Motaz Nofal

For heads of desk aiming to set an AI adoption strategy, prioritise projects, and manage governance. This lab focuses on the leadership perspective- helping heads of desk set a strategic direction for AI integration. Through interactive discussion, participants will map internal use cases, prioritise investments, and outline governance frameworks to balance innovation with risk management. Topics include building in-house versus partnering with vendors, aligning AI with wider technology modernisation plans, and defining the skill sets future trading teams will need.

Europe’s equity derivatives market is mature and highly regulated- but is it still innovative? From ESG products that flared and faded to a new wave of retail participation and digital experimentation, this session explores whether real innovation is still possible in a crowded, risk-averse marketplace. Can exchanges and market makers create products that deliver genuine liquidity rather than headlines? What are retail investors truly asking for, and how do fiscal and tax differences across Europe influence risk appetite and product design? Bringing together exchanges, market makers, and buy- and retail-side leaders, the panel asks: is Europe innovating- or simply reinventing old ideas?