Guilherme Sousa: The 10 Most Influential leaders in Finance to Watch In 2025 | CIO Views Magazine

www.instagram.com/cioviewsmag www.linkedin.com/company/cioviews www.twitter.com/cioviews www.facebook.com/cioviews

Commanding Wealth, Defining Tomorrow

Throughouthistory,asmallsetofleadershasexpandedwhatispossiblein global finance. Their decisions impact much more than balance sheets; they impact markets, policy, and the framework of ideas that fuel imagination. Today, the most fascinating leaders are those who combine traditional finance with a lens toward technology, sustainability, and the concept of inclusivity.They are not simply buying and selling assets; they are rethinking the framework of capital. They are certainly capable of navigating institutions through headwinds of volatility and technology disintegration.They embody resilience and foresight.These leaders often position themselves to see things before they become obvious, essentially determining the next level of global finance. What differentiates them is notjustcapital,orevenscale,buttheabilitytogalvanizeconfidenceacross the globe or an industry they didn't even operate within prior to their involvement. In a world facing headwinds created from local and global economic uncertainty and disruption at a speed and scale that sometimes astounds, these individuals are grounders, a balance for the instability and disruption.

At CIO Views, we honor these empowering leaders by dedicating this issue titled “The 10 Most Influential leaders in Finance to Watch In 2025” to them. Featuring as the cover story, we have covered the successful&motivatingjourneyofGuilhermeSousa,FinanceDirectorof BrasiluxTintasTecnicas Ltda.We have also included the inspiring stories of Daria Dubinina, CEO and Co-Founder of Crassula; Mohit Gupta, Senior Vice President of Apex Group Ltd.; Charles Freund, CFO at Fullsteam; Angela Alvarez, Founder and Executive Chairman of Aglaia Capital; Elaine King, Founder & CEO of Family and Money Matters Institute;SimoneGrimes,CFOatAcadiaInsurance;MariaMoore,Senior Vice President of Member Experience at Civic Federal Credit Union; Fazeela Gopalani, Head of Middle East at ACCA; and David Carr, CEO andCo-FounderofTap.

CIOViewsisabusinessmagazinethatmainlyfocusesonbusinessleaders, their journey, views on current economic states, and all other relevant subjects that refer to the business world. Our goal is to be a leading source of information dedicated to providing our readers with detailed perspectives and views of successful business leaders who are transforming the business outlook and redefining their goals. With exclusive editions on various industries like software, education, healthcare,technology,realestate,andmanymore,CIOViewsisdrivento promoteexcellenceintheworldofbusiness.

GUILHERME SOUSA

Early Initiative Shaping Strategic Leadership

Guilherme's leadership approach took shape during university, where he consistently took initiative in group projects, ensuring his team worked efficiently, remained motivated, and delivered highquality outcomes. “I often took the lead in organizing tasks, assigning roles based on individual strengths, and using data and facts to guide decisions and gain the team's trust. These experiences helped me develop a collaborative, resultsdriven leadership style,” he recalls.

When Guilherme entered the workforce, those skills carried over seamlessly. Encouraged to take responsibility for the areas he worked in, even at a junior level, he

actively sought out opportunities to lead cross-functional initiatives, improve processes, and deliver measurable results. This hands-on experience reinforced the importance of clear communication, accountability, and strategic thinking, which continue to define his leadership style today.

BalancingAgility with Lasting Stability

Ensuring financial agility while maintaining long-term stability is a key part of Guilherme's strategic financial management at Brasilux Tintas. To achieve this balance, he focuses on three main pillars: proactive cash flow management, data-driven decision-making, and a strong alignment between short-term operations and long-term planning.

First, he maintains close control over cash flow and working capital, ensuring that the company has the liquidity needed to respond quickly to market changes or unforeseen events. This includes frequent scenario analysis and forecasting to adjust plans in real time while minimizing financial risk.

Second, he works closely with crossfunctional teams - such as sales, operations, and procurement - to align financial strategies with business needs and make agile, well-informed decisions that optimize resources without compromising long-term financial health.

Finally, he prioritizes strategic investments that support sustainable growth. Whether expanding production capacity, investing in innovation, or optimizing cost structure, each decision is carefully

evaluated for both its short-term impact and long-term value creation.

Passion, Balance, and Lifelong Growth

For Guilherme, personal fulfillment is about maintaining a balanced and purposeful life that blends professional growth while nurturing the passions and values that keep him motivated and grounded. Outside of work, spending meaningful time with his family and friends plays a key role in keeping that balance. “These relationships provide the emotional support and perspective I need to stay focused and energized,” he reflects.

One of Guilherme's biggest personal passions is motorsports - particularly Formula One and GT3 racing. He actively follows and engages with the sport, and finds that it closely mirrors

many of the qualities he brings into his professional life. “Motorsport requires intense focus, strategic thinking, precision, and strict adherence to procedures - all of which are critical, not just on the track, but also in finance and operational leadership. For me, it's a powerful reminder that success in any area depends on preparation, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure,” he observes.

Guilherme's also places a strong emphasis on continuous learningwhether through executive education, reading, or staying current with financial trends and innovations. His investment in physical health and mental well-being is essential to maintaining long-term performance and clarity. “Ultimately, personal fulfillment comes from staying connected to what inspires me - both in my personal interests and in the

impact, I strive to make through my professional work,” he states.

Driving Growth Through Operations and Finance

One of Guilherme's most impactful financial decisions was integrating strategic supply chain management with robust tax planning, which improved Brasilux Tintas' performance and profitability. “I've always believed that the commercial area is the heart of any company, as it drives revenue and customer relationships. But supply chain management can be just as important in sustaining profitability and enabling longterm growth,” he explains.

Using his industrial finance background, Guilherme identified operational inefficiencies and proposed improvements across the supply chain.Additional costreduction projects across plants decreased the cost per gallon and increased production efficiency, directly supporting margin improvement.

Simultaneously, he leveraged his deep knowledge of Brazil's complex tax system to restructure operations. “Astrong tax governance model not only ensures compliance but also uncovers opportunities for savings and optimization,” he says. By optimizing credits and refining the tax structure, the company generated significant cash flow improvements and long-term stability. Together, these strategies contributed to increased volume and profit over four years. “Sales drive growth, but operational and financial excellenceespecially in supply chain and tax - are what sustain it,” Guilherme reflects.

StayingAhead in a Dynamic Financial Landscape

Staying ahead of industry trends and regulatory changes is crucial in Brazil's

complex chemical market. Guilherme approaches this through continuous learning, strong professional networks, proactive monitoring, and prioritizing ongoing education and skill development. His advanced degrees, including a postgraduate in Finance and US GAAP and an MBAin Finance and Controllership, help him stay updated on best practices and emerging standards.

Beyond formal education, he attends courses, webinars, and industry conferences to deepen his understanding of new financial regulations and trends. Guilherme leverages his extensive network across LatinAmerica and the chemical industry, collaborating with peers, consultants, and tax experts to anticipate changes before they become widespread. He ensures teams have the latest tools and maintains close communication with legal and compliance departments.

“I foster a culture of vigilance and adaptability, enabling our finance and supply chain teams to respond quickly and effectively,” he adds. “By combining education, networking, and internal alignment, I ensure that we not only comply with regulations but also leverage changes to improve processes and maintain our competitive edge.”

Mastering Focus Under Pressure

Maintaining clarity and focus during high-pressure financial negotiations is essential in Brazil's complex chemical industry. Over 15+ years, Guilherme has developed a disciplined approach grounded in preparation, data-driven insights, and emotional control. “Thorough preparation is key. I ensure I understand all relevant financial data, operational details, and regulatory factors before negotiations. Leveraging my expertise in supply chain productivity and tax applicability allows me to anticipate potential issues and opportunities,” he explains.

Guilherme also emphasizes clear, fact-based communication using objective data and KPIs to keep discussions focused on shared business goals rather than emotions or assumptions. “Just like in racing, split-second decisions require calm and clarity. I bring that mindset to negotiations, balancing assertiveness with patience,” he adds. He also fosters collaboration and active listening to understand priorities and find

win-win solutions, ensuring highpressure negotiations are handled strategically and successfully.

Measuring Impact Beyond Numbers

Guilherme defines success as the measurable impact he creates on Brasilux Tintas' growth, financial health, and operational efficiency. “Managing finance across Latin

America amid fast-paced growth and complex challenges has strengthened my ability to lead effectively at a senior level,” he reflects.

His education and professional exposure in the USAbroadened his perspective and honed his technical expertise, while continuous learning helps him leverage his skills effectively, even alongside Finance Directors with more years of experience, bringing fresh,

innovative approaches while maintaining strong financial discipline.At Brasilux Tintas, his successes include achieving significant profit and volume growth - over 63% in four years - while driving operational improvements in supply chain productivity and innovation.

On a personal level, Guilherme's wife, Julia, provides support and encouragement, strengthening his resilience and focus. “I measure success by contributing to sustainable growth, fostering operational excellence, and continuously improving both professionally and personally,” he concludes.

Guided by Mentorship, Defined by Values

Mentorship is a cornerstone of Guilherme's career, shaping his technical skills, leadership style, and professional values. He observes that mentorship is about learning from others' experiences and perspectives, and remains committed to being both a mentee and giving back by mentoring others.

Early in Guilherme's journey, Claudio Conde and JoseAvelar helped him develop strong analytical abilities in connecting financial analysis with supply chain productivity. Joao Palma, a respected finance leader, inspired him to adopt a rigorous and judicious approach, reinforcing the importance of precision, critical thinking, and integrity.

Working under a woman CEO, Kelly Diniz, broadened his perspective, teaching him adaptability, empathy, and strategic vision.Additionally,

Eduardo Baptista's mentorship shaped his approach to building procedures, fostering loyalty, and people-centered team management.

But, throughout Guilherme's professional journey, few individuals left as lasting an impression as João Benites, who was not only a mentor but also a true coach and guidesomeone who believed in his potential long before he fully understood it himself.

“João played a decisive role in shaping the way I think, act, and lead. From him, I learned far more than the fundamentals of negotiation, management, and strategic decisionmaking. He taught me the true meaning of leadership - how to balance ambition with empathy, results with relationships, and success with humility,” Guilherme recalls.

Another of João's greatest lessons was that leadership is not about authority, but about influence and example. He showed, through his own actions, that respect is earned through consistency, fairness, and authenticity. His ability to bring people together, motivate teams, and navigate challenges with calm and clarity was truly inspiring. Beyond the professional realm, João taught Guilherme valuable lessons about life - the importance of resilience, continuous learning, and staying true to one's values even in the most demanding situations.

“His mentorship helped me become not only a better executive but also a better person. Today, I carry with me the principles and insights that João shared over the years. His influence continues to guide my decisions and inspire the way I support others in

their own journeys. To João Benitesthank you for your wisdom, your patience, and your belief in the power of people. Your legacy lives on in everyone you've helped grow,” Guilherme acknowledges.

Building Teams That Excel and Align

Guilherme balances technical excellence with alignment to company values while building a finance team. Drawing on over 15 years of experience in the chemical industry across LatinAmerica, he focuses on talent development, culture alignment, and continuous learning, recruiting and developing individuals with strong technical skills in financial analysis, tax management, or supply chain finance.

Guilherme invests in ongoing training and encourages advanced education as technical expertise is essential for accuracy, compliance, and strategic insight in Brazil's complex financial environment. Equally important is aligning the team with company values. “Integrity, collaboration, and a focus on results should underpin every decision,” he notes.

Guilherme fosters an inclusive environment that encourages ownership, accountability, and innovation. He emphasizes transparent communication, ethical practices, and operational excellence while promoting cross-functional collaboration to align with broader business goals. “By combining technical rigor with a strong valuesbased culture, the team delivers results and drives sustainable growth,” he concludes.

Mentorship and Learning are the Keys

to Leadership

Guilherme's advice to aspiring finance professionals is to seek strong mentorship early in their careers, as a good mentor shares technical knowledge and can guide them on developing essential leadership skills, like communication, decision-making, and strategic thinking.

He emphasizes the importance of discerning whether a leader is truly a mentor: “Do they invest in your development, provide honest feedback, and help you understand the broader business context beyond financial numbers? Having someone like this accelerates growth meaningfully.”

Guilherme stresses continuous learning and cross-functional experience, recommending advanced degrees, certifications, staying updated on industry trends, and gaining exposure in areas like supply chain or commercial operations to think beyond numbers and contribute strategically.

“Finance leadership is about influencing, inspiring, and aligning your team and business toward sustainable growth - and the right mentor makes that journey clearer and achievable,” he observes.

Digital Transformation Shaping Finance in Manufacturing

Guilherme envisions the future of finance in manufacturing as closely linked with digital transformation, redefining how finance teams operate and drive value.

“Automation, data analytics, andAI will streamline routine processes like

reporting, compliance, and forecasting, freeing finance professionals to focus on strategic planning and value creation,” he explains.

Citing Brasilux Tintas' supply chain optimization projects as an example, he highlights how digital tools enhance integration between finance, supply chain, and commercial operations. Real-time data and advanced analytics provide better visibility into costs, inventory, and customer demand, allowing finance to proactively support productivity improvements and cost reduction initiatives.

Digital transformation also strengthens risk management and regulatory compliance in complex markets like Brazil. “Technology is a powerful enabler, but the human element - strong leadership, ethical decision-making, and alignment with company values - remains indispensable,” Guilherme emphasizes. “Digital finance in manufacturing will be faster, smarter, and more integrated, empowering teams to drive sustainable growth and innovation across the business.”

Building a Lasting Legacy in Finance

Guilherme hopes to leave a lasting legacy at Brasilux Tintas, where finance is viewed not as a backoffice function but as a strategic partner driving growth, innovation, and operational excellence. “I want future finance professionals to inherit a culture of strong financial discipline combined with agility and a deep understanding of how finance connects with every part of the business,” he explains.

Throughout his tenure, he's implemented robust financial procedures, audit practices, and KPIs that have contributed to significant volume and profit growth. “I hope this foundation empowers future teams to build on these achievements with confidence and integrity,” he adds.

Guilherme also emphasizes the value of continuous learning, mentorship, and cultivating a supportive environment where knowledge is shared and talents are nurtured. He aspires to leave behind a finance organization respected for its expertise, trusted for its transparency, and recognized as a key driver of Brasilux's transformation and ongoing success.

Tackling Tax Complexity for Global Finance

Guilherme identifies one of the most pressing challenges in global finance

as managing the growing complexity and fragmentation of tax regulations across countries and regions. “This is especially critical in markets like Brazil, where the tax system is notoriously complex and constantly evolving,” he notes.

Tax complexity creates risks, raises compliance costs, and hides optimization opportunities.

Guilherme believes harmonizing regulations or using advanced, standardized digital tax tools can reduce uncertainty and boost financial agility. “This would let finance teams focus on strategic initiatives instead of administrative tasks, fostering a more transparent and efficient global financial ecosystem,” he says.

CRASSULA DARIADUBININA

For some successful leaders, their success lies in fulfilling the needs of different stakeholders. It means if customers require a new product or the team needs the company around, or the industry calls for new transforming innovation taking place and the leader can manage all this then, that makes all the difference. One such dedicated leader is CEO and Co-founder of Crassula, Daria Dubinina. For her, one is successful when he can confidently answer the vital question, “Why do we do what we do?”.

Inspired by Ben Horowitz's book, “The Hard ThingAbout Hard Things,” she knows, “there's no such thing as the universal, ultimate best CEO.” No doubt, she feels pride in getting recognized by an external organization or media edition. However, she states, “The real recognition occurs when your opinion matters, you are inspiring others, you can make a difference, lead people and grow the company.”

Stepping Stones to building Crassula

Daria experienced her first entrepreneurial experience at the age

of 20. Then, after completing her Master's degree in FEAmanagement, she began working from the lowest position at an international payment system where she learned about FinTech, and over the years, she has grown professionally; in 2014, she and her fellow employees started building their own ventures.

In 2017, Crassula was the result of the team effort of Daria and her cofoundersAlex Novozhenov and Vlad Nikolayev. The trio shared the same vision and strived hard to demonstrate their unique skills in building strategy and technology. They had their designerAndrew Ponochovnyi created an attractive look and feel of the product.

She shares, “Together we created a unique skillset in which everyone played their part bringing the concept to life and giving each other confidence in what we were doing, inspiration for creating something new, and supporting each other during the bad times.”

While building a company from scratch, there were new challenges every day which the small team needed to solve and make smart

decisions. Many times, the decisions were right; however, sometimes they were wrong that could hamper the company's growth and take them behind for months.

Initially, their main roadblock was getting the right investors for funding the company growth. The team spent many months in this process, which resulted in high frustration and no gains. Then, Daria shares, “We started focusing on business,staying bootstrapped, and that was the best decision that we could make because it taught us to survive difficult times, do big and beautiful things with very limited resources, and actually earn money.”

Brief about Crassula's Remarkable Services

Crassula specializes in developing White Label core banking products, PSP services, FX services, wallets, crypto banking, and crypto exchange solutions. It offers an all-in-one software platform that facilitates the launch of products within a few days and with a low budget. Its products are cloud-based and provide backend with its core banking system, admin panel for managing the business, and

frontend with client web interfaces, iOS, andAndroid mobile apps.

Crassula's systems are provided with dedicated openAPIs which enable a myriad of FinTech services and assist most innovative business ideas.

Crassula embodies a unique culture of freedom and responsibility that fosters prudence, communicability, proactivity, striving for development, creativity, decisiveness. Daria says, “We embrace these qualities and develop them by providing constant education opportunities, helping each other in day-to-day work, and always trying something new by developing new products, trying to implement new solutions, and always doing something that we have never done before.”

For Crassula, their people have always been the main backbone of the firm. The industrious team always keeps developing and ameliorating their products to empower the customers with world-class solutions. She adds, “We value the elegance of solutions and everything related to their quality. This combination helps us to make new people want to join the company, reach new clients and partners, engage them and make them want to stay with us.”

Daria's efforts in redefining the fintech industry

She shares, “The FinTech industry is very fragmented, but each element is connected to another. On one side we have large and mature financial institutions - they have history, trust,

reliability.At the same time, they have legacy, bureaucracy and low speed of innovation. On the other side, we have young companies which are able to disrupt the industry, brilliant ideas, but don't have time and money. On the third side, we have a totally parallel world of crypto with its technology, dynamic, risks and transformation. These are only 3 of so many, but supporting such fusion solutions helps to move the whole industry forward”.

As a visionary, she looks ahead to bring a huge metamorphosis in the financial industry where all the banks and financial institutions will amalgamate into platform solutions. She aims to make the ultimate FinTech platform and proffer a comprehensive range of tech-enabled

financial services for companies around the world to take the industry forward.

Balancing Personal and Professional Fronts

Being CEO of Crassula, she ensures that the company keeps growing. For that, she formulates a strategy and stays involved in the daily activities connected to IT development, product development, sales, partner relations. She handles about 2-5 work meetings daily, with different departments and external parties and is usually involved in making smart business decisions or resolving complex issues.

Her secret in maintaining a perfect work-life balance is thoughtful planning. Even though it is hard to take ample rest while working from home, she always adds an outdoor walk or workout on the calendar. Also, she keeps her weekends free for outdoor rejuvenation.

She feels staying positive and supportive in all situations is her key motivator. To explain it further, she says, “When something goes wrong, I prefer not to waste time on finding out whose fault it is, but rather fix the problem and analyze how to avoid repeating the situation. This approach helps to reach the highest result, and the result is the most powerful progress mover.”

Future Roadmap

Crassula aims high and has many prime goals for the future, such as entering new markets, speaking new languages, adopting more technologies, transforming the platform into a no-code product builder so that anyone can design and launch FinTech products without any

hassle.All-in-all, the entire team desires to make complex and deep technologies incredibly easy-toimplement, highly accessible, and attractive for their customers.

Personally, Daria wishes to grow the company by 5x while maintaining excellent performance and effectiveness as a company.

Sharing her advice for budding entrepreneurs, she says, “Never be

afraid to start, experiment, and keep moving, improving and delivering even if things are not so shiny right now.”

MOHITGUPTA

In the world of global finance, leadership is not merely about bottom-line outcomes on a balance sheet anymore. It is about understanding individuals, navigating shifting markets, and making choices that merge strategy with empathy. Mohit Gupta, Senior Vice President atApex Group Ltd, makes that sort of leadership a reality. His path from a small town in India to leading business strategy throughout the Middle East is an inspiring example of what it means to lead with intention, clarity, and impact.

“Growing up in Rampur, India, taught me the value of resilience and empathy,” Mohit reflects.

These early lessons have remained central to his approach, even as he took on major responsibilities at global companies like Samsung Electronics, Mastercard and Western Union. Mohit has diverse industry experience—commodities, electronics, real estate, payments, remittances, and fund administration—and has a strong network and has been a member of BNI, Toastmasters, and the Malt Society ofArabia.

With over 32,000-plus LinkedIn followers and having touched so many lives as a mentor and guide, Mohit is blessed to be in the UAE's multicultural and cosmopolitan environment. His experience spans more than 20 years and multiple industries, each adding to his ability to lead across cultures and build trust in fast-moving environments.

Shaping Growth atApex Group

When Mohit joinedApex Group in 2024, he was charged with overseeing sales and business development for the region. His job is far more than targets and figures. He collaborates closely with country teams to ensure thatApex's overall strengths are matched with the region's particular requirements and regulations.

"So far, we have won multibillion dollars' worth of new mandates," he reports. "We have also established strong relationships with family offices, sovereign wealth funds, hedge funds, and private equity firms." These relationships, he says, are founded on consistency, strategic clarity, and knowing what clients actually need to grow.

Apex Group's strength to provide a full suite of services under one umbrella is central to this success. Fund administration, ESG advisory, compliance, and digital solutions are all offered on a single platform. This assists clients with lowering complexity and concentrating on long-term results.

“What sets us apart is our ability to act locally while delivering at a global scale,” he explains. “We understand what is important in the region and tailor our approach accordingly.”

Making Smart Decisions in HighStakes Situations

In roles that demand fast and highimpact decisions, Mohit believes the key is clarity. “In high-pressure environments, waiting for perfect information can slow progress,” he says. “I make decisions based on what is available, after consulting key people, and stay ready to adapt if needed.”

His experience at Mastercard, where he oversaw cross-border payment business in over 80 countries, shaped him into a leader who takes this

stance. There, he managed from issues with compliance to evolving customer needs. Through the experience, he was forced to believe in his instincts, stay close to the facts and always have the bigger picture in sight.

“The most powerful strategy in any business is to lead with purpose and execute with precision.”

Navigating Career Transitions with

Confidence

One of the standout moments in Mohit's career was a transition from real estate to financial services. Going from CEO of Wall Street Property to a regional leadership post at Western Union meant not only a change of knowledge but also of mind.

I needed to re-skill, adapt and accept new degrees of complexity," he says. Coordinating profit and loss statements, driving digital transformation and introducing new products in over 80 countries required technical know-how and cultural sensitivity. It was an experience that eventually made him a more adaptable and reflective leader.

"It taught me that growth tends to occur beyond your comfort zone," he adds.

Finding Balance Through Focus and Practice

In senior leadership positions, balance is not doing less. For Mohit, it is doing the most important things. "I schedule my time according to outcomes, not hours," he explains. He reserves each week for reflection, learning and creative activity. His participation in Toastmasters, where he achieved a Competent

Communicator certificate, has given him mental lucidity and articulation.

These habits assist him in remaining stable when handling country portfolios and overseeing large teams. "Leaders must remain sharp, grounded, and receptive to development," he says.

The Role of Mentorship in His Leadership Journey

Mentorship played a great role in defining Mohit's leadership values.At a young age in his professional career, he learned from experienced professionals who urged him to think globally and act locally. That

guidance has remained with him and impacts how he mentors people even today.

"I work with early-stage entrepreneurs and up-and-coming professionals, particularly within the DIFC startup scene," he says. "I assist them in creating product strategies, positioning themselves for investor discussions and deal structuring." Mentorship is a mutual venture for him. It keeps him engaged with fresh ideas and issues, while providing others with access to his experience.

"Mentorship is not a transaction," he says. "It is a collaborative investment in growth."

StayingAhead of Industry Change

The financial industry is changing fast, and Mohit thinks one has to keep ahead of change on a going-concern basis. He goes to industry conferences regularly, tracks global trends in regulation and remains closely connected with compliance and fintech specialists.

"Being ahead of changes such as tokenization, digital assets, ESG regulation and digital identity infrastructures has been imperative at Mastercard andApex," he adds. He believes trendspotting is not only a practice, but also a leadership art that keeps the business current and competitive.

“Great leaders don't just predict the future, they build the systems and teams that shape it.”

Creating Impact that Endures

Despite achieving so many milestones, one of the most valued achievements by Mohit is what he accomplished at Mastercard, spearheading cross-border services. The outcomes involved robust revenue growth and multimilliondollar alliances. But most important was the broader impact of the work.

“We contributed to expanded financial access, electronic-enabled money transfers, and backed institutions in emerging markets," he explains. "It was a mix of business contribution and social impact, which is what I attempt to deliver in every role."

This balance of commercial achievement and positive contribution is a thread throughout his career. It's an indication of his belief that leaders should be judging success not only in

terms of figures, but in the change, they assist in creating.

“Every market, no matter how complex, responds to authenticity and long-term thinking.”

Advice to Upcoming Leaders

When asked for his advice to young professionals seeking to develop their careers in global finance, Mohit responds with candor and certainty.

"Stay curious," he advises. "Lifelong learners are the best leaders.And learn the basics. Know how business, regulation, and risk interact. Be clear in your communication and take charge before anyone gives you a title." Most importantly, he points to

integrity. "In finance, trust is the most valuable thing you will ever carry," he says.

ALegacy of Connection and Purpose

When asked how he might summarize his legacy, Mohit provides a brief but compelling sentence. "He built bridges between industries, people and purpose and left every space better than he found it," he says.

It is a demonstration of a leadership odyssey characterized not only by success, but by values, vision, and an abiding commitment to advancement.

CHARLESFREUND

Founded in 2018 and headquartered inAuburn, Alabama, Fullsteam is a holding company that acquires and operates vertical-specific business management software and provides payment processing services across a range of vertical markets. To date, they've acquired over 70 software companies, mostly in the U.S. and Canada, which serve over 50,000 small-to- midsized businesses (SMB) in verticals such as retail, hospitality, recreation, automotive, healthcare, field services and more.

As Fullsteam's CFO, Charles Freund claims to have the good fortune of leading an incredibly talented team of 63 professionals in the following functional areas: Financial Planning &Analysis,Accounting, Revenue Management,Accounts Payable, Treasury, Tax, Financial Integrations & Systems, and Human Resources.

Charles' background and life before Fullsteam

Born and raised in New Jersey, Charles grew up in a suburban middle-class family. His parents were loving and supportive, with a very strong religious mindset.As such,

Charles was instilled with a strong sense of humility, respect for elders, and fairly traditional values. While he appreciates the positive elements of such, career aspirations were not the top priority in his youth.

As Charles matured and broadened his views of the world and the many possibilities it presents, he found himself enamored with the idea of international business. The opportunity to travel the world, experience different cultures, and develop relationships across borders held incredible allure, especially given his somewhat sheltered upbringing.

After graduating from Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey, in 1995, Charles started his professional career as a management consultant with Sibson & Company, a boutique Human Resources consulting firm that specialized in designing compensation programs, organizational structures, and performance management systems. Consulting was a great launching point as it imparted strong foundational skills such as research, analytics, situation assessment, problem solving, communication,

professional writing, public speaking, project management, change management, etc. It also gave Charles early exposure to lots of different industries, companies and management teams, and that diversity of experiences helped shape his lens of perspective.

Charles then joined FLEETCOR (NYSE: FLT), a global leader in business payments based inAtlanta, Georgia, where he held numerous roles over his 21-year tenure, culminating with an approximate twoyear stint as CFO.

Charles was the first FLT employee to relocate overseas, spending two years in the UK acquiring, consolidating, and running FLT operations there. He returned to the US in 2009 to help run the IPO process alongside the CEO and CFO.After overseeing multiple business operations outside of the US and Europe, expanding the company's footprint to Mexico, Brazil,Australia and New Zealand for a few years, Charles was brought back into a strategy role working closely with the CEO on a variety of key initiatives including rate management, product development, sales channel

development, IT organization design, etc.

In September 2020, Charles was appointed CFO, with responsibility for finance, accounting, treasury, tax, legal, investor relations, human resources, sales reporting, and more.

“For 2022, FLT reported $3.4 billion in revenue, and the company's shares trade around $210 per share. So, I like to think that I played a small part in creating a global payments juggernaut,” states Charles.

The definition of success is personal

Charles defines success as finding a state of contentment with oneself that cannot be fundamentally undermined by external forces. For him, this requires being comfortable with, and true to, his own feelings regardless of what others may think or how they may react.

“By living life in this manner, you reduce internal conflict and exist more peacefully. Of course, this is easier

said than done. We are trained early on in life to measure up to other people's expectations, to perform out of duty or obligation, and to feel guilty if we disappoint people,” he explains.

Charles strongly believes success comes from shedding these external pressures and impositions and holding oneself accountable for one's own personal standards. By behaving and performing our personal best, whatever that may be on any given day, we can be content with the knowledge that we've given it all we've got.

Don't let fear hold you back

At several times in his career, Charles was inspired by Sir Richard Branson who said “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”

This was applicable when Charles first moved abroad and assumed the role of Managing Director in a

foreign country, having never formally managed a team before. It applied again when he helped FLT acquire, integrate and operate businesses around the world.And it applied when he took the helm as CFO without a formal accounting/finance background and without a CPAor MBAcertification. Taking on these challenges required leaps of faith in himself and, more importantly, in his teams, without whom Charles says he couldn't have succeeded.

Fullsteam and its operations under Charles' successful leadership

Fullsteam integrates its cutting-edge payment processing platform into the various core business management software solutions it provides to over 50,000 small business clients. Vertical specialization allows Fullsteam to compete effectively against generic software solutions, and integration with their payments platform provides a comprehensive offering to their SMB clients with unique industryspecific features, robust reporting and

automated reconciliation between recorded sales and received payments.

Fullsteam's software solutions are mission critical to their clients' operations and serve as the source of record for their businesses. Each solution is built-for-purpose for the given vertical, with processes, features and integrations tailored specifically to the given industry.

After Fullsteam acquires a software company, they quickly integrate their proprietary, cutting-edge payments platform into the business management software, creating an embedded payments experience for their clients and their customers. They continue to integrate acquired companies at a rapid pace given their high velocity M&A, and expect to finish 2023 with approximately $20 billion in annual payment volume on their platform.

Charles joined Fullsteam after a circa 21-year career at FLEETCOR (NYSE: FLT). While responsible for various functions as CFO, his personal responsibilities are focused on capital raising, cash flow management, and investor and lender relationships. With Charles' experience as a public company CFO, he was brought onboard to help Fullsteam continue its rapid growth trajectory while preparing the company for its logical next phase.

“I inherited a fantastic team at Fullsteam, and have recruited a handful of stellar additions as we continue to scale the back office. I have instilled my mantra of “simplify, standardize and automate” within all of my functional areas, and my teams are implementing market-leading tools across the enterprise to create operational efficiencies and support

Fullsteam's continued growth,” says Charles.

Being nominated for the award of CFO of Year by theAtlanta Business Chronicle in 2022 was a recognition highlight for Charles, especially given his non-traditional path to the CFO role. But the best recognition he states

he received, both as a CFO and leader, was the outpouring of well wishes and thanks from his team members at FLEETCOR at the time of his departure.

“It was bittersweet to say goodbye to such a terrific group of people, and they could've handled it quite

differently. But their genuine happiness for me was remarkable, and it reaffirmed my belief that culture in an organization can create a valuable and lasting impact,” he further states.

The future of Fullsteam

At Fullsteam, they plan to continue to acquire business management software companies and integrate their payments platform. It's an outstanding model which they

continue to execute quite well, and they're tracking thousands of acquisition opportunities. In addition, they will seek to create additional revenue streams by offering ancillary services such as capital advances, marketing services, data monetization, insurance, payroll, etc. to their 50,000+ SMB clients.

“By serving as their trusted provider of core business management software and payments, we have the inside track to providing these other solutions,” says Charles.

Ensuring a culture of integrity and innovation at work

Fullsteam operates with a Culture of Trust, which is instilled through its core values of:

Ÿ Listen First

Ÿ Talk Straight

Ÿ Demonstrate Respect

Ÿ Right Wrongs

Ÿ Show Loyalty

Ÿ Keep Commitments

Ÿ Deliver Results

Charles admires Fullsteam's leadership for recognizing that “to err is human,” but also expecting team members to take responsibility and “right wrongs.”

“In my short tenure with the company, I'm thrilled to have witnessed our culture of trust in action. Fullsteam leadership walks the talk. Believe me, we're not perfect, but we genuinely try our best

to live these values and serve as examples for our colleagues,” he says.

At Fullsteam they reiterate and reinforce their core values while recruiting, training, and communicating with their 1,400+ team members at recurring townhall meetings. By attracting people who share and believe in these values, they strengthen their culture with every new hire they onboard.

Charles adds, “By creating a culture of trust, which incorporates humility, respect, accountability, personal responsibility and loyalty, we enable really good people to do really great work.”

Work hard, play hard

Early in his professional journey, Charles stretched himself too thin across numerous obligations and reached a point of burnout which led to bouts of depression. “Mental health is a serious issue which I've experienced firsthand and with friends and family. So, I understand how important it is to monitor one's mental wellbeing, and take measures to maintain such,” he says.

Finding a better work-life balance was critical for Charles and has helped him avoid a recurrence of clinical depression. He also learned that there is no shame when dealing with matters of mental health, that seeking assistance in the first instance is incredibly important, and that help is more readily available than you may realize.

Charles is a passionate golfer, playing approximately 100 rounds per year, but he is otherwise available for work and family affairs. He subscribes to the “work hard, play hard”

philosophy, and is happy to work long hours provided his efforts are appreciated and he is treated with respect. Flexibility is also important to him, so those long work hours may be at odd times such that he can spend time with his loving wife,Aimee, and amazing daughter, Colette. Charles is always focused more on the quality of time with family over the quantity of time.

Staying motivated to work hard

Charles' work motivation stems from an innate sense of responsibility to provide for his family. Of course, he personally enjoys the finer things in life that his efforts have afforded him. But the fundamental need to ensure thatAimee and Colette are, and will always remain, financially secure continues to drive him.And as a family, they have set a vision for what their future retirement will look like, and Charles has got more work to do to achieve it.

For his team, Charles tries to ensure that they are clear on their personal priorities, understand how those priorities contribute to Fullsteam's success, are acknowledged for their personal contributions, are plugged into what's happening throughout his organization and around the company, and know that he “has their backs.”

“I'm a firm believer in the servantleader philosophy, and strive to provide thoughtful, empathic leadership to everyone on my team. I've found that creating a safe, supportive environment allows smart, capable people to thrive and contribute while also enjoying the process. Work can be fun in the right setting and with the right leadership!” Charles states.

Big Dreams, BigAchievements

At the age of 24, Charles created a list of things he wanted to accomplish. His list covered the gamut, including income, wealth, travel, homes, family, etc. He has checked off everything on his list except one: to retire by the age of 50. In October 2022, Charles reached that milestone.

Although he's now technically “over the hill,” he has taken to heart what people say: “today's 50 is yesteryear's 40.”

“In truth, I have plenty of energy, lots to still contribute and am having way too much fun to stop working,” he exclaims.

That's also why Charles volunteers as Chair of FinTechAtlanta (FTA), a coalition of companies working to advanceAtlanta as the recognized global capital of financial technology. Working closely with other seasoned industry executives, FTAadministers various programs and initiatives to drive fintech industry growth, talent expansion, innovation acceleration, and public policy influence inAtlanta and across the state of Georgia. It's been a terrific way for him to leverage his skills for the greater good of the local ecosystem and community.

Charles is always looking to the future, thinking of new things to experience, while continuing to dream big.And while he has accomplished a lot, he believes that there's always more to enjoy in life.

ANGELAALVAREZ

Emerging Technologies are shaping every sector including the Financial world.AngelaAlvarez, Founder and Executive Chairman ofAglaia Capital developed the company to imprint her view on the industry where she has been developed her professional career, Corporate finance, Mergers andAcquisitions (M&A), Investment banking, and Financial Services, combined with new technologies, anticipating the needs of the clients and the industry itself. She says, “Blockchain, and digital assets attracted my interest also some years ago as a way to solve most of the issues that I have found in the industry along my professional career, so I started to go deeper in the possibilities that they can provide to our industry.”

Being a good illustration of the saying “Great things are done by a series of small things brought together”,Aglaia Capital is a new generation of corporate finance business combining the knowledge, the traditional discipline of an investment banking business and the strengths of an independent, and technology-oriented business.

Embracing new discoveries in every new challenge

Angela believes that the Financial industry is tied to the emerging technologies, where their adoption will transform mostly of the tasks and the way that the industry is conceived.

She adds, “Aglaia Capital was founded also with the mission of mixing traditional Corporate Finance and the Financial industry with the new digital world, aiming to transform our industry by using emerging technologies, mainly Blockchain/Distributed Ledger Technologies, considered an essential catalyst for the evolution of the world's financial infrastructure.”

She shares, “I have faced many challenges that are part of my growth process. The beginning of my career has been marked by a combination of determination, passion, purpose, and also a huge dose of serendipity that have joined me along my professional career, and have led me also where I am now. Keeping the passion, resilience, flexibility, and being surrounded by allied with the same mission, values, and objectives than

me, have made this entrepreneurship trip easier to travel”

Aglaia Capital: Traditional Corporate Finance, Fintech Blockchain and DigitalAssets

Aglaia Capital is an independent corporate finance boutique for alternative investments which lies in two main areas. One focus on advisory traditional Corporate Finance, Mergers andAcquisitions (M&A), focused on off-market deals, mainly in Spain and Europe, and selectively in other geographies, specialized in Financing structures, Hotels and Real Estate. Based in Madrid, Spain, with an affiliated company in London, UK, they serve their clients on an international basis, through their network of clients, investors as well as affiliates and allies, focused mainly in Europe, and selectively in other geographies.

The second, focused on advisory for Fintech Blockchain companies, as an external accelerator, and on Digital assets, with focus on Tokenisations, providing also new ways of investing,

There is alsoAglaia Capital Club, an Investment Club, to serve better the investment strategies of their clients, fostering theAglaia Capital community.

Being an evolving company, she shares, “Aglaia Capital and I have attracted interest from its inception, being featured and awarded several times every year, which has inspired me more and pushed me in continuing developing my vision.”

Foundations ofAglaia Capital's Success

Ever since the company's inception,

Integrity, Innovation, Diversity and Sustainability have been the ethos to shape the company's success. She adds, “I believe that sustainability, diversity, as well as innovation and integrity, driven by organizations and consumers, will be a way for differentiation, and a selective evolution on the competitive corporate world.”

Aunique business approach. On traditional Corporate Finance, the team has extensive experience on transactions and handling both plain and complex situations from low size to big sizes deals.

Agility, based on their knowledge on the industry, on the investors, and clients, as well as the independence and confidentiality, acting as the traditional big firms but with the advantages of a personalised approach.

They are insiders in both industries, Corporate Finance and Blockchain Fintech, linking the understanding of both worlds, allowing a unique approach on tokenisations, besides offering an experienced team. She adds “We aim to contributing in being the change that I wish to see in our industry. Besides our traditional Corporate Finance business, we advise to Fintech & Blockchain startups to leverage our knowledge in the financial and finance industry to new incumbents with more technological background, aiming accompanying them until an exit.”

Life BeforeAglaia Capital

Before foundingAglaia Capital, Angela had an excellent track of serving in some big global organizations, and banks among others, chairing international executive positions and Boards, mainly in M&Aand Investment Banking. She says, “I was working at BBVAin several positions as Head of Investment Banking and member of the Risk Committee of the Iberian SpecialAssets Situations unit, Member of the Executive Committee of BBVAConsumer Finance, the Digital Bank and Uno-e Bank, and Head of Corporate Development for the acquisitions of Consumer Finance, Insurance and Financial Institutions in Europe,Asia, USAand Brazil. Prior to that I was heading the Corporate Finance and M&AEuropean FIG team in Spain at KPMG. Previously, I was working at PWC Corporate

Finance, Bankinter, Citibank, andAll TradingAVB.”

She further adds, “I was strategic partner, and I am Vice Chairman and Advisory Board of Fair Value Capital (UK), a Private office and Corporate Finance Boutique in Mayfair London. I have an active presence in my industry as speaker and chair at International Economic and Industry Forums, International Mergers and

Acquisitions (M&A), Real Estate, Family Offices, Financial Sector, Fintech and Blockchain, and jury in international M&Aand start-ups competitions and awards, passionate about decentralized technologies and cooperation business models.”

Angela's Entrepreneurial Roles

Being an entrepreneur gives her the opportunity to imprint her vision, and

adapt her business to a changing environment. She adds ”It inspires me, and make me proud to see the courage and resilience also of other entrepreneurs following their dreams and pioneering the industries. “

She wishes to contribute in being the change that wish to see in her industry. She shares, “Having a purpose, and enjoying what you do, it is a powerful motivation. We aim to thrive every day, leverage on our experience and knowledge to achieve our goals and those of our clients and allies, and contribute with our approach to the business, and the way we relate to others to create a better world.”

Future Goals forAglaia Capital

Aglaia Capital was born with a strong focus on traditional Corporate Finance, and on transactional technology for the Financial industry with Blockchain, andAngela plans that both will be developing, as well as the combination of both, when the adoption increase.

She adds, “Current goals are the consolidation ofAglaia Capital, continuing growing our core Corporate Finance business, aiming to be a reference for off-markets deals, and also to develop a platform for digitalization to provide liquidity for some of our clients, and eventually being a reference Stock market for digital assets.”

FAMILY AND MONEY MATTERS INSTITUTE

Elaine King Fuentes is an award-winning author, international speaker, and the founder of the Family & Money Matters™. Her mission is to assist families in attaining financial wellbeing through actionable strategies, empowerment tools, and educational programs.

Elaine founded Family and Money Matters™ a decade ago to provide bilingual financial planning services to individuals, offer family governance guidance for multigenerational family enterprises, and deliver financial education programs to employees of Fortune 500 companies and institutions. She is a dedicated advocate for financial education while also providing guidance on investment and family constitutions. The company's mission is to empower both financial and human capital within families to achieve financial well-being.

Family and Money Matters™ clientele ranges from multigenerational 150-member family enterprises to Fortune 500 companies to individuals. Elaine has served as the Family Financial Planner for over

1,200 families and 100 multigenerational family enterprises, crafting actionable family financial plans. Her goal is to enhance financial literacy knowledge, particularly within the U.S. Hispanic population, to help families reach financial prosperity.

From a YoungAdventurer to a Financial Industry Leader

Elaine's journey began at a young age when she left home at 17, traveled overseas with her luggage and golf clubs, and embarked on a path that eventually led her to New York City. She graduated from university with a BBAin just 3 years. Over the course of more than 20 years, she had the privilege of ascending the corporate ladder within some of the world's largest and most influential financial institutions. During this time, she provided valuable advice to international families, offering actionable strategies for creating healthy financial plans, structures, and family governance. Elaine's career included pivotal roles at International Trust Companies, Family Offices, and InvestmentAdvisory firms.

Bridging Cultural and Financial Gaps

As a Latina, Elaine King understands the unique challenges and opportunities many families and individuals face in their quest to create financially savvy and economically healthy households. This is why she is dedicated to making money and financial planning a positive force in communities, particularly for women.

Elaine was born in Peru, and Spanish is her first language. She has lived in Austria, Mexico, Japan, Peru, Canada, and comes from a lineage of immigrants, with her grandmother traveling from Hong Kong to Peru, and her grandfathers hailing from Spain and England. Growing up in such a diverse environment required her to adapt quickly. However, regardless of language or culture, numbers remained a constant for her, leading her to continue nurturing her knowledge in this area.

Guiding Clients to Financial WellBeing

Elaine's approach to helping clients at

Family and Money Matters™ is to be relatable and assist them in understanding the emotional side of their relationship with money. This approach ensures that financial goals align with actions and behaviors as relates to money. Over the years, Elaine has observed many individuals who put their financial lives on autopilot. Instead, she encourages them to take a more active role in their finances and approach financial matters with purpose. While the world of finance can be overwhelming or intimidating for some, Elaine believes it doesn't have to be that way. She helps her clients and television audiences break down seemingly daunting objectives into smaller, achievable goals with actionable steps that can improve their financial well-being.

Making a Lasting Impact

Elaine's impact in the financial education space extends to various forms, from delivering over 350 lectures in 35 cities to being featured as a financial expert on prominent platforms such as CNN, Telemundo, Business Insider, Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. However, her most substantial impact comes through her books. She has authored eight books that cater to diverse audiences, including teens, families, women, immigrants, couples, kids, and family enterprises. One of her most wellknown books, "Family and Money Matters: Life Lessons for the Next Generation," has achieved bestseller status. In her books, Elaine shares real-life cases, strategies, and roadmaps to help readers strengthen their relationship with money and provides actionable advice to overcome potential obstacles on their path to financial well-being.

In 2023, Elaine is proud to have been named the 10th Most Influential FinancialAdvisor in the Investopedia 100. Prior to this recognition, she achieved another significant milestone by being named one of People Magazine's 25 Most Powerful Women in 2017. Elaine expresses gratitude for these accolades and the opportunity to positively impact countless individuals on their financial journeys. She eagerly anticipates the future and the opportunities it holds.

On a Mission to Empower and Educate

Elaine's professional identity can be summed up in one word: impactdriven. Her typical workday starts with exercise and catching up on investment news, setting the tone for productivity. Throughout the week, her schedule includes client meetings, strategy development, networking, and content creation. To promote financial literacy among diverse audiences, Elaine actively produces content in both English and Spanish on her various social media platforms. Her client-centric approach goes beyond numbers, aiming to empower individuals to shape their desired lives and achieve their aspirations through sound financial practices.

Elaine remains dedicated to helping people thrive financially by collaborating with companies to implement personalized educational programs for their teams. Recognizing that investing in employees' financial well-being is a key driver of productivity and success, she is particularly committed to keep reaching millions of Hispanics and women who, with the right knowledge, can transform their lives and harness the positive

influence of money, rather than letting it control them.

Keys to Motivation and Success

Elaine emphasizes that motivation comes from within, and she places great importance on the first few minutes of her morning routine. She regularly reviews her own goals and those of her clients, focusing on a team-oriented environment where everyone contributes to the core strategic plan and financial goals. Elaine believes in the power of prioritization and practices discipline by limiting her daily focus to three key tasks. She also organizes her responsibilities by categorizing them by days and blocking off time on her calendar.

On a personal level, Elaine finds motivation through meditation and her passions for golf and scuba diving, which she makes time for on weekends. Spending time with her family is another source of motivation and fulfillment for her. Elaine recognizes that success, especially when it comes to optimal financial health, involves being well-rounded and engaging in experiences that enable individuals to be positive forces in the world.

Defining Success

Elaine recognizes that success can be defined in various ways, and it often depends on an individual's unique perspective and goals. In her role as a certified financial planner, author, television personality, and keynote speaker in the U.S. and LATAM, she has had the privilege of working with diverse individuals and families. One common factor she observes is that achieving optimal financial health provides the freedom to make choices

and define success on one's own terms. Success, in this context, is about having the means to pursue one's goals and aspirations with greater flexibility and independence.

Path to Financial Leadership

Elaine emphasizes the importance of education and purpose in one's career. Education provides the qualifications and preparation necessary for various situations. She holds a B.B.Ain International Finance with a concentration in European Markets from St. Mary's University and an International M.B.Afrom Thunderbird School of Global Management. Elaine also continues to stay relevant in her field through ongoing certification programs and postgraduate studies.

Elaine's message to aspiring financial leaders is to find purpose in their

work rather than purely focusing on monetary gains. She believes that one should prioritize education and certifications as they provide longterm benefits. Knowledge is a valuable asset that equips individuals to support and positively impact others. In essence, she encourages individuals to find purpose in the pursuit of financial success while also prioritizing personal growth and the betterment of others.

Quote:

Ÿ When your financial actions align with your values, you will be closer to success.

Ÿ Healthy finances aren't just about numbers; they empower you to thrive in harmony with life as a whole.

Ÿ Most individuals do not innately know the purpose of money; they think it's simply to pay bills and maybe save. With purposeful financial actions, you can make money work for you and improve your family's well being

Ÿ Most financial decisions are made at an emotional level; taking a step back and aligning actions with goals, will lower the financial stress you feel right now

SIMONEGRIMES

Finance professionals are all about numbers and data, but at the heart of it, what drives them is the art of strategy and leadership. It takes a visionary mind to navigate the complex world of business transformations, manage risk, and make decisions that drive revenue growth. Meet Simone Grimes, accomplished Chief Financial Officer and QualifiedAudit Committee Financial Expert, with vast experience managing highgrowth, and heavily regulated organizations across multiple industry sectors such as financial services, insurance, and real estate, Simone is a true leader in her field.

But what sets Simone apart from her peers is her ability to balance financial acumen with a commitment to giving back to local communities through social engagement and a comprehensive understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) matters. She knows that the E and S in ESG are not just buzzwords, but critical considerations for any modern business looking to thrive in the long term.

Taking a Path Less Traveled

Simone's journey to the top was not a straight path, but her passion for making specialty vegetarian foods led her to open her first restaurant. Little did she know that this would be the first step in a journey that would lead her to the world of finance.

As Simone's first restaurant became a hit, she found herself needing to pivot her focus from creating delicious dishes to growing her business. She became laser-focused on delivering higher than average returns to her investors, making sure that their trust in her was rewarded with success.

Simone's inexperience didn't deter her from raising capital, articulating growth strategies to investors, and quantifying and communicating key performance indicators. Her drive to succeed fueled her mission to grow her business into multiple restaurant assets, and within five years, she led the successful M&Adisposition of her business, giving everyone involved a big pay-day.

This experience codified Simone's approach to everything she would do next. She understood that success was always about getting returns to shareholders, knowing valuation multiples, growing the bottom line, executing bold growth strategies, and surrounding herself with talented and trustworthy people who would support her vision.

Simone's early success in the business community established her reputation for being able to consummate multifaceted business deals. Her confidence grew, and she was ready for her next challenge.

Simone's journey from restaurants to finance may have been unexpected, but her recipe for success has remained the same: focus on delivering returns to shareholders, execute bold growth strategies, and surround yourself with the right people.

Leading Investors to Success atAn EarlyAge

Simone felt a deep sense of humility upon being entrusted with investor

capital, causing her to take it to heart and treat each investor with great care. In her 20s, she successfully delivered ROI to investors.

Leveraging Lessons asAFounder to Deliver Value to Shareholders

Simone's mindset revolves around keeping the investors as her top priority, and she is committed to achieving significant returns for them. Whether at her role at Progressive Insurance, or any of the other organizations she's worked with, she remained dedicated to increasing the profitability of the organization through revenue growth, enhanced operating margins, and improved capital efficiency. Her approach involves a customer-centric focus, delivering accretive returns to shareholders, and emphasizing operational efficiencies.As an example of her dedication, Simone delivered exceptional results at Progressive Insurance.

From Founder to Strategic CFO and Corporate Board Member

Simone's entrepreneurial spirit has been the driving force behind her successful career. Her willingness to take on new challenges and work in several industries has allowed her to occupy several executive-level strategic roles. She states, "I get excited when there is an opportunity to create big changes, such as dramatically growing a business, responding to macroeconomic challenges and influencing market corrections. I perform best when it's time to define a new path and maximize the opportunity. That type of opportunity satiates my strong desire to either fix something or dramatically grow and scale something."

Simone is the strategic Chief Financial Officer forAcadia Insurance, a W.R. Berkley Company (NYSE: WRB), a specialty insurance carrier offering bespoke solutions to and high touch service to its customers. Simone's dynamic career has taken her from auditing large banks and insurance companies to leading transformative multi-year strategies for the nation's two largest housing finance companies. Simone's passion for delivering value to investors, raising capital, and growing businesses is evident in her successful track record. She led two multimillion-dollar M&Aexit strategies in her career, most recently as the chairman of the board for a privately held company with a portfolio of sustainable agricultural and technology assets and consumer product brands. The final transactions delivered a remarkable ROI of 18X to investors.

Simone is also a strong advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). She oversaw the development of a multi-year DEI strategy and corresponding operating plans, which

helped the organization meet its goals while complying with regulatory and statutory requirements. Simone believes in active shareholder engagement and a proactive approach to investor relations. She advises on post-deal integration and ensures that ESG metrics are accurately quantified and recorded for public reporting.

Boards asAgents of Much Needed Social Change

Simone believes that board service provides a unique opportunity to be agents of social change. Simone Grimes, who sits on the board of directors for JuniorAchievement, Big Brother Big Sister and Whistle BlowerAid, believes that boards of directors for publicly traded, privately held and non-profit organizations play a critical role in creating a truly inclusive society that respects all genders, ethnicities, and viewpoints.

According to Simone, the involvement of board members is crucial for any organization's health. As fiduciaries, they have a responsibility to ensure their

organizations move towards a sustainable future, contributing to the economy, creating jobs, and making significant social change. She emphasizes that ethical decisionmaking is essential for board members to thrive and achieve these goals.

While these are basic duties, Simone believes that boards must keep a larger picture in mind. The impact they have on their employees, volunteers, and communities is significant, and boards must prioritize this in their decision-making.

However, diversity on boards has been lacking for decades, with a recent study finding that a significant majority of new Fortune 100 board seats were filled by non-minority directors. Simone questions the potential impact a more diverse slate of directors could have on boards, organizations, communities, and society as a whole.

The benefits of a board that embraces DEI are vast, Simone explains. By fostering a board that represents America's demographics and customer base, they can make betterinformed decisions and deliver better outcomes to shareholders and stakeholders. This, in turn, can provide better insights into why certain demographics make purchasing decisions, steering the company towards more profitable directions. Simone also emphasizes the importance of embracing diversity on boards for the betterment of organizations, communities, and society.

Simone has held various board-level roles, including cyber oversight and serving as the chair of the audit committee in her capacity as a

QualifiedAudit Committee Financial Expert. She has also been a member of the Compensation Committee, which evaluates and approves executive officer compensation arrangements, plans, policies, and programs.

Committed to Giving Back to local Communities

Simone sits on several corporate and non-profit boards, including serving on the Nominations and Governance Committee of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Maine (BBBSSM).

She is particularly inspired by BBBS' which creates one-to-one matches between adult mentors (Bigs) and youth (Littles) using an evidencebased model that results in positive outcomes for all involved.

For Littles, mentoring is linked to improved academic, social, and economic prospects. For Bigs, the relationship can build leadership skills, expand professional networks, and provide an empowering opportunity to give back to the community.

BBBSSM aspires to empower every young person on a path to graduate high school with a plan for their future and a mentor whose impact lasts a lifetime.

Volunteers are the backbone of BBBSSM.Arobust network of volunteers is needed to ensure BBBSSM can meet the unique needs of every kid currently waiting for a Big and the hundreds of Littles to follow. Financial resources are vital to thoroughly recruit, screen, and train volunteers and to provide ongoing

support throughout the life of the match.

Learn more at http://www.somebigs.org.

"Mentoring is not complicated. It is just simple acts that make a world of difference to a kid that may feel isolated, overwhelmed or who just needs an extra caring adult in their life. I see the incredible power of mentoring every day. Please consider sharing your time to volunteer or contributing to support our work. Thank you!"- NicoleAvery, Executive Director, BBBSSM

What's Next

Growing up with the ethos of "lift as you climb," which means lifting others up in the areas where you have had success, Simone will continue to play an active role in improving communities through non-profit engagement. Simone is eager to contribute more aggressively to the growing affordable housing crisis in urban cities across the US.As a member of the board of trustees for a real estate trust, she is working to increase access to affordable housing for populations below 100% of the area medium income (AMI) through public-private partnerships. She is passionate about this work, as she believes that we are at a critical juncture where the opportunities for families to have access to affordable, quality homes are quickly diminishing and require immediate intervention.

Disclaimer: The views represented are those of Simone Grimes and do not represent the position ofAcadia Insurance or W.R. Berkley.

MARIAMOORE

CIVIC FEDERAL CREDIT UNION

In an era where leadership paradigms are constantly evolving, Maria Moore stands out as a beacon of empowerment and innovation.As the Senior Vice President of Member Experience at Civic Federal Credit Union, Maria has leveraged her extensive experience and unique perspective to drive transformative change within the financial industry. Her journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, resilience, and a deep commitment to inclusivity.

This article delves into her insights on success, her professional journey, and her vision for the future, offering valuable lessons for aspiring leaders.

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Civic Federal Credit Union:A Visionary Institution for Community Service

Civic Federal Credit Union is a federally chartered digital-first credit union established by the staff and volunteers of Local Government Federal Credit Union (LGFCU) to

serve North Carolina's local government employees, their families, and their businesses.

"We believe local government employees and their partners are true 'servant leaders' to their families, work, and North Carolina communities," Maria explains.

Since its inception in November of 2018, Civic has gained recognition throughout North Carolina as a beacon of aspiration and innovation. Civics' journey is just beginning as by June of 2025 Civic will service over 400k members and be over $4billion in assets. The credit unions mission is to work in service to people, and the planet, aiming for prosperity for all.

Transformative Leadership at Civic

Under Maria's leadership, Civic is navigating a unique transition, integrating the personalized service of a traditional credit union with the innovative, digital-first approach that Civic embodies. "We are bringing together two organizations, one heavily focused on 1:1 interaction and the other on digital-first service,"

Maria elaborates. Her responsibilities include designing and launching a state-of-the-art contact center that balances self-service and live agent support. This comprehensive role encompasses hiring, training, and holding staff accountable for serving members both over the phone and digitally. Moreover, Maria is leading the implementation of advanced technologies such asAI-based IVR and Chatbots, with the goal of enhancing member experience and improving operational efficiency.

Charting the Path Forward: Maria's Vision for Civic Federal Credit Union

Maria Moore's vision for Civic Federal Credit Union is not just ambitious; it's transformative. "We tirelessly work to position Civic as the financial institution of the future," she states confidently, underscoring her commitment to innovation and progress. Civic's strategy pivots around two core principles: financial inclusion and community development. Maria envisions Civic as a catalyst for positive change in North Carolina, contributing not only

to economic growth but also to cultural enrichment and environmental stewardship.

At the heart of Maria's vision lies a dedication to exceeding members' expectations. By expanding product and service offerings, including the establishment of new branches and the enhancement of digital capabilities, Civic aims to redefine the banking experience for its members. Maria's leadership is guided by a profound sense of responsibility towards the community. She believes that Civic exists not just to serve its members but also to respond proactively to external forces that could impact them.

Central to Maria's approach is a focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and innovation. By embracing these values, Civic is not merely adapting to change but leading the charge

towards a brighter, more equitable future. Under Maria's guidance, Civic Federal Credit Union is not just a financial institution; it's a force for positive change, shaping the landscape of banking and community development in North Carolina and beyond.

Navigating the Journey of Change Facing Challenges

Leading an organization through significant change is a formidable challenge. "Change is never easy, and we are going through a lot of that right now," Maria acknowledges. However, she emphasizes the critical role of culture in successfully navigating these transitions.

"Culture eats strategy for breakfast," she asserts, underscoring that a robust organizational culture helps both staff and leadership understand their

impact and embrace total accountability. By cultivating an environment characterized by clear expectations, non-judgmental support, and high standards, Maria is driving both professional and personal growth within her team. This focus on culture ensures that even amidst rapid and expansive change, the team remains cohesive, motivated, and resilient.

Throughout her career, Maria has encountered numerous roadblocks that have taught her valuable lessons. "Perfectionists aren't experts at getting things perfect, but rather at finding things that are wrong," she notes. Initially, this tendency led her to focus more on doing the work than managing it. However, she learned that by finding, training, and holding people accountable, she could delegate effectively and increase her impact.

One notable example is when she launched a chatbot, initially writing all the intents herself but soon realizing the need for a dedicated channel manager. This delegation allowed for better maintenance and continuous improvement, leading to a 92% automated capture rate, far exceeding expectations.

“Some Leaders are born Women.”

Empowering Team Growth and Diversity in Male-Dominated Industries

Maria Moore's leadership achievements extend far beyond project milestones or financial targets. "Culture doesn't work if you don't find the right people, train them well, and hold them accountable," she asserts, underlining the significance of nurturing a supportive and

accountable work environment. Her proudest moments stem from the personal growth and successes of her team members.

One poignant example is a dedicated employee who triumphed over significant personal challenges. "I saw the drive she had to do better, and that is a skill that can't be taught," Maria reflects. By recognizing and fostering this potential, Maria exemplifies the transformative impact a leader can have on their team.

Thriving as a woman in leadership within the finance industry has its unique challenges, deeply rooted in historical imbalances. "I'm more successful because of the sacrifice of those women before me," Maria reflects, acknowledging the trailblazers who paved the way.

While significant strides have been made, the industry still grapples with structural issues that hinder the career progression of women, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. Maria's approach has always been to lead by example, offering herself as a mentor and advocate for inclusivity. She emphasizes the importance of not being confined by stereotypes or limitations.Additionally, Maria underscores the significance of having representation in leadership meetings, someone who can articulate your perspectives and advocate for your interests even in your absence, ensuring that diverse voices are heard and valued at all levels of decisionmaking.

“It took me quite a long time to develop a voice, and now that I have it, I am not going to be silent.”

Success is often perceived as a universal concept, but for Maria Moore, it is profoundly personal and unique. "Success isn't a one-size-fitsall concept; it's deeply personal and subjective," she asserts. In the traditionally male-dominated financial industry, Maria has discovered that success involves embracing individual journeys and celebrating diverse achievements. For her, success is grounded in perseverance, resilience, and the capacity to overcome challenges. It encompasses setting meaningful goals, pushing boundaries, and continuously striving for self-improvement.

As a female leader, Maria believes that true success entails challenging stereotypes, fostering inclusivity, and

empowering others to realize their full potential. Creating a work environment where everyone's unique definition of success is respected and supported is a fundamental aspect of her leadership approach.

Life Before Civic

Maria's journey in the financial industry is marked by distinct phases, each contributing to her growth as a leader. "Right out of school, I started at a bank, focusing on operations, audits, and executing others' visions," she recounts. This phase was characterized by a proactive approach, eagerly taking on any task that came her way. Later, Maria transitioned to a higher management role at a local credit union, where her responsibilities expanded to include

planning, technology management, budgeting, and compliance oversight. Here, she also took on additional roles beyond her job description, such as leading volunteer efforts, mentoring colleagues, and contributing to the diversity committee.

However, Maria's impact extended beyond the confines of her role. One of her most impactful endeavors was organizing a two-day principles and philosophy camp for employees. Through this initiative, she aimed to educate her colleagues about the principles of the credit union movement, empowering them to understand their role within the organization and the broader community. This commitment to education and empowerment exemplifies Maria's dedication to

fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth.

Striking Harmony & The Right Balance

Maria Moore, Senior Vice President of Member Experience at Civic Federal Credit Union, exemplifies resilience in her daily routine. Her workday begins with meticulous preparation the night before, ensuring a calm start to the day. Maria values face-to-face interactions at the office, where she reviews meetings, addresses urgent matters, and ensures top-notch member service, all while embodying the essence of resilience.

However, Maria acknowledges that achieving work-life balance hasn't always been easy. Striving to prove

herself, she initially struggled to maintain equilibrium. Yet, she found solace in building a team of passionate individuals capable of leadership in her absence. Her motivation stems from her family, striving to set an example for her children.Additionally, the encouragement from her team, reflected in their online sharing of accomplishments, serves as a driving force for Maria, propelling her to make impactful contributions both at home and in the workplace.

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Personal Goals andAdvice for Aspiring Women

Maria's aspirations extend beyond her professional responsibilities at Civic Federal Credit Union. She aims to make a significant impact on the communities they serve while ensuring her children grow up in an environment that fosters happiness and success. Her dedication to both her work and family reflects her balanced approach to life.

When it comes to guiding aspiring women in the financial industry, Maria's advice is rooted in authenticity and self-belief. "You don't have to be someone else to be successful. Don't let others define your lane for you," she advises. This principle has been a cornerstone of her career, allowing her to navigate challenges and achieve her goals without compromising her identity.

Maria also emphasizes the importance of empathy and a thorough understanding of systems, processes, and details. These attributes enable

her to make well-informed decisions that lead to sustainable and meaningful change. By putting herself in the shoes of her staff and members, Maria ensures that her leadership decisions are both compassionate and effective, fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment.

Conclusion

Maria Moore's journey as a leader in the financial industry is a powerful example of how perseverance, resilience, and a commitment to inclusivity can drive transformative change. Her leadership at Civic Federal Credit Union is not just about achieving organizational goals but also about making a meaningful impact on individuals and

communities. By fostering a culture of accountability, empathy, and continuous improvement, Maria is paving the way for the next generation of leaders.

Maria's story serves as an inspiration for aspiring women leaders, demonstrating that true success lies in embracing one's unique strengths and relentlessly pursuing one's goals.

FAZEELAGOPALANI

Fazeela Gopalani is anACCA member since 2004 and has over 15 years of experience in the field of accounting and finance. Fazeela has been the Head of Middle East atACCAfor the past 4 years, she was previously Head of Education for ACCA. Fazeela's responsibility includes leading the operations in 11 countries. Representing more than 20,000 students, affiliates, and members across the region, who work in all sectors and all levels of business across the Middle East.

She is also responsible for growing the understanding of the value that professionally qualifiedACCA accountants to bring to businesses and economies in the region. Managing and building relationships with regulators, business leaders and strategic partners she works with the network of members to influence the debate on key issues that impact the ongoing economic development of the region. Fazeela also works with educational institutions and government bodies to encourage new generations to undertake a career in accountancy and finance.

Success means balance.

For Fazeela, success means balance. Balance in achieving the excellence that she naturally seeks out in what she does professionally, driving change for the greater good, with making sure she has time for her family and children.

It seems like a simple answer, but it is a daily practice to seek balance. “I believe any professional today need to make a balanced life more of a priority in order to support their performance, ethical decisionmaking, health, and happiness,” she says.

Leading a successful company is not an easy road to take.

When Fazeela was a young accountant starting her career in the UK, she had to suddenly take over her father's accountancy business when he sadly passed away. Fazeela was just 23 years old and had never managed a team or run a business.

“Dealing with grief and shock, I was thrown into the deep end. I had been

tremendously encouraged and supported by him to study accountancy and this has always stuck with me.As an immigrant to the UK, he understood first-hand the huge power of having a professional qualification such as accountancy and this has remained an enduring conviction of mine.,” explains Fazeela.

Sometimes we forget how normal it is to have challenges. From small daily challenges to those that make you see the bigger picture, it's part of life and can shape your thinking, mindset, and outlook.

The biggest challenge Fazeela says in her life was running her father's accounting practice after he passed away. She had to step up, leading a team of far more senior men. It was not easy, but it taught her the lifelong lesson that, “I belong in any room I walk into.”

Moving to the UAE with two small kids because of her husband's business and starting her career journey all over again in a new country was another challenge. While

it felt daunting at the time, in turn, the journey made her adaptable in any environment, and reminded her that nobody can take her skills andACCA qualification away from her – “they travel surprisingly well!” she exclaims.

ACCAand its services

ACCA(theAssociation of Chartered CertifiedAccountants) is the global professional body for professional accountants. They're a thriving global community of 233,000 members and 536,000 future members based in 178 countries and regions, who work across a wide range of sectors and industries. They uphold the highest professional and ethical values. They offer our members the opportunity to experience a rewarding career in accountancy, finance, and management.

ACCA's qualifications and learning opportunities develop strategic business leaders, and forwardthinking professionals with the

financial, business, and digital expertise essential for the creation of sustainable organizations and flourishing societies.

Since 1904, being a force for the public good has been embedded in their purpose.AtACCAthey believe that accountancy is a cornerstone profession of society and is vital to helping economies, organizations, and individuals to grow and prosper. It does this by creating robust trusted financial and business management, combating corruption, ensuring organizations are managed ethically, driving sustainability, and providing rewarding career opportunities. “We're a not-for-profit organization,” says Fazeela.

Accountancy is a cornerstone profession of society.

As a leader, Fazeela is responsible for setting the tone ofACCA's workplace. She believes in being open, honest and accountable. Every employee, including herself, will

make mistakes from time to time and this is inevitable. In order to encourage innovation, atACCAthey don't try and cover mistakes; they learn from them and try to ensure they don't reoccur.

In the Middle East, they create, innovate, and have a 'test and learn' approach. Their innovative approach has seen notable recent successes for them, including becoming the chosen partner for the UAE Ministry of Economy, whereby they are the provider of a groundbreaking new certification that all those in the auditing profession are mandated to take.

“We've also fostered strong ties with SOCPAin SaudiArabia, allowing Saudi and UAE accountancy professionals to enjoy the benefits of being certified by both organizations, thus expanding the field of opportunities available to professionals interested in working in both markets,” says Fazeela.

Fazeela's journey into becoming a successful businesswoman.

BeforeACCAFazeela ran an accounting practice in the UK and then worked as a corporate trainer and MBAlecturer at two British universities. She also had a senior manager role at PwCAcademy in Dubai. Fazeela studied for her bachelor's degree at the University of Birmingham and MBAfrom the University of Strathclyde.

“It seems so long ago and yet not that long at all that I started running my father's accountancy practice and every time I receive an industry award, I can't help thinking about that. Two key awards I have received include being named as one of the Top 35 Women of Influence in the Arab World 2021, by CEO Middle East Magazine and being the winner of theAsia One's Women EmpowermentAward 20/21,” Fazeela proudly states.

Responsibilities as the Head of Middle East ofACCA

Everything that is achieved atACCA draws on working with exceptional people in collaboration.

As Head of theAssociation of Chartered CertifiedAccountants (ACCA) in the Middle East, Fazeela is responsible for leading the operations in 11 countries and representing more than 20,000 students, affiliates, and members across the region, work in all sectors and all levels of business across the Middle East.

One of Fazeela's fundamental roles is as a thought leader and a conversation starter for all things “accounting and finance profession”, in the Middle

East, with the purpose of growing the understanding of the value that professionally qualified accountants bring to businesses and economies across the region.

Work-life balance is important for a healthy life.

Fazeela states that she loves exercising – whether that's running, swimming, weight training, trekking in the mountains across the UAE or just attending classes at the gym. She exercises every morning 6 days a week and that's her 'me time' where she gives her body and mind time to charge her battery for the day ahead.

“I believe any professional today need to make a balanced life more of a priority in order to support their performance, ethical decisionmaking, health and happiness,” she says.

Fazeela strives to keep her team motivated by taking time out of the office to do team activities like 5km races, spartan obstacles challenges, or hiking – where they focus on the task ahead and getting to the finishing line together – supporting each other –this then reflects at the office when they work on projects – they aim to deliver impactful outcomes and results always having the end in mind, but also enjoying the journey.

The future ofACCAand the need for women in the accounting industry

Acore goal for the company is to grow the Middle East market for ACCAand support governments with the nationalization agenda. They are continuing to develop the accounting profession in the region, supporting governments, national bodies and the

private sector in the Middle East region.

Ultimately, Fazeela's goal isACCA's goal: to support the development of a strong accounting profession in the Middle east that is centered around ethics, transparency, and always doing the right thing.

Fazeela wants to inspire more women to enter the accounting profession. More needs to be done to accelerate progress when it comes to advancing opportunities for women in the workplace – the right culture is a key ingredient.

“We launched Women in Finance in 2022. We are very aware that more needs to be done to ensure that the number of women entering the finance profession continues to grow and Women in Finance is part of our ongoing efforts to support this,” says Fazeela. While the number of women in finance is growing in the region, it is still far below an even representation.

Fazeela's message to women is this: Be authentic and genuine, be true to yourself – don't be something you are not or something others want you to be, work hard and have milestones in your mind and where you want to go and work towards them with laser focus continually working on yourself along the way whether that's learning technical knowledge to support you or other softer skills to support you with getting to where you want to go.

DAVIDCARR

Each person's definition of success is unique to their goals and aspirations in life, but the first step to reaching success is believing in yourself and uplifting others to do just that.

David Carr, CEO and Co-Founder of Tap states that the definition of success is very personal to everyone, for him, success is the ability to define his own journey. “In doing this I can decide where my destination will be,” he says.

LeadingACompany To Success RequiresALeap Of Faith

In the early 1990s inAustralia, David joined a bank as a junior, following some success in the role he was offered a transfer to London.After a few years in banking, he was asked to get involved in a “New Concept” that was making waves in the USA. This was the start of the Gift Card industry in the UK. Once gift cards started it was not long before he was involved in the first Prepaid Mastercard product in Europe called Cashplus. Following this product, David has been involved in the launch of 67

Card programs in multiple countries around the world. Tap is the first payments company that he has built that is partly owned by him, this was a leap of faith based on the belief that the product he was building was something people needed and wanted.

Challenges Make You Stronger

Challenges happen regularly in almost every industry, however, in the Fintech space some of these challenges can be both expensive and time-consuming. “Anticipating what may challenge you is not easy, especially when launching a brandnew product but being able to roll with the challenge to adapt and overcome the issues is a key to success,” says David.

TapAnd Its Services

Tap was a concept that came from David's co-founderArsen Torosian. Arsen approached David about his concept of providing a “Crypto Banking” product. This was in 2017 and David believed that he was ahead of his time. The biggest challenge initially was the fact that neither Visa

nor Mastercard was interested in providing a card that had a Crypto Currency element. Following a full product definition that was presented to them, Mastercard approved the product concept and Tap was born.

There were choices available in terms of whether to be regulated or not, in David's opinion regulation is an important part of any financial services product. Due to this belief and the fact that he believed every Crypto product will eventually have to be regulated they decided to become regulated from the start of their journey. Crypto regulation was not common when they started however there were a few choices of jurisdictions available.

After a lot of research, they decided that the regulation provided by the Gibraltar Financial Service Commission was the most comprehensive licence that they could apply for. The DLT Licence that Tap has provided with the regulated regime to offer all of the Crypto related elements they needed to offer a fully functional “Crypto Banking” product.

One of the key innovations of Tap is the middleware layer they provide. This middleware is connected to multiple crypto exchanges, the system looks for the best price and liquidity positions on each exchange to facilitate the best deal for the user. Effectively by joining Tap, users complete one verification which gives access to the “Best Price” option from all of the exchanges connected.

Tap provides both consumer and corporate users in Europe the ability to receive, buy, sell and trade 15 different cryptocurrencies today with more being added soon. Tap stores all user assets in a $100 Million USD insured secure cold storage facility but provides real-time access to the assets when required.All users within Europe are offered a GBP and or Euro bank account that is not named Tap but in the registered user's name. These accounts can be used to receive deposits in fiat in real-time and at zero cost.

The accounts can be used to pay almost anyone by bank transfer. Consumers are provided with a Tap Virtual Mastercard as soon as the account is approved, they can then choose to request a physical Tap Mastercard which arrives within a few days in the post.

This product with Mastercard was the time they had approved a Crypto related product to use their payment rails, and the Tap Prepaid Mastercard was the first live Crypto Card offered in Europe.

Redefining The Financial Services Industry

David believes that he has contributed to the enhancement of the way

Fintech is used by designing products that have to enhance the usability of funds in both a cost-effective and accessible way. He launched the first “Travel Money” card in Europe which helped to define the way travellers can spend money when not in their home country. This product was launched when travellers' cheques were still a common way to access money when abroad.

From a consumer perspective, it was one of the easiest products to understand as they could see

these as a “Plastic Travelers Cheque” with the convenience of using the cards to buy almost anything anywhere that accepted card payments.All this with a better exchange rate than the traditional banks.

Innovation is always key to a successful product; without innovation, you can be seen as just another option. Innovating what users want even if they do not know it themselves can again be challenging however very rewarding. One such innovation was the ability to “Freeze” your card if you misplace it or left it somewhere that someone else could access it, in the start this was by sending an SMS from the registered mobile phone number with the instruction to freeze the card. This could be unfrozen by the user when the card was safely in their hands again and ready for use. “Innovation is usually quickly copied by competitors; although sometimes it takes them a lot longer, the freeze your card is a great example as now most European banks offer this functionality but was 15 years afterwards. This can be annoying for the innovator but also fulfilling that

your idea is then available to more people from more providers,” explains David.

David's Vision For The Company

The Crypto space is still a relatively new industry, and it is David's ambition to make Tap a global brand. This requires the launch of local products in a lot of countries and regions around the world. By developing the local infrastructure in each region, the product will be fully functional almost everywhere.

This requires a lot of hard work, regulatory approvals, local partners and defining elements that may be unique to that region; that is the key to success. Tap provides an instant exchange of Crypto to fiat and vice versa so users are always in full control of their funds no matter what the form is.

Currently, Tap is in a beta test of a DeFi earn program which in effect will allow users to put their assets to work 24/7. Each available asset will earn a yield value, the yield is paid out weekly and there will be no tie in so a user can withdraw the asset whenever they need to but of course, they would lose the yield earning potential from then on.

This is quite attractive for users given a large number of fiat currencies are in a negative interest position from the traditional banks. By buying a stable coin the users can earn up to an 8% yield on their fiat without less fluctuation risk associated with some cryptocurrencies. Tap has already agreed on a road map for the launch inAustralia and then in Southeast Asia. They are now in discussion with the US, Canada, LATAM, and the

Middle East. They plan on rolling out the product to as many users as possible.

AchievementsAsAn Inspiring Business Leader

In the mid-80s, David joined the AustralianArmy and became a noncommissioned officer in the Signals Corps.After around 6 years he retired from theArmy and joined the banking industry.

During his time within the fintech space, he claims to have been lucky to be involved in the definition of products that have changed user behaviour and the way the industry interacts with them.

He was invited to join the Payments Association which is an industry body in London as an ambassador. This role allowed him to help people joining the industry to select the right path and avoid some challenges that will undoubtedly arise.

“Being a judge on the Pay 360 Awards which is now in its 12th year is an honour to be a part of as this allows me to help select winners for industry awards which is a great experience to work on,” exclaims David.

ResponsibilitiesAs CEO & CoFounder Of Tap

David, who describes himself as a 'Tenacious' person states that as the CEO of Tap his overall responsibility is to ensure that all elements provided are working efficiently. This includes recruiting the right people to provide the operational delivery and support that all Tap users deserve.

MaintainingA Work-Life Balance

“Like most founders, balance is not always easy to achieve, especially in the early days of a product,” says David.

Now that Tap has grown, the balance is slightly better as choosing the right team to make decisions and take actions without needing him to get directly involved has been really helpful. “Without the right team, it would be almost impossible to have any Work/Life Balance,” he further states.

David's message to aspiring business leaders is: Ensure that the product you are building is solving a problem, not a product that is looking for a problem to solve. There are a lot of products around that think they are solving a problem, however, when you investigate the product the problem is not easily visible. Without solving a problem most products enjoy some short time success, but to really grow, you need to solve real problems for most users.

He also adds that security of the assets under management (AUM) is a key responsibility of the CEO, ultimately ensuring that the right partners are connected, provide the levels of service required and maintain the security of all assets is one of the most important jobs of any CEO in this space. Tap holds a lot of

the wealth of our users, we take the responsibility of ensuring these are secure as our highest priority,