The Finnovation Lab, held on 2nd September, marked a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s journey to become a regional hub for financial technology innovation. Organized by the Sri Lanka FinTech Summit with support from leading industry players, universities, and government stakeholders, the Lab provided a dynamic platform for collaboration, learning, and knowledge exchange in the country’s growing FinTech ecosystem.
For the first time in Sri Lanka, I’ve had the incredible opportunity to initiate the Sri Lanka FinTech Summit,a groundbreaking national platform that brings together innovators, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to shape the future of financial technology in our nation.
We are proud to announce the first-ever Sri Lanka FinTech Summit — a groundbreaking platform bringing together innovators, policymakers, industry leaders, and investors to shape the future of financial technology in our nation.
PayMaster Solutions (Pvt) Ltd
Sri Lanka
A Sri Lankan fintech entrepreneur building an ecosystem that combines PayMaster (a payments super-app), Hoppr (a ride-hailing platform), and Creddy (a micro-lending engine). The mission is to disrupt digital payments adoption, especially among informal earners by embedding credit as a key driver of digital transactions.
Highly strategic, technical, and hands-on—comfortable working with AWS microservices, Kafka, Redis, CI/CD pipelines, and database optimizations—while also deeply brand-oriented, crafting referral models, scratch-card promotions, and habit-shift campaigns for drivers and passengers.
Driven by a bigger purpose: to empower families, create financial inclusion at scale, and leave behind a legacy across Sri Lanka and the wider Asian region. Alongside this mission comes a strong focus on fatherhood, reflection on relationships, and commitment to self-growth through fitness, emotional strength, and resilience.
Huawei Technologies Lanka Co. (Pvt) Ltd
Sri Lanka
Mr. Indika De Zoysa is a seasoned ICT / digital transformation veteran, serving currently as Strategic Adviser / Vice President at Huawei Technologies Lanka.His responsibilities include shaping strategy and policy across business units, steering technology adoption, liaising with government and enterprise stakeholders.
Prior to that, he led the Enterprise Business Group at Huawei Sri Lanka, and before Huawei, he held senior roles at Intel Corporation (as Country Business Manager for Sri Lanka), driving technology programs, product & market development, and relationships with regulators and government. He also served at ICTA Sri Lanka, contributing to national digital strategy and policy development.
Beyond his corporate roles, Indika is active in industry bodies: Chairman of FITIS (Federation of Information Technology Industry, Sri Lanka), Vice Chairman of the ICT Skills Council, a council member of the Computer Society, board member of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, and part of the Presidential Task Force on Digital Economy & Education Transformation. He holds an MBA and is pursuing/has completed advanced academic qualifications; deeply involved in bridging government, policy, and technology.
Bhasha Lanka (Pvt) Ltd
Sri Lanka
Dhanika Perera is a Sri Lankan entrepreneur known for founding Bhasha Lanka (Pvt) Ltd. He is described in LinkedIn as a “change-making Serial Entrepreneur.” Under Bhasha, some of the flagship digital products include Helakuru, PayHere, HelaPay, and Esana. His entrepreneurial journey seems to have begun during his university years; his first ventures included engaging in software/digital product development (especially in the local language / audience) and digital payments.
He is also engaged actively on social media (LinkedIn) discussing digital inclusion, technology for local languages, payments, and entrepreneurship in Sri Lanka.
Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
Sanje Balasuriya (sometimes spelled Sanji) is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka. He is frequently involved in national level discussions, conferences, and panels on cybersecurity, data privacy, threat forecasting, and related regulatory frameworks.
His role as CISO involves overseeing the security posture of the Central Bank, advising on secure systems, risk management, and aligning with standards for data protection. While the full public biography details are limited, he is recognized locally as a key voice in Sri Lanka’s cybersecurity community.
FinTech Forum
Sri Lanka
Channa De Silva is the Chairman of the FinTech Forum of Sri Lanka and CEO of LankaPay, Sri Lanka’s national payment network. A seasoned technology and finance leader with over 30 years’ experience at IBM, Microsoft, and Thakral One, he pioneered Sri Lanka’s first commercial website and internet connection in the mid‑1990s. Appointed LankaPay CEO in December 2015, he now leads the FinTech Forum to drive collaboration among banks, regulators, startups, and investors to foster innovation and financial inclusion. He holds BSc and MSc degrees in Electrical & Computer Engineering from SUNY Buffalo and an MBA from PIM, Sri Lanka
SDB Bank
Sri Lanka
Chitral De Silva is a seasoned banking professional with 38 years of experience across commercial and development banking in Sri Lanka and abroad. He currently serves as Deputy General Manager and Chief Business Officer at SDB Bank, where he provides strategic leadership to drive growth, customer engagement, and branch network performance across the country.
He previously had a distinguished 32-year career at Seylan Bank PLC, where he rose to Deputy General Manager, overseeing more than 170 branches. During his tenure, he was instrumental in branch network expansion, process automation, customer experience enhancement, product innovation, and building a sales-driven culture.
He also held leadership roles in Recoveries and Development Banking, where he managed debt restructuring, project financing, SME and microfinance, and established international worker remittance corridors.
Chitral began his career at European Asian Bank/Deutsche Bank, gaining early exposure to global banking operations. He holds an Executive Diploma in Business Administration from the University of Colombo and a Diploma in Credit Management. Known for his visionary and transformational leadership, Chitral continues to be a purpose-driven leader focused on sustainable growth and value creation.
LOLC Holdings PLC
Sri Lanka
Conrad Dias is the Group Chief Information Officer (CIO) of LOLC Group, a leading diversified financial and non-banking financial services conglomerate in Sri Lanka. His educational background includes an MBA (Information Technology Management) from the University of Leicester, UK.
He has been with the LOLC group since at least the mid-2000s, and prior to his appointment as Group CIO, held senior technology leadership roles (e.g. Head of IT for LOLC). He also is Director/CEO of LOLC Finance PLC (largest non-banking financial services firm in Sri Lanka) and Chairman of LOLC Technologies.
Conrad is recognized for his role in digital transformation within financial services, emphasizing innovation, technology adoption, and the modernization of business operations. He has also been honored for his contributions: for instance, inducted into the CIO Hall of Fame and recognized in “CIO 100” lists.
WSO2
Sri Lanka
Dr. Sanjiva Weerawarana is the Founder, CEO, and Chief Product Officer of WSO2, a company established in 2005 to pioneer open-source enterprise middleware solutions. Before founding WSO2, he spent nearly eight years at IBM Research, working on middleware innovation and industry standards such as Web Services Description Language (WSDL), BPEL, WS-Addressing, etc
He is also deeply involved in the open-source community: a longtime member of the Apache Software Foundation, former board member of the Open Source Initiative, and founder of organizations such as the Lanka Software Foundation, Lanka Data Foundation, and Avinya Foundation—each aimed at fostering technology, data access, and education in Sri Lanka.
Academically, Sanjiva earned his PhD at Purdue University and earlier studies at Kent State University in applied mathematics/computer science. He is seen as a visionary in digital transformation, especially in how enterprise software can be built on open models, and has guided WSO2 through growth, recent acquisitions (e.g. by EQT in 2024), and expanding product portfolios.
Board of Investment of Sri Lanka (BOI)
Sri Lanka
Arjuna Herath is a veteran corporate leader in Sri Lanka, recently appointed as the Chairman of the Board of Investment (BOI) (as of October 2024). He has an extensive track record spanning both the public and private sectors.
Some highlights of his background:
Novus Technologies Pte Ltd
Singapore
Ricardos Khoury, the founder of Novus Technologies, sits on over 29 years of knowledge in IT and consultancy. Immediately after he graduated from Notre Dame University, he moved on to work with leading IT companies like DELL (US), INTEGRO (FRANCE) & DEC (US), where he started to build his knowledge in retail banking and retail delivery channels covering many markets in France, Middle East and the Mediterranean basin.
In 1996 he started his association with the international business team of SIEMENS NIXDORF (GERMANY), occupying different positions up to leading the business unit responsible for developing the banking business in the Levant. In 2002, Ricardos joined the Wincor Nixdorf Asia Pacific team in Singapore to create new markets and manage the partner channel. Over the course of 11 years, he managed various regional functions leading to the role of Regional Vice President, Head Banking Industry Asia Pacific, responsible for the consolidated banking business P&L in 19 APAC markets.
In March 2013, Ricardos decided to trade the structured corporate life against entrepreneurship and founded Novus Technologies Pte Ltd (Novus) in Singapore. A true believer in mobility, digitalization and the combined impact on retail and payment transformation, Ricardos focused the efforts of the new company in the direction of Customer Experience Management (CEM) Solutions, Store and e-Channels Transformation and Digital Payments. Novus delivered several key digital innovations endorsed by TOP banking and Fintech brands in APAC. One of such transformation initiatives is the setup and end-to-end management of the self-banking units of Peoples Bank of Sri Lanka. This initiative has transformed and elevated banking services islandwide.
Ricardos’ business exposure to over 50 countries around the globe equipped him with a deep cultural understanding and acute business sense that is helping to introduce innovation and add value to banks, retailers, and Fintechs across the Asia Pacific region. Novus is currently driving retail transformation, financial inclusion and digital payment initiatives in eight geographies across the Asia Pacific and ME through a network of experts in five direct legal entities (Singapore, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia) and three trusted partners (Malaysia, Myanmar & Oman).
Boost
Sri Lanka
Sheyantha Abeykoon (often known as Anthony Sheyantha Abeykoon) is the CEO of Boost Holdings, the fintech arm of Axiata Digital Services. He was appointed in March 2021. Prior to that, he was CFO of Axiata Digital Services (ADS) since about 2017, overseeing finance and strategy, and was instrumental in growing digital financial services across Malaysia and Indonesia, including micro-financing, micro-insurance, and ventures into digital banking.
Before Axiata, Sheyantha had roles in Sri Lanka’s financial services, investment banking, advisory, and e-commerce. For example, he led investment banking at CT CLSA Capital Pvt Ltd, served as CEO of e-commerce platforms, etc.
In terms of education and credentials, he holds an undergraduate degree from the University of London, an MBA from the Wharton School (University of Pennsylvania), is a Chartered Financial Analyst, and a Chartered Management Accountant. Under his leadership, Boost has expanded product offerings, merchant services, and financial inclusion efforts in its markets.
ICTA
Sri Lanka
Sanjaya Karunasena is a seasoned digital governance leader, enterprise architect, and technology entrepreneur with over 27 years of industry experience. He is currently serving as Executive Director and Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka, where he is spearheading the government’s enterprise architecture strategy, anchored in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to deliver on the country’s Digital Economy Blueprint.
A pioneer in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation journey, Sanjaya previously held the role of Chief Technology Officer at ICTA (2008–2013), where he architected and implemented an award-winning SOA-based government platform, enabling citizen-centric services across the internet, social media, and mobile channels. Beyond government service, he has held senior leadership roles at Virtusa and WSO2, where he gained extensive expertise in open-source platforms, enterprise solutions, and large-scale system integration.
An accomplished entrepreneur, Sanjaya co-founded Nimbus Venture (Pvt) Ltd, as well as Pontoon (Pvt) Ltd and the Digital Democracy Collective. He also serves as an Advisor on Enterprise Architecture, guiding the alignment of technology and business for mission-critical systems in the modern technology landscape, which includes cloud computing and AI.
Core Expertise
Personal Interests Sanjaya is passionate about digitalisation for direct democracy, AI, machine learning, electronics, and mentoring the next generation of innovators.
National Payment Council
India
Mr. Dilip Asbe has been the Managing Director and CEO of the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) since 2018, following his tenure as the Chief Operating Officer. A pivotal figure in the payments industry, he has significantly contributed to the design, development, and management of major payment platforms including Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS), the RuPay card network, and the highly acclaimed Unified Payments Interface (UPI). Under his leadership, NPCI processes over 18 billion financial transactions monthly, showcasing his exceptional team mentorship and operational expertise.
With him at the helm, NPCI has further diversified and established three subsidiaries viz. NPCI International Payments Ltd (NIPL) for globalization of UPI and RuPay, NPCI Bharat BillPay Ltd (NBBL) for bill payments and NPCI BHIM Services Ltd. (NBSL) for BHIM UPI.
His groundbreaking work with UPI has earned him several prestigious accolades: the ‘Changemaker of the Year’ award from Business Line, presented by the late Finance Minister Arun Jaitley; the ‘Policy Change Agent of the Year’ award from the Economic Times in 2018, presented by former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu; and the ‘Financial Express Award in Fintech’ category in 2019, presented by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. In 2020, CNBC TV18 recognized him as ‘The Disruptor’ at the India Business Leader Awards. In February 2023, he received the Public Service Excellence Award 2022 from AIMA, and in March 2023, he was honoured with the BMA TCS Business Leader of the Decade Award by Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar. Further, in May 2023, he received the CNBC-TV18 India Business Leader Award for outstanding contribution to Brand India, presented by Housing and Petroleum Minister Hardeep S. Puri. In January 2025, he was also awarded the Digital Person of the Year – Impact Legend award by IAMAI.
Mr. Dilip Asbe holds a Master of Science (MS) degree in Global Management (Executive Programme) from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), UK, and a degree in Electronics Engineering from Mumbai University. He is also an alumnus of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management Program (AMP 2024).
M-PESA Africa
Kenya
Vinod is a Kenya-based financial technology leader and innovator with over 26 years of technology experience, including 16 years in FinTech. Known for his forward-thinking, blue-ocean approach, Vinod blends design thinking, systems thinking, and first principles to deliver scalable, secure financial solutions.
Currently the CTO of M-Pesa Africa, a Safaricom and Vodacom joint venture, Vinod has also served as CTO for Ascend Bit Company, Ascend Money (Thailand’s first FinTech unicorn), and EcoCash Zimbabwe, Southern Africa’s largest FinTech. His global career spans payments, mobile money, lending, insurance, wealth management, and advanced revenue services like gamification, blockchain-based loyalty, AI/ML-driven analytics, and cross-border remittances.
Vinod’s expertise covers end-to-end FinTech architecture — from legacy monoliths to cloud-native microservices, blockchain, AI, IoT, CBDCs, and emerging tech. He has led start-ups and enterprise units alike, combining hands-on engineering with strategic leadership to solve real-world consumer and business challenges.
Passionate about innovation, inclusivity, and trust, Vinod has been part of the FinTech “workers team” since the early days of mobile money in 2008. Beyond his professional role, he is a visual communicator, avid learner of theoretical physics, and passionate landscape and architectural photographer
Seylan Bank PLC
Sri Lanka
Chami is a seasoned ICT and FinTech professional with extensive experience in designing innovative customer experiences across finance, internet, telecommunications, and information security services.
He specializes in consulting and supporting start-up operations in technology, with a recent focus on FinTech start-ups and the banking industry. His diverse experience has allowed him to contribute from both the vendor and operator perspectives within ICT and banking, giving him a well-rounded industry view.
Chami is passionate about identifying and delivering unique, innovative, and value-adding services in the banking sector. He thrives on problem-solving, consistently seeking effective answers to complex challenges. His expertise lies in technology-driven services, particularly within FinTech, ICT, and information security.
NDB Wealth Management
Sri Lanka
Ruwan Perera is the Chief Executive Officer of NDB Wealth Management Limited and served as the President of the Unit Trust Association of Sri Lanka. With over 22 years of experience in the financial services sector, he has played a pivotal role in fund management and the primary dealer industry, contributing to the development of Sri Lanka’s capital market landscape.
Ruwan has been with NDB Wealth since 2009, progressing through several key leadership positions. Prior to his appointment as CEO in 2022, he served as Chief Operating Officer. Under his leadership, the company’s Assets Under Management (AUM) reached a record high of LKR 380 billion, establishing NDB Wealth as the largest private sector asset manager in Sri Lanka.
Academically accomplished, Ruwan holds an MBA in Finance and a Master of Arts in Financial Economics from the University of Colombo, alongside a BSc in Physical Science. He is also an Associate Member of CIMA (UK), a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA), and has pursued postgraduate diplomas in Business Administration and Corporate Strategic Planning. His executive education includes programs at Harvard Business School and the Indian School of Business.
Vector Business Navigation, Consortium for Service Innovation & TribeCX
United States
With roots in NASA’s KSC Space Shuttle Launch Control team, Brad has led mission-focused, customer-centric transformations at global leaders such as Symantec, Yahoo!, and Sage in CCO/CMO roles. Over his 30+ year career, he has also headed worldwide support and service functions at Oracle, Openwave, and Verisign, as well as several start-ups. Drawing on decades of experience and 55+ client engagements, he has a proven ability to quickly identify, unlock, and realize trapped value within organizations.
Brad is the President & Chairman of the Board of the Consortium for Service Innovation, where he has helped hundreds of service organizations innovate more effective business models. He is also recognized as one of the Consortium’s Innovators. Previously, he served as an Alumni Board Member (2018–2021) and Innovator at the Customer Experience Professionals Association (CXPA).
A respected thought leader in the CX domain, Brad has published numerous articles in Forbes, The New York Times, Fox Business, and Entrepreneur, and is a frequent keynote speaker on Customer Centricity.
Based in Irvine, CA, Brad is the Founder & President of Vector Business Navigation, Inc., a consulting firm he established in 2015 to mentor leaders and drive customer experience and success transformations.
Emojot Inc
USA
Dr. Shahani Markus is a global technology executive, entrepreneur, and investor with more than two decades of experience spanning corporate leadership, academia, tech startups, and e-government. She is the Founder, Chairperson, and CEO of Emojot, a Silicon Valley–based SaaS company whose AI platform helps organizations sense the “heartbeat” of their markets—driving customer retention, brand elevation, and revenue growth. She also co-founded MillionSpaces and 1BillionTech.
Her leadership track includes serving as Head of Engineering at Virtusa, CTO of Sri Lanka’s ICT Agency, and roles in the United States at Prescient Markets and IBM’s T.J. Watson Research Center. In academia, she has held research and teaching appointments at Carnegie Mellon University, Indiana University, UNSW, and the University of Moratuwa. A pioneering team member of Sahana—the world’s first open-source disaster-management system—she continues to bridge technology and social impact.
Recognized among Sri Lanka’s “50 Most Powerful Women” (2014), she received Purdue University’s School of Science Outstanding Alumnus Award (2017) and multiple other ICT honors. She holds a Ph.D. in Computer Science from Purdue University and is an inventor on three U.S. design patents related to Emotion Sensor® interfaces. She champions practical, ethical AI and cross-sector collaboration for measurable, lasting impact.
International Fintech Institute at GIFT City
India
Kasivisvanathan “Chelva” Chelvakumar is an educator and business leader with a Ph.D. in Engineering and Applied Science from the California Institute of Technology and an MBA in Healthcare from the University of California, Irvine. He has a distinguished record of leadership across defense, healthcare, finance, and academia. He currently serves as Executive Vice President of the GIFT International FinTech Institute (GIFT IFI) and as Professor of Finance and Mechanical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar.
Chelva previously served as Professor at Carnegie Mellon University and President of EPIR Technologies Inc., where he oversaw the development of advanced photovoltaic materials used in night vision, missile guidance, and solar applications. As Chairman of the Board of the $6 billion California’s Daughters of Charity Health System, he played a central role in securing $4.2 billion Medicaid funding through Provider Fee legislation, transforming an adversarial relationship with the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) into a strategic partnership.
He founded and led ReproNet, which pioneered software solutions for the rapid transmission of AutoCAD files and remote-controlled plotting technology. During 1990’s, he introduced electronic signature validation for change orders, an innovation that marked an early application of FinTech in management of large construction projects.
SWIFT
India
Niharika is a seasoned payment leader with over a decade of experience in driving growth, strategy and innovation in the financial sector. As a country manager at SWIFT, she has successfully led market expansion, stakeholder management including Regulators, Central Banks and government relations and has forged partnerships that strengthened the digital payment ecosystem. With deep expertise across payments, fintech and regulatory landscapes, Niharika is passionate about shaping customer centric solutions and enabling financial inclusion.
She is completed her MBA from prestigious Indian Institute of Management and a B tech in Computer science. She is a new mother to a 1-year-old boy and learning to balance the demands of leadership with the joys and challenges of parenthood- bringing empathy, resilience into her professional journey.
M-Pesa Africa
Kenya
Vinod Sharma is a Kenya-based financial technology expert and innovator with over 26 years of experience in technology, including 16 years in FinTech. A design thinker and visual communicator, he blends deep technical expertise with strategic insight to create scalable and secure financial solutions.
Currently serving as CTO of M-Pesa Africa—a Safaricom and Vodacom joint venture—Vinod has held leadership roles as CTO at Ascend Bit Company (a blockchain-based FinTech), Ascend Money (Thailand’s first FinTech unicorn), and EcoCash Zimbabwe, Southern Africa’s largest FinTech.
Vinod’s expertise spans legacy, modern, intelligent, and emerging technology stacks, including AI, blockchain, IoT, CBDC, and neuromorphic computing. He applies first principles and systems thinking to deliver impactful solutions that bridge business outcomes with technical depth.
Passionate about innovation, Vinod is driven by a vision of growth in both horizontal and vertical dimensions of financial technology. His work emphasizes trust, transparency, connectivity, and inclusivity, powered by advanced analytics, data intelligence, and cloud scalability.
Beyond FinTech, he is a lifelong learner of theoretical physics and an avid landscape and architectural photographer. Vinod’s unique blend of leadership, creativity, and technical mastery positions him as a thought leader shaping the future of financial ecosystems.
DXGlobal Foundation
USA
Anir Chowdhury is a global leader in public digital transformation, renowned for advancing digital equity, institutional innovation, and inclusive infrastructure. As President of the DXGlobal Foundation, he drives global efforts to bridge digital divides and build inclusive digital public infrastructure. Drawing on decades of experience with UNDP and pioneering work in Bangladesh, he promotes whole-of-society innovation that strengthens institutions, empowers communities, and ensures no one is left behind. His leadership has catalyzed institutional reform, digital service delivery, and inclusive financing—saving billions for millions of marginalized citizens.
He also serves as Executive Director of The Institutional Architecture Lab (TIAL), supporting governments, development agencies, and philanthropies in redesigning public institutions using cutting-edge tools, partnerships, and strategies.
Beyond his institutional roles, Anir advises Rangeet, a global edtech initiative enhancing children’s emotional and ecological well-being, and is a Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Fellow. He brings grassroots insights together with high-level policy experience from the Prime Minister’s Task Forces, the World Economic Forum, and UN committees. Currently, he is authoring a book and developing an AI-powered playbook on digital transformation to empower the underserved.
He holds a magna cum laude degree in Computer Science and Applied Mathematics from Brown University and completed postgraduate studies at Harvard, Columbia, Oxford, Bradford, and Boston Universities. A Chevening Fellow and Honorary Professor at UCL’s Institute for Innovation and Public Purpose, Anir is shaping the future of digital governance.
Global Finance & Technology Network
Singapore
Chek-Tchung Foo is a distinguished public policy leader based in Singapore, renowned for his advocacy of digital transformation in financial services. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director of Public Policy at the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), where he leads government relations and public sector advisory services, focusing on the intersection of finance and technology.
Prior to his role at GFTN, Foo was the APAC Public Policy Director for Meta Financial Technologies. In this capacity, he oversaw external engagement on financial services policy and regulatory issues across Meta’s products and services. Before joining Meta, he was the Director and Head of the Payments Supervision Division at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), where he was responsible for policy, legislative, licensing, and supervisory work related to entities and activities regulated under the Payment Services Act.
Foo’s extensive experience also includes leading Singapore’s strategic efforts towards developing an e-payment society and implementing various critical retail payment infrastructures. He has represented MAS and Singapore in numerous international central banking and regulatory forums, such as the BIS Committee on Payments and Market Infrastructures, and co-chaired the ASEAN Working Committee on Payment & Settlement Systems.
His thought leadership extends to global platforms like the Singapore FinTech Festival and the Inclusive FinTech Forum, where he has contributed to discussions on digital public infrastructure and inclusive financial ecosystems.
Foo’s career reflects a commitment to advancing digital finance, fostering regulatory innovation, and promoting inclusive economic growth through technology.
Rakstar Solutions LLC
United Arab Emirates
Gianluca Bin is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary business developer with a remarkable track record spanning multiple industries and geographies. As the Founder of Rakstar Solutions LLC in Dubai, UAE, he has driven innovative business development strategies, establishing the company as a key player in delivering tailored solutions to a diverse clientele. His strategic insight and leadership extend into the fintech sector, where he serves as CFO, CIO, and shareholder of Swiss Crowd SA in Switzerland, a pioneering platform in tokenization and digital finance, helping bridge traditional financial systems with cutting-edge blockchain technology.
Gianluca’s passion for creating immersive experiences is exemplified in his venture Wow Resorts SAS in Tahiti, French Polynesia. Through this initiative, he has developed “The Way”, a premium lifestyle brand that blends luxury hospitality with unique, culturally immersive experiences, redefining modern tourism in the region.
Known for his strategic foresight and innovative thinking, Gianluca excels in identifying market opportunities, structuring scalable business models, and advising organizations on growth strategies. His diverse expertise, spanning fintech, hospitality, and technology-driven solutions, positions him as a forward-thinking leader committed to transforming industries through sustainable innovation and value-driven entrepreneurship.
DesignOne
United Arab Emirates
For more than twenty-five years, Dan Ameresekere has moved fluidly across continents and cultures, shaping ideas that challenge the very definition of architecture. Educated at Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, and mentored by Daniel Libeskind, his journey has been less about constructing buildings than about constructing futures. His global practice — from United States to the Middle East to Asia — has been recognised with the Architecture MasterPrize and celebrated at the World Architecture Festival for its boldness and imagination.
Today, Dan’s vision crystallises in City2100 — a speculative city of tomorrow where architecture merges with technology, and citizens themselves become co-authors of the urban fabric. Here, blockchain and digital tokens transform ownership into participation, creating a city that is not fixed but ever-evolving, alive with collective intelligence.
Dan speaks not only as an architect but as a provocateur, suggesting that cities must be more than steel and stone — they must be platforms for human freedom, innovation, and belonging. His work urges us to imagine a future where design and digital economies converge, where architecture is less about walls and more about the possibility of a new way of living.
Singapore
Rahul Bhargava is a globally recognized business leader with over 22 years of experience in driving innovation, strategy, and collaboration across the financial services and payments industry. His expertise spans digital money evolution, next-generation payment systems, responsible AI, and large-scale multi-market initiatives bridging public and private sectors.
He has held key leadership roles at SWIFT, the World Bank Group, WEF, Accenture, FIS, RBS, ICICI Bank, AI2030, and EPAA, where he has shaped global policies and industry practices. Rahul has been instrumental in advancing CBDC interoperability, regional payment integration, cross-border instant payments, and financial market infrastructure modernization. His work also focuses on critical issues such as instant payments fraud prevention, AML controls, KYC modernization, quantum technologies, open banking, and open finance.
Recognized as a global thought leader, mentor, and advocate for responsible innovation, Rahul actively engages with leading think tanks and international forums. He was recently certified as a “Responsible AI Leader” by AI2030 and named “Ambassador of the Year 2024” by EPAA and AI2030.
A frequent speaker at events such as Sibos, Money 20/20, and the Singapore Fintech Festival, Rahul now leads a global consulting portfolio, advising governments, financial institutions, and technology companies on digital transformation in payments and financial services.
Emerging Payments Association Asia
India
Monica Jasuja is a globally recognized product management and fintech leader with over 24 years of experience shaping the future of digital payments across four continents. Currently serving as Chief Expansion and Innovation Officer at the Emerging Payments Association Asia (EPAA), she spearheads transformative initiatives that strengthen payment ecosystems across the region.
Her career spans senior leadership roles at PayPal, Mastercard, and Gojek, where she has driven impactful strategies in the US, India, Southeast Asia, and Taiwan. Monica’s expertise lies in fintech, payments, product innovation, and strategic partnerships, with a sharp focus on high-growth markets such as India and Indonesia.
A respected thought leader, she frequently shares insights on payment innovation, digital transformation, and financial inclusion. Her influence has earned global recognition, including Favikon’s Top 5 Most Influential Fintech Voices on LinkedIn, NORBR’s Top 10 Payment Leaders, Thinkers360’s Top 50 B2B Leaders in APAC, and Onalytica’s Top 15 Global Fintech Thought Leaders.
Beyond corporate leadership, Monica actively mentors startups and women leaders in technology, guiding them on product development and market expansion. She holds advanced degrees in Computer Science and Mathematics, along with an Independent Director Certification, underscoring her technical expertise and strategic vision.
Circulo de CISO
Sujit Christy is a highly respected professional in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), with over 25 years of experience dedicated to strengthening cybersecurity and cyber safety. He has served as Chief Information Security Officer and Cybersecurity & Safety Adviser across leading public and private organizations, including top 10 accounting firms. His expertise spans cyber defense, risk reduction, data protection, and compliance strategies, ensuring robust safeguards for systems, networks, and individuals.
Sujit is an ISC2-certified mentor with credentials including CISSP, CISA, CRISC, CDPSE, and a Diploma in Cyber Law, underscoring his depth in GRC and Privacy. His career highlights include key roles at KPMG (New Zealand, Singapore, Sri Lanka), e-Cop (Singapore, India), and TVSNet (Ramco Infotech, India). He is also a frequent speaker at international cybersecurity events, a resource person at Sri Lanka’s Central Bank and CA Sri Lanka, and a guest lecturer at universities in India and Sri Lanka.
A founding member and past president of the ISC2 Chennai & Colombo Chapters, he pioneered Sri Lanka’s first CISSP exam in 2006 and has been instrumental in digital safety initiatives across South Asia. Recognized with the prestigious 2013 ISC2 President’s Award, Sujit continues to inspire and shape the future of cybersecurity.
PhonePe
India
Rithesh Pai is a result-oriented and highly motivated professional, currently serving as CEO – International Payments at PhonePe. He has a proven track record in delivering excellence across retail and digital banking, including payment systems. His greatest strengths lie in speed, punctuality, and innovation, enabling him to consistently achieve ambitious goals while maintaining high standards.
Previously, he has held key leadership roles, including President – Products and Solutions at TerraPay and Senior Group President & Chief Digital Officer at YES BANK. These experiences have equipped him with deep expertise in digital banking, payments, and financial technology solutions, along with exceptional project management skills.
A versatile and adaptive leader, Rithesh thrives in diverse situations and leads by example, fostering collaboration and continuous improvement within his teams. Known as a go-getter and strategic thinker, he consistently drives impactful results, turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth in the global payments and banking ecosystem.
The Banking Academy
Philippines
Urs Bolt has over five years of experience in wealth management, investment banking, and technology-driven businesses. He supports individuals on their journey to financial wellbeing while advising senior leaders in financial services and tech firms on refining business strategies, evaluating strategic projects, developing innovative solutions, expanding markets, and fostering business partnerships.
Urs is an active speaker, moderator, micro-blogger, lecturer, and author, recognized globally for his thought leadership in digital banking, WealthTech/FinTech, and digital asset ecosystems, including crypto and decentralized finance. He serves on advisory boards and jury panels for leading initiatives such as the FT PWM WealthTech Awards, Capgemini’s World Wealth Report, Global Wealth & Society, WealthBriefing, and blockchain finance competitions.
Beyond finance, Urs advocates for social and political causes, promoting pragmatic and science-based approaches. As an ecomodernist, he supports energy policies that balance economic growth and ecological sustainability, championing a sustainable environment grounded in research rather than ideology.
Integrated Communication Channel DMCC
United Arab Emirates
Ghassan Jumblat is an accomplished and visionary technology executive with over 22 years of global experience driving strategic partnerships, innovation, and transformative growth in FinTech and AI. He has a proven track record in digital transformation, neo-banking, digital asset integration, and regulatory compliance, enabling organizations to thrive in complex technology landscapes.
A dynamic, results-driven leader, Ghassan excels at selecting and integrating cutting-edge FinTech solutions that foster sustainable growth. He is a strong advocate for ethical AI adoption, customer-centric solutions, and building secure, inclusive financial ecosystems. Passionate about leveraging innovation to enhance financial services, disrupt traditional banking, and maintain market leadership, he continues to shape the future of the digital economy.
Recognized for his thought leadership, Ghassan’s insights have been featured in leading industry publications and events, including:
Driven by a relentless pursuit of innovation, Ghassan harnesses technology to create meaningful impact and lead change in the ever-evolving world of FinTech and AI.
Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL)
Sri Lanka
Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe, appointed 17th Governor of the Central Bank of Sri Lanka on 7 April 2022, is a seasoned economist with nearly 30 years of public service. A career central banker, he has held roles including Chief Economist, Assistant Governor, Deputy Governor, and Senior Deputy Governor, and served as Alternate Executive Director at the IMF (2010–2012), representing Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan.
He earned a BSc from the University of Kelaniya and both an MSc and PhD in Economics from the Australian National University. As Deputy Governor, he chaired key policy committees and oversaw departments ranging from Economic Research to Foreign Reserves. After retiring in January 2021, he worked as an independent economic consultant before his current appointment.
Dr. Weerasinghe is widely recognized for steering monetary policy during Sri Lanka’s economic recovery, advancing macroeconomic stability and financial resilience.
Blue Lotus Partners
Australia
Brad Jones, a three-time fintech CEO with over 20 years in financial services, has dedicated his career to pioneering digital payments and advancing financial inclusion across both developing and developed markets in Asia. His journey includes founding and scaling innovative fintech companies, navigating complex regulatory landscapes, and driving transformative growth in dynamic, high-pressure markets.
With a proven track record in board governance, Brad is a Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has served on diverse boards, including chambers of commerce representing national business interests, financial services organizations serving the unbanked, and major telecommunications companies. He has also reported directly to multifaceted boards as a CEO, giving him a deep understanding of stakeholder dynamics.
Brad currently leads Blue Lotus Partners, his advisory firm dedicated to “Building and Advising Growth Businesses and Leadership Teams.” He focuses on empowering growth-stage companies to scale successfully and thrive by developing and mentoring executive leaders, co-creating actionable execution strategies, and providing valuable insights to boards and shareholders.
Brad’s services at Blue Lotus Partners include:
Brad is passionate about helping ambitious leaders and businesses overcome scaling challenges and achieve sustainable performance, with a specialization in fintech, digital transformation, and leadership development.
Better Than Cash Alliance
Rwanda
Nshuti Mbabazi is the Managing Director of the Better Than Cash Alliance, a global partnership hosted by the United Nations that advocates for the transition from cash to inclusive digital payments. Based in Kigali, Rwanda, she brings over 15 years of experience in digital financial services, policy development, public-private partnerships, and financial inclusion across Africa.
Nshuti has been with the Better Than Cash Alliance since 2020, previously serving as Lead for Africa Policy, Advocacy & Partnerships, where she played a pivotal role in advancing the Alliance’s vision of making digital payments accessible and affordable for all Africans. In November 2024, she assumed the role of Managing Director, where she continues to lead strategic initiatives to empower communities and economies through responsible digital payment ecosystems. Her mission aligns with the African Union’s agenda of mobilizing Africa’s resources for the #AfricaWeWant.
Before joining the Alliance, she served as AVP, Push Payments & Acquiring at Ecobank , focusing on scaling digital payment systems across West and Central Africa. She also held several leadership positions at Visa over nearly six years, including Country Manager for Rwanda and Director, where she was instrumental in expanding digital payment adoption and financial access across the region.
Earlier in her career, Nshuti was Policy and Strategy Advisor at the Rwanda Development Board (RDB). She led the development of Rwanda’s National ICT Plan, which evolved into the acclaimed Smart Rwanda Masterplan, laying the foundation for the country’s digital transformation.
Nshuti is widely respected for her deep understanding of Africa’s digital economy, her inclusive leadership style, and her dedication to leveraging technology for sustainable development and financial empowerment.
Sri Lanka
Thushera is a visionary leader in AI, telco, fintech, and digital transformation, currently serving as CEO & Chief AI Officer at CoHEAD Therapeutics, LLC, where he drives AI-driven novel non-cysteine based drug discovery in oncology. As AI & Data Strategist at Sampath Bank and Board Director at Sampath IT Solutions, he shapes innovative financial strategies. As Chairman of VeroxLabs, he pioneers advancements in IVF technology via AI. Previously, as Founding CEO of Axiata Digital Labs, he built a 1,400+ member team, achieving over 300% CAGR in revenue and securing global accolades like the GLOMO Award (2024). Recognized as ICT Leader of the Year by CSSL and a Forbes Council member, Thushera excels in engineering excellence, governance, and product innovation. Passionate about simplifying complexity, he fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing to unlock scalable, impactful solutions for global tech and fintech ecosystems, driving inclusive growth and productivity.
PictureWealth
Australia
Neal Cross is a globally recognized corporate, social and start-up entrepreneur with a long track record across blue-chip technology, finance and data companies. He is currently co-founder and chairman of PictureWealth, one of the world’s fastest growing wealth fintech companies and serves on the advisory board of Razer Fintech and is NED at ASX listed Peppermint Innovation. Prior to this, Cross was the Chief Innovation Officer at DBS Bank, where in his tenure he drove their transformation into a global innovation powerhouse culminating in achieving the world’s best Digital Bank 2016 and 2018 and worlds best bank 3 times across 2018 and 2020 He has personally been awarded the world’s most disruptive CIO/CTO globally from judges Sir Richard Branson and Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and is a regular winner of best innovation lab and innovation leader awards.
His early life as a game developer has left him with a passion for gaming and the realisation that software should be engaging and rewarding. To this end Cross is passionate about solving problems in an elegant manner and deploys world class programs to engage the entire work force in the business of innovation. Cross has advised hundreds of the major brands in Asia and is a trusted adviser to several leading CEO’s, government agencies and start-ups..
In his spare time, he has built social enterprises to help save the endangered orangutans and coral reefs in Sumatra. and due to this was recently listed in The Meaningful Business 100 which focuses on the individual, cutting through the corporate messaging to uncover which leaders are driving truly impactful, purpose-led business to align with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
AZA Finance
United Kingdom
Elizabeth Rossiello is the CEO and founder of global payments and FX fintech AZA Finance (previously known as BitPesa). Founded in Nairobi in 2013, AZA Finance empowers companies to move money, exchange currencies, make payments and settle easily across all major African and G20 currencies.
AZA Finance was also the first ever to trade digital currencies using mobile money and the first ever to make a market directly between digital currencies and African currencies. Elizabeth is committed to expanding access to financial technologies, previously co-chairing the World Economic Forum’s Council on Blockchain, and a member of the Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution’s Global Advisory Board. She has also been a guest lecturer and keynote speaker in digital assets and fintech for UC Berkeley’s Executive Education Program, Oxford University’s Fintech Programme, and for MIT’s Sloan School of Management.
In 2021, she was named a 2021 Bloomberg New Economy Catalyst, and since 2022, she has been named a member of the Standout 45 Women in Fintech Powerlist by Innovate Finance.
Information and Communication Technology Agency of Sri Lanka(GFTN)
Sri Lanka
Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya is the Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy and currently serves as the Chairman of the Information and Communication Technology Agency (ICTA) of Sri Lanka. In January 2025, he stepped down as CEO of Telecommunications Business and Group Executive Director at Axiata Group to lead Sri Lanka’s digital transformation agenda.
With over 30 years of experience in telecommunications, including 25 years at CEO level, Dr. Wijayasuriya has earned global recognition, including the GSM Association’s Chairman’s Award in 2024. He has served on the GSMA Board, chaired GSM Asia Pacific, and contributed to the tmforum. A Past Chair of the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce, he has played a significant role in the public ICT sector, including as past Chairman of the Arthur C. Clarke Institute and a founding board member of ICTA and SLINTEC. He holds a PhD from the University of Bristol and an MBA from Warwick.
Deputy Minister of Digital Economy
Sri Lanka
Hon. (Eng.) Eranga Weeraratne is a distinguished leader in Sri Lanka’s digital transformation, currently serving as the Deputy Minister of Digital Economy. With extensive experience in digital governance, telecommunications, and ICT policy development, he has been instrumental in modernizing Sri Lanka’s digital infrastructure and driving technological advancement.
Before entering public service, Eranga held key leadership roles as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Technology Officer (CTO), where he spearheaded innovation and strategic growth in the digital technology and services sector. His expertise is backed by a B.Sc in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Moratuwa, equipping him with a strong foundation in technology and policy-making.
As the Hon. Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga remains dedicated to positioning Sri Lanka as a regional hub for technological innovation, fostering a thriving digital economy through strategic policies, infrastructure development, and digital empowerment initiatives.
Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)
Singapore
Sopnendu Mohanty is the Co-Founder and Group CEO of the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), where he leads transformative strategies across four pillars: Forums, Advisory, Platform, and Capital. Formerly the Chief Fintech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), he played a key role in positioning Singapore as a global fintech hub. He also conceptualized the Singapore Fintech Festival. With nearly two decades at Citigroup, he contributed to innovations like PayNow. Mr. Mohanty serves on several boards, including A*STAR, and continues to advise MAS. He is a recognized leader in fintech, policy, and ecosystem development, with several patents and accolades.
TECXA Limited
United Kingdom & Sri Lanka
Dr. Kumudu Megasooriya is the Founder & Managing Director of TECXA Limited, leading digital transformation initiatives in the United Kingdom and Sri Lanka. She began her career in banking and software engineering, later launching a successful e-commerce venture in London. At TECXA, she drives strategic projects in IT business analysis, blockchain implementation, and ISO 27001-compliant information security frameworks. With deep expertise in FinTech and HealthTech, she is known for delivering secure, intelligent solutions that accelerate digital growth. Dr. Megasooriya holds a BSc (Hons) in IT from Sri Lanka, an MBA from the University of Wales, and a DBA from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David.
Hatton National Bank
Sri Lanka
Damith Pallewatte is the Managing Director & CEO of Hatton National Bank (HNB) in Sri Lanka. With over 28 years in banking 14+ at senior and corporate leadership,he has deep expertise in risk, credit, trade finance, treasury, and digital transformation. His credentials include an MBA from PIM (University of Sri Jayewardenepura), a BSc in Management (LSE, University of London), and certifications like FRM, ACMA/CGMA, and climate-risk. He also chairs/lends leadership to multiple entities, including Acuity Partners, Lanka Ventures, LVL Energy Fund, and holds roles in the International Chamber of Commerce Sri Lanka.
Casterman Advisory
Belgium
André Casterman is an advisor to technology companies, corporations, and financial institutions on trade finance and digital asset technologies. André spent 24 years at SWIFT where he led technology innovations in inter-bank payments, corporate treasury, and trade financing focusing on early-stage product design and commercialisation.
André is a board member at ITFA where he chairs the largest and most active trade finance industry’s Fintech Committee with a focus on helping banks adopt digital negotiable instruments, digital assets and establishing trade finance as an investment class for capital markets.
