Martin Walker

Head of Talent Management, Tokinvest, Singapore

Martin is a senior-level executive search professional in the emerging Technology, FinTech and Crypto space, with extensive experience across Asia-Pacific, Middle East, Europe and US. From Series A to Fortune 500, for the past two decades Martin has partnered with globally recognised growth companies on mission- critical hires, as well as having established a reputation as a keynote speaker, emerging technology evangelist and investor.

Louise Chew KY

Alumnus of UC Berkeley Business School

Louise Chew is an accomplished Banking Technology Projects Management specialist for the past decade. She has driven enterprise-wide projects for banks such as Citibank, Barclays Retail, RHB Bank, and several others with TCO of several million SGD. Recently, she has championed teams to deploy digital transformation projects such as a Digital e-wallet mobile application and web-based version for the payments and remittance functionality for a well-known Corporate & Retail banking entity in Singapore, hosted in the Amazon cloud. In this high-profile strategic project, she worked closely with the appointed service provider which is a Fintech unicorn. She has always been passionate about how emerging technologies like blockchain and digital assets can further advance the way how the business of banking works. A strong believer in the ever evolving world of Crypto landscape beyond Bitcoins, she is perpetually inspired by the innovative power of the Fintech ecosystem poised to create value through innovations that make future financial transactions more efficient and effective.

Merlin Gerhard Kwan

Founding Member & Chief Executive, Shelev Capital, Vietnam

With 25 years of experience across Europe, Asia, and the digital landscape, Merlin is a seasoned executive and entrepreneur. In the early part of his career, he served as a consultant and director in consulting firms. Since then, he has established and grown both digital and IRL businesses, with particular expertise in finance, technology, and marketing. Currently, he is actively building Shelev Capital Group, an international next-generation transport finance group that includes Vietnam’s leading fleet finance company. As a General Partner at Generations Fund, Merlin is contributing to the development of a future-forward, tech-enabled carbon credit private equity fund. He is also an active Web3 builder and deeply involved in several blockchain communities.

Sladjan Andjelic

Independent Consultant, Australia

Sladjan Andjelic is a seasoned information and cyber security and cyber risk leader, bringing more than 25 years of experience globally, spanning financial services, technology and telecom industries, both delivering and educating. A Certified Chief Information Security Officer with extensive cross-functional experience, he has a keen acumen for the complexities of strategic information security as a business risk. Sladjan possesses a broad skillset, with a deep focus on business/customer success and collaborative outcomes in managing and mitigating risk to protect operations, people, and revenue streams. Sladjan’s long-term presence in Asia Pacific gives him strategic perspective, fostering cross-cultural communication while combining relevant industry experience and people development.

Adi Saadon

Compliance Officer for Singapore and APAC, Venturebeam, Singapore

Adi began his career as a Senior Investigation Officer with the Singapore Police Force, leading complex analytical processes and collaborations with the Attorney General’s Chambers. With expertise in risk management, compliance, and Agile methodologies, he has advised Fortune 500 companies, worked in banking, and now serves as Compliance Officer for Singapore and APAC at Venturebeam, overseeing regulatory adherence and fostering impactful connections in the investment ecosystem.

Steven WONG Weng Leong

C-suite Banking & Financial Services Executive

Steven WONG Weng Leong, a seasoned banking and financial services executive with over 30 years of experience, currently serves as Chief Digital & Global Banking Strategist at China Construction Bank (CCB) Malaysia. With a Bachelor of Business Administration (Honors) degree from the National University of Malaysia (UKM) and certifications from the Securities Industry Development Corporation (SIDC), Malaysia, Steven has held pivotal roles in prominent institutions like Western Union, Alliance Financial Group, Maybank, Mayban Life Assurance, MIDF Amanah Investment Bank, and Citi. Known for his leadership, innovation, and comprehensive understanding of the financial landscape, he spearheads business expansion efforts and strategic direction at CCB Malaysia, driving fintech and blockchain initiatives and enhancing digital offerings tailored to Malaysian and ASEAN markets. Beyond his professional life, Steven enjoys a fulfilling personal life with his spouse and four children.

Rohit Dhawan

Independent Consultant, Ireland

Rohit is a forward-thinking technology executive with 20+ years of experience. A technologist who has been building, deciphering and propagating the confluence between technologyand business. He speaks the language of business from the perspective of customer success. Advising on how to blend technology and effective decisionmaking, to bring ideas to fruition and make them commercially viable. Heability to breakdown complex problems and solve them with a tactical andstrategic approach has been his hallmark. He is currently supporting startups in Fintech, Marketing, Product development and Services space to build the next generation of businesses.

Dr Dennis Ng

Adjunct Senior Lecturer & Payments Consultant, Singapore Management University & National University of Singapore, Singapore

Dennis is a consultant and adjunct faculty at the Singapore Management University and National University of Singapore where he teaches new product development, pricing and digital transformation. He holds a doctorate in cashless innovation research from the Singapore Management University, a masters from Nanyang Technological University and a professional certificate in blockchain and digital assets from the National University of Singapore. In his early career he worked for United Overseas Bank, Maybank and VISA where he piloted various fintech products. His later career included roles with fintech startups Neural Technologies UK, Fiteq Inc and a consulting stint in Bain & Company. He continues to publish in various academic and practitioner journals including Electronic Commerce Research & Applications and the Journal of Payments Strategy and Systems.

Chen-Yu (Peter) Kao

Associate Professor, Shaoguan University, China

Dr. Chen-Yu (Peter) Kao, PhD in Finance from National Yunlin University of Science and Technology, is an Associate Professor at Shaoguan University, China. He’s a Chartered Fintech Professional (CFtP) and a trainer at the Global Fintech Institute. Dr. Kao serves on the editorial board of “Social Sciences & Humanities Open” and founded the Global Brand Innovation and Sustainability Society (GBISS). He’s an Alternate Supervisor at the Financial Planners Association of Taiwan (FPAT) and a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®). Author of “Painless Retirement,” Dr. Kao is set to publish a significant paper on mobile payments’ impact on banking performance. His expertise in financial taxation is evident in his textbooks. Dr. Chen-Yu Kao’s contributions advance financial knowledge globally.

Sudeep Ganguly

CEO & Co-Founder, Globnx Solutions, Thailand

Sudeep Ganguly is a seasoned banker with 18 years of experience in retail and wholesale banking across business development, collections, product management, corporate strategy, M&A, and digital transformation. He has worked in India and ASEAN countries, notably leading a Thai bank’s acquisition in Indonesia. In 2022, Sudeep transitioned to entrepreneurship, focusing on the fusion of finance and modern technologies such as Web3, Blockchain, AI/ML, and GenAI. His venture addresses the digital transformation challenges in banking, aiming to streamline processes and provide advanced analytics for better decision-making

Vikram Pandya

Director Fintech, SP Jain School of Global Management, India

Vikram Pandya, a distinguished professional in Finance and Technology, holds multiple prestigious qualifications including CA, CFA, and CISA. With over 17 years of experience, he’s a renowned figure in the global FinTech industry and an active researcher in Applied AI. Currently pursuing a DBA with a focus on AI and Identity Management, Vikram serves as the Director of the FinTech program at SP Jain School of Global Management. He’s also involved in various ventures including heading research at Varanium NexGen and mentoring FinTech startups worldwide. Vikram has received several accolades, including the CA Educator of the Year award and being named one of the CA Business Leaders 40 Under 40 by CNBC TV18. He’s authored numerous papers and articles on FinTech and holds certifications from esteemed institutions worldwide. For more details, refer to his LinkedIn profile.

Dr Ritesh Jain

Founder, Infynit, UK

Dr. Ritesh Jain, a top 10 Global Fintech Leader, 2X founder, tech enthusiast, and seasoned board advisor, has over two decades of experience in global Digital Technology, Business Transformation, and Operations. As a regular speaker at global conferences on Fintechs, Emerging Tech, Banks, and Payments, he has made a lasting impact on the industry. Formerly the COO and Global Head of Digital Tech at HSBC, he led the future of Payments at VISA and introduced Apple Pay. At Maersk, he spearheaded technology and innovation, establishing Digital Centers of Excellence and robust high-availability platforms. His contributions earned him a PhD in Payments Innovation, Open Banking, and Financial Inclusion. Dr. Jain is a founding member of the World Metaverse Council, Blockchain Associations, IBM/Informa’s AI Community, and a visiting faculty member at leading business schools. He also serves as a member advisor of the G20 GPFI and offers guidance to major payment programs and banks worldwide while advising banks and central banks on emerging tech and the future of banking and payments.

Richard Hartung

Managing Director, Transcarta Pte Ltd., Singapore

Richard is a consultant on retail banking and payments, primarily in Asia, and also works as a freelance writer for The Asian Banker and other media. He has worked in retail banking in California, the diplomatic corps and Citibank in Japan. After moving to Singapore, he worked for MasterCard, Keppel TatLee Bank and OCBC Bank. Currently at Transcarta, Richard works with financial institutions on retail banking and payments strategy and research. Richard has a BA from Pomona College and an MBA from Stanford University. He serves on boards of non-profits and also coaches start-ups.

Gian Mahil

Strategic Leadership & Growth Architect | Non-Executive Director, The FinTechGuys, UK

Fuelling exponential growth and navigating complex challenges are my passions. As a seasoned business leader with a distinguished First Class (Distinction) MBA, I leverage a proven track record in leading teams, driving profitability, and shaping strategic vision. My expertise spans change management, corporate governance, strategic planning, and financial management, honed through experience at international banks and executive roles. I’ve successfully managed multi-million pound projects and guided organisations through dynamic market landscapes. Beyond boardroom expertise, I actively contributed for 20+ years as a board member for a charity, fostering a results-oriented and collaborative spirit. I’m known for my contagious passion for excellence and ability to roll up my sleeves when needed. My collaborative approach and impeccable communication skills ensure seamless integration with your team. Let’s unlock your organization’s full potential.

Max Ng

Managing Director/Co-founder, Cryptoprofile, Singapore

Max Ng (Managing Director, Co-founder) is a successful tech entrepreneur and crypto enthusiast. Max has been involved in digital currencies since the industry was still in its infancy. With meritorious experience across blockchain development, SEO services, and corporate as well as social media marketing, Max has assisted in numerous successful crypto-token projects, developing winning strategies and meeting funding requirements within the projected time frame. Max’s passion for the industry inspired him to share his knowledge, and he co-founded Cryptoprofile, a successful mission of arming individuals with a competitive edge over other traders/investors with in-house crypto formulas and strategies. A familiar figure in the crypto community, his advice and opinions are highly sought after by investors and crypto enthusiasts looking for winning formulas.

Deepak Gupta

Senior Executive & Vice President, Engineering - Cars24, India

Deepak Gupta, VP of Engineering at Cars24 Financial Services, is a seasoned leader in FinTech and AI with over two decades of experience. He has spearheaded notable initiatives, including Airtel Payments Bank during his tenure at Airtel Africa. Deepak advocates for strategic technology adoption and is active in mentoring, consulting, and speaking engagements. He’s recognized in esteemed tech communities and has been published in various platforms, with a forthcoming book on AI. As a global keynote speaker, he frequently shares his insights at prestigious events worldwide.

Ahmed Nasr

Independent Advisor, Independent, Egypt

Ahmed Nasr, a renowned Digital Transformation Strategist and FinTech Architect, led operations and strategic planning as Country Manager at PaySky & Yalla SuperApp, propelling Yalla SuperApp, Egypt’s first digital bank, to one million users within weeks. With senior roles at El Araby Group and Soleek Lab, he showcased entrepreneurial acumen, founding and successfully selling Hrooof. His expertise in project management and technology implementation contributed to the success of over 300 banks in MENA and Africa at Network International. Committed to startup mentorship, Ahmed played pivotal roles in transforming Delivery Hero and Talabat, increasing daily orders significantly. With a BSC in Computer Sciences & Business Administration and certifications like PMP and Lean Six Sigma, Ahmed Nasr continues to drive success and innovation in digital transformation and fintech.

Esther Wong

Founder and CIO, 3Capital Investment, Hong Kong

Esther is the founder and Chief Investment Officer (CIO) of 3Capital Investment, a venture capital firm with a focus on AI-driven global opportunities. Before launching her venture, she was among the founding members of SenseTime, one of China’s largest AI software companies, where she spearheaded the establishment of the strategic investment and capital markets teams. During her tenure at SenseTime, she successfully raised over USD 5 billion and led several key investments and collaborations with strategic partners both domestically and internationally. She played a pivotal role in implementing AI applications across various industries, including robotics, education, and healthcare. With over 20 years of experience in finance and banking, Esther has held leadership positions at notable institutions such as Cazenove (now part of J.P. Morgan), CICC, Barclays, and Bocom. She earned an Executive MBA from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. Committed to youth development, she serves as a board member for the Greater Bay Area Youth Committee and Junior Achievement Hong Kong.

Dr. Kwami Ahiabenu

Founder & Director, Global Centre for Fintech Innovations, Canada

Kwami Ahiabenu, PhD is a prominent figure in technology and entrepreneurship. He is known for his contributions to fostering Fintech innovation, promoting digital transformation, and advocating for open data and transparency in governance. Dr. Ahiabenu is the founder and director of the Global Centre for FinTech Innovations, a Canadian-based international organization that fosters the growth of Fintech Innovations worldwide. He has exceptional experience in FinTech and a deep understanding of Digital Financial systems, including e-commerce. Dr. Ahiabenu provides board leadership for FinTech firms focusing on using technology to drive financial inclusion. He has published several peer-reviewed Fintech papers and is a reviewer of leading academic journals. His research interests include Fintech Innovations, digital payments, and technological innovations in the banking sector.

Jason Teoh

Chief Compliance Officer, Revenue Group Berhad, Malaysia

Jason Teoh brings over 20 years of experience in consumer banking and e-payment industries, specializing in regulatory compliance. Recognized as one of the Top 10 Chief Compliance Officers in Malaysia by CEO Insights Asia in 2023, Jason is committed to developing simplified compliance systems that exceed customer expectations while safeguarding businesses. With a background in highly consumer-centric industries like retail and media, Jason emphasizes the importance of aligning business objectives with regulations to mitigate risks. As a Member of the Malaysian Institute of Corporate Governance and Expert Member of GLG, he stays updated on the latest governance practices. Jason’s expertise lies in interpreting and adapting regulatory compliance to traditional and digital environments, focusing on the customer journey and end-user experience. He excels in providing innovative solutions and managing multiple stakeholders up to CEO and Board level.

Rana Bhattacharjee

Director and Senior Client Advisor, Alpha Quest Pte. Ltd., Singapore

Rana Bhattacharjee is the Director and Senior Client Advisor at Alpha Quest Pte. Ltd., a licensed fund management company, regulated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, providing wealth and portfolio management services to its clients. Rana has an extensive experience of over 20 years in the wealth management industry and worked for Private Banks including Fortis, Standard Chartered Private Bank and CIC Banque Privee before setting up Alpha Quest with his partners. He focuses on allocation across all traditional and alternative asset classes to achieve the portfolio goals for his clients. He is a CAIA, CFP, CMT and CFTe charterholder and has an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta.

Chander Harikesavan

Founder & Principal Consultant, C1-Protect, Singapore

I’m Chander Harikesavan, with over 24 years of diverse experience spanning fintech, cybersecurity, consulting, and operational excellence. My career includes leadership roles in renowned consulting firms and global fintech organization. In the Fintech space I served as a director and global head of cybersecurity consulting teams. Notably, I’ve successfully established and nurtured teams from inception in new regions. Presently, my focus is on launching a new venture, with a keen interest in leveraging AI to drive innovation and operational excellence. Additionally, I have a passion for community engagement and have spearheaded several social impact initiatives. I am eager to contribute my wealth of experience to the committee and make a meaningful impact.

Dato’​ Dr Amirudin Abdul Wahab

CEO, Cybersecurity Malaysia, Malaysia

Dato Ts. Dr Haji Amirudin Abdul Wahab is the Chief Executive Officer of CyberSecurity Malaysia, a cybersecurity specialist and technical agency that monitors e-sovereignty of the country. He has more than 30 years of ICT working experience in telecom and IT sector in both public and private sectors. A PhD holder from University of Queensland, Australia, Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from University of Duqubue, Iowa, USA, Master’s in information technology, National University of Malaysia (UKM) and also a Bachelor of Science Engineering in Electrical Engineering from University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. Dato’ Ts. Dr. Amir became the first Malaysian to chair the World Trustmark Alliance (2014 – 2015); received Outstanding Chief Information/Security Officer at the 10th ASEAN CIO| CSO Summit and Awards 2014 in Vietnam and was bestowed Distinguished Alumni Award Winner 2021 by Australian Alumni Awards. On 28 June 2022, Dato’ Ts. Dr Amir was conferred the 2022 World Digital Economy Distinguished Leader Award by the KSI Strategic Institute for Asia Pacific. On 22 Oct 2022, he has been awarded Blockchain Icon of the Year 2022.

Francesco Burelli

Partner, Arkwright Consulting, UAE

Francesco Burelli is a Partner at Arkwright Consulting AG with over 23 years’ corporate and product strategy experience in retail and corporate payments, distribution channels, open banking, embedded finance and cross-industry platforms, superapps and ecosystems. Before his consulting career, Francesco worked at Midland Bank and HSBC and his experience spans across EMEA, APAC, NA and LA. Fellow of the London Institute of Banking and Finance., Francesco is a Learning Coach with INSEAD Executive Education for Strategy, Digital Transformation, AI, Fintech and Innovation programmes. Startup Bootcamp’ Best Fintech Mentor of the Year Award 2015 and the ATM Industry Association’s (ATMIA) Industry consultant of the Year 2014 he is a member of the Editorial advisory board member at Global Data / Verdict, judging panels member with the FT/TheBanker’s Digital Banking and Transaction Banking Awards and with the Pay360 Awards.

Brett King

CEO/Founder, The Futurists Network, USA

Brett King is an internationally bestselling author, futurist, and media personality, cited by President Xi Jinping for his book ‘Augmented’. With speaking engagements in over 50 countries, including keynotes for Web Summit, TEDx, and CES, he’s a prominent figure in the tech and finance world. Brett has appeared on major networks like CNBC and BBC, advised the Obama administration on Fintech, and was inducted into the Fintech Hall of Fame in 2020. He hosts the world’s leading Fintech Radio Show/Podcast, ‘Breaking Banks’, with 6.5 million listeners across 180 countries. Brett founded Moven, a groundbreaking mobile startup, raising over US$47 million. He’s been dubbed the ‘King of Disruptors’ by Banking Exchange, listed among the world’s top financial influencers, and recognized as one of the ‘coolest brands in banking’ by Bank Innovation. Shortlisted for the Advance Global Australian of the Year, Brett’s books ‘Augmented: Life in the Smart Lane’ and ‘Bank 4.0’ have earned critical acclaim, with the latter named Best Foreign Book for Russia in 2019. His latest book, ‘The Rise of Technosocialism’, is set for release in 2021.

Dr. Ken Ip

Chairman - Asia MarTech Society, Hong Kong

The author of “Life Hacks” and “Growth Hacks”, Dr. Ken Ip is an award-winning brand strategist, assistant professor, columnist and expert commentator in Web3, Real Estate, Branding and Digital Economy. Ken has held a variety of senior positions for leading multinationals and conglomerates, ranging from corporate consulting to public affairs advisory. He currently serves as Chairman of the Asia MarTech Society and on the Advisory Boards of several professional organisations, including two universities. He is also a strategic advisor for a Web3-focused VC firm with a USD75 million asset portfolio.

Kamlesh Nagware

Co-Founder, FSV Capital, India

Kamlesh is a TEDx speaker and co-founder of FSV Capital. He is among the top 30 influencers of blockchain in India and a founding member of the India Blockchain Forum. He is Hyperledger India Co-Chair and a member of the Hyperledger Technical Steering Committee (TSC2021-22). Also, blockchain mentor at APIARY Blockchain COE, which is STPI & MEITY (Govt. of India), and advisor to Web3, tokenization, and CBDC start-ups globally.

Saiprasad Raut

Strategy Advisor - Crypto & Web3, Worldpay, UAE

Saiprasad is acting as Strategic Advisor for partnerships for Worldpay Crypto and Web3 team. With 23+ years into the fintech industry, he held many leadership positions with blue chip organizations including FIS, Fiserv, Global Payments & Capgemini. Leading Strategic Innovation teams, and setting up the Product & Business roadmap and execution for these organizations, Saiprasad has been instrumental in growing the business and driving the innovation journey into emerging trends and GTM strategies. He is currently serving as Co Chair of Technology Steering and Product Committee, Corporate Utilization Committee for Hedera Hashgraph and made his presence as a speaker for various blockchain/web3 industry forums and events. He is also an active advisor for various web3 startups.