FINCIRCLE

Welcome to today’s podcast episode, where we dive into the world of innovation, resilience, and entrepreneurship. Our guest is a serial entrepreneur from Silicon Valley who has built a reputation for turning bold ideas into thriving ventures.He's startup journey is one of relentless curiosity and determination. From founding multiple startups to mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs, he embodies the spirit of Silicon Valley — where risk-taking meets vision, and where challenges are seen as opportunities to grow.He’s the founder behind the successful RemoteTeam.com which is acquired by Gusto, together with the fabulously entertaining MovieLaLa, as well as MojiLaLa, and the powerful Leo AR—companies that have shaped the way we think about remote work, entertainment, and augmented reality. Beyond building startups, he has become one of the most active angel investors in the world, backing over 200 companies including OpenAI, Anthropic, Scale AI, Hugging Face, Postman, and Eight Sleep. Also a prominent accelerator alumni of Stanford StartX, 500 Startups, Betaworks Vision, Quake Accelerator.In this conversation, we’ll explore his path as a builder, the lessons he’s learned from scaling companies, and his insights on what it truly takes to succeed in today’s fast-changing tech landscape. Whether you’re an aspiring founder or simply fascinated by the entrepreneurial mindset, this episode will leave you inspired and ready to think bigger.Our guest today for FINCIRCLE Podcast Season 7 Episode 99 "Silicon Valley StartUp" is no other than, Sahin Boydas, Founder and CEO of several remarkable startup companies presently based from San Francisco, California as he explains to us the value proposition of building startup and its significant relevance to our digital economy.LinkedIn: Sahin BoydasCorporate Website: https://www.lovie.co

We’re diving into the world of European cyber strategy with none other than Edoardo Giglio — a seasoned leader whose career has been dedicated to shaping the EU’s approach to digital resilience and security. With years of experience navigating the complex intersections of policy, technology, and geopolitics, Edoardo brings a sharp perspective on how nations can safeguard their digital futures.He’s also the author of the compelling book Tech Tides, a work that explores the sweeping currents of technological change and their impact on society, governance, and global power. In this conversation, we’ll unpack his insights on the EU’s cyber strategy, the challenges of balancing innovation with regulation, and the lessons from Tech Tides that resonate far beyond Europe.This episode promises to be a thoughtful journey into the forces shaping our digital age — guided by a voice at the forefront of cyber policy.LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edoardogiglioCorporate Website: consiliumstrategies.com

Welcome to today’s podcast episode, where we explore how modern enterprises are transforming the way teams connect, collaborate, and innovate. In a world where hybrid work and global teams are the new normal, the right collaboration platform can make all the difference. Our focus today is on an enterprise collaboration platform designed to break down silos, streamline communication, and empower organizations to work smarter, faster, and more securely. From real-time messaging and project management to integrated workflows and AI-driven insights, this platform is redefining how businesses operate in the digital age. We’ll dive into its features, success stories, and the future of workplace collaboration.Our guest today is Ivo Gueorguiev, from Bulgaria and presently the Director of Bulsing Digital in Singapore. With more than 15 years of experience in Asian financial markets, Ivo has been at the forefront of helping companies transform their treasury and risk management practices. From supporting fintech growth to enabling CFOs with cutting-edge digital tools, his work is shaping the future of financial operations in Asia. We’re excited to dive into his journey, his insights on treasury innovation, and the evolving demands of financial leaders in today’s volatile markets.LinkedIn: Ivo - Ivaylo GueorguievCorporate Website: www.bulsingdigital.comBusiness Email Address: [email protected]

Smartphones have become prime targets for cyber threats due to their role in storing sensitive personal, financial, and business data. Narratives such as students falling victim to phishing links, business owners downloading malicious apps, and users exposing credentials on public Wi-Fi highlight the human-centered risks of convenience and trust exploitation. These stories emphasize that most breaches stem from everyday behaviors rather than complex technical flaws. Key lessons include verifying links and sources, avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive tasks, downloading apps only from official stores, and enabling two-factor authentication. Storytelling proves to be a powerful tool in cybersecurity education, making risks relatable and encouraging safer digital habits.In view if these, we’ve invited Rivka Tadjer, the dynamic Chief Executive Officer of ZeroHack based from New York, USA. With a career spanning technology, cybersecurity, and leadership, Rivka has been at the forefront of building solutions that protect businesses and empower people in the digital age. In this episode, we’ll explore her journey from storyteller to an exceptional strategist, how she’s driving ZeroHack’s mission to make cybersecurity accessible and effective, and the lessons she’s learned about resilience,innovation, and leading with vision.LinkedIn: Rivka TadjerCorporate Website: https://www.0secure.comBusiness Email: [email protected]

Welcome to today’s podcast episode. I’m honored to introduce Robyn Jam Anderson, Chief Executive Officer of JAM AI, based in Denver, Colorado. Robyn is a distinguished leader in artificial intelligence, recognized for her strategic vision and commitment to advancing technology responsibly. Under her leadership, JAM AI has become a driving force in delivering innovative solutions that empower organizations and shape the future of business. In this conversation, we’ll explore her professional journey, the mission of JAM AI, and her insights into the evolving role of AI in global industries.Robyn’s a trailblazer in the AI space, building tech that’s not just smart but seriously impactful. She’s passionate about making AI accessible and useful for businesses and communities, and her energy is contagious. We’re going to dive into her story, the vision behind JAM AI, and how she sees AI shaking up the world in the years ahead.LinkedIn: Robyn AndersonCorporate Website: https://www.jamout.aiBusiness Email: [email protected]

On the age of digital economy, AI-driven customer rate optimization (CRO) is crucial because it helps businesses improve conversion, retention, and customer satisfaction while reducing operational costs. By leveraging machine learning and automation, companies can deliver faster, more personalized experiences that directly impact revenue growth.For today’s podcast episode, we’re joined by Krisztian Kiraly, the International Partnership Manager at OptiMonk, a leading platform in AI-powered conversion rate optimization and presently based in Budapest, Hungary. With over a decade of hands-on experience in digital marketing and eCommerce, Krisztian has worked with global brands like Yamaha, Bentley, Yves Rocher, Acer, and Qatar Airways. His mission? To help businesses transform existing traffic into revenue by using personalization, exit-intent technology, and dynamic messaging—without relying on bigger ad budgets.In this conversation, we’ll dive into Krisztian’s journey as an entrepreneur, the story of OptiMonk’s evolution, and his insights on how brands can build meaningful connections with their audiences. Whether you’re a marketer, founder, or simply curious about the future of customer engagement, Krisztian’s perspective will inspire you to rethink how you approach digital experiences.LinkedIn: Krisztian KiralyCorporate Website: https://www.optimonk.com/Email: [email protected]

On this podcast episode, we sit down with John Januszczak, the former President and Chief Executive Officer of UBX Philippines, the fintech arm of UnionBank. John has been at the forefront of digital transformation in the Philippines, leading UBX from its inception in 2018 to becoming one of the country’s premier open finance and technology companies. Under his leadership, UBX built platforms that empowered small businesses, expanded digital lending and payments, and championed financial inclusion across communities. Today, we’ll explore his journey, his vision for open finance, and the legacy he leaves behind as he transitions to new chapters beyond UBX. Join us as we uncover the story of a leader who reimagined finance for the digital age.LinkedIn: John JanuszczakTwitter / X: @johnjanuszczakWebsite: https://januszczak.orgAdvisor to the Board: 1882 Energy VenturesBoard of Director: Voltai and Solviva Energy

Welcome to today’s episode. Our guest is Jim Love—an extraordinary figure whose career spans technology, music, writing, and podcasting. From his early days as a Juno-nominated musician to his leadership as a seasoned technology executive, Jim has always embraced reinvention. He’s also an author of novels that blend science and imagination, and the host of podcasts that have reached millions of listeners worldwide. Today, we’ll explore how creativity and technology intersect in his journey, and what lessons we can all take from a life lived across so many disciplines.Jim shared his remarkable experiences as a musician, technologist, author, and storyteller. His journey reminds us that careers don’t have to be linear, and passions don’t have to be left behind. Whether through a guitar, a boardroom, or a podcast mic, Jim shows us that curiosity and creativity can fuel reinvention at any stage of life.LinkedIn: Jim Love, FCMCTwitter / X: @therealjimloveYoutube: Cybersecurity Today with Jim LoveCorporate Website: https://www.technewsday.com

In today’s hyperconnected world, cybersecurity isn’t just about protecting data—it’s about safeguarding trust, privacy, and the very fabric of our digital lives. Every click, every transaction, every message leaves a footprint, and malicious actors are constantly evolving to exploit vulnerabilities. This particular episode will cut through the noise to reveal why cybersecurity is no longer optional—it’s essential. We’ll explore real-world breaches, the human stories behind them, and practical steps individuals and organizations can take to stay ahead of threats. Listeners will walk away not only informed but empowered, with a deeper understanding of how to protect themselves and their communities in the digital age.In view of these, we've invited Robert Siciliano, best selling author, cybersecurity expert based from Boston, USA as well as the Chief Executive Officer of Safr.me and Co-Founder at Protect Now LLC. Moreover, he is also the architect of the CSI Protection certification and specializes in transforming employees into a Strategic Human Firewall™ by overcoming the Human Blindspot.Robert is committed to empowering people to protect themselves and their loved ones from violence and crime in both their physical and virtual interactions as he explains to us the critical importance of cybersecurity to our digital economy.LinkedIn: Robert SicilianoCorporate Website: https://safr.meEmail: [email protected]

The landscape of financial markets has undergone a transformative evolution over the past few decades, significantly influenced by the advent and integration of algorithmic trading. This transformation is marked by a shift from traditional trading methods to sophisticated, algorithm-driven strategies that leverage computational power to execute trades at unprecedented speeds and volumes. The principles of algorithmic trading are rooted in the application of mathematical models and automated procedures to facilitate trading decisions and execution, aiming to achieve optimal performance in terms of speed, cost, and risk management.The regulatory landscape for algorithmic trading has evolved in response to some challenges, aiming to ensure market integrity and protect investors. Regulatory frameworks have been developed to address issues such as market manipulation, information asymmetry, and systemic risk among other concerns. These frameworks require transparency in algorithmic trading practices, robust risk management procedures, and compliance with market conduct rules.The evolution and principles of algorithmic trading reflect a significant shift in the dynamics of financial markets, driven by technological advancements and computational innovations. While algorithmic trading offers numerous benefits in terms of efficiency, speed, and precision, it also necessitates careful consideration of the associated risks and regulatory implications. As the field continues to evolve, the ongoing development of algorithmic trading strategies and regulatory approaches will play a crucial role in shaping the future of financial markets.In view of these, we've invited Sharath Kumar, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at "5 Swans", a notable quantitative trading and consulting firm, based from Pune, India, as he explains to us the value proposition of quant models and algorithmic trading to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Sharath Kumar R NCorporate Website: https://www.5-swans.comCorporate Email: [email protected]

Presently, 88% of US consumers use fintech services to better manage their financial lives, but many can’t access secure APIs to share data from their financial services providers. When consumers try to share financial data without APIs, they can experience connection delays or failures or access out-of-date information, which severely impedes their ability to access and benefit from the fintech tools they want to use. Data exchange in finance has undergone significant transformation, evolving from early practices of credit information sharing to contemporary frameworks such as open banking, open finance, and open data initiatives. Today, approximately 68 countries, representing about 35% of the world's nations, are either implementing or developing these frameworks. Key implementation barriers that has been identified in the recent studies by Deloitte include incentivizing incumbent banks to actively participate in data exchange, fostering a competitive ecosystem for third-party providers, ensuring interoperability across digital infrastructure layers, preventing the formation of data silos, and building trust through transparency and robust governance.In view of these, we've invited Keith Raphael, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer from Straddle, a very promising open-banking payments platform, that enables organizations to build simpler, faster and more efficient payment flows, based in Denver, Colorado, USA, as he explains to us the value proposition, of the financial data exchange and its significant relevance to our digital economy. Corporate Website: https://straddle.comLinkedIn: Keith RaphaelCorporate Email: [email protected]

Cybersecurity in 2025 is defined by AI-driven threats, geopolitical tensions, and resilience-focused strategies. Organizations are navigating a landscape where generative AI, supply chain risks, and regulatory pressures converge, making cybersecurity not just a technical issue but a societal narrative about trust, resilience, and digital sovereignty. Malware attacks, phishing scams, and AI-driven threats are increasing day by day. Hackers now intelligently use advanced technologies to exploit security gaps and gain unauthorized access to organizational data. Together with the rise of generative AI, and advanced tools used by attackers is making it necessary for organizations to invest in stronger defenses. According to McKinsey recent report, the global cybersecurity spending will grow 12.2% in 2025 and cross $377 billion by 2028. Relatively, the US and Western Europe will lead, accounting for over 70% of global security spending, while Latin America, Asia Pacific, Central & Eastern Europe, and the Middle East & Africa as well as the other regions will experience strong growth.Therefore, cybersecurity at this point in time, is no longer just about protecting systems—it’s about safeguarding trust in digital society. The narrative is shifting toward resilience, collaboration, and ethical technology use.In view of these, we've invited Branden Wagner, former US Navy CyberSecurity Expert based in New York and presently the Head of Information Security at Mercury, a notable financial technology company with headquarters in San Francisco, California, as he explains to us the critical importance of cybersecurity to our digital economy.Corporate Website: https://mercury.comLinkedIn: Branden WagnerEmail: [email protected]

Generative AI has exploded into boardroom agendas. Nearly 80% of companies report using it, but many still see limited bottom-line impact. Agentic AI promises to change that. The way humans interact and collaborate with AI is taking a dramatic leap forward with agentic AI. Think: AI-powered agents that can plan your next trip overseas and make all the travel arrangements; humanlike bots that act as virtual caregivers for the elderly; or AI-powered supply-chain specialists that can optimize inventories on the fly, in response to fluctuations in real-time demand. These are just some of the possibilities opened up by the coming era of agentic AI.In relation to these, we've invited Manuel Ho, Founder and Chief Executive Officer at IntentAI, an Enterprise scale AI platform for AI agent orchestration, based from Singapore as he explains to us the value proposition of the agentic systems to our digital economy.LinkedIn: Manuel HoEmail: [email protected] website: https://intentai.com

Last May 2025, the United States of America made significant strides in stablecoin regulation, by advancing, the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins, or most widely known as the GENIUS Act. As the first comprehensive federal framework for stablecoins, the GENIUS Act aims to provide regulatory clarity, retain innovation within the U.S., protect consumers and reaffirm the dominance of the U.S. dollar in global finance. This landmark move comes amid a surge in the use of stablecoins, which represent the majority of on-chain transaction volume.In view of these, we've invited Dipendra Jain, Co-Founder of TCX, as he explains to us the critical importance of the GENIUS Act as well as the value proposition of TCX, an AI powered crypto exchange and its significant relevance to our digital economy.LinkedIn: Dipendra JainCorporate Website: https://www.thecryptoexchange.ai

Tokenized financial assets are moving from pilot to at-scale deployment. Adoption is not yet widespread, but financial institutions with blockchain capabilities in place will have a strategic advantage.The digitization of assets seems even more inevitable now as the technology matures and demonstrates measurable economic benefits.There are risks as well as rewards for early movers: the up-front investment and risks of investing in new technology can be substantial. In the near term, banks, asset managers, and market infrastructure players, should assess their product suites and identify which assets would most benefit from transitioning to tokenized products.In view of these, we've invited Jose Fernando Pereira, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder at OWN, a very promising fintech company which provides an Ethereum Layer 2 solution for tokenized real-world assets from FASSET, based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates as he explains to us the value proposition of tokenization and its significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Jose Fernando PereiraTwitter / X: @jfpereira1

For a long time, stablecoins were a bit of a niche subject—a tool for traders to move in and out of volatile assets. But in 2025, that narrative has completely changed. We've seen a whirlwind of activity, from landmark legislation to unprecedented institutional interest. Today, we're diving deep into the latest developments, from the passage of the GENIUS Act in the United States, to the growing wave of banks and tech giants launching their own versions. We'll explore how these digital dollars are moving from the fringes to the mainstream, the new use cases they're unlocking, and, of course, the ever-present risks that still lurk beneath the surface.In view of these, we've invited Benjamin Grolimund, General Manager of Flipster, based from Dubai, United Arab Emirates, as he explains to us the value proposition of Stablecoins and it's significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Benjamin GrolimundTwitter / X: @BenGrolimundCorporate Website:  https://flipster.io

AI analytics, often referred to as augmented analytics, is a modern approach to data analysis that uses artificial intelligence to automate and enhance traditional analytics processes. It goes beyond simply reporting on what has happened to provide deeper insights, predict future outcomes, and recommend actions.It's the process of collecting, cleaning, transforming, and modeling vast amounts of data from all over the world to discover meaningful patterns and insights. Moreover, it's the engine that powers modern decision-making, helping companies and organizations navigate a complex, data-rich landscape. In view of these, we've invited Parijat Banerjee, Global Head of Business Services at Latentview analytics and also an active member of the Forbes Finance Council based from Richmond, Virginia, USA, as he explains to us the value proposition of AI Analytics and its significant relevance to our digital economy.Corporate Website: https://www.latentview.com/LinkedIn: Parijat BanerjeeEmail: [email protected]

In the contemporary digital age, digital financial literacy has become increasingly significant. Digital financial literacy refers to an individual's ability to understand and utilize financial products and services in a digital environment, encompassing financial knowledge, digital technology application skills, and the capacity to identify and manage financial risks. The rapid development of the digital economy has further highlighted its importance, making the enhancement of digital financial literacy essential for adapting to the digital economy, safeguarding financial security, and promoting social progress.In view of these, we've invited Michelle Campbell, the author of a compelling book “Bluebird” and the Founder of nonprofit social services “Stability” based from Atlanta, Georgia, United States, which focuses on financial education so as to understand the value proposition of financial health and literacy as well as its significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: "Michelle C." (Michelle Campbell)Email: [email protected] Website: https://bymichellecampbell.com/

For both novice and experienced investors who want to grow their capital significantly and build wealth over the long term may find wealth management to be of great assistance. With the onset of the digital age, many financial services including tax planning and investment advisories are adopting tech-friendly approach. Following this recent development, it is evident that digital wealth management tools, such as DIY investment platforms, can revolutionize how investors like you manage your wealth. In view of these, we've invited a seasoned Wealth Management advisor, Marc-Olivier Francq, a French and Swiss national with over two decades of experience in Private Banking and Wealth Management as well as Strategy Consulting and Business Advisory, principally in Asia. He has held several business development and product management positions in leading banks such as Standard Chartered Bank, Deutsche Bank, Development Bank of Singapore, Temasek-owned Alliance Bank, and the Swiss boutique private bank Union Bancaire Privee, among others and presently working with Security Bank as he explains to us the value proposition of Wealth Management and it’s significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Marc-Olivier FrancqEmail: [email protected]

Recognizing the rising demand for a seamless digital banking experience, it is imperative for incumbent banks to diversify their technology strategy. This strategy is essential to rapidly bring new products and services to market while managing the constraints of legacy infrastructure. Leveraging technology capabilities and in-depth knowledge of navigating the complexities of delivering tailored solutions for financial institutions, which empowers to enable more clients to scale and modernize with our modularized capabilities.In view of these, we've invited Mike Breen, Chief Commercial Officer at "audax" from Singapore, a Standard Chartered-backed digital banking tech solutions provider committed to empowering financial institutions to build scalable, secure, and future-proof banking ecosystems as he walks us through its value proposition and it’s significant relevance to our digital economy. Corporate website: audax.ioLinkedIn: Mike BreenCorporate Email: [email protected]

The financial system of the future won’t be built in banks — it’ll be embedded in the apps, platforms and services people already use. Redefining how financial services are accessed and delivered, embedded finance is at the forefront of fintech innovation. By seamlessly integrating payments, lending, insurance and other financial products into non-financial platforms, embedded finance is making financial interactions more accessible and intuitive. This rapid evolution is sparking discussions about the future of traditional banking institutions. By partnering with fintechs, banks that innovate will definitely thrive.In view of these, we've invited Matthew Edmunds, the Group Chief Executive Officer at GENIUSTO International Ltd. as he explains to us the value proposition of the "Embedded Finance" and its significant relevance to our digital economy.Corporate Website: www.geniusto.comLinkedIn: Matthew EdmundsEmail:[email protected]

In today's interconnected world, digital citizenship has become an essential aspect of our daily lives. As we increasingly rely on technology to communicate, work, and access information, it's crucial to understand the rights and responsibilities that come with being a digital citizen.As such, we've invited Craig Taylor, the Chief Executive Officer at CyberHoot based from New Hampshire, United States of America as he explains to us the value proposition of Digital Citizenship and literacy as well as it's significant relevance to our digital economy.Corporate Website: https://cyberhoot.comLinkedIn: Craig TaylorEmail: [email protected]

AI has emerged as a transformative force, revolutionizing industries and redefining the way organizations operate. The average number of AI capabilities in an organization has doubled in the past five years. The rapid growth of AI and machine learning is a testament to their immense potential to drive innovation, boost efficiency, and unlock new revenue streams for businesses. Organizational leaders often expect that with every subsequent AI use case or application, they will achieve faster speed to market and lower costs.In view of these, we've invited Bart Puszko, the Founder and Chief Executive Officer, at Blue Seas AI Consulting from Brisbane, Australia, as he explains to us the value proposition, of Scaling AI in a business context to our digital economy. Corporate Website: https://www.blueseas.aiLinkedIn: Bart Puszko

The effort to overcome language barriers has always been a part of human progress, evolving from ancient cave paintings to today's digital emojis. Artificial intelligence in translation and interpreting is on the verge of a significant advancement set to reshape how we communicate by providing fast, universally accessible translation solutions. This innovation aims to eliminate language barriers globally, making AI a transformative force for instant communication. It envisions a future where cultural exchange is limitless and easily available. The integration of AI for translation and interpreting represents a revolutionary technological advancement, blending linguistic expertise with machine intelligence. This collaborative synergy aims to raise the overall standard of language services by enhancing quality, speed, and efficiency. Within translation, AI-driven tools utilize sophisticated algorithms to rapidly process extensive linguistic data, facilitating swift and automated translation of both written text and spoken words. The results are nearly instantaneous, proving invaluable in various scenarios such as online communication, real-time news dissemination, and global business interactions. In interpreting, Artificial intelligence translation systems introduce simultaneous language processing capabilities, providing essential support for conferences, meetings, and other live encounters with improved accessibility and cost-effectiveness. In view of these, we've invited Richard Roocroft, the Client Solutions Director at Interprefy, a very powerful Swiss interpretation platform, as he explains to us the remarkable benefits of an AI powered interpretation and it’s significant importance to our digital economy.Corporate Web Site: https://www.interprefy.com/LinkedIn: Richard Roocroft

Understanding where you are on the treasury system maturity spectrum is key to unlocking efficiency.Therefore, it is of critical importance to establish the proper criteria on how to optimize a treasury platform and its corresponding digital landscape for an effective system architecture and connectivity. Today, banks want to be strategic partners with their clients, just like treasurers want to be strategic partners with the commercial side of the house. And what that means is, from a digitalization perspective, it's not just about helping clients automate, going from manual to automated, taking away paper, using some electronic payments as opposed to checks or cash. Digitalization is about a lot more. For banks, it means helping your clients become more competitive.In view of these, we've invited Prasad Rao, a seasoned Solutions Consultant for Treasury and Capital Markets from FINASTRA as he explains to us the value proposition of Treasury System Optimization and it’s significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Prasad RaoCorporate Website: https://www.finastra.com 

The world is on the verge of a profound transformation, driven by rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI), with a future where AI will not only excel at decoding language but also emotions.Humanizing AI aims to bridge the gap between human and machine interactions, making technology more accessible, trustworthy, and beneficial in various aspects of life. This aims to create more intuitive, empathetic, and effective interactions, enhancing the overall value and impact of Artificial Intelligence, in our daily lives.As we move forward, it is a core business responsibility to shape a future that prioritizes people over profit, values over efficiency, and humanity over technology.In view of these, we've invited Suriel Arellano, a New York University alumni, as well as a dynamic and engaging speaker with two decades of work experience on digital transformation who is also the remarkable author of this exceptional book “Leading in the Age of AI” and another compelling book entitled, “The Golden Triangle – A Pinnacle of Digital Transformation” (now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Kindle Unlimited) as he explains to us the value proposition of Humanizing AI as well and it’s significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Suriel ArellanoCorporate Website: https://www.surielarellano.com

Hospitality technology covers a range of digital tools and systems designed to enhance and streamline various aspects of hotel management. From reservation systems and guest service platforms to data analytics and automation, these solutions are geared towards improving every aspect of a hotel's operations. Technological innovation in the hospitality industry encompasses the adoption of Artificial Intelligence, blockchain, robotics, Internet of Things among others to enhance operational efficiency, improve guest experiences, streamline services, and provide personalized offerings. In view of these, we've invited Terence Ronson, Managing Director and Founder of Pertlink Limited from HongKong and he was also inducted at the HFTP International Hospitality Technology Hall of Fame in 2024, as he walk us through on the value proposition of Hospitality Technology to our digital economy. Pertlink Limited is also an award recipient of the "Best Hospitality and Technology Consultancy" in 2024 on the HongKong Business Awards. Corporate Website: https://www.pertlink.net Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Terence Ronson

In 2025, the battle against fraud continues to grow more complex and intense, driven by technological advancements and increasingly sophisticated tactics from cybercriminal's. Identity fraud cases more than doubled from 2021 to 2024, according to Sumsub’s (Sum and Substance Ltd.) most recent Identity Fraud Report. A striking 67% of companies reported an increase in fraud during this period. The report also highlights a global shift towards more complex and hybrid fraud schemes. AI has become a pervasive tool, with deepfakes now representing 7% of global fraudulent activity. Moreover, AI is widely used in fake document production—the fraud type now accounting for a striking 50%, of all fraud categories, according to the Report. As a result, companies, users, and regulators face mounting pressure to adapt their defenses in real-time. In view of these, we've invited Penny Chai, Vice President for Business Development in Asia Pacific at SumSub as she walks us through the 2024 Identity Fraud Report and its significant relevance to our digital economy. Corporate Website: https://www.sumsub.com LinkedIn: Penny Chai

Today’s bank and financial institution treasurers face an increasingly complex environment characterized by volatile markets, tighter regulatory scrutiny, and shrinking budgets. In an effort to address these and other hurdles, more corporate treasurers are seeking to adopt advanced systems and leading practices to achieve the following priorities: Increasing transparency, technology modernization and process transformation. As such, Treasury transformation in the age of modernization helps company treasurers deploy advanced solutions for a new era of challenges. Every business has its distinct complexities, objectives, and challenges. Yet, amid these differences, the fundamental need for an efficient, future-proof treasury operation remains universal. Treasury transformation is not a fleeting trend; it’s a strategic shift that will define the future of corporate treasury management. It’s about optimizing systems, engaging stakeholders, aligning objectives, and ensuring scalability. With a thoughtful, tailored approach, businesses of all sizes can successfully transform their treasury functions, fostering financial resilience and agility. In view of these, we've invited a seasoned Treasury Management System professional, Tracey Knight and presently the Principal Consultant from Real Treasury Group based from Dallas, Fort Worth, Texas, United States as she explains to us the value proposition of a Treasury Management System transformation and its significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Tracey (Ferguson) Knight Corporate Website: https://www.realtreasury.com Email: [email protected]

The constantly evolving economy requires financial services companies be data-driven—from mining interaction data to gathering consumer product expectations. The term ‘data-driven’ is not a new concept; financial services companies have applied regressive-based statistical analysis for years to achieve improved forecasts on products and services. This definition of data-driven has evolved to encompass customer preferences and values, especially when it comes to how customers prefer to bank. Customers expect a financial services company to remember their preferences, engagement history and behaviors so personalized experiences can be delivered. To achieve a competitive advantage, companies must break down silos of customer data and effectively extract and leverage insights to meet customer needs. Having the correct data will enrich the customer experience, but in order to do so, financial services need to have a well-designed data transformation strategy that delivers value right from the start. In view of these, we've invited a seasoned FinTech professional and presently the Regional Sales Director of MoneyThor, Connor Larkin based in Singapore as he walk us through the value proposition of a data driven financial platform like MoneyThor and its significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Connor Larkin Corporate Website: https://www.moneythor.com/ Email: [email protected]

The speed of innovation and ability to adapt to rapidly changing market trends rests on the agility of your release cycle and the ability to quickly diagnose, triage, and fix errors. Data virtualization is the critical lever used by forward-thinking enterprises to provision production-quality data to dev and test environments on demand or via APIs. Furthermore, data virtualization provides the ability to securely manage and distribute policy-governed virtual copies of production-quality datasets. No matter the underlying database management system (DBMS) or source database location, data virtualization technology creates block-mapped virtual copies of the database for rapid and controlled distribution all while leaving a minimal storage footprint no matter how many copies are used. In view of these, we’ve invited Shaun Paterson, the Managing Director of Grover Consult based from Manila, Philippines as he shares with us his valuable insights on the optimal use of database virtualization and its significant importance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Shaun Paterson Corporate Website: www.groverconsult.com Email: [email protected]

Breaking down the analytics adoption barrier will require providing data and analytics where people spend their time, without disruption — just like we are used to receiving insights while scrolling through Netflix for instance. With this in mind, the most innovative organizations are already embedding analytics directly into users’ workflows to allow for actionable decisions based on the context in front of them. In every industry, businesses leverage data to drive insights and make informed decisions using data analytics. As the field continues to grow, so does the demand for skilled professionals to extract insights from complex data sets. Therefore, it's crucial that both men and women are involved in interpreting and applying this information. Women who pursue careers in data science not only contribute to shaping the data-driven world but also reap personal benefits, such as gaining access to a rapidly expanding field with attractive salary options and career prospects. By encouraging more women to join the field, we can create more opportunities for them to advance in their careers and attain financial stability. In view of these, we've invited Michelle Alarcon, the President of the Analytics and Artificial Intelligence Association of the Philippines as well as the President of Z-Lift Solutions Inc. based from Manila as she shares with us her valuable insights on Women working in Analytics, AI and technology and its significant importance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Michelle Alarcon AAP: https://aap.ph Z-Lift Solutions Inc: https://zliftsolutions.com FTW for the Women: https://www.ftwfoundation.org

Organizational behavior is an essential part of people management in today’s work culture. The synergy and behavior between your people will determine their efficiency. In-depth learning provides an understanding of how employees communicate with one another. Their compatibility is vital so that work goes on without problems. Without people’s unity, it is difficult to achieve long-term success. Moreover, the aspect of employee behavior is somewhat related to people science. By definition, People Science is all about bringing innovative thinking to attract highly sought-after talent, connecting individuals to their sense of purpose, and transforming organizational culture for exceptional results. It's a very powerful technique that focuses on understanding employee behavior, motivation, and creating a fulfilling work environment.  By aligning with business needs and fostering agile learning, it equips leaders and the workforce to meet customer demands effectively. For this particular podcast episode, will be discussing a very interesting data-driven platform that somehow generates extensive insights into work talents as well as financial behaviors. Those insights are bundled in a way that provides a weighted blend of the most relevant insights for the way you do business. Whether your focus is on employees or clients, this provides knowledge that build a stronger business on the inherent strengths of people. In view of these, we’ve invited Hugh Massie, the Executive Chairman and Founder of DNA Behavior International based from Atlanta, Georgia, USA as he shares with us his valuable insights on behavioral solution and its significant importance to our digital economy. Corporate Website: https://dnabehavior.com/ LinkedIn: Hugh Massie Corporate Email: [email protected]

As our world becomes more interconnected, so too does the need for banking systems to follow suit. In the past, businesses and individuals were often restricted to banking in a single country, but the rise of borderless banking is enabling both to benefit from greater financial freedoms.By definition, borderless banking refers to any bank account, which allows users to spend, send and receive money across different countries and currencies, without incurring heavy fees. The concept has become increasingly popular in recent years, with more people now working in cross-border job roles and with many businesses requiring capital in a different currency than that of their country of origin. Let’s take a closer look on why this trend is so important and how FinTech companies are helping to make it possible. In view of these, we've invited Mr. Neil Ambikar, the Co-Founder and Chief Finance Officer of Narvi Payments as well as the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer from B2BPay based from Berlin, Germany as he explains to us the critical importance of cross border financial transaction platforms to our digital economy. Narvi Payments Corporate Web Site: https://narvi.com/B2B Pay Corporate Web Site: https://www.b2bpay.co/LinkedIn: Neil AmbikarB2BPay corporate email address of Neil: [email protected] Narvi Payments corporate email address of Neil: [email protected]

Resilient businesses are those that are strategically prepared to cope with disruption – whether it comes from pandemics, economic downturns, the ongoing skills shortage for instance, or any other threats that may be on the horizon. With this in mind, the forward-looking businesses are focusing their digital transformation initiatives on overcoming the most pressing challenges of today. The threat of cyber-attacks, supply chain disruption, environmental and social upheaval, and workforce disruption will impact every business in a different way. In order to survive, it’s essential that businesses develop new ways of working that enable them to respond in a flexible and agile way. Moreover, in order to build resilience against these threats, businesses must ensure that they thoroughly understand the landscape of new and emerging technologies as they are relevant to their market. In view of these, we've invited a seasoned Business Continuity Management professional, Mr. Willem Hoekstra, presently the Head of Resilience Services from THALES group based in Hongkong as he walks us through the value proposition of business resiliency in our respective organization and its significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Willem Anne Hoekstra Corporate Web Site: www.thalesgroup.com

Credit cards have become integral tools in our daily lives, facilitating transactions and adapting to evolving financial environments. With the emergence of innovations such as virtual cards for instance, and buy-now-pay-later options, for online payments among others, consumer finance is undergoing significant transformation. With the rise of new technologies, the credit card industry has had to evolve. From chip technology to digital cards, the credit landscape is ever-changing. In view of these, we've invited Ms. Aishwarya Jaishankar, the Co-Founder and COO of Hyperface Technologies based in Bangalore, India as she shares with us her valuable insights on the technological innovation on modern stacks of credit cards and its significant relevance to our digital economy. Hyperface is Asia's first Credit Cards as a Service (CCaaS) platform that empowers banks and co-brands to launch digital-first credit cards 10x faster and better with a configurable program, customer lifecycle management, value-added services, and a rich end-user experience. LinkedIn: Aishwarya Jaishankar Corporate Website: https://www.hyperface.co

Through the years Earned Wage Access (EWA),  which allows Early access to earned wages before payday, has emerged as a transformative financial service for both employers and employees. This innovative solution addresses a crucial need for financial flexibility and well-being among the global workforce, reshaping the way employees interact with their earnings. With adoption rates increasing across various countries, this is a clear sign that offering daily payroll is about to become the new norm globally.  In view of these, we’ve invited Mr. Shanu Bhattee, the Country Director and Ms. Kristina San Mateo, the Business Development Head from "GET PAID", a very promising B2B and B2C earned wage access platform in the Asia Pacific region as they share with us their valuable insights on EWA as well as its critical importance to our digital economy. Corporate website: www.getpaid.asia Email: [email protected], [email protected]

A recent McKinsey report states that the worldwide expenditure on digital transformation will reach an astonishing $3.4 trillion by the year 2026. However, this is not just about financial investment. It indicates businesses placing notable bets on the transformative power of technology. It is therefore evident that the world of digital innovation is evolving constantly and businesses are now in the position to keep up with its emerging trends to stay competitive in the market. Embracing these trends is not only significant for survival but also to thrive in this digital age.  In view of these, we've invited Ms. Tanvi Saxena, the Chief Executive Officer of a very dynamic fintech company in the Asia Pacific Region, "Grover Consult" based in Singapore as she explains to us the value proposition of digital innovation to the financial industry and its significant relevance to our digital economy. Corporate Website: https://www.groverconsult.com/ LinkedIn: Tanvi Saxena Email: [email protected]

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms such as ChatGPT that can be used to create new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. Recent breakthroughs in the field have the potential to drastically change the way we approach content creation. In the years since its wide deployment, machine learning has demonstrated impact in a number of industries, accomplishing things like medical imaging analysis  and high-resolution weather forecasts. A 2022 McKinsey survey shows that AI adoption has more than doubled over the past five years, and investment in AI is exponentially increasing. In view of these, we've invited a pioneering technology leader, Dan Chuparkoff, formerly from the tech giant - Google, the prestigious global enterprise - McKinsey and the 6 Billion USD IPO – Atlassian and presently the CEO of Reinvention Labs based in Chicago, USA as he explains to us the value proposition of Generative AI and its significant relevance to our digital economy. Corporate website: www.danchuparkoff.com LinkedIn: Dan Chuparkoff  

Wearable devices hold great promise, particularly for data generation for cutting-edge health research, and their demand has risen considerably in the last few years. At this stage, 640 million wearable technology devices are expected to be shipped worldwide by 2027. On average, 1 in 5 Americans use a smartwatch or fitness tracker or any other type of wearable technology. In 2025, the wireless health monitoring segment of the wearable tech industry is projected to reach $312.4 billion according to the recent study by PwC. In view of these, we've invited Dr. Eliott Justin MD, FACEP, the CEO and Founder of FirmTech Inc. from Montana, United States of America as he shares with us his valuable insights on wearable technology and its significant relevance to Health and Wellness as well as to our digital society. Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Eliott Justin MD, FACEP Corporate website: https://myfirmtech.com/

Asia-Pacific anti-money laundering market is expected to gain market growth in the forecast period of 2024 to 2028. Deloitte market research analyses that the market is growing with a CAGR (Compound Annual Growth Rate) of 14.0% in the forecast period of 2024 to 2028 and expected to reach USD 1,683,320 million by 2028. Growing demand for transaction monitoring system that assess financial crime patterns can act as a major factor for the growth of the market. In view of these, we've invited Mr. Eric Favila, the Founder and CEO of AMLakas Corporation based from Singapore as he explains to us the value proposition of an Anti Money Laundering digital platform and its significant relevance to our digital economy. Linkedin: Eric Favila Email: [email protected] Corporate Website: https://www.amlakas.com

Tokenization is the process of digitally representing assets, rights, or items of value through a smart contract on a blockchain, has gained significant attention in recent years. By enabling assets to be divided into smaller tradable units, tokenization has the potential to revolutionize the funding and capital model across many different industries. What may have previously been a non-bankable real-world asset can find its way into the financial ecosystem, becoming accessible to a wider range of investors. The ability to divide previously indivisible assets allows for easier and more affordable access to digital assets, as users no longer need to purchase an entire unit of an asset to participate in its ownership. This means that smaller investors can participate in investments that were previously only available to larger investors, thus democratizing access to investment opportunities like real estate for instance. In view of these, we've invited Mr. Robert Hoving, the Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of “GORO”, a very promising digital platform from Indonesia which has the objective of democratizing real estate investment for more fractional ownership opportunities as he explains to us the value proposition of real estate tokenization and its significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Robert Hoving Website: https://www.goro.id

As more advanced techniques and implementations continue to be developed on the flip side the adoption rate of these techniques remains debatable. It takes years for these techniques to become prevalent and get integrated with the existing business processes. The Industry laser focuses on the applied part of Artificial Intelligence to solve complex real world problems. To obtain tangible business benefits and ensure that Artificial Intelligence initiatives do not fail, it is imperative that Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning becomes explainable and interpretable.  In view of these, we've invited Mr. Serg Masis, a seasoned Climate and Agronomic Data Scientists at Syngenta from Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States of America, as he shares with us his insightful views on the challenges and opportunities on the Interpretable Machine Learning and its significant relevance to our digital economy. LinkedIn: Serg Masis Website: https://www.serg.ai

Most traditional investment brokers do not yet offer exposure to crypto for trading purposes unlike equities or bonds. Therefore, cryptocurrency exchanges were developed as a simple way for investors to buy digital assets. Even though the majority of these exchanges have similar offerings, such as spot markets to tokens like bitcoin and Ether (Ethereum) for instance, there is a wide variety based on the amount of tokens offered, together with other available services and security. Moreover, while some utilize traditional centralized corporate structures, others embrace the industry’s decentralized ethos by avoiding the appearance of having any specific people being in charge. In view of these, we’ve invited Mr. Lukasz Zeligowski, the Co-Founder and Executive Director of KANGA Exchange, a very impressive crypto exchange based from Gdansk, Poland as he shares with us his insightful views on the value proposition of a cryptocurrency exchange and its significant relevance to our digital economy. Corporate Web SIte: https://kanga.exchange/ LinkedIn: Lukasz Zeligowski

In 2024, the finance sector stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation. The impact of demonetization lingers, serving as a reminder of the sector's resilience and adaptability. Artificial Intelligence and digital transformation are propelling the industry into new frontiers, promising greater efficiency, accessibility, and personalization. As we navigate this evolving landscape, one thing is very clear: finance will continue to be a dynamic and exciting field, shaped by innovation and the changing needs of the digital age. In view of these, we've invited the former Chief Executive Officer of the Sydney Stock Exchange and presently the Group Chairman of the Marbanc International, Mr. Michael Go as he shares his insightful views on the recent developments on the financial market in Australia and its significant relevance to our digital economy. Corporate Website: https://marbanc.com/ LinkedIn: Michael Go

The Chief Revenue Officers or commonly known as CRO’s will play an important role on establishing revenue streams for the organization. Relatively, thirty-five percent of chief revenue officers (CROs) will establish a generative AI operations team in their go-to market (GTM) organization by 2025, according to Gartner group.  Faster, deeper insight generated by Artificial Intelligence will accelerate the speed at which Go-To-Market teams produce buyer content and adapt to market forces, ultimately improving the reliability of sales’ decision making and improving end-to-end revenue outcomes. Presently, sellers spend 52% of their time on creating and delivering value messaging across the sales process, according to Gartner’s research study of 1,204 sellers in May 2023. Generative value messaging, or the ability to harness the power of generative AI for buyer-centric messaging and content, will significantly reduce the time it takes sellers to produce and disseminate quality content.  In view of these, we've invited once again, Mr. Sajid Bokhari, the Chief Executive Officer of Geniepay, a very powerful B2B platform from Sydney, Australia as he explains to us the value proposition of the AI tools to the CRO's as well as to the entire business organization and its significant relevance to our digital economy. https://geniepay.io Email: [email protected] Linkedin: Sajid Bokhari

Consulting firms worldwide have a lot to contend with over the last few years with the global pandemic and resulting great resignation, plus widespread supply chain disruption as well as challenges on technology and system configuration rollout. Maintaining growth in profitability and sustaining it during this period wasn’t easy, but some consulting firms succeeded somehow. How did they managed to do it? In view of these, we've invited Mr. Matthew Hartley, the Founder and Lead Consultant of the very promising startup group from Sydney, Australia most widely known as "Config Consulting" as he walk us through the value proposition of the consulting services of this group of seasoned professionals that focus on the Treasury Management system implementation as well as it significant relevance to our digital economy. Business Website: https://www.configconsulting.com.au Matthew Hartley | Founder | Lead Consultant Email: [email protected] Mobile: +61 435 089 082    Address:  6 Mount Place, Green Point, NSW, 2251, Australia Consulting Partners: Calvin Pipping Reise Consulting: Founder | Principal Consultant Phone: 778 838 2173 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.reise-consulting.com   Tracey Ferguson Knight SAAS-Y Business Consulting Phone: 646-455-8244 Email: [email protected] Website: https://www.saasybc.com/

The next few years could be a make-or-break period for some banks and financial institutions. They will join the digital financial ecosystem movement—or be consumed by it. These platform-based ecosystems offer products and services that are created and distributed in partnership with others. And they confer powerful advantages, allowing organizations to enter new markets, create new services, and acquire new customers faster and more affordably than with traditional product development and go-to-market models. By 2030, digital ecosystems could account for a significant share of the banking revenue pool according to the research study conducted by the Boston Consulting Group recently. The Digital Ecosystems are the undeniable next step in digital disruption for the financial services sector. The hyper-connectivity that digital tools and channels enable has blurred traditional boundaries between brick-and-mortar and web environments and between the four walls of an enterprise and the wider value chain. In view of these, we've invited Mr. Arvie de Vera, Co-Founder and Board Trustee of the Fintech Philippines Association and former Chief Executive Officer of UnionDigital Bank as he walks us through the recent developments of the FinTech community in the Philippines as well as its significant relevance to our digital economy. FinTech Philippines Association: https://fintechph.org/

The economic volatility and uncertainty, higher cost of funding, and the need to diversify supply chains are particular concerns for businesses operating in the Asia Pacific region. But what sets the region apart is the access to enormous technology talent pools that are adept at resolving problems through the use of artificial intelligence, process automation, and data analysis among others. One result of this is the region’s leadership in adopting new real-time payments methods, plus API and cloud-based payments technologies, which has led to the emergence of popular digital wallets and sophisticated digital banking providers. These in turn are transforming e-commerce and leading the swift rise of new business approaches, such as direct-to-consumer, usage-based pricing, and subscription models. Meanwhile, online platforms that once catered to a single niche are expanding through partnerships with firms in other sectors, giving rise to multi-industry, region-wide ecosystems. This has made the region a cradle of innovation when it comes to financial technology, and a must-follow space for those interested in where digital adoption go next. In view of these, we've invited Mr. Umang Moondra, Chief Executive Officer of APIX platform as he walks us through the significant relevance of innovation into our digital economy. https://apixplatform.com https://www.synfindo.com

According to Asian Development Bank, AI can potentially add USD 92 billion to the Philippine economy by 2030. The government and the business sector are collaborating to grow AI technology in the country, and they are optimistic that the Philippines will become a significant data processing hub and AI will become a new industry in the country. In view of these, we’ve invited Mr. Krishna Tanwani, Managing Director from Analytiks Inc. based from Manila, Philippines to walk us through the truth behind Data Science and its significant relevance to our digital economy. https://www.analytiksinc.com/