International Federation of Technical Analysts (IFTA) Board of DirectorsRon William, CFTe, MSTA, CMT—President
Ron also serves as an active trading mentor specializing in trading psychology, using the NLP model, and Van Tharp Peak Performance™. Previously, Ron was a senior tactical and market timing strategist at the ECU Group, a global macro investment and advisory firm. He was part of the Multi-Asset Research and Advisory Team headed by Robin Griffiths, applying his signature “Roadmap” cycle model. Ron’s work, as part of his current institutional market advisory firm (RWA), acquired global industry recognition with the 2014/2013 Finalist Award for “Best Independent Research House for FX” and the 2012 Finalist Award for “Best Technical Analyst of the Year.” His market insights are featured regularly across notable industry publications and financial media programs, most recently featuring U.S. presidential election cycle analysis, GBP/USD Brexit impact, and EUR/USD parity risk. Ron dedicated four years to working at Bloomberg L.P. as a senior technical analyst specialist, responsible for training/consultation across the EMEA region, and contributed to the development of charting strategies and the technical analysis platform of the Bloomberg Professional Service™. Dr. Oliver Reiss, MFTA, CFTe—Treasurer and Secretary
Dr. Oliver Reiss, CFTe, MFTA, received a master’s degree in physics from the University of Osnabrueck (1998) and a Ph.D. in mathematics from the University of Kaiserslautern (2003)—the latter for his research on financial mathematics performed at the Weierstrass Institute in Berlin. Since then, he has worked in the banking industry and today is a self-employed consultant for financial institutions with a focus on risk controlling, derivatives pricing (quant), and related IT implementations. Due to his mathematical and programming expertise, his focus area in technical analysis is developing and back-testing of mid-term trading strategies based on more sophisticated algorithms. Oliver joined VTAD in 2011 when he became a freelancer and currently serves as deputy manager of the VTAD’s regional group in Dusseldorf. Oliver received his MFTA for his thesis on the application of the Empirical Mode Decomposition to technical analysis, which was rewarded with the John Brooks Memorial Award in 2019. As a frequent attendee of IFTA conferences, he also presented the results of his MFTA research at the IFTA Conference in Cairo. In 2025, his research paper “Trend – Emotion – Timing” was rewarded with the Founders Award by the National Association of Active Investment Managers (NAAIM). In this paper Oliver establishes a new way to chart the market of individual stocks, combining trend following ideas based on large statistical evidence with classical portfolio optimization. Akihiro Niimi, MFTA, CFTe—Vice President, Asia
Akihiro Niimi, MFTA, CFTe, has more than 20 years experiences working in investment banks and hedge funds. He currently manages cryptoasset index project with Nomura Research Institute, Ltd. and asset management companies investing digital assets in metaverse. David Watts, BSc (Hons), CEng, MICE, MIWEM, FST—Vice President, Europe and Website Director
Since then, he has used his engineering expertise on several innovative trading projects. Commissions include implementing Dunnigan’s One Way Formulae, a technical trading model, producing several swing timing models for traders within the Butterworth Group (1997–2000), and providing time series analysis tools for clients in the banking and fund management industry. Zoë Bollinger, CFP®—Vice President, Americas
Zoë Bollinger, CFP®, is a Vice President and Portfolio Manager at Bollinger Capital Management, where she develops and implements technically driven investment offerings for Bollinger Capital clients. Zoë, a CFP® professional, collaborates with new and existing Bollinger Capital clients to align their investment strategies with their long-term financial goals. Zoë is a speaker at live and online financial conferences and investing events, teaching technical analysis and investment strategy development. Zoë graduated summa cum laude from American University with a degree in International Relations and a minor in Economics. She is fluent in French and Mandarin. Shady Bahaa, CFTe, CETA—Vice President, Middle East and Africa
Shady Bahaa, CFTe, CETA, is a Senior Technical Analyst and financial markets professional with over 20 years of experience in Egypt’s capital markets, specializing in technical analysis, trading, equity markets, and financial education. He serves as Senior Technical Analyst at CI Capital Brokerage, providing market analysis and trading insights to institutional and high-net-worth clients. He holds the CFTe and CETA professional designations. An active member of the Egyptian Society of Technical Analysts (ESTA) for more than 15 years, Shady has held several leadership positions, including Head of the IT Committee, Secretary General, and, since August 2025, Chairman of ESTA. Combining extensive market expertise with long-standing association leadership, he is committed to advancing technical-analysis education, professional development, financial literacy, and the growth of the technical-analysis profession. Saleh Nasser, CFTe, CMT—Education Director
Before joining Pioneers, Saleh was the executive director and the chief technical strategist of Pharos Holding from 2009 until May 2017. Saleh was also the chief technical strategist of CIBC from 2001 until 2009, and he was a member of the CIBC investment committee Saleh completed his CMT designation from the Market Technicians Association (MTA) in 2001. He was awarded an honorary CFTe designation from IFTA because of his contributions to the Education Committee. Davide Pandini, Ph.D., MFTA, CFTe, CMT, CSTA—Quant Director
Davide has authored and co-authored more than 50 papers in international journals and conference proceedings and served on the program committee of several premiere international conferences. He received the STMicroelectronics Corporate STAR Gold Award in 2008 and 2020, and the STRIVE Gold Award in 2022, for R&D excellence. Since June 2015, he has been the chairman of the ST Italy Technical Staff Steering Committee. In the field of technical analysis, Dr. Pandini is a Certified Financial Technician (CFTe) and a Master of Financial Technical Analysis (MFTA) of IFTA, holds the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) designation from the CMT Association, and is a professional member of SIAT (Società’ Italiana Analisi Tecnica). In 2021, he was the recipient of the XII SIAT Technical Analyst Award in the Open category. He was a speaker at SIAT Trading Campus in 2022, in Milano, Italy, and at the Investing and Trading Forum in 2022 and 2023, in Rimini, Italy. He was the winner of the prestigious IFTA 2021 John Brooks Memorial Award and was a speaker at the IFTA 2023 annual conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, at Bogu Investment Forum 2024, in China, and will be at the IFTA 2024 annual conference in Boao, Hainan, China. He served as volunteer at the Universal Exhibition Expo2015—Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life—in Milano, Italy. Indrawijaya Rangkuti, MBA, CTAD—Membership Director
Indrawijaya Rangkuti, MBA, CTAD, is a Fund Manager & Asset manager for private clients and companies for investment and business advisory (e.g., IPO, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring) with Madison Jaya Persada. He is also an independent trader mentor and often collaborates with IFTA members to share market outlooks and trading knowledge. As a trader and analyst, he researches how to simplify and implement of the WD Gann’s theory to be more applicable, also he invented IWR Tunnel indicator for analysis and trading purpose. Rangkuti was a speaker at the 2020 IFTA Annual Conference. Rangkuti is the Vice President of his society, AATI (Asosiasi Analis Teknikal Indonesia). He has been a speaker on the stock market, forex market, commodities market, crypto currency and technical analysis on several TV programs and at various seminars and workshops related to technical analysis applications for investors and traders. In addition, not only as mentor Indrawijaya is also an Assessor Competency of Technical Analysis Certification at BNSP (National Professional Certification Agency). Eddie Tofpik, MSTA—Marketing Director
Eddie Tofpik, MSTA, started as a warrants clerk for London Metals Exchange (LME) trader Transworld Metals in 1980. In 1984, colleagues and friends introduced him to technical analysis, and he has been an avid practitioner ever since. Eddie is a member of the Society of Technical Analysts in the UK and an affiliate of the Market Technicians Association in the United States. He’s also a member of ACI-UK (the FX Dealers Association) and the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment. In 1991, he joined Esprit Brokers Limited (precursor to ADMISI) to develop the FX and LME business and started the 24-hour FX desk of ADMISI. This year, after 26 successful years as head of FX, he moved to start a new role at ADMISI as head of technical analysis and senior markets analyst. At ADMISI, Eddie produces and publishes ‘Eddie’s Crayons…’, a monthly technical analysis review of FX and selected commodity futures markets, along with other daily and weekly technical analysis. Additionally, he’s a regular commentator on FX and has spoken at many international conferences and seminars. Shinji Okada, MFTA—Non-Institutional Director
He is a councilor of the Nippon Technical Analysts Association (NTAA). He serves as the General Manager of the Research Dept. at the NTAA and introduces not only the classic theories but also the latest ones to the members. In addition, he is one of several regular lecturers at the extension course at the university in Tokyo where NTAA offers several lectures on technical analysis to the general public. He received the 2020 John Brooks Memorial Award for his MFTA thesis titled “Observation of Yield Points of Trends.” He spoke at the 2021 Online Conference on “Regression Analysis to Determine Best Use of Technical Analysis Tools.” Anisah Ozleen Othman, MSTA, CFTe—Digital Media Director
Anisah Ozleen, MSTA, CFTe, a beacon of versatility and resilience, has crafted a remarkable career journey reflecting an indomitable spirit and commitment to constant growth. From strutting catwalks to managing restaurants and owning a successful light shop, her kaleidoscopic experience has positioned her as a powerhouse in both business and fashion. During the latter stage of this 16-year venture, venturing into the financial realm, Anisah discovered her true passion as a unit trust agent and seasoned remisier. Beyond the trading floor, she emerged as a captivating international speaker, sharing a wealth of knowledge on diverse topics. Anisah's talks resonate with a global audience, offering insight into successful remisier careers, trading strategies, money management, and crafting robust trading plans. Che Muhammad Faiz Bin Che Mohd Zaimi, MSTA, CFTe—Director
Che Muhammad Faiz Bin Che Mohd Zaimi, MSTA, CFTe, is an award-winning investment professional with over nine years of experience in equity markets, investment advisory, and portfolio management. Based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, he serves as Assistant Manager – Equity Sales & Market Chartist at Maybank Investment Bank Berhad, advising high-net-worth, corporate, and institutional clients on equity investments and portfolio strategies. Faiz manages client portfolios exceeding USD150 million in AUM and was recognised as Maybank Investment Bank’s Top Equity Broker in 2024 and 2025. His investment approach integrates technical and fundamental analysis, macroeconomic research, and risk management to identify opportunities across domestic and global markets. A passionate educator, Faiz previously served as a Technical Analysis Trainer for Bursa Malaysia and as an Industry Adjunct Lecturer at Taylor’s University, where he taught technical analysis and practical trading methodologies. He holds the MSTA designation from the Society of Technical Analysts (UK), the CFTe qualification from the International Federation of Technical Analysts, and a Bachelor of Business Administration (Hons.) in Finance from Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM). Murat Oers, CFTe—Director
Murat Oers, CFTe, has been active in financial markets since 2007. Following a 15-year career in law enforcement and public administration in Germany, he transitioned into the financial industry, where he has built extensive experience in market analysis, trading education, and technical analysis. Murat has trained private investors and active traders in technical and fundamental analysis, futures and options trading, and intraday market strategies. He currently co-instructs day traders at Plan B and serves as a board member of VTAD e.V., where he oversees public relations, hosts monthly webinars, and is Editor-in-Chief of VTAD News. Since joining HKCM in 2023, Murat has advanced to Head of Analysis, leading a team of analysts specializing in market research and Elliott Wave analysis. He is currently pursuing the MFTA designation. A frequent speaker and moderator, Murat has presented at major industry events, including World of Trading and the IFTA Conference, and has contributed articles to Traders' Magazine and Focus Money. His market approach emphasizes relative strength, momentum, and intermarket analysis across equities, options, and futures markets. Giovanni Trombetta, Electronic Engineer, CFTA—Academic Relations Director
Giovanni Trombetta, Electronic Engineer, CFTA, is Founder and Head of Research & Development at Gandalf Project, Chairman of the Scientific Committee of SIAT, and Co-Founder of Rocket Capital Investment. An entrepreneur and electronic engineer, he specializes in artificial intelligence, machine learning, evolutionary algorithms, and their application to quantitative finance. Since founding Gandalf Project in 2012, Giovanni has focused on the development of quantitative trading systems, asset allocation strategies, and financial modeling solutions. A Professional Member and Certified SIAT Technical Analyst (CSTA) since 2016, he is currently serving his second term as Chairman of SIAT’s Scientific Committee and previously served as IFTA Quant Director from 2019 to 2025. Giovanni has taught Data Science in SIAT’s Master’s Program in Technical Analysis of Financial Markets since 2018 and regularly delivers professional training in quantitative finance and asset management. A sought-after international speaker, he has presented at multiple IFTA Conferences and collaborates with banks, brokers, and technology firms on educational and research initiatives. In 2019, he co-founded Rocket Capital Investment, a Singapore-based fintech company focused on AI and blockchain applications for asset management. He is also a published author and contributor to leading financial publications, including Milano Finanza, Traders, and Technical Analysis of Stocks & Commodities. His book, Trading Strategies with Python, was published in 2020. |
Ron William, CFTe, MSTA, CMT, is an accomplished market strategist, educator, and trader with 20 years of financial industry experience working for leading economic research and institutional firms and producing macroresearch and trading strategies. He specializes in macro, semi-discretionary analysis, driven by cycles and proprietary timing models.
Saleh Nasser, CFTe, CMT, is currently the chief technical strategist of Pioneers Holding and is heading the investment committee of the Asset Management Company.
Davide Pandini holds a Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He was a research intern at Philips Research Labs in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, and at Digital Equipment Corp., Western Research Labs, in Palo Alto, California. He joined STMicroelectronics in Agrate Brianza, Italy, in 1995, where he is a Technical Director and a Fellow of STMicroelectronics Technical Staff.
Shinji Okada, MFTA, works for a financial information vendor in Tokyo, where he lectures technical analysis to their service development teams and users (e.g., brokers, traders, bank analysts, and securities companies). His career began when he joined a brokerage firm after he had earned his master’s degree in political science.
IFTA 2026 Conference Sponsors
