Dubai – The Gateway to Global Trade for Asian Markets

Sanjeev Dutta

Executive Director - Commodities & Financial Services
DMCC

Sanjeev Dutta is the Executive Director of Commodities and Financial Services at DMCC. He oversees DMCC’s commodities vertical, and directs the development, implementation and regulation of the organisation’s financial products, platforms and services.

An expert on trade finance and commodity markets, Sanjeev is responsible for identifying new business opportunities for DMCC and nurturing existing commercial partnerships. He was instrumental in establishing the DMCC Tea Centre, DMCC Coffee Centre and the award-winning DMCC Tradeflow platform, and now tasked with enhancing the trade of agri and softs, precious metals and stones through Dubai.

Sanjeev is a senior member of DMCC’s executive leadership team and supports the general management, strategic direction and growth initiatives of the organisation. Sanjeev devised and implemented the organisation’s Code of Corporate Governance, and established its comprehensive risk management protocol.

Joining on its inception, Sanjeev has held a number of senior roles within DMCC and previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DCGX). A distinguished speaker, Sanjeev regularly represents DMCC at international industry events and is an expert on trade, commodities and Islamic Finance.

A Chartered Accountant by profession, Sanjeev has over two decades of multi-industry expertise in auditing, financial controls, consulting, risk management, corporate governance and general management with both PwC and KPMG.

Colleen Schooling

Regional Head - Europe and UAE
CPA Australia

Colleen Schooling is the Regional Head, Europe and the UAE for CPA Australia, appointed to this role in October 2015. Prior to this she was General Manager, Western Australia, for CPA Australia for five years. Before joining CPA Australia, Colleen held Business Development roles within commercial student accommodation development and operations, and in the private academic residential sector as Vice-Principal, St John’s College, within the University of Sydney.

In her current role Colleen is focused on member, employer, and university relations across the UK, Europe and the UAE, with a view to ensuring the protection of member interests and understanding their professional development requirements. The role is also focused on building the profile of the CPA designation and enhancing the visibility of the CPA Program within the academic and business sectors.

Colleen holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Flinders University, South Australia, and a Master of Education from the University of New England, NSW.

Ralf Glabischnig

Founder and Board Member
Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CV VC) and CV Labs

Mr. Glabischnig is a founder and board member of Crypto Valley Venture Capital (CV VC) and CV Labs, which is a Blockchain co-working hub in Zug, Vaduz and Dubai.

He is also the initiator of Europe's largest Blockchain Competition and co-founder of the Crypto Valley Association and Swiss Blockchain Federation, he is committed to developing the blockchain ecosystem both in Switzerland and worldwide.

MENG CHAN SHU

Founder and CEO
Connect Blockchain DMCC and CBX

Meng Chan Shu, is the founder and CEO for Connect Blockchain DMCC and CBX.

He leads the development and execution of the organization’s long term strategy and continues with the delivery of the pioneering growth for all stakeholders. He manages and identifies new business opportunities "go-to-market" strategy to deliver measurable and significant revenues.

Previously, he was the Director of Business Development for Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) and Dubai Commodities Clearing Corporation (DCCC). He is a derivatives market specialist with over 20 years experience in strategic planning and business development and was also part of the risk committee of DCCC. Shu has been heading the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange product team since in 2007. Prior to this engagement, Shu was involved in market development initiatives in areas such as Equity Index, Fixed Income, Commodities, Equities and ETFs with Bursa Malaysia.

He has launched currencies futures and options, Petrochemical, energy futures and RMB denominated futures during the last five years. Under his leadership, the exchange has launched the world's first RMB denominated China Shanghai Gold futures, which is licensed by China's domestic exchange. He also launched the first Shariah Compliant Physical Spot Gold contract which is supported by a Saudi conglomerate.

In terms of market development, he developed collaborations with the Chinese exchanges in his capacity in both DGCX and Bursa Malaysia. He also established business network specifically in the Asia Pacific region, China, India and Middle East. He was subsequently appointed Head of Asia while double heading the Product Management. He became the Director of Business Development and Sales in 2016.

Shu is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and graduated with a Master’s in Economics-Quantitative Analysis and Bachelor's of Science in Economics from USA.

Bassel Bitar

Regional Representative - Asia & Eastern Europe
DMCC

Bassel Bitar is the Regional Representative – Asia and Eastern Europe at DMCC, the world’s leading Free Zone and Government of Dubai Authority on commodities trade and enterprise.

Joining DMCC as a Team Leader in 2015, Mohammed is responsible for promoting the benefits of doing business in Dubai and setting up companies in DMCC.

Prior to joining DMCC, Bassel held senior sales positions at both Etisalat Telecom and Emirates NBD in Dubai.

Bassel earned a Bachelor of Business administration degree in Hotel Management and tourism from the National American University in 2002.