Authors & Contributors

Walid is the founder of Unlock Blockchain, the MENA region's leading bilingual platform for blockchain and cryptocurrency news. With over two decades in media and communications, he has become a key voice in shaping the dialogue around digital assets, regulation, and Web3 adoption across the region. Since 2017, Walid has positioned Unlock as both a trusted news source and a strategic platform bridging regulators, global institutions, and local innovators. Widely recognized as one of the region's leading opinion influencers in blockchain and crypto, he is a frequent moderator of high-level panels at major industry events, connecting global perspectives with regional opportunities.

Ola is a seasoned events strategist with over 14 years of experience designing and executing high-profile regional events in economics and finance. She brings extensive expertise in operational management, business development, and partnership growth, driving programs that connect C-level executives and industry leaders. Since joining Unlock in 2024, Ola has focused on expanding the platform's reach and enhancing its physical events, including closed executive roundtables and events. She builds regional and global partnerships that deepen engagement and create new opportunities across the WEB3 ecosystem.

Anna K. is a Senior English Editor at UNLOCK Blockchain, where she explores digital assets, blockchain infrastructure, and the evolving intersection of finance, regulation, and technology, with a focus on the MENA region. Driven by a deep interest in how crypto is reshaping financial systems, she focuses on bringing clarity, context, and nuance to complex blockchain narratives. With a background in translation, copywriting, content writing, and editing, Anna has worked with institutions including the ICC, UNDP, ESCWA, STL, and An-Nahar Newspaper. She combines her editorial and language expertise to shape accessible, high-impact blockchain content.

Chantal Assi is a journalist with experience in economy, politics, and technology reporting for reputable publications in Lebanon. Since 2022, she has focused on Web3 and blockchain, writing news and in-depth articles in Arabic for Unlock Blockchain, translating complex developments into accessible insights for the Middle East audience.

Salma is an academic researcher with 10+ years of expertise in finance, economics, and data analysis. She holds a BA in Finance and an MBA from Notre Dame University - Louaize and have made valuable contributions to research at AUB's Olayan School of Business. As a freelance researcher, she offers expert research services on various business topics. Her expertise spans across research fields, including economics, finance, financial and managerial accounting, corporate governance, and corporate social responsibility. She also has keen interest in emerging trends in cryptocurrency and blockchain technology, and is currently a Senior Editor and a Content Writer at Unlock Blockchain.

Bhavin Shah is the Founder and CEO of Sherlocq, with over 25 years of experience across leading global advisory firms. He has advised regulators and financial institutions on complex supervisory, enforcement, and investigative matters, and serves as an independent board director in regulated financial institutions.

Charles Edwards is a Bitcoin and macro specialist and founder of Capriole Investments, a systematic macro hedge fund, and Capriole Charts. With 20+ years of investing experience and a decade in algorithmic trading, he pioneered on-chain models such as Hash Ribbons and Macro Index. He has created over 100 open-source metrics, published key research, and shares market insights with more than 120,000 followers on X.

Christiane El Habre is Regional Managing Director – Middle East and Global Head of Family Offices at Apex Group. With over 25 years of experience in financial services, she leads the firm’s growth across the Middle East and its global family office strategy, working with family offices, institutional investors and private capital.

Dominic Longman is the Global Head of Markets at Zodia Custody, where he drives regulated digital asset infrastructure for institutional clients globally. With over two decades of financial sector experience, he specializes in bridging traditional finance with digital assets. Longman previously served as Senior Executive Officer at Binance Abu Dhabi, navigating complex regional compliance. His expertise spans institutional custody, global market strategies, and digital asset regulation.

Carolina is a seasoned crypto attorney with 15+ years of experience and a PhD in International Law from Korea University. Currently Associate Partner and Head of Virtual Asset Practice at KARM Legal Consultants, she brings a 360-degree view of the industry—spanning legal, regulatory, technical, and commercial domains. After over a decade in South Korea and 8 years in crypto law, Carolina now advises clients across Asia, the UAE, LATAM, and the US on launching cross-border blockchain solutions.

Dr. Eid Alotaibi is an Assistant Professor of Accounting at the American University of Sharjah and a Faculty Fellow at its Research Center for Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Sustainable Development. His research focuses on AI, sustainability reporting, audit analytics, continuous auditing and data-driven oversight. He holds a PhD from Rutgers University and is a Certified Information Systems Auditor, with consulting experience across the Middle East and the U.S.

Humza is a seasoned professional with over five years of experience in DeFi, CeFi, and regulatory landscapes across the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. He specializes in business development, government relations, and cross-border payments, blockchain, and digital assets. As a core member of Binance in the region, Humza developed a remittance product processing multi-million dollars in closed tests, optimized KYC systems by 30%, and created a sharia-compliant staking solution handling $700 million in total volume locked. He also crafted legal tools for marketing teams and led successful campaigns like PSL, Ramadan, and trading competitions, leveraging expertise in digital marketing and customer journey optimization. Humza is a strong advocate for advancing economies through financial innovation, frequently speaking at conferences, hosting events, and appearing on podcasts and news channels.

Irina is a crypto lawyer based in Dubai and Switzerland, advising clients globally on Bitcoin, Web3 and digital asset matters. She is a partner at an international law firm and founder of NeosLegal.co, a UAE legal consultancy focused on crypto. With nearly two decades of legal and compliance experience, she has advised governments, regulators and companies on emerging technology, regulation, capital formation and cross-border transactions.

Jamal Almutawa is a telecommunications and technology executive with over 21 years of experience across IT, software, telecom, fintech and artificial intelligence. He has held several leadership positions at Zain and is the Founder and CEO of Basket SPC. His broad industry knowledge and interest in emerging technologies enable him to remain closely engaged with the latest developments shaping the sector.

Juha Viitala is a digital assets and fintech executive with more than two decades of experience building digital products and financial infrastructure. He is currently Senior Executive Officer at Universal Digital, the company behind USDU, a regulated US dollar stablecoin in the UAE. Previously, he co-founded Membrane Finance, issuer of the regulated EUROe stablecoin, which was acquired by Paxos in 2025.

Julian Sawyer is CEO of Zodia Solutions and a fintech leader with over 30 years of experience in financial services and digital assets. He previously held executive roles at Bitstamp and Gemini and co-founded Starling Bank. A recognised fintech thought leader, he focuses on advancing secure, institutional-grade digital asset custody and supporting the sector’s global growth.

Karl is a seasoned entrepreneur and investment professional with over 18 years of global experience spanning technology, venture capital, wealth management, asset management, and private equity. Karl currently serves as the Chief Commercial Officer at XBTO, where he leads the firmʼs global commercial strategy and growth initiatives. He also serves as the Senior Executive Officer of XBTO Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM).