Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya
Chief Advisor to the President of Sri Lanka on Digital Economy & Chairman ICTA
Sri Lanka
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.
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
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.
The Institutional Architecture Lab (TIAL)
USA
Anir Chowdhury is a global leader in public digital transformation, renowned for advancing digital equity, institutional innovation, and inclusive infrastructure. As Executive Director of The Institutional Architecture Lab (TIAL), he supports governments, development agencies, and philanthropies in redesigning public institutions using cutting-edge tools, partnerships, and strategies. He also serves as President of the Digital Transformation Global (DXG) Foundation, drawing on decades of experience with UNDP and pioneering work in Bangladesh to promote whole-of-society innovation. His leadership has catalyzed the development of digital public infrastructure, institutional reform, and inclusive service delivery—saving billions for millions of marginalized citizens.
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, 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.
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.
