Archives: team-member

Rakhil Fernando is a visionary entrepreneur and dynamic leader with a proven track record in e-commerce, fintech, and financial inclusion across Asia. As the CEO of Yabi, a transformative financial platform, he is redefining personal finance through innovative solutions such as the AI Personal Financial Coach. Rakhil’s mission is to enhance financial literacy and empower individuals by bridging financial education with actionable tools. Previously, Rakhil served as the Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Daraz Group (Alibaba International Digital Commerce), where he shaped corporate strategy and stakeholder engagement. As Managing Director of Daraz, he spearheaded initiatives that revolutionized e-commerce in South Asia, significantly impacting the region’s digital economy. Rakhil’s entrepreneurial journey includes founding KOKO, a South Asian Buy Now Pay Later (BNPL) service under the Alibaba Group, which expanded financial access across Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. He also established Kashmi, a pioneering neo-banking app in Singapore that introduced millennials to seamless solutions for spending, saving, investing, and budgeting. His career began in finance and banking, with roles at institutions like Credit Suisse, Eureka Hedge, and Coutts & Co Bank in Singapore, gaining extensive experience in wealth management and investment strategies. Rakhil holds a Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, a reflection of his passion for aviation and continuous learning, including training as a pilot. Beyond his professional endeavors, Rakhil is deeply committed to social impact. As a Goodwill Ambassador for Habitat for Humanity, he champions housing initiatives for underserved communities, contributing to sustainable development worldwide. Rakhil Fernando’s blend of corporate acumen, entrepreneurial drive, and dedication to social good positions him as a trailblazer in fostering financial inclusion, e-commerce innovation, and community development in emerging markets.

Zeena Zalamea is a dynamic UAE-based broadcaster, producer, and entrepreneur with an impressive portfolio of over 10,000 hours of content spanning television, radio, and podcasts. Renowned for her ability to craft compelling narratives, Zeena is a passionate advocate for the regional startup ecosystem and a leader in the media industry. Her entrepreneurial ventures reflect her commitment to creativity and impactful storytelling. She is the founder of Soundbite, a media consultancy specializing in innovative content strategies, and the co-founder of Portal Productions, a podcast production company dedicated to delivering engaging audio experiences. With a career rooted in excellence and an unwavering dedication to quality, Zeena continues to inspire and shape the evolving landscape of media and entrepreneurship in the Middle East.

P K Singh is a dynamic first-generation entrepreneur with over 12 years of hands-on experience as a Purchasing and Supply Chain Specialist. His expertise has made an immediate and significant impact on cost optimization and quality improvements, achieving multimillion-dollar savings through Purchasing Intelligence, process enhancements, and exceptional team performance. With extensive domestic and international experience, he has successfully upgraded in-house ERP systems and implemented leading ERP solutions, including SAP and Microsoft Dynamics, across diverse industries such as Automotive, Conglomerates, FMCG, and Food Processing. Entrepreneurial Journey with PCS Ventures As the founder of PCS Ventures, a Big 4-style consulting firm for startups, MSMEs, and established businesses, P K Singh has driven transformative results: Recognition & Awards Impactful Leadership With an impressive track record in strategic decision-making, technology transfer, and scaling startups, P K Singh continues to mentor and inspire entrepreneurs, creating meaningful change in industries through innovative solutions and sustainable practices.

Naoual Slimani is the visionary Founder, Chief Executive Officer, and President of NS ADVISORY, established in 2022. With a hands-on leadership approach, she actively oversees the company’s operations, guiding its business strategy, driving financial performance, and spearheading expansion efforts across global markets. Ms. Slimani is a trusted leader in the payments industry, bringing profound expertise in financial technology and related domains. Her career is marked by a series of impactful roles in the cards industry, with experience spanning the UK, Europe, and North America. At NS ADVISORY, she is instrumental in crafting innovative solutions and delivering strategic insights that empower clients to navigate the complexities of the payment landscape. Her ability to anticipate industry trends and implement forward-thinking strategies has solidified her reputation as a dynamic force in fintech. Ms. Slimani’s commitment to excellence and passion for innovation continue to drive NS ADVISORY’s growth and influence in the global financial ecosystem.

Mohammed Al Alami is a seasoned professional in the fintech, payments, and crypto industries, with extensive experience driving growth through strategic partnerships and innovative commercial operations. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce in International Business from the University of Wollongong, a foundation that fuels his mission to transform financial landscapes and simplify compliance for businesses across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. With a proven track record of success, Mohammed has spearheaded several impactful initiatives: As the founder of Riskreen, Mohammed has created a revolutionary compliance tool that protects businesses by ensuring they are not inadvertently associated with individuals or entities listed by the UN and UAE consolidated lists. His commitment to fostering trust and reliability in business operations is unmatched. A dynamic team player, Mohammed thrives on delivering value and achieving growth for all stakeholders. His passion for gaming reflects his strategic mindset, adaptability, and enthusiasm for tackling challenges head-on. With his deep industry knowledge and unwavering dedication, Mohammed Al Alami continues to reshape the fintech, payments, and crypto sectors, building a future where businesses can innovate securely and thrive globally.

Yash Gandhi, CFA, FRM, MBA, is a distinguished leader specializing in Strategy, Digital Transformation, and Corporate Development, with extensive expertise spanning Insurance, Fintech, Banking, and the Public Sector. Currently serving as the Chief Corporate Development Officer at InsuranceMarket.ae, he leads strategic partnerships, the development of new ventures, and digital innovation initiatives within the organization. Previously, Yash played a transformative role at Policybazaar Group, where he managed corporate development, strategic initiatives, public policy, and investor relations, contributing significantly to the company’s $6 billion IPO. His tenure as the Fintech Head at Invest India, a Government of India initiative, involved collaboration with fintechs, government ministries, and regulators on policy advocacy, regulatory frameworks, and market entry strategies, supporting the fintech ecosystem under the “Make in India” and “Startup India” programs. Yash’s professional journey also includes impactful roles at Citibank in Corporate & Investment Banking and Edelweiss Capital in Capital Markets. He holds CFA and FRM certifications and an MBA in Finance from the University of Mumbai. With a wealth of cross-industry experience, Yash is a thought leader in Open Banking, embedded finance, and digital ecosystems.

Srinivasan Chalapathi is a seasoned insurance professional with over 30 years of expertise in General Insurance and Reinsurance. A Fellow in General Insurance, his distinguished career spans leadership roles across India and the GCC, including stints at top-tier insurance and broking firms. Currently, he serves as the Executive Director at Solus Insurance Brokers DMCC in Dubai, where he oversees Reinsurance Treaties, product conceptualization, and General Insurance operations. Renowned as an Aviation Specialist, he brings a wealth of experience to the table, complemented by his deep knowledge of emerging insurance domains like Cyber Insurance, Directors & Officers (D&O) Liability, and other specialized liabilities. Throughout his career, Chalapathi has held key leadership positions, including Executive Director at Howden Insurance Brokers, JdV Insurance Brokers, and Avon Insurance and Reinsurance Brokers, as well as CEO of Driesassur Middle East in the UAE. Additionally, he served as the SEO for Bahrain National Insurance in Qatar and Bahrain. His expertise extends to start-up operations, business revival, underwriting, and new product development, with a proven track record of delivering results. A regular keynote speaker at global insurance summits, Chalapathi has also contributed extensively to the field through his published articles on insurance and claims consulting. His experience spans handling mega and major projects across diverse industries within the GCC and India, making him a trusted authority in the insurance and reinsurance landscape.

Nadja Bester is a multifaceted entrepreneur, board member, advisor, award-winning startup mentor, international speaker, author, and podcast host. With nearly 20 years of experience in marketing and communications, Nadja’s expertise has shaped industries ranging from pharmaceuticals to blockchain. She is the host of The Future of NFTs podcast, where she explores groundbreaking trends in technology and innovation. Her entrepreneurial journey includes founding and operating two successful marketing agencies, as well as serving as Chief Digital Marketing Officer in the pharmaceutical industry, where she spearheaded impactful campaigns. Since 2017, Nadja has been a trailblazer in the blockchain sector, leveraging her skills as a consultant and fractional Chief Marketing Officer to help companies raise over $300 million in funding. A recognized thought leader, Nadja’s contributions extend to journalism, having written for respected publications like Bitcoin.com and Investing.com. Her insights and expertise have earned her features in renowned media outlets such as International Business Times, Benzinga, HackerNoon, Be in Crypto, and L’Atelier BNP Paribas. As a passionate advocate for innovation, Nadja serves as a mentor to startups, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs to think boldly and creatively. Her dynamic approach and strategic vision make her a sought-after advisor and keynote speaker at global events. Nadja Bester is a driving force in the intersection of marketing, blockchain, and technology, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and shaping the future of industries worldwide.

Aina Hatano is a trailblazing entrepreneur and seasoned investment professional renowned for her expertise in cross-border M&A, venture capital, and fintech innovation. With an impressive career spanning 18 years, she has successfully executed over 130 M&A transactions totaling more than 1 trillion yen, solidifying her reputation as a leading authority in global finance and transformative business growth. As the Founder and CEO of Waveland Group, Aina leads groundbreaking initiatives in global business development, focusing on high-growth opportunities in technology and finance. She also serves as the CFO of Core Semiconductor, where her strategic acumen has been instrumental in advancing Japan’s semiconductor alliance strategy, overseeing acquisitions, and fostering collaboration to drive industry innovation. Aina’s entrepreneurial achievements include co-founding a pioneering edtech company that attracted over 100,000 paid subscribers worldwide before its successful acquisition by a U.S. firm. This milestone highlights her ability to identify and scale transformative opportunities at the intersection of education and technology. Beyond her professional ventures, Aina is a passionate advocate for knowledge-sharing and community building. She has created a trusted platform for Japanese parents, offering insights on child-rearing and entrance exam strategies, and her personal media initiatives have reached millions through widely-read blogs and online networks. Aina holds a Bachelor’s degree in Economics and Educational Psychology, providing her with a unique perspective on finance, innovation, and high-stakes negotiation. Recognized for her dynamic leadership and forward-thinking vision, she continues to shape the future at the confluence of global finance, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Marlon Sanchez is a prominent figure in the global financial industry, with over 20 years of experience specializing in alternative investment strategies. He began his career as an analyst in debt capital markets at Morgan Stanley in New York and later enhanced his global expertise by studying in France before earning an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. His career highlights include serving as Managing Director and Co-Head of APAC Equity Distribution at Deutsche Bank, where he spearheaded global equity sales in the Asia Pacific region. Since 2014, Marlon has focused on connecting global investor capital with top-tier hedge fund talent as the Founder and CEO of Skyway Pacific. Marlon is renowned for his deep understanding of the Asia Pacific hedge fund market, leveraging his network and insights to construct resilient portfolios and foster innovation in emerging markets. As a keynote speaker, he has shared his expertise at conferences worldwide, from Dubai to London, further establishing himself as a thought leader in finance and investments. Originally from St. Petersburg, Florida, Marlon has lived in Asia for over 20 years and currently resides in Hong Kong with his wife and two daughters.