BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series
The BankTech Asia 2025 conference emerged as a groundbreaking platform that transcended traditional banking paradigms, delving into the expansive landscape of financial technology and its impact beyond conventional business boundaries. With a visionary approach, the conference aimed to redefine the future of banking by exploring innovative technologies, disruptive trends, and strategic collaborations reshaping the financial industry.
The conference sessions navigated beyond traditional banking spheres, embracing diverse themes such as FinTech innovations, cybersecurity imperatives, AI-driven transformations, and the fusion of technology with customer-centric approaches. Moreover, the discourse expanded into the realms of sustainability, regulatory compliance, and the ethical dimensions of FinTech evolution.
Registration for 15th Annual Conference and Exhibition BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series
Panel Discussion: Beyond the Black Box: Can Finance Trust the Minds We’ve Built?
- Explore the moral compass of machines and fairness in AI-driven lending decisions.
- AI systems like credit scoring models and machine learning algorithms (e.g., decision trees, neural networks) are increasingly used in lending. However, can these systems ensure fairness, or do they perpetuate biases and ethical concerns in financial decisions?
- Can transparency in algorithms build customer trust? Algorithms such as explainable AI (XAI) models, used for credit approvals or risk assessments, could foster trust if they are transparent. However, the complexity of these systems raises the question of whether full transparency can be both feasible and effective in building customer confidence.
Keynote Address: The Future of Banking: AI’s Revolution in the Financial Landscape
- Explore the transformative potential of AI within the banking sector, current applications, and future implications.
- Learn how AI technologies are reshaping traditional banking models, streamlining operations, and elevating customer experiences.
Selva Nagappan
Organising Chairperson, BankTech Asia 2025 - Kuala Lumpur Series
Keynote Address: Next-Gen Banking: Redefining Credit, Fraud Detection, and Customer Engagement for Tomorrow’s World
- Narrow and Limited Memory AI is transforming real-time financial services by enabling machines to process and respond to data swiftly, enhancing banking efficiency.
- AI technologies are driving intelligent decision-making in credit scoring, fraud detection, and customer engagement, leading to more personalized and secure financial experiences.
Morning Refreshment and Exhibition Walkabout
Panel Discussion: The Fintech Forge: Startups Ignite, Giants Dominate, AI Decides
- Who innovates better – nimble fintechs or AI-powered banking titans? Fintech startups drive fast, disruptive innovation, while banking giants use AI to scale solutions globally. Which force leads the charge in fintech evolution?
- Explore collaborations that merge startup agility with corporate scale. Partnerships between nimble fintechs and large institutions combine speed with stability. Together, they unlock new possibilities and expand reach in the market.
Presentation: The Brain of the Bank: How Learning Systems Are Creating Smarter Financial Institutions
- AI-powered decision engines are transforming banks into smarter, more efficient institutions with data-driven insights and real-time decision-making.
- Expert systems, leveraging Machine Learning and Knowledge-Based AI, can now synthesize complex financial knowledge like human analysts, improving accuracy and efficiency.
Networking Luncheon and Exhibition Walkabout
Presentation: Ghost Protocol: Machine Minds vs. the Shadows of Cybercrime
- Reactive AI and Adaptive AI systems are fortifying banking infrastructure, responding to cyber threats in real-time with precision and speed.
- The new frontier of cybersecurity is powered by Machine Learning and AI-driven threat detection systems, leading the charge in detecting and neutralizing cybercrime shadows.
Panel Discussion: When the Code Knows You: Inside the Silent Forecaster That Sees What’s Coming
- How Limited Memory AI is transforming predictive analytics in customer behavior. Limited Memory AI, which learns from past data trends, is reshaping how companies forecast customer actions. From personalized offers to proactive service, it’s driving smarter, real-time decisions.
- What’s next after customer drop-off prediction and lead scoring? Beyond drop-off and leads, AI is moving into deeper intent detection, lifetime value forecasting, and emotion-driven insights. The next frontier lies in predicting not just actions—but motivations.
Presentation: Money with a Mind of Its Own: The Emotional Evolution of Banking
- Emotionally intelligent banking agents, powered by Emotion AI and Affective Computing, are reshaping how banks connect with customers on a human level.
- Using emotion recognition systems and Natural Language Processing (NLP), banks can offer hyper-personalized financial planning that aligns with both emotional and financial needs.
Fireside Chat: Fortifying the Digital Fortress: Zero Trust Security in the New Age of Banking
- Zero Trust security models ensure that trust is never assumed, requiring continuous verification at every access point. AI-powered tools like Machine Learning and Behavior Analytics identify and authenticate users in real-time, preventing unauthorized access.
- AI systems such as Threat Detection and Predictive Analytics continuously assess and adapt to emerging threats, fortifying bank infrastructures. With automated risk assessment tools, financial institutions can proactively identify and neutralize potential breaches, ensuring secure financial transactions.
Evening Refreshment and End of Day One BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series
Registration of BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series
Panel Discussion: Unleashing the Power of GenAI: Transforming Finance with Creative Minds Beyond the Code
- The dawn of Generative AI in banking explores how this technology is poised to revolutionize finance by creating personalized financial solutions and transforming predictive analytics into creative, dynamic systems.
- Generative AI enables banks to design entirely new products, forecast customer needs with unprecedented precision, and adapt to financial trends in real-time, driving innovation across the industry.
Keynote Presentation: The Rise of the Financial Gods: From Narrow AI to Machines That Feel and Think
- From today’s Narrow AI tools to the rise of AGI (Artificial General Intelligence) and Super AI, the future of finance is being reshaped by machines that can think and learn beyond human capabilities.
- Imagine a world where machines not only grasp finance better than humans but also use emotional intelligence to make empathetic and insightful decisions.
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Morning Refreshment and Exhibition Walkabout
Presentation: The Digital Compass: How Intelligent Systems Are Leading the Green Revolution in Sustainable Banking
- AI tools like Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), and AI-driven ESG scoring systems are helping banks analyze data and make informed decisions to support sustainable and responsible banking practices.
- Through Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and Computer Vision, banks streamline ESG compliance and monitor environmental impacts, advancing their sustainability and governance efforts.
Panel Discussion: Hacking the Hackers: Mind AI Powering Banking Security
- Banks are increasingly exploring next-gen technologies such as AI-driven threat detection, blockchain, biometric authentication, and advanced encryption techniques to counter evolving cyber threats. While Theory of Mind AI (ToM AI) is still in its conceptual and experimental phase, it presents promising potential for future applications in anticipating attacker intent and understanding user behavior on a deeper, cognitive level.
- The panel will discuss how behavioral analytics and early-stage emotional pattern recognition could evolve into ToM AI capabilities—paving the way for proactive, psychologically aware cybersecurity strategies that maintain a critical balance between innovation and customer trust in a high-threat environment.
Networking Luncheon and Exhibition Walkabout
Panel Discussion: Wealth Management in the Age of AI: Can Human Intuition Keep Up?
- Human financial advisors bring emotional intelligence and personalized insight, while hybrid advisory models blend this with AI’s data-driven precision to enhance decision-making. This fusion is reshaping client relationships and redefining trust in financial guidance.
- Can human intuition truly keep pace with AI’s rapid evolution in wealth management? The panel will explore how emotional intelligence, ethics, and technology converge to shape the future of financial advising.
Presentation: Digital Banking Gurus: The Quiet Revolution of AI Assistants in Banking
- Virtual assistants are personalizing digital banking experiences by understanding customer preferences and providing customized support.
- NLP (Natural Language Processing) and Limited Memory AI are setting new customer service standards by improving communication and enabling real-time, intelligent responses.
Panel Discussion: Narrow Intelligence, Monumental Change: How Specialized Systems Are Building Tomorrow’s Financial Powerhouses
- Narrow AI has transformed banking through specialized systems, enhancing operations and delivering superior customer experiences across the industry.
- To scale and govern these tools responsibly, banks must implement effective frameworks for AI ethics, compliance, and ongoing management.
Lightning Chats: CTRL+ALT+FINANCE: Rebooting the System in the Age of Thinking Machines
- What happens when banks no longer need bankers, and AI takes the driver’s seat in finance? As algorithms replace advisors, are we risking efficiency at the cost of human wisdom?
- Could AI spark a financial Renaissance—or unintentionally light the fuse for the next crisis? As we code the future of money, are we ready for the responsibility that comes with it?
Evening Refreshment and End of BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series
Some of Our Past Speakers
Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe
Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Dr. P. Nandalal Weerasinghe
Governor, Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Dr. P Nandalal Weerasinghe holds a PhD and a Master’s Degree in Economics from the Australian National University (ANU), and a B.Sc. Degree from the University of Kelaniya. Dr. Weerasinghe served at the Central Bank of Sri Lanka nearly 30 years in different capacities including Chief Economist/Director of Economic Research, Assistant Governor, Deputy Governor and Senior Deputy Governor. He also served as an Alternate Executive Director for India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Bhutan, at the IMF. Dr. Weerasinghe served as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Colombo, Visiting Research Economist at the SEACEN Centre and Visiting Research Fellow at the ANU. He has published several research papers in international and local journals. Dr. Weerasinghe worked as an Independent Consultant for economic and financial matters for multilateral agencies and global investment firms prior to assuming duties as the 17th Governor of the Central Bank in April 2022.
Dr. Kenneth De Zilwa
Chairman, LankaPay
Dr. Kenneth De Zilwa
Chairman, LankaPay
Dr. Kenneth De Zilwa is the 5th Chairman of LankaPay appointed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka, and brings over 20 years of extensive banking experience, specializing in investment banking financial markets. Dr. De Zilwa notable achievements include a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s USD Sovereign Bond Issuance and drafting derivative guidelines at HSBC. As Chairman of the Financial Sector Stability Consultative Committee, Dr. De Zilwa actively ensures systemic stability. Beyond LankaPay, Dr. De Zilwa contributes significantly to committees like the Monetary Policy Consultative Committee and the National Payment Council. Dr. De Zilwa leadership at the Sri Lanka Forex Association gained international recognition, elevating its stature. Dr. De Zilwa holds a Ph.D., an MA in Economics, and additional qualifications. Active in policy discussions and owner of reputable journals, Dr. De Zilwa diverse contributions positions him as a pivotal figure in Sri Lanka’s financial landscape, enhancing the country's standing nationally and internationally.
Chami Senewiratne
Head, Digital Banking, Seylan Bank PLC
Chami Senewiratne
Head, Digital Banking, Seylan Bank PLC
Chami is a seasoned ICT and Fintech professional, possessing vast experience designing unique customer experiences around Finance, Internet, Telecommunication and IS Security services. Chami specializes in consulting and supporting Start-up operations on Technology and recently, in the Fintech start-ups and the Banking Industry. The experience in all these areas has placed Chami on the Vendor and Operator side of the ICT and Banking industry. Chami works relentlessly to find unique, innovative and value adding services in the banking industry. Chami is driven by finding solutions to problems and challenged by seeking answers for them. Chami specializes in Technology based services from ICT, Fintech and IS Security. Chami also has a great deal of experience in setting B2C,B2B and E/M-commerce service offering.
Rajkumar Kanagasingam
President, Fintech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL)
Rajkumar Kanagasingam
President, Fintech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL)
Rajkumar is the Founding President of FinTech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL) and has participated at a number of international forums (in India, Dubai, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore, Vietnam) as a speaker, moderator, facilitator and as a judge. Rajkumar is also the Founder and CEO of Asian FinTech Academy (AFTA) which organises “Asia Digital Finance Forum & Awards” annually conducts Executive Programs on Fintech, Blockchain enabled Digital Assets and Artificial Intelligence in Finance. Rajkumar is the Founder and CEO of Ambuli International, a consultancy firm which focuses on Digital Assets.
Sumudu Gunawardena
Chief Information Officer, Commercial Bank of Ceylon
Sumudu Gunawardena
Chief Information Officer, Commercial Bank of Ceylon
Gunawardhana graduated from the University of Moratuwa in Computer Science and Engineering with honours and obtained the Associate Membership of the Institute of Bankers of Sri Lanka. Gunawardhana acquired a Masters Degree in General Management from the University of Colombo and is a member of the project management institute of USA. Gunawardhana holds an Executive Diploma in General Management from Sloan Business School of MIT USA. Gunawardhana is also a passed finalist of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) of the UK. Gunawardhana is the Chief Information Officer of the Commercial Bank of Ceylon PLC and the Managing Director of CBC Technologies (PVT) Ltd. Before joining Commercial Bank, Gunawardhana worked at HCL Sri Lanka, Virtusa Corporation, Millennium IT, Pramuka Bank, Standard Chartered Bank and JB Stock Brokers. Being in the industry for more than 30 years, Gunawardhana has a vast experience in Technology transformation, Business growth and change management, IT Operation, Business law and contract negotiation and Stakeholder Management.
Randil Boteju
Chief Digital Officer, Nations Trust Bank PLC
Randil Boteju
Chief Digital Officer, Nations Trust Bank PLC
Randil is a Chief Digital Officer at Nations Trust Bank PLC, began his career in Banking and Finance in 2003 and has held various leadership roles in Sales, Cards, Consumer lending, Retail Banking, Business Management, and Digital. Randil is an MBA holder and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Marketing UK and the Sri Lanka Institute of Marketing. Renowned for consistent results, Randil currently spearheads the digital journey of NTB, driving strategic growth initiatives and overseeing External and Internal Digitalization as well as Frimi and related eco systems at Nations Trust Bank. Randil played a pivotal role in establishing the bank as the largest issuer of credit cards in Sri Lanka and is recognized for his team leadership and pioneering innovative initiatives in the industry.
Aries Setiadi
Executive Director, Asosiasi Fintech Indonesia (AFTECH), Indonesia
Aries Setiadi
Executive Director, Asosiasi Fintech Indonesia (AFTECH), Indonesia
Aries spearheads the formulation and implementation of AFTECH's policy framework, fostering collaboration with key stakeholders such as regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to propel Indonesia's fintech sector forward. With a primary objective of bridging the gap between fintech and public policy, Aries leverages 14 years of policy expertise gained at Indonesia's Ministry of Finance. In roles at the Secretariat of the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK) and the Directorate General of Budget, Aries offered crucial insights on macroeconomic updates, budget analysis, and financial system stability. A seasoned educator, Aries served as an adjunct lecturer at Politeknik Keuangan Negara STAN, covering microeconomics, macroeconomics, budgeting, and public policy. Holding a Master of Public Administration in Development Practice from Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA), Aries is a passionate advocate for sustainable development, good governance, social inclusion, and the transformative potential of technology in development.
Shadab Taiyabi
President, Singapore FinTech Association (SFA), Singapore
Shadab Taiyabi
President, Singapore FinTech Association (SFA), Singapore
Shadab is the President of the Singapore FinTech Association (SFA), the national industry association and a cross-industry initiative designed to facilitate collaboration between all market participants and stakeholders in the FinTech ecosystem. SFA brings together a strong community to foster collaboration, innovation and partnerships among members and the industry at-large, with the goal of strengthening Singapore’s position as a global FinTech hub. As the elected President since 2021, Shadab leads the SFA Executive Committee, which sets the strategic direction for its activities related to representation and advocacy, fostering business growth, facilitating access to capital and opportunities as well as growing the FinTech talent pool. Shadab has over 18 years of experience working in the financial services industry with over 14 years at FinTech companies. Shadab has a strong track record of growing businesses in the fintech space and is a thought-leader across multiple diverse fintech segments such as wealthtech, insurtech, payments, digital financing as well as web3.0 applications in financial services.
Suresh Emmanuel
Chief Information Security Officer, Hatton National Bank PLC
Suresh Emmanuel
Chief Information Security Officer, Hatton National Bank PLC
Suresh is an expert in information and cybersecurity professional, with over 16 years of extensive experience in the field. Suresh is currently the Assistant General Manager, Information Security/ Chief Information Security Officer for the Hatton National Bank PLC, one of largest private banks in country. Suresh has a proven track record of successfully managing complex cybersecurity projects and assignments, applying information and cyber security policies and procedures to achieve business objectives. Suresh is a professional member the ISACA-USA, ISC² - USA and a Fellow Member of British Computer Society, UK. His past experiences include working in the capacity of Assistant Vice President Information Security for Nations Trust Bank PLC and other key cyber and information security roles in PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), LOLC, Sri Lankan Airlines and Deloitte. Currently, he also serves as the chairman for CISO Community circle under ISC² Sri Lankan Chapter and he’s also been an active panelist and distinguished speaker for multiple leading conferences, including largest global Cybersecurity summit GISEC, multiple summits and events organized by Asian Bankers Association, The Economic Times, Dynamic CIO, Computer Society of Sri Lanka, ISC2, ISACA and Ministry of Digital Infrastructure.
Damitha Silva
Head of Product Life Cycle Management, National Development Bank PLC
Damitha Silva
Head of Product Life Cycle Management, National Development Bank PLC
Damitha is a strategic digital leader with over 25 years of experience. He has exposure in consumer banking, international trade, banking operations, products and business development. NDB has launched many first time digital financial services under Damitha’s leadership and won local and global awards including best digital bank for 2 consecutive years from the prestigious “Global Finance Magazine - UK".
Dushyantha Dassanayake
Assistant General Manager Information Technology Systems, Sampath Bank
Dushyantha Dassanayake
Assistant General Manager Information Technology Systems, Sampath Bank
Dushyantha has been working in the IT sector of the banking and financial services industry for more than 34 years, and currently lead the Information Technology department at Sampath Bank as the Assistant GM IT Systems. Dushyantha mission is to leverage digital technologies and strategies to transform the financial supply chain with end-to-end digital solutions and electronic delivery channels for both enterprise and personal e-banking customers. As a PMP certified project manager and an MBA graduate, Dushyantha have the skills and knowledge to plan, execute, and deliver complex and multidisciplinary projects within time and budget constraints and has successfully implemented innovative and user-friendly solutions for B2B, corporate, and retail e-banking, such as NFC based payments, P2P micro fund transfers, and e-remittance. Dushyantha also has the expertise in UI/UX design, systems development life cycle, and electronic delivery channel management. Dushyantha’s core competencies include digital innovation, digital strategy, change and innovation management, and project management.
Manisha Wimalasuriya
Additional Director, Payments and Settlements Department Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Manisha Wimalasuriya
Additional Director, Payments and Settlements Department Central Bank of Sri Lanka
Manual Ekanayake
Assistant Vice President, Head of Payments and Cash Management, DFCC Bank
Mathew Joseph
Director, Head of CIMB AI Labs, CIMB, India
Mathew Joseph
Director, Head of CIMB AI Labs, CIMB, India
Mathew is the Director and Head of CIMB bank AI Labs, a fully owned subsidiary of CIMB group. Mathew is also a member of the Board of Directors at CIMB AI Labs. CIMB is the fifth largest banking group in the ASEAN region having operations in 14 countries and market capitalization of USD 14 billion. Mathew is is currently leading the design and development of artificial intelligence solutions to drive the business strategy, manage business decisions and provide personalized products and services to the CIMB bank customers spread across different countries in Asia. Mathew is an official Mentor of Kerala Startup Mission. Kerala Startup Mission is one of the largest startup business incubators in India promoted by the Government of Kerala. Mathew is a keynote speaker in International conferences and Universities and has delivered guest lectures on Artificial Intelligence to the different Indian Institute of Managements (IIMs), Indian Institute of Technologies (IITs) and many other leading international universities and industry bodies. Mathew has experience in software development, Product & Solution development, Data Strategy & Architecture, Technology Consulting, Project management, Practice & P&L Management, starting initiatives from scratch and building local & global teams. Mathew is an accomplished professional in Data Science with proven expertise of building a Data Science practice from ground zero.
Nizath Mustapha
Head of Digital Development and Automation, Amana Bank
Nizath Mustapha
Head of Digital Development and Automation, Amana Bank
With over 20 years of extensive IT experience, including 7+ years in senior managerial roles, Nizath brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the table. Nizath’s diverse industry exposure spans the banking, automotive, couriers, and software development sectors, where Nizath has gained direct hands-on experience in various aspects of Information Technology and digital transformation. Nizath expertise encompasses cutting-edge IT concepts, digitally disruptive technologies, and their application in driving digital transformation. Currently, Nizath holds a pivotal role at Amana Bank PLC, Sri Lanka as senior manager and MidCom Member. From its inception, Nozath has played a vital role in establishing the bank's IT infrastructure from the ground up as the Head of Digital Development & Automation, Nizath is responsible for providing strategic recommendations for enterprise IT initiatives, policy development, and the digital journey of the bank. Additionally, Nizath is a member of few board level and top management level committees and regular invitee to the Bank CIO Forum (BCIOF) as the deputy to the CIO.
Roger Norton
Executive Director - Country Head of Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank
Roger Norton
Executive Director - Country Head of Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank
Roger assumed duties at Standard Chartered in September 2010. With over 20 years of Banking and Finance experience across Transaction Banking, Retail Banking and Operations, Roger has been instrumental in expanding the Transaction Banking business and rolling out several value-added capabilities including digital transactions and supply chain finance platforms. Under Roger's leadership, Transaction Banking won numerous marquee deals and accolades including ‘Best Trade Finance Bank’ and ‘Best e Solutions Bank’ at The Asset Asian Awards (AAA).
Sandun Hapugoda
Country Manager - Sri Lanka and Maldives, Mastercard
Sandun Hapugoda
Country Manager - Sri Lanka and Maldives, Mastercard
Sandun joined Mastercard in 2017 to lead the company’s Digital and Value Added Services business in Sri Lanka and Maldives. Since then Sandun has been instrumental in deepening the company’s partnerships with banking and non-banking financial institutions, fintechs and merchants by enhancing and streamlining their digital payment journeys. Sandun was also actively involved in the launch of the first EMV mPOS solution, SoftPOS and Mastercard’s cyber and intelligence solutions in the region. Prior to joining Mastercard, Sandun was Head of Payments and Cash Management for Hatton National Bank, and led the digital banking team. Before that, Sandun has held managerial roles across diverse areas including information security and risk, IT management and card operations at Amana Bank, ICICI Bank (Sri Lanka) and Sampath Bank. Outside of Mastercard, Sandun is a member of the committee appointed by the Ministry of Technology, Government of Sri Lanka, to advise cabinet members on digital banking, blockchain related industries and cryptocurrency policy formulation. Sandun is also a steering committee member for the National Science Foundation for technology research.
Sithambaram Sri Ganendra
Senior Vice President Operations and Chief Information Security Officer, Union Bank of Colombo
Sithambaram Sri Ganendra
Senior Vice President Operations and Chief Information Security Officer, Union Bank of Colombo