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Gunsel Topbas brings over two decades of executive management experience in Middle East and Africa (MEA) capital markets, specializing in securities services, financial technologies, and digital transformation. As Co-Founder and Fintech Practice Lead of Manifest Executive Consultancy, a boutique firm in Dubai, he advises financial institutions and market infrastructure organizations on post-trade transformation, digital assets, and green finance. Previously, he spent over 20 years at Citibank, most recently as Managing Director and Regional Head of Custody for the MEA region, based in Dubai DIFC, overseeing the business across 14 countries. Earlier, he led the International Department at Takasbank, Borsa Istanbul’s post-trade market infrastructure institution. A recognized thought leader and frequent speaker at major industry forums, Gunsel focuses on AI and blockchain applications in financial services, asset tokenization, and fintech-driven sustainability and green finance initiatives. In addition to his professional experience, he is actively engaged in fintech education, delivering training sessions and coaching executives on industry competencies. He also lectures on Alternative Investments at the American University of Sharjah and serves on the Digital Assets Working Group of the MENA Fintech Association. He holds a PhD in Corporate Finance, MSc degrees in International Banking & Finance and Money & Banking, and a BSc in Computer Engineering, graduating as valedictorian.
Gunsel Topbas brings over two decades of executive management experience in Middle East and Africa (MEA) capital markets, specializing in securities services, financial technologies, and digital transformation. As Co-Founder and Fintech Practice Lead of Manifest Executive Consultancy, a boutique firm in Dubai, he advises financial institutions and market infrastructure organizations on post-trade transformation, digital assets, and green finance. Previously, he spent over 20 years at Citibank, most recently as Managing Director and Regional Head of Custody for the MEA region, based in Dubai DIFC, overseeing the business across 14 countries. Earlier, he led the International Department at Takasbank, Borsa Istanbul’s post-trade market infrastructure institution. A recognized thought leader and frequent speaker at major industry forums, Gunsel focuses on AI and blockchain applications in financial services, asset tokenization, and fintech-driven sustainability and green finance initiatives. In addition to his professional experience, he is actively engaged in fintech education, delivering training sessions and coaching executives on industry competencies. He also lectures on Alternative Investments at the American University of Sharjah and serves on the Digital Assets Working Group of the MENA Fintech Association. He holds a PhD in Corporate Finance, MSc degrees in International Banking & Finance and Money & Banking, and a BSc in Computer Engineering, graduating as valedictorian.
