Gilson Costa

Gilson Costa

Chief Executive Officer
VAF Compliance

    Gilson started his career in BNY Mellon in 2010 in Manchester with a focus on Financial Services and FinTech. 

    At his latest role in investment banking at JP Morgan Chase, Gilson was part of the High Growth Tech Sales team after having had other previous roles in Compliance and F&O Collateral Management. 

    Previously to founding VAF, Gilson was part of the initial team of one of the first fully regulated crypto exchanges in the Middle East in ADGM.

    Gilson has also presented and moderated on a global stage at numerous financial, Blockchain and Digital Asset conferences, as well as to more select audiences including international law firms and regulators.

    Gilson was appointed CEO of VAF in December 2021 and during the last twelve months been required to dedicate a tremendous amount of hard work to get the company off the ground. We have pitched to ministers, banks, family offices and high net worth individuals. We have grown our products from providing crypto compliance reports, to providing compliance consultancy services including writing policies and procedures, supporting clients with their compliance and AML requirements and assisting clients with regulatory licence applications across the MENA region. We have developed an experienced, flexible and cost effective team in a record amount of time and I am delighted that we were appointed as a partner of the DMCC Crypto Centre, and a member of both the compliance hub for the DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) and Crypto Market Integrity Coalition – CMIC.

    All Sessions by Gilson Costa

    Turkish Arab Financial Forum
    15:45 - 17:00

    Panel 3: How DeFi and Tokenization are Shaping the Future.

    • Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies: Opportunities and Challenges for Banks in the Digital Age
    • Who is embracing decentralized finance?
    • How DeFi regulations are shaping up in the GCC?
    • Can digital assets regain their appeal in 2023?

    Links

    In 2022, CARE International in Lebanon developed LINKS online platform, an all-inclusive tool playing a critical role in streamlining humanitarian activities, bridging resource gaps, and ensuring those in need receive timely assistance. Whether you’re looking to contribute, seek support, or enhance cooperation within the sectors, LINKS empowers you to make an impact.

    LINKS is a free, digital platform, accessible via website and mobile application, that revolutionizes the way humanitarian support is coordinated. Acting as a vital hub, it seamlessly connects donors, experts, and people in need with local humanitarian organizations, while also fostering collaboration among these organizations for more effective and unified efforts.

    CONSOLIDATED CONTRACTORS COMPANY

    With over seventy years of construction excellence, Consolidated Contractors Company (CCC)
    has earned a global reputation for delivering innovative solutions to multi-million-dollar projects.
    CCC’s expert teams leverage cutting-edge systems for estimating, scheduling, and reporting,
    ensuring a streamlined and efficient construction process. Clients benefit from the company’s
    unwavering commitment to safety, precision, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Clear
    communication is a cornerstone of CCC’s operations, enabling effective management of changes,
    costs, and expectations throughout every phase of a project.
    From site evaluations and preconstruction planning to commissioning and close-out, CCC provides
    comprehensive services that span the entire construction lifecycle.
    Above all, CCC specializes in crafting exceptional built environments that empower clients to thrive.

    O Monot Hotel

    O Monot Hotel is a delightful independent boutique property brought up-to-the-minute with a sensational renovation that has resulted in 41 superbly styled rooms and suites. Set in the elegant and fashionable area of Saifi, Downtown Beirut, this chic property has a gourmet restaurant and stunning city views from its rooftop, where the pool and terrace bar ensure that this is the perfect place to relax.

    O Monot Hotel combines discriminating taste and personalized service. More often than not it is little touches that make all the difference. Everywhere you look beautiful contemporary design meets the eye; from the sharp, harmonious lines of the exterior to the elegant minimalism of the interior. Designed by the famous Claude Missir, the hotel boasts a comforting home away from home feel. In addition, our team has expert knowledge of Beirut’s social scene and historical sites and is always available to meet guests’ needs and expectations

    ICC Group

    In a world based on digital, information technology is the key pulse that drives the innovation engine. ICC Group plays an essential role in the technology community, offering customized ICT solutions across multiple industries.

    Green Hand

    Established in 1999, Green Hand is a Lebanese non-governmental organization committed to protecting nature, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable economic development and resilient livelihoods.

    With a steadfast belief in the power of community-driven change, Green Hand has spent over two decades championing environmental conservation, safeguarding Lebanon’s rich cultural traditions, and empowering local populations through innovative economic models. From restoring natural ecosystems to reviving traditional crafts and supporting farmers, artisans, and small producers, our work places people and nature at the heart of development.

    In our continuous effort to create a real, inclusive, and sustainable transformation, Green Hand launched its flagship initiative — the Authentic Aley Strategic Framework — a model program designed to serve as a national prototype for a developed Lebanon.

    This elite strategic framework operates through three interconnected pillars:

    Environment: Preserving ecosystems, promoting green infrastructure, and ensuring responsible natural resource use.

    Culture & Heritage: Protecting Lebanon’s cultural identity by revitalizing traditional knowledge, crafts, and intercommunal ties.

    Economy: Fostering a circular and local economy by supporting value chains, dignified income generation, and community-based enterprises.

    The Aley District was selected as a pilot region not only for its natural and cultural richness but also for its social diversity and potential to model unity, resilience, and innovation in development. Through partnerships with municipalities, international organizations, and civil society, the Authentic Aley Framework has become a leading example of how local action can inspire national change.

    Our vision is bold yet grounded: to build a Lebanon where communities thrive in harmony with their environment, their history, and each other.

    A Lebanon where the future is rooted in the authenticity of its land and people.

    Green Hand

    Established in 1999, Green Hand is a Lebanese non-governmental organization committed to protecting nature, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable economic development and resilient livelihoods.

    With a steadfast belief in the power of community-driven change, Green Hand has spent over two decades championing environmental conservation, safeguarding Lebanon’s rich cultural traditions, and empowering local populations through innovative economic models. From restoring natural ecosystems to reviving traditional crafts and supporting farmers, artisans, and small producers, our work places people and nature at the heart of development.

    In our continuous effort to create a real, inclusive, and sustainable transformation, Green Hand launched its flagship initiative — the Authentic Aley Strategic Framework — a model program designed to serve as a national prototype for a developed Lebanon.

    This elite strategic framework operates through three interconnected pillars:

    Environment: Preserving ecosystems, promoting green infrastructure, and ensuring responsible natural resource use.

    Culture & Heritage: Protecting Lebanon’s cultural identity by revitalizing traditional knowledge, crafts, and intercommunal ties.

    Economy: Fostering a circular and local economy by supporting value chains, dignified income generation, and community-based enterprises.

    The Aley District was selected as a pilot region not only for its natural and cultural richness but also for its social diversity and potential to model unity, resilience, and innovation in development. Through partnerships with municipalities, international organizations, and civil society, the Authentic Aley Framework has become a leading example of how local action can inspire national change.

    Our vision is bold yet grounded: to build a Lebanon where communities thrive in harmony with their environment, their history, and each other.

    A Lebanon where the future is rooted in the authenticity of its land and people.