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?
- Assessing AI’s impact on lending decisions and discover strategies for ensuring fairness, reducing bias, and upholding ethical standards.
- Leveraging Explainable AI (XAI) to clarify credit and risk assessments, boost customer confidence, and build financial trust through algorithmic transparency.
Speaker:
Bobby Varanasi
Chief Executive Officer, Regenerative Futures, Malaysia
Speakers:
Ranjini Suppiah
Group Head of Legal, Risk & Compliance, Boost Bank, Malaysia
Lakshitha Jayaweera
Vice President – Information Technology and Infrastructure, Citi, Sri Lanka
Dr. Guru Subramanian Anand
Former Executive Director, Mizuho Bank, Singapore
Opening Remarks by Selva Nagappan, Organizing Chairman, 15th Annual Conference and Exhibition
BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series and Managing Director, Knowledge Group of Companies
Keynote Address: Harnessing AI and Generative AI for Financial Inclusion – Balancing Innovation, Trust, and Regulation
- Explore how these technologies can expand access to customized financial services for underserved communities, supporting national digital economy objectives.
- Emphasize regulatory initiatives to ensure trust and transparency in AI-powered banking, creating a secure and competitive financial ecosystem.
Morning Refreshment and Exhibition Walkabout
Ghost Protocol: Machine Minds vs. the Shadows of Cybercrime
- Discover how Reactive and Adaptive AI systems enhance banking infrastructure, countering cyber threats with real-time precision to build a more resilient and secure banking infrastructure.
- Learn how Machine Learning and AI-driven threat detection systems lead the fight against cybercrime to proactively mitigate and manage cyber risks effectively.
ManageEngine at BankTech Asia
Networking Luncheon and Exhibition Walkabout
From Digital to Human – How AI is Shaping the Future of Customer Experience in Banking
- Explore how banks are already using AI, data, and personalization to deepen customer engagement and strengthen trust in digital channels.
- Look ahead to the possibilities of Emotion AI and affective computing—the next frontier in banking, where technology won’t just process transactions but also understand customer emotions to create more human-centered financial experiences.
Speaker:
Cyrene Kong
Chief Digital Officer, RHB Bank, Malaysia
Adaptive Cyber Defense: Real-World Strategies for a Hyperconnected World
- Explore how integrated detection and response frameworks—powered by modern XDR and MDR solutions—enable rapid threat detection and response across complex, hyperconnected environments.
- Learn how automation, machine learning, and real-world strategies can help build resilient, adaptive defenses to counter evolving cyber threats.
Speaker:
Caddy Tan
Vice President of Sales, APAC, LMNTRIX, Singapore
Panel Discussion: Narrow Intelligence, Monumental Change: How Specialized Systems Are Building Tomorrow’s Financial Powerhouses
- Learn how Narrow AI is changing banks by powering specialized systems that make operations more efficient and improve customer experiences.
- Identify the importance to have strong rules and oversight for AI ethics, compliance, and ongoing management to ensure these technologies are used responsibly.
Moderator:
Michael Heaney
Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
Speaker:
Melvin Ooi,
Chief Executive Officer, Ryt Bank, Malaysia
Dr. Guru Subramanian Anand
Former Executive Director, Mizuho Bank, Singapore
Cracking the Code of AI Scams and Deepfake Bank Heists
- Explore real-world case studies of AI-driven banking scams and digital impersonation tactics used in high-trust fraud.
- Discover how advanced analytics, AI tools, and cross-agency collaboration are used to detect, disrupt, and dismantle cybercriminal networks.
Speaker:
ACP Tay Kim Chuan
Head of Commercial Crime Department, Royal Malaysian Police
Evening Refreshment and End of Day One BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series
Registration for 15th Annual Conference and Exhibition BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series
Panel Discussion: Unleashing the Power of GenAI – Transforming Finance with Creative Minds Beyond the Code
- Discover how Generative AI drives hyper-personalization, smarter forecasting, and real-time decisions to deliver intuitive customer experiences and innovative financial products.
- Learn how financial institutions can harness Generative AI to innovate faster by designing smarter products, anticipating customer behaviours, and staying ahead of market shifts with greater agility.
Speaker:
Bobby Varanasi
Chief Executive Officer, Regenerative Futures, Malaysia
Speakers:
Dr. Martin Leo
Former APAC Head of Technology Risk, Citi & State Street Bank, Singapore
Gaitri Sharma
Chief Risk Officer, Group Global Banking, Maybank, Malaysia
The Brain of the Bank: How Learning Systems Are Creating Smarter Financial Institutions
- Explore how real-time, data-driven insights are making banks smarter and more efficient, enhancing their decision-making processes.
- Learn how Machine Learning and Knowledge-Based AI can interpret complex financial data like human analysts, enhancing accuracy and operational efficiency.
Speaker:
Lakshitha Jayaweera
Vice President – Information Technology Business Lead Analyst, Citibank, Sri Lanka
Morning Refreshment and Exhibition Walkabout
Bridging Borders and Becoming Future Fit: Innovation in Liquidity Management
- Digital tools enhance real-time visibility and forecasting, helping treasurers optimize global liquidity and funding decisions.
- Emerging technologies empower users with greater financial control, fueling innovation and competition in the financial ecosystem.
Panel Discussion: Hacking the Hackers – Mind AI Powering Banking Security
- Revealing how banks are using AI to detect and prevent cyber threats, combining technologies like blockchain, biometrics, and encryption for a more robust ecosystem.
- Uncover about the future potential of Theory of Mind AI, which could help banks better understand attacker and user behaviour, enabling more proactive and customer-friendly cybersecurity strategies.
Speaker:
Tanvinder Singh
Director, Cyber Security and Privacy, PwC South East Asia Consulting, Malaysia
Speaker:
Ruban Bala
Digital Trust & Cyber Risk, Advocate - Banking, Malaysia
Dr. Martin Leo
Former APAC Head of Technology Risk, Citi & State Street Bank, Singapore
Networking Luncheon and Exhibition Walkabout
When the Code Knows You: Inside the Silent Forecaster That Sees What’s Coming
- Exploring how banks can utilize past behavioural data to anticipate customer needs, tailor experiences, and drive engagement with real-time predictive insights for a seamless experience.
- Delving into AI’s ability to go beyond conventional drop-off rates and lead scoring by predicting deeper motivations and sentiment-driven actions that shape long-term customer relationships.
Panel Discussion: Shari’ah-Powered Digital Finance: Revolutionizing Governance and Growth
- Explore the transformation of Shari’ah-compliant financial models through AI and blockchain, driving inclusive economic ecosystems and transparent operations for diverse communities.
- Evaluate robust governance frameworks and advanced digital infrastructures, like secure cloud systems and smart contracts, to ensure compliance, foster trust, and scale Shari’ah-based financial services.
Speaker:
Aries Setiadi
Researcher, Center for Indonesian Policy Studies, Indonesia
Mohammad Ridzuan Abdul Aziz
Independent Director, Corporate Technology Strategist, AEON Bank, Malaysia
Mohd Feqah Mohd Ngadil
Head of Compliance, Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad, Malaysia
In Conversation: The Digital Compass: How Data Analytics Are Leading the Green Revolution in Sustainable Banking
- Examining the intelligent systems that are fundamentally changing sustainable banking by enabling the identification and promotion of green financial products and investments.
- Discuss on how data analytics and AI are providing banks with the tools to measure, reduce, and transparently report their environmental impact, driving the green revolution in sustainable banking.
Moderator:
Arina Kok
Asia-Pacific Climate Change Advisory Leader; Asean Climate Change and Sustainability Services Co-Leader; Malaysia Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader; and Partner, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd, Malaysia
Speaker:
Roy Heong
Chief Sustainability Officer, Alliance Bank, Malaysia
Lightning Chats: CTRL+ALT+FINANCE – Rebooting the System in the Age of Thinking Machines
- Dive into how AI is redefining the core of finance, as it moves from automating advice to reshaping risk, blurring the lines between code and cognition.
- Unpacking the high-stakes challenge of building intelligent financial systems that drive innovation responsibly while avoiding the next digital-era crisis.
Moderator:
Aries Setiadi
Researcher, Center for Indonesian Policy Studies, Indonesia
Evening Refreshment and End of BankTech Asia 2025: Kuala Lumpur Series
Our speakers
Arina Kok
Malaysia Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader, Ernst & Young Consulting
Arina Kok
Malaysia Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader, Ernst & Young ConsultingArina is a Partner, Malaysia Climate Change and Sustainability Services (CCaSS) Leader, Asia-Pacific Climate Change Advisory Leader, Asean Climate Change and Sustainability Services Co-Leader at Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd. She assists clients integrate sustainability into their long-term strategic and operational plans, creating lasting value, enhancing their reputation and build public trust. Her expertise lies primarily in sustainability consulting, ESG strategy, due diligence, framework development, outcome measurement and stakeholder management. Under her leadership, EY released the inaugural Climate Risk Disclosure Barometer 2020 Malaysia. In 2020, 2022 and 2023, she supported the Joint Committee for Climate Change (JC3) of Bank Negara Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia by facilitating capability-building workshops under the UK Prosperity Fund’s ASEAN Low Carbon Energy Programme. She has also engaged in discussions with the Ministry of Environment and Water, Bursa Malaysia and the Securities Commission Malaysia regarding green and social policies and standards for the country.
Mohammad Ridzuan Abdul Aziz
Non-Executive Director, AEON Bank Malaysia Berhad
Mohammad Ridzuan Abdul Aziz
Non-Executive Director, AEON Bank Malaysia BerhadMohammad Ridzuan Abdul Aziz brings over 25 years of leadership in commercial strategy, regulatory compliance, and fintech across Malaysia and Asia-Pacific. He serves as an independent director for WorldRemit Malaysia, AEON Bank Berhad, Dear Time Berhad, and Malaysia Rating Corporation Berhad. A fintech ecosystem builder, Ridzuan co-founded ventures including Rolling Pay, Fusang Digital Exchange, and PolicyStreet, and advises the Fintech Association of Malaysia. He’s a founding member of Faster Community (MENA fintech) and held the Secretary General role for the ASEAN Chapter of the Global Impact Fintech Forum. Ridzuan held senior compliance roles at Macquarie Bank and Nomura Investment Bank, and began his regulatory career at the Securities Commission during the Asian financial crisis. He helped shape Malaysia’s investment banking framework in 2002. A frequent industry advisor to universities, Ridzuan holds a BSc in Accounting and Finance from University of Wales, and an MBA in MIS from IIUM.
Melvin Ooi
Chief Executive Officer, Ryt Bank
Melvin Ooi
Chief Executive Officer, Ryt BankMelvin Ooi is a seasoned and accomplished leader with over 20 years of experience driving transformation and growth in banking, fintech, loyalty, and payments across Asia and Australia. He has held leadership roles at BonusLink, Alipay, American Express, and Maybank, and now serves as CEO of Ryt Bank, spearheading innovation and redefining the future of digital banking. Leveraging on his strategic insight and strong people leadership, he transforms ideas into tangible results. He holds a degree in Econometrics from the London School of Economics.
Ruban Bala
Digital Trust & Cyber Risk, Advocate - Banking
Ruban Bala
Digital Trust & Cyber Risk, Advocate - BankingRuban is Head of Infrastructure & Application Security Risk and Head of Cyber Risk at Ryt Bank, one of Malaysia’s leading financial institutions. With 22 years of experience across tech and industries, he champions technology risk, cloud security, application protection, and cyber resilience to safeguard critical assets. Previously, Ruban was part of the founding team at Digital Nasional Berhad, where he architected cybersecurity controls for Malaysia’s MYR 16.5B 5G initiative. As the nation’s first 5G telco security architect, he played a pivotal role in defining enterprise security frameworks and implementing threat detection and monitoring for the national wholesale 5G network serving all major telcos. His work spans designing robust security architectures, deploying advanced technologies, and ensuring global compliance. Ruban’s approach combines deep technical expertise with strategic foresight to deliver secure digital transformation at scale.
Michael Heaney
Partner, Technology Consulting, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn Bhd
Michael Heaney
Partner, Technology Consulting, Ernst & Young Consulting Sdn BhdMichael Heaney, is a senior business and digital transformation executive with over 25 years of financial services experience in consulting and industry roles across APAC, the US, EMEA, and Canada. Based in Malaysia, he leads EY’s Financial Services Business Strategy and Transformation practice and drives AI strategic capabilities across Asia. He has designed and led initiatives ranging from robust strategies and functional operations to innovative, digital, and disruptive approaches, and has previously held leadership positions at McKinsey, Oliver Wyman, Barclays Bank, and other global financial services firms.
Cyrene Kong
Chief Digital Officer, RHB Banking Group, Malaysia
Gaitri Sharma
Chief Risk Of ficer - Group Global Banking, Maybank
Gaitri Sharma
Chief Risk Of ficer - Group Global Banking, MaybankGaitri Sharma is Chief Risk Officer – Group Global Banking at Maybank, Malaysia’s largest financial services provider with a strong presence across ASEAN and global financial hubs. She oversees multi-pillar risk frameworks spanning credit, operational, market, sustainability, and governance. With over 24 years of global experience in risk, compliance, and technology across telecom and financial services, Gaitri has held leadership roles at AT&T and Capital One Bank in the U.S. Her key achievements include transforming enterprise risk functions, enhancing portfolio risk data, and strengthening operational resiliency through tech and talent. She serves on Maybank’s Executive and Board Committees, is a Board Member of the Asia Risk Advisory Board, and speaks at industry forums across Asia. A passionate DEI advocate, she fosters inclusive, community-reflective workplaces. Gaitri holds degrees in International Business (Widener), Information Science (Penn State), and an MBA in Strategic Leadership (Amberton).
Ranjini Suppiah
Group Head, Legal, Risk & Compliance, Boost Holdings Sdn Bhd
Ranjini Suppiah
Group Head, Legal, Risk & Compliance, Boost Holdings Sdn BhdRanjini is currently the Group Head of Legal, Risk and Compliance at Boost Holdings Sdn Bhd (“Boost”), the regional full spectrum fintech arm of Axiata. She steers Boost through the complexities of fintech regulations, ensuring optimal compliance through strategic planning, insightful regulatory advice, and effective stakeholder management. Ranjini's proven ability to mitigate risk comes from her background in both litigation and corporate governance. Prior to Boost, she was a litigator handling civil and commercial disputes, and also has experience as a governance and compliance officer. Ranjini is a qualified lawyer and a member of Inner Temple. She also holds an LL.M. in Transnational Law from King’s College London, equipping her to navigate the globalized fintech landscape.
Roy Heong
Chief Sustainability Officer, Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad
Roy Heong
Chief Sustainability Officer, Alliance Bank Malaysia BerhadRoy Heong is Chief Sustainability Officer at Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad (ABMB), where he leads the bank’s Net Zero strategy and drives sustainable growth across its client base. Under his leadership, ABMB surpassed RM14 billion in New Sustainable Banking Business as of FY2025. Roy developed the bank’s Sustainability Impact Program (SIP), which empowers SMEs and listed companies to adopt low-carbon practices through Advocacy, Advisory, and Answers. He champions win-win partnerships with organizations like UN Global Compact and Bursa Malaysia, enabling clients to thrive sustainably within competitive supply chains. Roy’s prior roles in ESG and digital transformation at Citibank, OCBC, INTI, and Alliance Bank shape his collaborative, impact-driven approach. He is committed to embedding sustainability into governance, profitability, and ecosystem-wide innovation
Aries Setiadi
Former Executive Director, Asosiasi Fintech Indonesia And Senior Associate Researcher, Center for Indonesian Policy Studies
Aries Setiadi
Former Executive Director, Asosiasi Fintech Indonesia And Senior Associate Researcher, Center for Indonesian Policy StudiesAries Setiadi is a Researcher at the Center for Indonesian Policy Studies (CIPS), focusing on the digital economy and technological innovation. He previously served as Executive Director of the Indonesia Fintech Association (AFTECH), representing more than 300 fintech companies, and as an Analyst at the Ministry of Finance of Indonesia. Aries has spoken at over 50 conferences in multiple countries, sharing insights on public policy, digital economy, and financial inclusion. He has also published research and contributed to industry reports that inform policy and industry practice. In 2024, he was selected as one of the Obama Foundation Leaders for Asia Pacific.
Dr. Guru S. Anand
Former Executive Director, Mizuho Bank, Singapore
Dr. Guru S. Anand
Former Executive Director, Mizuho Bank, SingaporeDr. Guru S Anand is an AI & Data Executive with over 25 years of experience across top-tier financial institutions including Mizuho, Morgan Stanley, Citi, and Credit Suisse. At Mizuho Bank, he led the AI transformation initiative, delivering over 10 GenAI projects that saved 50,000+ man-hours. He pioneered enterprise adoption of RAG chatbots, AI copilots, and agentic AI systems using Model Context Protocol (MCP) across functions like trade finance, compliance, and HR. A recognized authority in AI governance, Dr. Anand has built full-stack MRM frameworks aligned with MAS FEAT, EU AI Act, and SR 11-7. He holds a Doctorate in AI Governance and has implemented scalable AI platforms with a strong focus on safety, fairness, and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Martin Leo
Former APAC Head of Technology Risk, Citi & State Street Bank
Dr. Martin Leo
Former APAC Head of Technology Risk, Citi & State Street BankDr Martin Leo is Chief Risk Officer at the National University of Singapore (NUS) where he oversees strategic and operational risks. With close to three decades of experience in the financial services industry, Dr Martin has a wealth of expertise in leadership, people and stakeholder management. Prior to joining NUS, he held regional risk leadership positions at major institutions including Citibank, ING, Morgan Stanley, and State Street Bank. In these roles, he enhanced risk governance and incorporated transformative practices to achieve risk identification and reduction. In addition to his corporate contributions, Dr Martin serves as an Adjunct Professor for Fintech at the SP Jain School of Global Management. He has a Doctorate (risk management and machine learning) and is a certified FRM and CISSP.
Lakshitha Jayaweera
Vice President – IT Business Lead Analyst, Citibank
Lakshitha Jayaweera
Vice President – IT Business Lead Analyst, CitibankLakshitha Jayaweera is a seasoned technology professional with over 21 years of experience in the banking and financial services sector. He currently serves as Vice President / IT Business Lead Analyst at Citi Trade and Treasury Technology, leading strategic initiatives in payments modernization, Micro Services and API Banking, Blockchain and Digital Assets. Lakshitha is passionate about innovating banking services with latest technology and a strong advocate of agile practices, he believes in leveraging technology to create value for organizations and customers alike. He is also an active contributor to industry panels and a mentor for future technology leaders.
Mohd Feqah Mohd Ngadil
Head of Compliance, Hong Leong Islamic Bank Berhad
Mohd Feqah Mohd Ngadil
Head of Compliance, Hong Leong Islamic Bank BerhadFeqah Ngadil is a seasoned leader in Islamic finance, skillfully merging deep compliance expertise with a forward-looking focus on financial technology. Currently heading the Compliance function at Hong Leong Islamic Bank and steering industry standards as Chairman of the AIBIM Shariah Review Committee. His career began at Bank Negara Malaysia before progressing through senior regional roles at CIMB, BNP Paribas, and Citibank, where he directed Shariah compliance frameworks across the Asia Pacific region. Leveraging strategic insight and regulatory diligence, he consistently drives the evolution of modern Islamic finance. He is instrumental in establishing Malaysia’s first Certification in Shariah Review and champions the development of future experts through academic and Executive/ Professional programs in Shariah Compliance, Risk Management and Audit, demonstrating a steadfast commitment to advancing integrity and expertise within the Islamic finance landscape.
Bobby Varanasi
Chief Executive Officer, Regenerative Futures
Bobby Varanasi
Chief Executive Officer, Regenerative FuturesBobby is the Founder of Regenerative Futures (formerly Matryzel Consulting), an award-winning advisory firm recognized among the world’s top outsourcing firms. With over two decades of experience in consulting and management across technology, business services, and global business building, he advises governments worldwide on ICT sector development, policy transformation, and public–private partnerships. He also works with Fortune 500 companies and entrepreneurs on growth, sourcing, M&A, and trust ecosystems. Bobby serves as Board Member of IAOP and the Global Sourcing Council, Vice Chairman of the Malaysia-Australia Business Council, and Cofounder of ThynkBlynk, a blockchain-based IT company. He also chairs the AI Ethics and Governance Working Group under MTSFB, shaping national AI standards. An accomplished thought leader, Bobby has authored global standards, numerous publications, and the book Humanomics (Penguin Random House). Frequently featured in The Economist, fDI, CIO Asia, and others, he has received international accolades including World Innovation Leader (2025) and Top 20 Global Thought Leader in Future of Work and Digital Disruption (2020–2025). He holds a Diploma in Sustainable Development from Columbia University, dual Master’s degrees in Physics and Management, and multiple professional certifications. A passionate deep-sea diver, he divides his time between the USA and Malaysia with his wife and two sons.
Tanvinder Singh
Director, Cyber Security and Privacy, PwC South East Asia Consulting
Tanvinder Singh
Director, Cyber Security and Privacy, PwC South East Asia ConsultingTanvinder is a Director within the Cyber Security practice of PwC Malaysia. He has 18 + years of cross industry experience in defining, developing, and executing change and cybersecurity strategies in large organisations. He has a proven track record as a thought-leader with broad subject matter knowledge in information security domains and success in developing and implementing cybersecurity technologies for large institutions. Tanvinder is adept at managing both projects and people, as seen through his experience in formulating technology strategy and platform architecture while leading large change initiatives across cybersecurity.
Caddy Tan
Vice President of Sales, APAC, LMNTRIX, Singapore
Caddy Tan
Vice President of Sales, APAC, LMNTRIX, SingaporeWith over 20 years of leadership experience in enterprise sales and cybersecurity across the Asia Pacific, Caddy Tan is a recognized expert in helping financial institutions navigate the evolving landscape of digital threats. As VP of LMNTRIX, he has partnered with leading banks and fintechs and deliver cutting-edge security solutions tailored to the region’s unique challenges. Caddy’s expertise spans threat detection, incident response, and the implementation of robust cybersecurity frameworks for the banking sector. He has spearheaded successful go-to-market strategies for global cybersecurity vendors and enabled hundreds of partners and resellers across APAC. His consultative approach and deep technical knowledge empower organizations to strengthen their digital defenses and respond effectively to emerging threats. At BankTech Asia 2025, Caddy will share actionable insights on advanced threat detection and response, drawing on real-world case studies and the latest innovations in cybersecurity. His session will equip banking leaders with practical strategies to fortify their digital operations and maintain trust in an era of accelerating cyber risk. Caddy holds an MBA from Ottawa University, a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering from Nanyang Technological University, and is a Certified Cybersecurity Professional (ISC2).
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