BankTech Asia 2025: Manila Series
The BankTech Asia 2025 Conference: Manila Series brings together industry leaders, technology pioneers, and policymakers to navigate the dynamic landscape of financial technology in the island nation. This esteemed platform fosters critical discourse on the latest trends and challenges shaping the future of banking, with a focus on embracing innovation while upholding ethical principles. Fostering partnerships between banks, FinTech startups, and non-governmental organizations is crucial for unlocking the potential of innovative technologies and ensuring inclusive access to financial services. The conference provides a platform for stakeholders to share best practices, explore open-source platforms, and identify synergies for scaling sustainable solutions that benefit both the industry and the wider community. This gathering represents a unique opportunity to address the challenges and embrace the opportunities presented by digital transformation in the financial sector. With its focus on cutting-edge technologies, responsible innovation, and collaborative partnerships, the BankTech Asia 2025 Conference: Manila Series is poised to be a catalyst for charting a transformative path for the nation’s financial future.
Registration of BankTech Asia 2025: Manila Series
Beyond Banking: Exploring the Potential of BaaS in the Digital Frontier
- Discuss how Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS) enables the integration of financial services into non-financial platforms, creating seamless user experiences and new revenue streams.
- Analyze the role of BaaS in democratizing financial services by reducing barriers such as geographic location and lack of traditional banking infrastructure.
Opening Remarks by Selva Nagappan, BankTech Asia 2025: Manila Series
Keynote Address: AI with Principles: Driving Transparent and Inclusive Financial Services
- Explore how principled AI can bridge the gap for underserved populations by enabling access to financial services, such as microloans and digital banking, through inclusive algorithms.
- Examine real-world examples of AI solutions designed to expand access to financial services for marginalized communities while maintaining fairness and avoiding discriminatory practices.
- Discuss the importance of explainable AI in fostering trust among stakeholders by providing clear insights into decision-making processes.
Morning Refreshments
The Future of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) Beyond Blockchain
- Highlight the benefits, such as enhanced scalability, reduced energy consumption, and simplified regulatory oversight, compared to blockchain-based solutions.
- Address the potential challenges, including interoperability, cybersecurity risks, and public acceptance, while highlighting the opportunities for financial inclusion and innovation.
Transforming Compliance for a Digital Future: The Paradigm Shift Driven by RegTech
- Discuss how RegTech solutions are transforming compliance processes by leveraging AI, machine learning, and data analytics to predict and mitigate risks proactively.
- Explore how innovative RegTech tools streamline regulatory reporting, fraud detection, and Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, reducing operational costs and complexity.
Networking Luncheon and Tour to Exhibition Space
From Hype to Reality: Building a Resilient BankTech Ecosystem with LLMs & Gen AI
- Discuss how large language models (LLMs) and generative AI can revolutionize customer service, fraud detection, and risk analysis in financial institutions.
- Explore the essential steps for implementing LLMs and generative AI responsibly, including addressing data privacy, ethical considerations, and regulatory compliance.
Securing the Financial Ecosystem: Leveraging Blockchain for Tamper-Proof Transactions and Improved Resilience
- Explore how blockchain enhances transparency and trust by enabling real-time transaction verification among stakeholders without intermediaries.
- Analyze the role of blockchain in improving the resilience of financial systems by mitigating single points of failure and enabling seamless cross-border transactions.
- Discuss how blockchain’s distributed ledger technology ensures tamper-proof transaction records, reducing the risk of fraud and unauthorized modifications.
Beyond Automation: Unleashing the Power of AI for Personalized and Engaging Customer Journeys
- Discuss how AI analyzes customer behavior, preferences, and financial needs to deliver tailored solutions such as personalized product recommendations, investment strategies, and financial planning.
- Explore how AI-powered chatbots, virtual assistants, and predictive analytics improve customer service by providing instant, accurate, and empathetic support.
- Analyze the role of AI in building long-term customer loyalty by anticipating needs, resolving issues proactively, and fostering deeper trust in financial institutions.
Redefining BankTech with the Power of Quantum Computing
- Discuss how quantum computing’s ability to process vast amounts of data simultaneously can optimize complex banking operations such as portfolio optimization, risk modeling, and fraud detection.
- Explore how quantum computing introduces unprecedented levels of security by enabling quantum-resistant encryption methods to protect sensitive financial data.
- Analyze the implications of quantum computing on current cryptographic standards, and discuss the steps banks need to take to future-proof their security infrastructure.
Evening Refreshment and End of Day One BankTech Asia 2025: Manila Series
Registration of BankTech Asia 2025: Manila Series
Optimizing Security and Agility: Striking the Balance Between Cloud Adoption and Data Governance
- Discuss how cloud-based solutions enable financial institutions to enhance scalability, improve operational efficiency, and accelerate innovation in service delivery.
- Explore strategies for maintaining data security, privacy, and compliance as financial institutions migrate to cloud environments.
- Address challenges such as managing cross-border data flows, adhering to regulatory requirements, and implementing zero-trust security models to mitigate risks.
Green FinTech: Nurturing Sustainable Banking Practices in the Digital Age
- Discuss how FinTech solutions are enabling banks to embed Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into their operations, such as green financing, carbon footprint tracking, and impact
investing. - Highlight technologies like AI, blockchain, and data analytics that support transparency and accountability in ESG-focused banking practices.
- Explore how digital platforms and eco-friendly innovations in FinTech are reshaping the banking landscape by promoting financial inclusion and supporting the green economy.
Morning Refreshments
Bridging the Digital Divide: Challenges and Solutions for Rural Banks in the Philippines
- Discuss the critical need for building reliable digital infrastructure in rural Philippines, including internet connectivity, mobile network expansion, and secure data storage solutions.
- Explore the importance of promoting financial literacy in rural areas to enable greater adoption of digital banking tools and services.
- Discuss the development of simple, intuitive digital banking platforms that cater to users with limited technical skills, ensuring inclusivity and usability in rural banking services.
Empowering SMEs Through Sustainable Finance for Enhanced Growth
- Explore how sustainable financing options, such as green loans, grants, or ESG-focused investment opportunities, enable SMEs to innovate.
- Discuss how integrating sustainable practices, supported by green financing, can enhance an SME’s brand value and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers and partners.
Networking Luncheon
Bridging Borders: Unlocking Seamless Global Finance with API and Open Banking
- Delve into the transformative potential of API integration in creating seamless connections between financial institutions, fintech companies, and businesses, fostering innovation and efficiency.
- A New Era of Financial Empowerment: Explore how Open Banking empowers consumers and businesses by providing them with greater control over their financial data, driving innovation, and fostering a more competitive financial landscape.
Elevating Efficiency: The Synergy of Automation and Machine Learning in BankTech
- Explore how automation can streamline repetitive tasks, reduce human error, and increase operational efficiency within banks.
- Delve into the role of machine learning in enhancing decision-making, fraud detection, and customer experience through advanced analytics and predictive modeling.
Frictionless Finance: Integrating Crypto Payments into Existing Banking Infrastructure
- Discuss the technical challenges and regulatory hurdles involved in integrating crypto payments into traditional banking infrastructure.
- Explore the potential benefits of a hybrid financial ecosystem where crypto and traditional currencies coexist, such as increased financial inclusion and cross-border transactions.
Reactive to Proactive: AI for Predictive Risk Management and Optimized Banking Operations
- Explore how AI-powered predictive analytics can identify potential risks and opportunities early on, enabling banks to take proactive measures and make data-driven decisions.
- Discuss the various applications of AI in streamlining banking operations, such as automating routine tasks, improving customer service, and enhancing fraud detection.
Evening Refreshment and End of BankTech Asia 2025: Manila 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