Game Changers issue 44

Game Changers

MAGICAL MARIA!

Marketing maven Maria Meramveliotaki casts a spell over GC.

GAME CHANGERS

DIRECTORY

Note from the editor O1

View from the top. 03

Maria Meramveliotaki O2

04-07

Sam Low O3

Liquidity Finder. 08-11

Kent Riboe O4

MT Proxy. 12-13

Lilly Pavlou O5

QUBE Events. 14-15

Courtney Fitzsimmons O6

Multi Bank. 16-17

Christina Irakleous O7

FX Back Office. 18-19

Cristian Vlasceanu O8

Centroid Solutions. 20-21

GC: GOING OUT O9

Roberto’s. 23-27

GC: EAT 1O

Rasa Cafe. 28-31

GC: HOMME 11

DSQUARED2. 32-40

GC: FEMME 12

DSQUARED2. 41-51

GC: CHARITY 13

The Dancing Queen Foundation. 52-53

VIEW FROM THE TOP

Hello everyone,

Another edition of GC is completed and we are incredibly pleased to have one of our most wanted on the front cover, Maria Meramveliotaki. For those who are not aware Maria who was one of our originals to participate on GCTV (which will be returning soon). After a huge amount of persuasion / black mail / alcohol she finally agreed. We hope you enjoy the hard fought content for our valued readers.

Having met Lilly Pavlou the CEO of QUBE Events for a drink and really enjoying the conversation, we were keen to get her involved in this edition. You can meet her in person at her upcoming event in Limassol, where it looks like it is not your average FX expo event. Moreover, we have Courtney FItzsimmons the CEO of MEX Australia, who gave us her thoughts on Crypto and doing business in Australia. I am always fascinated by this region, as I am interested in how it develops its relationship with its pan Asia neighbors.

Further to this, we have a welcome return of Cristian Vasceanu from Centroid. Cristian has made huge progress with Centroid since he started his tenure as CEO, and looks to keep pushing things in the right direction. Everyone at GC wishes him every success. Also we are incredibly fortunate to have Elizabeth Rayment the founder and CEO of Your Mind Media featured. Elizabeth has an incredible portfolio of clients with her brand who always gets them great media coverage. It is great to feature the party that he held recently to commemorate another successful year for Your Mind Media.

Last, but definitely not least is Sam Low, the owner and Founder of Liquidity Finder which has become the industry orthodox venue for those who are looking to find a solid LP for their brand. After the last edition we had a great response from the article of Kent Riboe, it was great to get his thoughts again, and have him make another great contribution to GC.

We have two great places to eat which could be judged as being at the opposites of the economic spectrum, however both were amazing experiences and a pleasure to sit down and eat at. Both Rasa and Robertos, we were happy to give great reviews and are counting down the days until we return. In our fashion section we have DSQUARED2 as a first time feature in GC. Our design department loved the colours and designs in what will no doubt be the first of many times featured in the magazine.

We are incredibly happy to feature The Dancing Queen charity ater learning about this fantastic cause. One of the annoying things about living in Cyprus is the very liberal alcohol and driving attitudes, where the devastating results can ruin the lives of others. as ever take a look at the link for their website, and see how you can help them.

Thanks everyone for a great contribution, it’s always great to get new faces in GC, so feel free to nominate anyone you would like to have featured.

Paul ORFORD

MARIA MERAMVELIOTAKI

Q You now have a huge amount of experience as the Head of the Marketing team at TopFX. How did you get into marketing?

My journey began when I returned to Greece in 2009, amidst a challenging economic climate. As a freelance therapist, I faced the daunting task of promoting my services in a crowded market. But rather than be deterred by the challenge, I saw it as an opportunity to learn a new skill set.I dived into the world of marketing and taught myself various skills, such as building WordPress websites, creating content, social media marketing, and backlinking strategies. As I kept learning and applying my newly acquired knowledge, I started seeing more people coming to my website and calling me to book an appointment.

At that time, I also began learning about trading and started writing freelance articles on trading psychology. Eventually, I moved to Cyprus and landed a job at TopFX as a content writer. Over the next two years or so, I progressed to becoming the Head of Marketing.

Q Managing a team can be quite challenging. What tips do you give on managing your team?

People need to feel appreciated, valued and often challenged in their work. It’s our natural inclination that drives motivation and productivity. To foster a positive work environment, I make it a point to recognize and appreciate my team’s efforts and contributions regularly. Clear direction and effective task delegation are equally important because we need to align everyone’s efforts towards achieving the set goals. But if I had to say only one thing that makes the difference in my team that would be that we communicate openly. I believe that it’s crucial for every leader to cultivate a culture of open communication because it promotes collaboration, builds trust, and fosters creativity. Encouraging team members to share their ideas, concerns, and suggestions can lead to new insights and solutions that benefit the team and the organization.

Q A marketing department always wants the biggest budget possible. How do you negotiate a budget with the holders of the purse strings?

The size of the budget is important but not the only determining factor for success. Rather, it’s crucial to have a deep understanding of what marketing strategies and tactics are most effective in reaching and engaging the target audience.

The first step in negotiating is to know what you want to achieve and how to achieve it. This can be presented through a comprehensive marketing plan that outlines the marketing department’s initiatives, objectives, and expected outcomes. This plan should be data-driven and based on insights from market research, customer analysis, and past performance data. Once the plan is in place, it’s essential to communicate the value of the proposed initiatives to the stakeholders. I always try to present a clear case on how the marketing department’s initiatives align with the company’s overall business strategy and how they can drive growth and revenue.

At the same time, I am always open to feedback, adjusting the plan where necessary, and finding creative solutions that balance marketing objectives with the company’s financial constraints.

Q Can you give tips on expectation management for those who give small budgets and want huge results?

I am transparent about what can realistically be achieved with the given resources, and I make sure to explain to the CEO or other involved stakeholders the limitations of the budget. At the same time, I am always looking for ways to maximize the impact of the budget. This might involve finding new channels or tactics that can deliver results more efficiently or leveraging data and analytics to optimize performance. When managing expectations, it’s important to come up with a clear plan and KPIs for each initiative and track progress. If the budget is limited, efficient prioritization is key; we need to prioritize initiatives that are most likely to drive the highest ROI and deprioritize those that are less likely to move the needle.

Q What are the priorities of a marketing department?

When it comes to marketing priorities, it’s all about the company’s overall strategy and what they’re trying to achieve. For example, marketing can have very different priorities in established companies versus startups. Established companies are all about maintaining and growing their market position, while startups are just trying to get their foot in the door and gain some traction. In companies that have been around for some time, marketing prioritizes brand management, customer retention, market research, and developing new products and services. In startups, we would first focus on building brand awareness from the ground

Maria Meramveliotaki

up. That means developing messaging, visual identity, and positioning that really resonates with the target audience. Of course, we would need to also focus on lead generation, lead nurturing tactics and customer acquisition.

Q How can you measure a marketing team’s success?

We can measure a marketing team’s success by evaluating whether they have achieved the goals set within a specific timeframe. This includes analyzing KPIs such as leads generated, conversions, and return on investment, and comparing them against the targets established.

But actually, success isn’t just about crunching numbers and analysing metrics. It is a more complex task that involves looking at various factors including how customers perceive our brand and whether they keep coming back for more. One metric that can be helpful is the customer lifetime value (CLV). This not only tells us how much a customer is worth to the company, but it also gives us a sense of how satisfied they are with our marketing efforts. Also, we shouldn’t forget the power of a good old-fashioned team spirit. A marketing team’s success isn’t just about ticking off boxes but also about creating an atmosphere of innovation, where everyone feels free to experiment and share their ideas. Teamwork makes the dream work, as they say. It’s all about creating a space where team members can learn from each other and appreciate their common experiences.

Q The relationship between the sales team and the marketing department can often become quite strained. How do you manage this?

Well, one common reason for the strain is unmet targets, which can lead to stress and frustration for both teams. To manage this relationship, we must begin with shared KPIs and goals that both teams can work towards together. This helps to create a sense of unity and encourages collaboration rather than competition. I am also a big fan of open communication. By keeping an open and honest dialogue between us, we can easily address any issues that might arise and work together towards finding solutions that work for everyone.

Q Is it more about expectation management between the two departments?

I think everything in life is about expectation management! And the relationship between the marketing and sales departments is no exception. One important factor to consider is the difference in the roles and responsibilities of the two departments. For example, in many companies, marketing is responsible for generating/nurturing leads and creating

awareness of the brand, while sales are responsible for closing the client. These different responsibilities can sometimes lead to misalignment, which is why it’s important to set clear expectations and goals that are aligned with the overall business objectives. For example, marketing should set realistic targets for lead generation and provide qualified leads to the sales team. Sales should provide feedback on what types of leads are most effective. Addfitionally, they could provide input into the marketing strategy to ensure that it is aligned with the sales objectives.

Q Chatbot GBT is being talked about everywhere now. Will this kill the content creation industry?

Not just yet! But very soon it may severely “injure” it. While chatbots like GBT can replace some types of content creation, it’s not quite there yet when it comes to creating poetry or other literary works that require unrestricted creativity and rule-breaking. For instance, I sometimes ask GBT to write a poem in the style of Pablo Neruda or another famous poet, but the results often come off as contrived and unnatural. Reading the poem, I know it’s not an actual Pablo Neruda poem. Rather, it very much looks like a chatbot GBT Neruda poem. Poetry is just one example, but marketing copywriting also often demands creativity and unconventional thinking to be effective. So far, GBT’s writing seems too rigid and formulaic to me.

Q What tips would you give for new marketing heads in the Forex industry?

The forex industry is an exciting field that requires a combination of creativity and strategy. I think that the main challenge of a marketing head coming from a different industry will be keeping up with all the regulatory restrictions. At first, it may seem like these regulations are dampening your creativity, but as you get more adjusted to them, you’ll begin to see that they actually make a lot of sense. In fact, by adhering to these regulations, you’ll be able to build a stronger and more trustworthy brand that customers will feel confident trading with. Marketing heads should also invest time in understanding their target audience. Figure out who they are, what they’re looking for, and what motivates them to trade. This will help you create targeted campaigns that reach the goals you set. We must also keep an eye on the latest trends in the industry and understand our competitors. So I would say go to conferences, read industry blogs and magazines, and connect with other pros in the field.

I could certainly continue talking at length about this topic, but for now, let me express my gratitude for the opportunity to share my views in your esteemed magazine. We don’t want to bore our readers to sleep, after all!

Liquidity Finder

SAM LOW

CEO/Founder of Liquidity Finder

LiquidityFinder is a comprehensive online platform and professional network dedicated to helping institutional traders and brokers discover, compare, and select liquidity providers in the global financial markets. Through its intuitive search functionality and detailed provider profiles, the platform empowers users to make informed decisions while streamlining the process of connecting with suitable liquidity partners and other industry professionals.

Q Liquidity Finder has been established for several years now, what inspired you to make it?

In my previous work at Integral and First Derivatives, I looked after banks, brokers and asset managers trading FX. MY main clients were banks, institutional brokers, as well as large retail brokers. The retail FX industry really started taking off from about 2008, and, as there was a big appetite amongst market making banks to receive the flow from retail brokers, the Prime Brokerage market became extremely competitive with very low barriers to entry and relatively cheap clearing fees.

All that changed after certain market events, most notably, the removal of the peg by the SNB. After that shock to the system, PBs started withdrawing from the market en masse. Their place was filled with what we now call Prime of Prime (PoP) brokers. Tier-1 PBs were offboarding direct clients and handing them to their PoP clients. The number of PoPs, started multiplying.

During that process, there were a lot of retail brokers, smaller banks and funds running around trying to find new Liquidity Providers for their business. I had the idea that someone needed to make it easier to find which brokers (PoPs) were offering what products out of which datacentres, using certain tech providers etc. If I didn’t do it, someone else would!

So I asked a few of my institutional broker contacts whether they would be interested in joining a comparison site/directory of institutional liquidity to help new clients to find them. They all said yes, so that is how it started. I had always wanted to set up my own project and so, knowing that there was interest from brokers to support the idea, I decided to create LiquidityFinder to help the market make sense of what had hitherto been an opaque market. If brokers could get more customers, and customers could find brokers ready to work with them without all the legwork they were having to put in before, it seemed like a good idea!

Q One thing that always intrigues me with people who make projects like this, is Liquidity Finder today the same as what was on your blueprint? Or has it evolved differently?

When you start out on a journey like this, you can only really see what is in front of you. Over time you understand that things have to evolve. Originally the site was simply going to be a comparison site where visitors could look at details of the companies listed, and all the associated news and info around them, do matching searches and contact brokers.

However, keeping track of all the changes that brokers make to their services in this highly competitive industry is challenging. If companies on the site could have control over their own presence on the site, updating the instruments they offer, their news and posts etc, then this would help them be more efficient with their messaging. That idea morphed into the idea of turning the site into a professional network for the industry, which is what LiquidityFinder is today. Companies on LiquidityFinder can publish their own content, update their profiles, and use the site’s messaging network to receive and send messages to potential clients.

I had always wanted to create an environment where people could crowd-source information from each other, and to create an alternative professional networking site. I hear a lot of people complaining about LinkedIn turning into Facebook and being spammed by SEO wizards etc through cold emails etc. So towards the end of 2021 we worked on a lot of new features for the site that would create a new professional networking site for the finance industry without all the “noise” there is on other sites like Linkedn.

We relaunched a new version of the site in December 2022, and LiquidityFinder now has most of the features of a professional networking site. Still a few things to do but to answer the question, LiquidityFinder now has evolved into a very different site than when it first started.

Q Was it hard leaving the safety of paid employment to make your own brand?

I was fortunate in that personal circumstances helped me to make the decision. We decided to move out of London back to Devon, where my wife and I are both from. We wanted our children to grow up in the country. So the burden of a monthly mortgage had disappeared, which made the decision much easier to make. However, I do now appreciate the safety of paid employment and what that means. But it is outweighed by the freedom of being responsible for and in control of your own destiny.

Q There is a huge amount of news providers in the FX industry. How do you gather all of the news out there?

Well, like all industry news sites, we all subscribe to similar Press Release newswires and receive press releases from agencies. So that is one way. The other way is to identify industry themes and write about them. However, and this was another driver for the creation of the new version of LiquidityFinder, we are very open to any news site publishing their content on our site, for free. Any news or research company can create an organisation page on our site for free and post their content to our audience. Even other industry news sites. What we are working to create is an environment where people can view updates from the industry from any source to add more value to the users of the site.

The traditional finance world is busy enough with change that it can be hard to keep up. Add to that all the developments in DeFi and it is almost impossible! This is why we are happy to let our audience post their own news on our site to give our audience as much chance as possible of being up to date with what is happening in these ultra-dynamic markets. LiquidityFinder’s mission is to bring transparency to the industry as much as possible.

Q As an outsider choosing an LP, what separates one from another?

That is a very interesting question and kind of gets to the heart of the matter. It appears that a lot of the LPs listed on LiquidityFinder are offering the same instruments. However, there is a lot of detail that many don’t consider. For example, where are the LPs servers located (ie: are they close to where my clients are, to reduce latency?) What is the smallest ticket size, or largest ticket size an LP can handle? How do they manage market data fees? When we onboard a company on to LiquidityFinder we ask the company to complete over 100 fields of information. The combination of features together separates some LPs from others. We make this easy for our users with our Matching tools.

A visitor can simply go through a series of questions and the system filters out the LPs that can match their requirements. From the shortlist of companies that are then presented they can decide to send a message to all, or some of them. I do hear that some retail brokers looking for an LP, avoid certain names because of “things they have heard”, without elaborating but I take this t mean that some personalities may clash. At the end of the day there needs to be some personality chemistry as the relationship should be a long-term mutually beneficial one.

Personality types could be the last, but not the least, important thing that can decide whether a broker works with an LP or not. We all know that sometimes things can go ‘wrong’ and it is how people react in these circumstances that can be a deciding factor in the relationship working or not.

Q Is LiquidityFInder designed specifically for a person who has a sophisticated understanding of how the FX industry works?

LiquidityFinder doesn’t cater to just the FX industry. Most of the companies on the site are multi-asset class. However, mostly the audience consists of professionals in the industry, whether that is FX, Futures, Crypto, Fixed Income. We do definitely have visits from retail traders, and they are most welcome. But yes the site is designed to cater to industry professionals.

Q From the data of the search results, do people just look at low low spreads, or is there more to it when they select an LP?

Every broker needs to be competitive on spreads and commissions. We do see people coming to LiquidityFinder when they are thinking of changing LPs because they think they can get a more competitive arrangement. Recently we helped one particular broker reduce his fees by over 40%, so definitely worth him re-evaluating his LPs.

Of course the LP has to have all the instruments the broker needs to keep his clients happy. That is a given.

It might be worth mentioning that we do provide reports to the LPs on the site with a summary of the search criteria that visitors have been looking for over each quarter to help LPs understand what the trends are in the market. These are aggregated reports and do not mention any names. It is a summary of what instruments and other criteria are in demand.

Q How challenging was it to onboard the first LP brands to your site?

It was not challenging initially as the first companies came on the site for free. It was a free option for them.

Q What are the benefits of listing on your site?

Ultimately brand-awareness and new business leads.

LiquidityFinder is the only site I know of that caters to the institutional side of the market, to the depth that we do, and now has a good reputation for doing so. So joining LiquidityFinder allows a company to be seen and considered by our audience. Visitors that search for key search terms end up on LiquidityFinder and are presented with a good list of potential business partners. That list is now quite long and I am sure that there are some names on the site that are new names to many. So any LP in this space can be included and considered in any research that a broker or asset manager may be undertaking for a new Liquidity Provider, and not get forgotten about.

The visitors to our site who use our matching and other research t0ols are far down the sales funnel in terms of looking for Liquidity Providers. If an LP is on our site, they get included in that search.

Companies, LPs and non-LPs, can use the content management tools on our site to be in control of their own branding and content to our focused audience. We even allow them to create company focused forums which we expect to get more active over the coming months. This allows a company to grow a community around their brand and liaise direct with their clients and potential clients.

Q How are you looking to evolve the site in the future?

We will soon be making the user directory much more user-friendly. We want to improve the search tools for finding other members on the site to allow then to connect and message each other more easily. As the membership grows this is getting more important to do.

We will be adding more data and analysis tools over the next few months.

We also have a growing list of non-Liquidity Provider companies joining the site. These are companies such as trading platform providers, payment services providers etc.

More coverage of the crypto space. More tools for analysis and news, which includes more market data and toolkits for analysis and research.

We expect to add more industry news providers also in the near future.

Q Will you be looking to add more Crypto exchanges to your listings mirroring FX?

Yes – this is the plan! We would very much encourage Crypto exchanges to get in contact. There is a lot of appetite out there.

Q What tips can you give to budding entrepreneurs?

Every entrepreneur needs to make sure they have Product Market Fit firmly established before venturing out on your own. Speak to potential customers first and build a product that works to cater to their needs. Then keep iterating as you go and adapt to customer feedback.

Also, crucially - make sure your family are on board with your idea. Your time will be taken up by your project perhaps more than you ever imagined so some sacrifices will have to be made.

Also, it can be a lonely existence if setting out on your own. Only other Founders will really appreciate what that means. So I would recommend finding a mentor –someone who you can turn to for advice when complex issues present themselves. Someone who can sometimes see things a bit more clearly than you are able to because you are stuck in the weeds.

MT Proxy

KENT RIBOE Managing Partner at MT Proxy

Transactional Leadership: Is It Costing Us Talent?

Transactional leadership is a results-driven approach to management. It is the kind of leadership that values order, structure, and hierarchy. And it is usually built around the idea of targets-based growth. That means everyone has their own responsibilities. Everyone has their own targets. And everyone is held accountable for their performance.

Q What are the advantages of transactional leadership?

Transactional leadership is very popular in big companies. That’s because it sets clear expectations for employees. If they hit their targets, then they are rewarded for doing a good job. And if they miss them, then they are expected to get back on track. It’s a tough leadership style but it is often effective in driving short-term growth. Transactional leadership is also very popular in certain sectors, such as finance, that rely on standardised procedures and operational efficiency.

Q Where does transactional leadership fall short?

The problem with transactional leadership is that it only rewards a limited set of behaviours. It can make managers feel like they need to focus on short-term profitability. And it can make employees feel like their work is only valued in terms of ‘transactions’, rather than in long-term contributions.

The other problem is that transactional leadership often leaves less room to grow. If you build a business based on strict hierarchies and rigid targets, then you miss out on the kind of creativity and collaboration that can only thrive in a more flexible workplace. And if you take transactional leadership too far, and run your teams based on a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach, then you risk demotivating or even losing your most promising talent.

Q So who could thrive on transactional leadership?

There are many people who respond well to transactional leadership. It is good for self-motivated people who work well in a structured environment. It is also good for many others including newcomers, tacticians, and empowerers.

1 - Newcomers

The people most likely to benefit from transactional leadership are the newcomers. They could be someone who is new to the company. In this kind of situation, having a clear hierarchy can make it easier for them to understand how the company works and where they fit into it. They could also be someone who is new to a particular discipline. In this kind of scenario, having defined responsibilities and clear workflows can make it easier for newcomers to understand their role and how their work contributes to the bigger picture. Transactional leadership can also create opportunities for scaling targets, as team leaders can start small, and then increase a newcomer’s responsibilities over time.

2 - Tacticians

The people most likely to thrive under transactional leadership are tacticians. A tactician could be someone who is naturally results-driven or who works in a results-oriented field, such as sales or business development. In this case, transactional leadership could work well because it provides both measurable goals and tangible incentives. A tactician could also be someone who is process-driven and who focuses on improvement through procedural change. In this case, transactional leadership is also appropriate because it encourages organisational discipline and personal responsibility.

3 - Empowerers

The people most likely to shine from transactional leadership are empowerers. An empowerer could be someone who is a non-managerial leader. In this kind of situation, transactional leadership allows them to help others understand the company strategy and work towards team goals. An empowerer could also be someone who is a junior manager. And in this type of scenario, transactional leadership helps them to plan their career paths and to work towards senior management positions.

Q Who might prefer a different approach?

For most people, money and perks are a powerful motivator. Transactional leadership won’t work for everyone though. There are many who simply need more freedom in what they do, or who want the chance to grow in more than one area. For example, transactional leadership may be less helpful for nurturers, storytellers, and innovators.

1 - Nurturers

A nurturer could be someone in a client-facing role who values service over stats, like a customer service representative. In this case, transactional leadership can sometimes lead to unrealistic targets. It can make nurturers feel like they need to focus solely on performance figures, like reducing wait times, rather than on performance quality, like solving client problems. Here, nurturers might respond better to leaders who let them share their insight, have a say on company procedures, and who help them focus on what is most important - client satisfaction.

A nurturer could also be someone in a staff-facing role who values culture over stats, like a HR manager. In this case, transactional leadership can sometimes be burdensome. It can make nurturers feel like they need to focus on upholding existing procedures, through standardised policies, rather than showing greater flexibility and creating a happier work culture. If it comes with unrealistic financial targets, it can also make it harder for HR managers to recruit, train, and properly incentivise staff. Here, nurturers might respond better to leaders who show they value unity, that they prioritise employee well-being, and that they know what is most important - taking care of their staff.

2 - Storytellers

A storyteller could be someone in a creative role who is responsible for the company brand. In this case, transactional leadership can sometimes lead to unreasonable targets or restrictive work practices. It may make storytellers feel like they don’t have the time or resources they need to produce high-quality work. Here, storytellers might respond better to leaders who work with them to increase productivity in other ways, such as negotiating deadlines, facilitating collaborations between departments, improving feedback procedures, and encouraging true creativity.

3 - Innovators

Last but not least, we have the innovators. An innovator could be someone in business or product development. In this situation, transactional leadership can sometimes be counterproductive. Innovators sometimes need to work outside of existing policies and procedures. Here, people might respond better to leaders who give them the freedom they need to try new things and bring about real change. Maybe they need to take a crazy idea and run with it. Maybe no one else is doing it. But, maybe that’s the point?

Q Is there still a place for transactional leadership in 2023?

Transactional leadership is still a valid and effective leadership style. It can enable big companies to achieve their goals and drive short-term growth. It

can also enable them to standardise procedures and achieve greater operational efficiency. But, it does come with risks. As transactional leadership tends to be based on financial KPIs, it can sometimes lead to unrealistic targets, bad work practices, and low employee morale.

As any good leader will tell you, transactional leadership should be used on a discretionary basis. It’s important for leaders to work towards financial targets, but it’s also important for leaders to tailor their leadership style to each individual, and to create the kind of work environment that attracts and retains top talent. After all, transactional leadership and a resultsdriven approach can only work if you have the right people in place to help drive the company forward.

And if you’re ever worried about someone not hitting their targets, don’t be afraid to try a new approach. The talent is always there, you just need the right measure.

QUBE Events

LILLY PAVLOU

Director at QUBE Events

Q You have over 20 years of experience in hosting events. How has the world of expos and events changed?

Over the past twenty years I have witnessed a number of key developments across international expos and events. I think most prevalent has been the substantial increase in the number f global events, which have become more industry specific.

Further to this, there is also an increase in awards and an evening gala event. We see this as a welcome development in the sophistication of networking apps and technology available at events has dramatically improved.

Also we have seen the mobility of teams increased and budget allocation growth - events are a trusted tool for branding and business development.

One area I am intrigued about is the development and global rising of online events and webinars. Where will technology take this?

Q I am constantly asked to sponsor an event. Aren’t there too many events now?

We have witnessed a significant increase in the number of events and a true challenge is selecting the right event for your organisation. The increased number of events, diversity of events, and expansive event locations are very useful for organisations that are looking to penetrate new markets, giving them access to the local clientele and the local workforce. A believe that a variety of choices is a good thing - as you can test events, test new markets, and work out the best event and event model that works for you and your organisation

Events are excellent tools to fast-track the sales process and they should do an equally great job for marketing and brand awareness, which only reinforces the team’s efforts and team morale

Q What separates QUBE Events from others?

Great question, I too ask myself this question often enough. In the competitive sphere of conferences, it’s not about reinventing the wheel but iits about fine-tuning the processes. Our main focus at QUBE is adding value and building trust. From the Sponsor’s perspective, we spend a lot of time in pre-event prepa-

rations, to really understand the Sponsor’s needs, understand their targets, identify decision-makers, and provide an excellent and transparent platform to do business. We also provide dedicated account executives to work with the Sponsors before, during, and after the event - to ensure we match the right prospects with the right clients. We offer the very best 5-star venues across all our events and in all countries, giving all participants full access to facilities and quality service, which only supports a healthy business environment. We place a great deal of emphasis on the content of the agenda - ensuring there is an equal balance of networking and thought leadership. We include many interactive sessions - and we fly in industry experts from all over the world to share their knowledge and expertise.

Q Can you see a world where events are held in a virtual world?

Yes, definitely. I believe that hosting events in virtual reality will serve a very useful purpose. I am excited about these new advancements and I can’t wait to host an event in the virtual reality realm. I think these events will awaken us to a new generation of communication, new marketing methodologies and access to new networks. I do love human interaction - so I think a combination of event experiences will be the preferred general direction.

Q Who would you love to have speaking on a panel either dead or alive?

Donald Trump

Q Some events I go to, they seem way over-subscribed with thousands of sales people. How do you protect the sponsors and exhibitors from at least having a shot at making some fresh deals?

I touched on our QUBE bespoke process above - it’s all about understanding the Sponsor’s needs and it’s about ensuring we get the right ratio in the room of sponsors versus delegates. Pre-event preparation is key. We provide our Sponsors with their customised meeting itineraries ahead of the event - and we introduce all meeting takers to sponsors prior. This gives sponsors the opportunity to further qualify the meeting, prepare and ensure the sales opportunity is capitalised on. Transparency and preparation ensure a positive ROI.

Q One other gripe I have about other events, it appears to be an excuse for people to get drunk, and see friends. How do you keep the professional levels high?

I believe that events need to provide multiple platforms to suit the variety of personalities and business styles. We encourage focused and measurable experiences - however there is a time and a place for everything and having a drink with clients, business partners, and friends definitely builds bonds and strengthens friendships. I have seen that the most loyal event participants are the ones that look forward to attending year after year to catch up with their peers, have some informal networking time, and support each other in building their respective networks.

Q Do you feel that sometimes people’s expectations of events can be too high as they expect hundreds of deals to come from it, and sadly this is very hard to achieve?

Our model of the event experience does not start and end with the event itself. We spoke about pre-event preparations, and we also covered the onsite experience - but I believe the work we do post-event also plays a vital part. We host events on the same and similar topics across many different markets and relevant countries around the world. It is essentially these ecosystems of networks that can support the business development efforts of our clients well after the actual event is over. We believe once a client joins our events, they form part of this global ecosystem. They now gain access to our network and we are happy to offer our support in any way we can. I believe this approach helps balance clients’ expectations and assists in securing business opportunities. Our company vision statement and philosophy encapsulates this perfectly: The QUBE Event philosophy is to provide an authentic platform where business leaders can build and cultivate long-lasting relationships in a healthy and productive space. We believe in building credible relationships with our participants and sustaining mutual growth through our combined successes.

MultiBank Group

COURTNEY FITZSIMMONS

CEO of MEX Australia

Q What led you to a career in the financial industry?

I have always been fascinated by the industry, as I entered just before the GFC, which made for an interesting start, to say the least. I started in an equi ties firm which was largely set in its ways, the GFC is about as exciting (or daunting) as it gets, so I think I have always looked for a challenge and a dynamic environment. I might go back on those words in 10 years, but for now, I thrive off them.

Q How has it evolved since your first couple of years?

The introduction of Digital Assets has changed the game, that’s for sure. The state of play is no longer fluid and regardless of whether or not someone is a crypto adopter, we all benefit from the shake-up and revival of the financial markets, although there have been some bumps and bruises along the way.

I do also believe - and hope we continue to see, that regulators are now forced to review and update their policy and regulatory frameworks to ensure they apply to not only the new products but the delivery and facilitator of the transaction. This will hopefully lead to more cohesion between regulators and the industry, weeding out the bad apples, and ensuring sustained commercial futures for those who operate within the right side of the line – unencumbered by out-of-date frameworks.

In addition to the impact of digital assets, I’ve also noticed a greater focus on data privacy and security, which has become a critical issue in the age of increased digitalization. As technology continues to evolve, I expect that these issues will become even more pressing and will require ongoing attention and adaptation from industry professionals.

Q You have reached an incredibly high level of professional success. What would you attribute this to?

Hard work. It sounds cliché but if you’re a hard worker, willing to put in when others aren’t, you’ll generally get the opportunity. I also believe that your team and management really play a pivotal part in your success. Great mentors and seniors promote their kin and provide guidance and emotional/corporate intellect that cannot be learned from a textbook or a degree.

Stepping out of your comfort zone and in rooms

played a vital role in my professional career.

Q What attributes are you looking for, when you are looking for someone to join your team?

We value individuals who are hard-working, accountable, dynamic, and forward-thinking.

While technical skills are crucial in today’s technology-driven world, we also place significant emphasis on intangible qualities that are innate in individuals. These qualities are often the ones that distinguish exceptional candidates from the rest, becoming the diamonds that we seek to add to our team.

Q How big is the talent pool in Australia? Can you be constricted by its location?

Absolutely. Australia is a beautiful place but its tax rates and remote location certainly present challenges in sourcing, and retaining staff. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced businesses to operate in new and innovative ways, including cross-border operations. With a solid operational framework in place, businesses can now thrive despite geographic constraints.

Despite these challenges, Australia still has a wealth of talented professionals across a range of industries. It’s important for businesses to tap into this talent pool and leverage technology to overcome any limitations posed by location.

Q With Asia being a booming market, does Australia have a huge advantage in generating professional relationships with you being closer?

Absolutely. Australia’s geographic proximity to Asia certainly provides an advantage in building professional relationships with the booming market. The location allows for greater ease of travel and communication, which can expedite the process of forming partnerships.

However, I think the geographic proximity alone is not

enough to foster successful business relationships. Mutual respect and cultural understanding are crucial in building long-lasting partnerships. By doing so, we can leverage the advantages of our location and build strong, mutually beneficial partnerships with the Asian market.

Q Has ASIC got the balance right with regards to protecting the client and being able to operate a sustainable business?

I think ASIC was forced to follow suit when global regulators took the stance on FX. I do believe that more industry consultation from the regulator would have resulted in a regime that ensured that businesses would have embraced the reforms more wholeheartedly.

However, we know that regulatory oversight is part of our identity, and the value the customers place on it. Knowing and committing to the standard and ethical application of the product/service, with oversight of a body that is notorious for its stringent application – is a huge intangible value for the business. So we must, and choose, to play ball.

Q What attracted you to move into the Crypto space away from FX?

Crypto is certainly a new era. I feel so fortunate I am working at the height of my career during this time. Crypto is a new way of the world, that’s for certain. Given my background in FX, and working through its reforms, this move made sense. To be knee-deep in a regime that was a complete overhaul of our legacy regimes, given the inherent difference in the nature of the product and its delivery.

MultiBank Group has amassed its client base and grown the business of a main, and penultimate attribute. It is broad and unblemished regulatory standing. Multibank io was not going to deviate from this ethos, nor do we believe that regulatory oversight is far away. We are here to put our hand up and advocate for regulation and apply the standard in operation for our business. We are here to be the gold standard of players, and I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it.

We are currently in the advanced stages of launching MultiBank io, a digital assets exchange fully regulated in Australia. We aim to be the world’s first cross-asset ecosystem aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and alternative finance.

Q Is it a mature and evolved is the scene in Australia? Can you see Australia becoming a crypto hub and leader in Asia?

While legacy financial markets in Australia are certainly mature, the adoption of digital reform by the

government is indeed a great sign for the future of the crypto industry in the country. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) will no doubt build a regime that is stringent yet provides comfort to investors. This approach will help to weed out any bad apples and ensure greater transparency and security for all.

As for Australia becoming a crypto hub and leader in Asia, I am optimistic about the country’s potential to become a significant player in the crypto industry. The government’s proactive approach to regulation and the country’s strong technological infrastructure make it an attractive destination for crypto businesses. Additionally, the country’s strategic location in the Asia-Pacific region provides a significant advantage for business expansion into this region. The future is exciting, and I believe Australia is one of the places to be.

Q Do you have any personal of professional goals you could share with us for the next couple of years?

Professionally, I am motivated to work with regulators and stakeholders as a representative for the sector of the industry that welcomes regulatory reform. At MultiBank Group, we are a legacy player with almost two decades of experience in the market, and we are well-positioned to lead the charge toward more effective regulation and better cooperation between regulators and industry players. In addition to my regulatory work, I am also committed to helping MultiBank Group continue to thrive and succeed in the market. As a pivotal player in the industry, I believe that the Group has a critical role to play in shaping the future of the financial services sector.

Personally, I am driven by the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my field, and I think that working towards better practices is one of the most important ways to do that. Ultimately, chalking my career to being a pivotal player in the market, I’d certainly retire with a smile.

FX Back Office

CHRISTINA IRAKLEOUS Chief Marketing Officer at FX Back Office

Catching the eye

Q Standing out from the crowd in a competitive B2B market is a challenge, but the benefits are indisputable. So, how do you do it?

Brand awareness is priceless and setting yourself apart from the competition is key. But, just how do you do that? B2B products or services are often, dry, functional things that don’t help themselves when it comes to generating buzz. However, there are certain approaches you should be taking.

Firstly, keep an eye on the competition. Don’t waste time creating products that are already out there: innovate, don’t imitate. By all means, take a little inspiration from the market, but then run with it to create something better.

Focus on a niche market. You’re good at what you do, so don’t spread yourself too thin, it’s a waste of time and money and your understanding of the market beyond your niche probably isn’t great.

Forget the elevator pitch, focus on telling your customers, or leads, how your product solves their problems. Come around to the cost last, and remember that new leads might only buy in if you’re saving them money.

Don’t pay Google. By that, we mean that great, SEO-optimized content is much more cost effective than paid ads when it comes to attracting customers. Generate your own content, focused around keywords tied to your products. Work on readability, create enjoyable content. Don’t worry about the numbers, it’s about producing a wealth of content that people in your industry will benefit from. Create a knowledge base and people will begin to associate your brand name with good ideas.

Communicate with your clients on a monthly basis. Create tailored messages for each company, drawing on the information they’ve given to you, focus on up-selling, cross selling, and retention.

At the end of the day, creating useful content, doing so regularly, communicating clearly and often, and ditching the fierce sales pitch are going to make your business stand apart from the competition, drive growth and make you money.

Centroid Solutions

CRISTIAN VLASCEANU

Q It’s been a while since you were last in Game Changers, can you tell me what has happened since we last spoke?

Yes, it’s certainly been a while, more than we would want to, as I always enjoy speaking with you, and this is because we have been extremely busy on our side. Last time we spoke, we were busy scaling up, and had finished our recent expansion, namely moving our headquarters to a bigger office to accommodate more staff in Dubai and our new presence in Southeast Asia (in Philippines and Thailand), to help brokers from different regions enhance their technology and expand their offering.

Apart from company expansion, a lot has happened. We added lots of newly developed functions and features to our flagship products, which have been well received. Our customer base has also doubled and continuing to grow, and we are honoured to have the continued support and trust in our services from our clients.

Q This is impressive! What’s your secret to getting clients to use Centroid’s solutions?

Thank you for your kind words. In essence, we have set for ourselves a high standard in servicing our clients as we want to ensure that all our clients are successful, and this is reflected in everything we do. Apart from offering the best solutions and customer service to our clients, we have also taken a consulting approach, to always be there and assist our customers. We are always working together with our clients, as a partnership. Here are several key aspects of our approach:

• System infrastructure – Our system and infrastructure are built to ensure we can deploy and manage

our client’s setup in an easy and structured way.

• Customer support procedures – We have setup clear and easy to understand onboarding and ongoing support procedures for our clients, so there is no confusion throughout our client’s journey with us.

• 24/7 support for customers – Each client is allocated in dedicated communication channel with our support team, so we will always be there for our customers and can assist them any time during the week.

• Training for customers – Our clients will get full training and walkthrough of our systems. This allows our clients to learn and understand each feature, so they can make full use of all features and functionalities available.

• Administrative control for customers – Our systems are designed and implemented in a way that vast majority of the operations are intuitive and can be done on the customer’s side. This allows the customers to make any configurations in real-time without system restarts or having to depend on us.

With the above approaches and procedures, it allows our team to put focus on handling the tasks and important requirements that need to be addressed by them.

Q What are some of the features/trends that you have followed in regard to your solutions?

As mentioned above, since we last spoke, there have been many developments across all of our products. Let me name a few here:

• We have been adding a lot of integrations to different markets, to further enhance our multiasset support for our clients. As one highlight, we have created a deep integration and have certified with Dubai Financial Exchange (DFM).

• We have put an emphasis into connectivity to crypto exchanges, as connecting to a crypto exchange is quite different than the regular FX market, in terms of how liquidity is being distributed and how orders are being executed. To create such integration and make setups that are suitable for brokers using MetaTrader and other popular trading platforms, we have had to implement functionalities to ‘bridge the gap’ between these systems:

1. Packaging liquidity from the central exchanges order limit book of the crypto exchanges to a more conventional streaming of price updates and relevant quantities that is needed for the MetaTrader world. For this, we have created few custom modes, which have been working very well, and also improve the execution of orders on the crypto exchange; and

2. We are able to facilitate FIX API connectivity, which is the most common way to connect for financial institutions, to the exchanges that are not offering such type of API by default.

• We have also added more complex and comprehensive execution modes that allow the customers to be able to better manage their order flows and risk, to apply different strategies when it comes to execution, mainly to being able to limit risk concentration, at the level of each individual customer and each individual product, to limit their risk taken on entire book of business, etc. Also, by using statistical models based on complex parameters and entire historical pricing and trading information, our customers are now able to follow a delayed hedging execution strategy, to better monetize trade flows while significantly reducing the level of risk taken at any given time.

• Another focus of ours has been to add integrations and support for more trading platforms (currently the number of trading platforms supported has increased to 9!), to offer clients more options to help them diversify their business. We at Centroid have always been promoters of

diversification (it is in the nature of what we do), that is why we have always prioritized additional integrations to trading venues as well as platforms, and functionality to help manage such setups.

Q Great! Thanks for sharing the details, sounds exciting!

What’s next?

Our team has been working tirelessly to add more exciting features and updates to our systems, which will be released soon. We are keen to show all these developments during upcoming meetings and discussions with our customers, partners, and new potentials.

The coming months will continue to be busy, with scheduled participations at several industry events in different continents of the world, starting with Finance Magnates Africa Summit next month.

Additionally, we are continuing with our expansion plan and are aiming to open a new regional office in the coming months, to extend our high-level standard of services to clients in the respective region.

Game Changers Magazine Lifestyle

GC: GOING OUT

At the start of the year we were lucky enough to visit Dubai for a couple of weeks to see our (Breinrock) new office in the DIFC and attend the IFX expo. If you have never visited Dubai or have just visited the popular holiday areas, the DIFC is the financial district where our new office is located with other Tier One banks such as Goldman Sachs and JP Morgan, who cater for the other world leading brands..

Due to its demographic of people working there, you can expect some of the finest restaurants on the planet in one small area. From the office walking to Robertos, you get to see many wonderful art galleries, and if you are so inclined you can visit Salt Bae and take a look at his flexible sodium carbonate wrist.

DIFC Dubai Roberto’s

Having visited the region many times now I think when you visit Dubai you really have to embrace the bling. If you are going to moan about it being false, and full of people constantly taking instagram pictures then this is not for you. Perhaps you should have checked what the Emirate is about prior to your visit. It doesn’t make you a bad person to enjoy a week here, and participate in the mad excesses of late stage western capitalism.

In fact it is fun to see before we all return to our normal Cyprus lives, which usually consists of hotly debating who produces the best pork chop. One rule I always abide by when you visit is to have fun and treat it like an adult version of DIsneyland. Every conceivable whim or experience that you want to have can be found here and catered for.

Being able to get a table in Robertos is no mean feat, which we would advise booking in advance as it is regularly full up. Moreover, to feature it in GC:GOING OUT may seem weird for a restaurant, however you also get amazing DJ’s and music, which breaks off into a more informal setting in the lounge area and bar. So it is hard to classify it as a white table clothed restaurant. Also I own the magazine, so I get to choose where it goes :-)

Not only is it one of the best views in Dubai, perfectly perched high enough to see the other amazing buildings, however not high enough where you need oxygen and get that weird sensation of falling off into the abyss (maybe that’s just me).

If you are lucky enough to visit and it is not insanely hot, try and get a table that has a view looking outside, that’s not to say the interior hurts your eyes, it is beautifully designed. However I personally felt that it had a New York vibe about it with the views at night. The pictures that I took really do not do it justice, also i am not great with taking pictures which does not help.

One word can only describe Robertos adequately...spectacular. First of all, the service is amazing. Lets face it, it’s a high class place so you wont be treated like a slob. Furthermore, they were incredibly friendly and knowledgeable of each dish, and how it almost matches your mood. These really are apex servers at the top of their game and deserve every penny of a tip which you should give them.

With this you really are paying for an amazing visual, auditory and taste experience, so if you are the type of person to grumble at paying a little more for your food, then this place is not for you. However, if you really do enjoy the way that you are given world class service, food which is unparalleled and a beautiful view then this venue is definitely for you, a must for your Dubai bucket list.

GC: EAT

Rasa Cafe

ROBERTOS DUBAI www.rasa.co.uk

Before we begin with the full review of Rasa Cafe, I need to give you the backstory of hunger which led me to eating perhaps one of the finest curries my palette has ever had the privilege of tasting.

It was a freezing cold day in London, after having spent two very long days at ICE, and just finishing a couple of well deserved drinks with a friend at the amazing Praxis booth. I needed to find some food after drinking on an empty stomach, as the grumpy hungry side of my personality was beginning to rear its head.

Making my way back to my hotel in Stratford, I saw the huge Westfield structure in the cold grey London weather. This would no doubt have a plethora of choices to assuage my impending problem. To be honest I was faced with the ultimate first world problem of returning to my five star hotel and having a very well presented and beautiful dish, however tiny it would be tiny.

Alternatively, I could gorge on fast food, then lay in the fetal position in the splendor of my hotel and regret having the mega burger from one of the many faceless international brands in the shopping mall.

About five metres before the front entrance of Westfield, the smell of curry and spices was carrying further into the evening air, filling my lungs and amplifying my hunger tenfold. I tried to resist by walking past, but it was like I was in some weird cartoon where this smell pulled me in. There was literally no escape!

I have not had the pleasure of eating Malaysian food since I visited there about twenty years ago, so I wasn’t too aware what to go for. Unlike its Thai cousin where I have my staple go to dishes like Pad Thai, I was in a brave new world of food that I had no visual reference to.

What I loved was that there was the right amount of choices, and no real crazy mystery dishes which my brain at that point of the day could not compute. I went for the spicy Malaysian chicken curry served with rice, and the chef special lamb satay.

Taking my place at my table eagerly awaiting the food, I got talking to Noor who helped me choose which dishes would soothe my hunger. As serving staff go, one of the nicest I have ever encountered, outlining the various dishes meticulously , also telling me how they gained a huge following when the lockdown was on.

When the food arrives, you are served perfect portion sizes which is just enough to eat and not so much you feel like you have to finish it all. The Chicken curry in my own personal spice index was a step below the heat of a madras curry, however the ingredients all worked together so well that you are not overpowered by the heat, you just have a great tasting dish.

The lamb satay was without doubt the best I have ever eaten. Noor told me that it was sourced from Wales, so it was incredibly tender with the marination perfectly holding and absorbing into the meat, resulting in the taste melting into every taste bud in my mouth.

After finishing the meal and being incredibly satisfied, I asked to pass my compliments onto the chef who duly came out and talked me through other special dishes. Although I was so full I thought I would burst, they insisted I try the vegetable soup before I left. This soup is not one of those you can eat in cold weather, you could eat this all year round. In fairness it would have been a perfect dish on its own, with it brimming with vegetables and sat in a delicious broth.

Having got the bill, I waddled off into the night incredibly content and without a shadow of doubt. If I am in that part of the world again, that will be my first place to eat.

GC: HOMME DSQUARED2

In this edition we feature DSQUARED2 for the first time in Game Changers Magazine. If you are not aware this brand has become incredibly popular If you ae not aware the brands philosophy can be best described as refined Italian tailoring and Canadian Iconography.

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Icon Outline Cool T-Shirt

COST: 255 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Icon Sunset Boxy Jacket

COST: 720GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Geometric knit gilet

COST: 595 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Bob Marley Skater T- Shirt

COST: 280 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Bob Marley Cool SweatShirt

COST: 380 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Thai print wash oversize Kiodo

COST: 1525 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: D2 Surfer Club Over Surf T-Shirt

COST: 380 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: D2 Surfer Club Cool Sweatshirt

COST: 335 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: D2 Surfer Club Over Surf T-Shirt

COST: 380 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: DSQ2 Fish Skater T-Shirt

COST: 255 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Dean Windbreaker

COST: 780 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: DSquared2 Tie & Die Herca Hoodie

COST: 530 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Dean Wndbreaker

COST: 885 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: D2 Surf Skater T-Shirt

COST: 280 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Light Surfer Wash Cool Guy Jeans

COST: 595 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Military Blazer

COST: 1.525 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: DSquaured2 Jamaican Cool T-Shirt

COST: 216 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: . Dropped shoulder shirt

COST: 435 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Dropped Shoulder Shirt

COST: 470 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Jamaican Funk Bob Shirt

COST: 470 GBP

GC: FEMME DSQUARED2

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Short sleeve jersey shirt

COST: 470 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Open front blazer

COST: 1.910 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Sunflower traveller

COST: 625 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Leather open front blazer

COST: 3.535 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Medium sea salt wash over jean jacket

COST: 595 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Surfer boxers bra top

COST: 310 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: DSQ2 Surf club long sleeves T-shirt

COST: 405 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Dark fade wash surfer flare

COST: 500 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: DSQ2 Surf ClubLongsleeves T-Shirt

COST: 405 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: DSQ2 Surf club long sleeves T-Shirt

COST: 405 GBP.

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Draped strapless mini dress

COST: 760 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Hooded windbreaker

COST: 1.170 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Bandeau Top

COST: 280 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Super flare tailored pants

COST: 565 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Surfer mini skirt

COST: 855 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Sequinned zip around dress

COST: 1.910 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Scuba bull hooded jacket

COST: 1.335 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Ruffled cut out gown dress

COST: 2.195 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Be Icon Renny T-Shirt

COST: 185 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Be Icon cool sweater

COST: 350 GBP

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Glossy Jamaica dress

COST: 335 GBP.

BRAND: DSQUARED2

NAME: Ruffled cut out gown dress

COST: 2.195 GBP

GC: CHARITY

The Dancing Queen Foundation was founded in 2009 by the friends and family of Dr Yiota Demetriou to help children in the field of child psychology. After having her life cruelly cut short by a drunk driver in 2008, the foundation is looking to continue her mission of helping children and positively impacting youth in our community.

The main event of the year for the Dancing Queen Foundation is the Annual Charity Walk titled “I’d Rather Walk Than Drink and Drive” which is held every November.

The event aims to raise awareness on the dangers of driving under the influence of alcohol and to make a difference by preventing further accidents and fatalities caused by people driving under the influence. It serves as a reminder of the devastating effects such accidents can have on people’s lives.

The walk attracts a lot of support from the local authorities and the general public, taking place along the 10 KM of pedestrian walkways along the Limassol coastline.

Since 2018, the Foundation has also been organising a walk in Paphos which takes place along the pedestrian walkway on the coastline, and covers a distance of 5 km, which is enjoyed by all ages.

It gives people the opportunity not only to raise funds for a worthy cause but also to participate in an event that highlights a problem which we have in Cyprus, of fatalities caused by drunk driving.

How can you help?

There are multiple ways to help this great cause, from making a donation via the website to having your brand join the walk which is held at the end of each year. Having raised over 630K EUR since its inception and helping over 250 children, this really is a great cause.

For more information, go to dancingqueenfoundation.com