzbekistan’s largest private enterprise in oil infrastructure construction. Babamuradov continues to contribute to the modernization and international integration of Uzbekistan’s financial industry.

Dr Alijon Ravshanov has over 22 years of experience in investment management, with a proven record of success in private equity investments in Uzbekistan. Previously Alijon was CEO at UzOmanCapital, a private equity fund established by the State General Reserve Fund of Sultanate of Oman and Uzbek Fund for Reconstruction and Development, where he completed a number of private equity transactions in manufacturing, financial services and property sectors worth more than US$100 million. Prior to joining UzOmanCapital, Alijon worked at Eurasia Capital Management, an investment management firm investing and managing various assets in Central Asia and Mongolia. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Economics from the University of World Economy and Diplomacy (Tashkent) and Master of Science in Economics with Finance concentration from the University of North Carolina-Charlotte (USA). He is fluent in English, Russian, Uzbek, and has working knowledge of Arabic and Turkish.

Alisher Djumanov has over 30 years of experience in international advisory, investment banking, venture capital, private equity, and investment management. He is the founder of A500, a multi-disciplinary business services platform and AD Wealth, a family office investment firm focused on global emerging and frontier markets. Prior to this, Alisher held senior positions at institutions like Credit Suisse First Boston, Lazard, Renaissance Capital, Strategy& PwC, and EY. His global experience working and studying in over 25 countries spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Alisher graduated from Columbia University with Master of International Affairs and obtained his MBA from Oxford University.

Asad Qayyum is a highly skilled dual-qualified corporate and commercial lawyer with extensive multi-jurisdiction experience in a number of sectors of the law including capital markets, funds, conventional and Islamic finance, mergers and acquisitions, natural resources (oil, gas and mining) and project finance transactions.

Asad is qualified as a solicitor of the Senior Courts of England and Wales, a barrister of England and Wales and an advocate of the High Courts of Pakistan. He has over 22 years of experience advising on a broad range of transactions during his time in the UK, Sultanate of Oman and Pakistan. Asad’s expertise is in advising sovereign and sovereign-owned companies and listed and private companies with respect to their debt and equity capital market financings (conventional and Islamic), registration of funds (including real estate investment funds, acquisitions and disposals of hydrocarbon assets – onshore and offshore) and negotiating clients’ commercial (oil and gas) contracts across the globe (including in the UK, Oman, Canada, the Middle East, Pakistan, Cameroon, Tanzania, Namibia, Burundi, Benin, Cameroon, Nigeria and Kazakhstan).

Associate Professor Dr Gapur completed his Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD at International Islamic University Malaysia. He specialized in Islamic Jurisprudence and its Foundations with a minor in Political Science and International Relations. From 2008 to 2023, Dr Gapur was a lecturer in the Department of Economics at IIUM. His research interests include Islamic commercial law, Islamic banking and finance, Islamic economics and the objectives of Shariah law. He is the author of numerous scientific articles published in ISI and Scopus-indexed journals and has repeatedly served as a consultant for various projects and training programs. Currently, Dr Gapur is a member of the Shariah Expert Council at the Sharia Review Bureau and an Independent Member of the Supervisory Board at digital bank, Open Bank (Uzbekistan). He is fluent in Russian, Ingush, English and Arabic.

Hayotjon Azimov is one of the early pioneers of Islamic finance in Uzbekistan, with extensive experience spanning product structuring, advisory and institutional development. His professional journey began with CIMB Islamic, where he was involved in structuring Sukuk and Islamic corporate financing deals, followed by his role at BNP Paribas Najmah, where he successfully established the bank’s Islamic banking window from the ground up. Specializing in Islamic product structuring, Hayotjon played a key role in setting up and leading APEX Oila Takaful under the Apex Group – Uzbekistan’s first Islamic Family Takaful company offering Shariah compliant protection and savings solutions. He holds the Chartered Islamic Finance Professional qualification from INCEIF as one of the region’s pioneers, a Financial Markets Dealing License from the Asian Institute of Chartered Bankers in Malaysia, a Certified Shariah Adviser and Auditor qualification from AAOIFI (Bahrain) and an Investment Advisory License from NAPP (Uzbekistan). Currently, Hayotjon leads the Advisory Unit at Al Muamalat Consulting, where he supports the establishment and development of Islamic finance operations for banks, microfinance institutions and fintech companies in Uzbekistan and beyond.

Jakhongir Usmonov is the CEO of ZOOD Uzbekistan, overseeing the group’s ecosystem of fintech, e-commerce, and logistics platforms, including ZOOD Pay, ZOOD Mall, and ZOOD Tech. Under his leadership, ZOOD has established itself as a market leader in Buy-Now-Pay-Later (BNPL) and consumer lending solutions in Uzbekistan. Before joining ZOOD, Jakhongir built a distinguished career at Centil Law Firm, one of Central Asia’s top-ranked law firms, where he specialized in corporate finance, M&A, and Islamic banking regulation. He played a key role in drafting and co-authoring Uzbekistan’s landmark Islamic banking legislation, introducing key regulatory frameworks for Shariah-compliant finance, private equity, and mortgage-backed securities. At ZOOD, Mr. Usmonov continues to bridge technology and finance, driving the integration of advanced AI solutions, virtual BNPL cards, and fintech partnerships with traditional and Islamic financial institutions. He also serves as a member of the Central Bank’s expert committee, contributing to national policy discussions on financial inclusion, digital lending, and microfinance regulation. Jakhongir’s unique background, spanning law, fintech, and Islamic finance policy, positions him at the forefront of shaping Uzbekistan’s transition toward a more inclusive, innovation-driven financial system.

Kamoliddin Talipov is the Managing Director of Eurasia Impact, an investment and advisory firm advancing sustainable and responsible finance across Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region. Based in Uzbekistan, he leads initiatives that connect global capital with local opportunities, driving inclusive growth and measurable social impact. With a strong background in investment management and development finance, Kamoliddin focuses on innovative financing models that promote ethical and sustainable economic transformation. His leadership emphasizes cross-sector collaboration, regional integration, and the empowerment of impact-driven enterprises across emerging markets.

Khusan Khasanov is a seasoned professional in international development and Islamic finance, currently serving as the Field Representative of the IsDB in Uzbekistan. With over two decades of experience in investment promotion, project management and economic analysis, he has played a pivotal role in strengthening the relationship between IsDB and Uzbekistan, overseeing project implementation and supporting visiting missions. Khusan holds a Master’s degree in Marketing Management and a Bachelor’s in Regional Studies from the Tashkent State Institute for Oriental Studies, complemented by a postgraduate certificate in Business Administration from the University of South Wales, UK. He is also a Certified Shariah Adviser and Auditor (CSAA) and has completed numerous specialized training programs in Islamic finance and procurement. Beyond his professional duties, he has contributed to academia as a senior lecturer at several universities, teaching subjects related to Islamic economics and finance.

Maqsud Sabirov Abdugafurovich is the Director of Islamic Insurance at Apex Takaful, bringing over 13 years of extensive experience in the insurance sector, including more than five years dedicated to the development and implementation of Islamic finance solutions. He is a graduate of the Tashkent Financial Institute and holds a Master’s degree from the Banking Academy of the Republic of Uzbekistan. Throughout his career, Maqsud has played an instrumental role in advancing the principles and practice of Takaful in Uzbekistan, contributing to the growth of the country’s Islamic finance ecosystem.

Max Freeman is a seasoned entrepreneur with expertise in Web1 and Web3 technologies. He founded Toner.com Group in 1999, scaling it from a dorm room start-up into a multinational business generating over $100 million in revenue without external funding.

As the creator of the EPIC Blockchain Protocol (2017-2023), Max developed a pioneering Layer 1 blockchain to drive mass adoption. He later founded Epic Economy Amplifier (2022) and Epicenter Labs (2024) to expand and commercialize the EPIC Blockchain ecosystem.

A Stanford University alumnus with a background in Computer Science and Business, Max is now based in Dubai, UAE, focused on building transformative, accessible technologies for global impact.

Dr Mohamed Damak is a Senior Director of Financial Services at S&P Global Ratings, covering financial institutions in the Middle East and Africa. He is also the Global Head of Islamic Finance at the rating agency, leading a global team of Islamic finance analysts.

Dr Mohamed has worked for S&P Global Ratings from 2006 to 2010, covering conventional and Islamic financial institutions in MENA. He then worked as a Principal Credit Risk Officer for the African Development Bank in Tunis before rejoining S&P Global Ratings.

Holding a PhD in Finance and a Master’s degree in Money, Banking and Finance from Universite Paris-Pantheon-Assas, Dr Mohamed also has a Master’s degree in Financial Institutions Management from Ecole Superieure de Commerce de Tunis.

Munir Yakubov is the Founder and CEO of Portfolio Investments, one of Uzbekistan’s leading investment banking and advisory firms, which has played a key role in structuring landmark transactions, attracting foreign capital, and advancing the development of the country’s capital markets. He is also the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Investment Institutions and a recognized investment banking professional with over 20 years of experience in M&A, privatization, IPOs, and corporate finance.

Nuriddin Lafizovis is the CEO of Alif in Uzbekistan. Alif is a leading fintech company driving digital banking solutions across Central Asia. With over 16 years of experience in the financial sector, Nuriddin has held key leadership roles at Alif Bank, the Central Bank of Tajikistan and Kazkommertsbank.

Since assuming the leadership of Alif in Uzbekistan, Nuriddin has expanded the company’s consumer financing, e-commerce and digital payment services. His efforts have secured over $200 million in Shariah-based investments in five years, including a notable $40 million commitment from investors from the US, UK and international financial institutions in 2024-2025. Alif Uzbekistan now ranks among the top Buy Now Pay Later providers and its mobile application is used extensively nationwide.

Oliver Agha is Managing Partner of Agha & Co and a Professional Associate at Outer Temple Chambers. U.S.-qualified, he formerly led Islamic finance at the world’s largest law firm and headed the Projects practice at Clifford Chance’s Saudi affiliate. He began his legal career at Fulbright & Jaworski in the U.S. Agha was the first Western-trained lawyer appointed to an AAOIFI board and is widely regarded as a foremost authority on Islamic finance enforcement and reform. His incisive writing has made The Islamic Legal Opinion column in IFN essential reading for regulators, investors, and scholars navigating a field clouded by form-over-substance mimicry.

Osman Kassim is a distinguished Sri Lankan entrepreneur, philanthropist, and educational visionary, best known for pioneering Islamic finance in Sri Lanka. An alumnus of Royal College, Colombo, he was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Staffordshire University, UK, in recognition of his global contributions to education. In 1978, he founded Expolanka Limited, which grew under his leadership into a multinational conglomerate spanning manufacturing, logistics, and leisure across 20 countries. He introduced Islamic finance to Sri Lanka by establishing the first Islamic Investment Company (1997), Amana Takaful (1998), and Amana Bank (2011). Osman currently chairs Amana Takaful Life PLC, Vidullanka PLC, Vidul Biomass (Pvt) Ltd, The Goodness Foundation, Crescentrating (Singapore), and Ijara Company (Kyrgyzstan), and serves on several other boards. Committed to education, Osman co-founded the Asia Pacific Institute of Information Technology in Sri Lanka in 1999, in partnership with APIIT Malaysia and Staffordshire University. His philanthropic efforts include work with The Goodness Foundation and Ilma Educational Foundation. Osman’s multifaceted career exemplifies a lifelong dedication to fostering economic growth, advancing learning, and promoting principled financial practices in Sri Lanka and across the region.

Rehan holds an MBA with specialization in Islamic Finance and a LLM in International Law. He has 25 years of experience in financial services, with a focus on GCC and Shariah compliant asset management.

Ritesh joined the DCM team at Emirates NBD Capital in September 2014. Previously, he worked at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, Mumbai office in the Capital Markets team where he helped numerous issuers raise both equity and debt.

He is currently responsible for the origination, structuring and execution of debt capital markets solutions (conventional and Islamic) for clients across sovereigns, supranationals, financial institutions and corporates. He has helped clients across GCC, Asia and Africa raise over US$50 billion across senior secured, unsecured and hybrid instruments in public/private formats.

Ritesh holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management, Ahmedabad (India).

Sherif Elmansy is a dynamic Banking Solutions Products Director with over 21 years of extensive experience in the banking software industry. He has a deep passion for creating and implementing innovative software products that not only optimize operations but also significantly boost organizational sales. Sherif’s expertise spans across digital banking, both front-end and back-end while his strategic leadership has been instrumental in driving the success of core banking products throughout their entire lifecycle.

In his current role since the beginning of 2024, Sherif oversees the entire product line for core banking and digital banking solutions at International Turnkey Systems (ITS). His responsibilities range from strategic planning to managing tactical activities that ensure the products meet market demands and customer needs.

Sherif’s career began in 2001 with a strong foundation in commerce, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Ain Shams University, Egypt. His early roles at the Commercial International Bank of Egypt provided him with valuable insights into customer service and financial operations, which have continued to inform his approach to product management.

Joining ITS in 2004 as a Software Developer, Sherif quickly advanced to roles such as Banking Functional Consultant and Senior Functional Consultant, leading critical projects across the Middle East, Far East and North Africa. As a Senior Product Manager from 2013 to 2023, he led the development of the next-generation ETHIX Core Banking Product, working with cross-functional teams to define product vision, strategy and intellectual property management. Under his leadership, the ETHIX solutions have been successfully installed in over 56 reputable banks across the Middle East, Far East and North Africa.

Committed to continuous professional development, Sherif holds several prestigious certifications, including Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Business Analyst Professional (CBAP), and Certified Islamic Finance Expert (CIFE). His educational background and extensive professional training ensure that he remains at the forefront of industry trends and best practices.

Sherif Elmansy’s career, spanning over two decades, is marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence, innovation and leadership. His contributions have not only advanced the organizations he has served but have also set new benchmarks in the banking software industry.

Alisher Djumanov has over 30 years of experience in international advisory, investment banking, venture capital, private equity, and investment management. He is the founder of A500, a multi-disciplinary business services platform and AD Wealth, a family office investment firm focused on global emerging and frontier markets. Prior to this, Alisher held senior positions at institutions like Credit Suisse First Boston, Lazard, Renaissance Capital, Strategy& PwC, and EY. His global experience working and studying in over 25 countries spans Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Alisher graduated from Columbia University with Master of International Affairs and obtained his MBA from Oxford University.

With over 23 years of professional experience, Faisal Islam is a recognized leader in digital finance, product innovation, and financial inclusion. Faisal’s work focuses on closing the financing gap for MSMEs through a range of Shariah-compliant digital products, including Islamic consumer financing, Islamic BNPL, invoice financing, agricultural finance, and Islamic card solutions. He has also pioneered the design of AI-driven, Shariah-compliant alternative credit scoring models, aimed at expanding financial access to underserved segments. In addition, he has successfully established regulatory-aligned Islamic financing operations in emerging markets. His expertise spans the full spectrum of product development from Shariah structuring and partner bank enablement to building embedded finance ecosystems, always ensuring alignment with Islamic ethical standards. His initiatives have been instrumental in advancing cashless economies and promoting financial inclusion through innovative loyalty programs, digital onboarding solutions, and incentive-based payment ecosystems. Beyond Islamic finance, Faisal brings a strong background in technology leadership, with extensive experience across banking, fintech, retail, and asset management sectors.

Iskandar Tursunov is the CEO and Founder of Al Muamalat Consulting, with years of experience in the finance and government sectors. He holds the CSAA certificate of AAOIFI (Certified Shari’ah Advisor and Auditor) and is the Founder of the Islamic Finance Professionals Association of Uzbekistan. He holds a Master’s degree in Islamic Finance Practice (MIFP) from INCEIF University and serves as the INCEIF Alumni Ambassador for the Uzbekistan Chapter.

Dr. Marjan Muhammad is the Deputy President Research at ISRA Institute, INCEIF University. In her current capacity, she oversees different portfolios including research and innovation, research management, assessment and publication, research commercialization, and Islamic finance online database (I-FIKR) developed by ISRA. She was previously the Director of Research Affairs Department at ISRA from 2013-2017. She is currently a member of the Shariah Advisory Council of Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) effective from 1 November 2019 and a member of the Shariah Advisory Council of Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) effective from 1 July 2023. Prior to that, she was a member of Shariah Committee at a few local Islamic banks. At the international level, she sits on the Advisory Committee of Experts of Lotus Bank Limited and Shariah Supervisory Board of Lotus Capital Limited, both are based in Nigeria. Marjan obtained her bachelor’s degree in Islamic Revealed Knowledge and Heritage (Fiqh and Usul al-Fiqh) from the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) and graduated from her master’s and PhD degrees at the same university.

Oliver Agha is Managing Partner of Agha & Co and a Professional Associate at Outer Temple Chambers. U.S.-qualified, he formerly led Islamic finance at the world’s largest law firm and headed the Projects practice at Clifford Chance’s Saudi affiliate. He began his legal career at Fulbright & Jaworski in the U.S. Agha was the first Western-trained lawyer appointed to an AAOIFI board and is widely regarded as a foremost authority on Islamic finance enforcement and reform. His incisive writing has made The Islamic Legal Opinion column in IFN essential reading for regulators, investors, and scholars navigating a field clouded by form-over-substance mimicry.

Patrick Lyons is a partner with the corporate practice. With over 20 years’ experience, Patrick represents life sciences and other healthcare companies, energy companies, banks and financial institutions, sovereign and quasi-sovereign issuers and others in public and private transactions, including IPOs and follow-on SEC-registered transactions, Rule 144A and Regulation S offerings, investment grade and high-yield debt issues, PIPEs and other private placements, green, blue and social bond offerings, rights issues and privatizations. He also regularly advises on voluntary and other restructurings, including sovereigns and corporates, as well as liability management transactions, including tender offers, exchange offers and similar transactions. The Legal 500 UK 2025 recognises Patrick as a “Leading Partner” for Emerging Markets, in addition to ranking him for Debt Capital Markets and Equity Capital Markets-Small-Mid Cap. He is also ranked by Chambers Global 2025, where respondents note he is “super client-oriented and brings in-depth expertise in debt capital markets.”