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In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Nvalaye Kourouma, Group Chief Digital Officer at Ecobank, about how technology is a tool for digital transformation, but it's not just copy and paste across different markets in different countries. They also discuss the importance of scaling up and how Ecobank is shaping the ecosystem of banking.
Then, Nvalaye reflects on what it means to be a successful CDO – a capacity to learn, creativity, and flexibility – and offers advice for those seeking a similar role.
Topics discussed:
Why digital transformation is not copy and paste from one country to another.The three pillars of being a CDO: the digital platform, data analytics, and innovation.How Ecobank is shaping the ecosystem of banking in Africa by partnering with other banking entities.How keeping things as simple as possible for the customer will ultimately bring them the most value.How the ability of the user to apply technology to their problem is more important than the technology itself.The three key skills of being a successful CDO: capacity to learn, creativity, and flexibility. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Jørgen Ouaknine, Group Head of Innovation and Digital Assets at Euroclear. They discuss how a role in innovation has expanded in Jørgen's time at Euroclear and how it's shaped their purpose of safety, efficiency, and sustainable economic growth. They also discuss how going digital has allowed FMIs like Euroclear to continue to exist, but that there are still inefficiencies to be solved.
Topics discussed:
How financial market infrastructures connect issuers and investors and serve their communities thanks to digitization.Why the current market would benefit from moving from a sequential value chain to a circular one.How Euroclear balances moving forward with matching the pace of change of the market--all with the help of client feedback.The importance of focusing on your priorities without getting caught up in the technologies that are currently en vogue.Avoiding "reinventing the wheel" and developing what you have rather than constantly starting from scratch.How having a strategic vision is key to being a successful leader in innovation. -
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In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Witit Synsatayakul, Deputy Director, Digital Currency Policy and Development at Bank of Thailand. They discuss why digital transformation needs to start with people and processes before systems and tools, and why it should be led by mid-level managers. They also talk about the skills needed for digital transformation success, how tokenization is opening up growth opportunities, and how AI will shape the future.
Topics discussed:
Why digital transformation needs to start with the people and processes first, before systems and tools.How tokenization creates growth and opportunity, especially through atomic settlements and reduced risk.Why business know-how, technical competency, and project management skills are the key to digital leadership success.The challenges to being a digital leader, including the dynamic nature of the role and resource constraints.Why digital transformation should be led by mid-level senior managers instead of leaders at the top.How AI will shape the financial sector in the future by being "close to daily life." -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Sattar Kazimov, CDO at Unibank. They discuss the digital evolution of Unibank into being named one of the best banks in Azerbaijan, including how they built customer products and backend digital and IT teams. They also talk about the importance of creating products that fit your customers’ needs, why CDOs need to test and adapt to changing times, and how AI will improve operational efficiency and customer service.
Topics discussed:
How Sattar created and evolved digital initiatives at Unibank, including rolling out mobile banking and building digital teams.The importance of knowing your customers and building products that serve them first.How Unibank has embarked on its digital transformation, including branching out into partnerships to create a neobank that gained one million customers in 24 months.Why the future will only focus on banking and customer experiences, not banks and products.How banks can use AI for optimizing processes, improving customer interactions, and enhancing operational efficiency.The challenges to digital transformation, including testing and adapting to a constantly changing world.Advice to other CDOs to remember to put people first and tech second. -
Welcome to a special edition of Chief Digital Heroes, where our host Matthew Van Niekerk answers the top questions our listeners have asked us. In today's episode, Matthew addresses "Why do so many Blockchain Transformation projects fail?"
When embarking upon a Blockchain Transformation, companies often hit a Blockchain Complexity Chasm. On one side is their blockchain aspiration, on the other side is potential gain, but there's no bridge to cross it — and common approaches like training internally or buying vertical solutions can often widen that chasm. The solution is a different approach that includes using a Blockchain Transformation Platform to help cross that chasm.
Would you like to have Matthew answer one of your questions in a future episode? Email [email protected] with your question and a short summary of why you are looking for an answer!
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In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, previously recorded as a webinar, Matthew speaks with Dirk Hermans, Innovation Manager, Blockchain Lead at KBC Bank & Verzekering. They discuss the drivers behind launching a new Bolero crowdfunding platform and how it sets the stage for tokenization growth in the future. They also talk about the ongoing initiatives of digital transformation, how digital leaders should evaluate new technologies, what problems KBC's Kate Coin solves, and the process for bringing innovation to the market.
Topics discussed:
The drivers behind launching a new Bolero crowdfunding platform, including new regulations, tokenization growth, and real-time payments.The role of an innovation manager that includes watching trends, understanding the long-term impacts of technology, and business development.How blockchain is like the internet in its inception, evolution, and impact, and how it’s different.Advice for digital leaders adopting new technologies, including finding the unknown unknowns.Today's trends to watch in addition to blockchain, including AI, Internet of Things (IoT), and personalization and identity.Why digital transformation is like a treadmill, and how KBC has evolved from launching its mobile app 10 years ago.KBC's process for bringing innovation to the market, including how individuals can pitch ideas.The problems that KCB's Kate Coin solves around payments and liquidity. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Maia Gorgiladze, Deputy Chief Digital Officer at Bank of Georgia. They discuss the role of a CDO in driving digital change, as well as what technologies the Bank of Georgia is employing for their digital transformation, like cloud, AI, and data analytics. They also talk about how AI can drive personalization and engagement, how gamification and chatbots are improving customer experiences, and the key skills that CDOs need for success.
Topics discussed:
A typical day for a CDO, including working with the team, meeting KPIs, boosting digital sales, and more.How the Bank of Georgia is using technologies like cloud computing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, data analytics, and more.How AI and ML enhance personalization efforts and drive better customer engagement.How AI and ML can make internal processes more efficient, like fraud detection and feedback surveys.The top three skills that will help CDOs find success in their careers.How gamification and chatbots can improve customer experiences and make banking more fun. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Rob Downes, Head of Salesforce Platform and Digital Assets, CIB Africa at Absa Group. They discuss the catalyst that led Absa Group to experiment with blockchain, what use cases they're using blockchain for, and how the regulatory environment is becoming more supportive of blockchain. They also talk about top skills for digital leaders and the biggest challenges to digital transformation.
Topics discussed:
The two catalysts that led Absa Group to start experimenting with blockchain.How the regulatory landscape in South Africa is becoming more supportive of blockchain experimentation.Where Absa Group currently stands on its digital transformation and where it still needs to go.How they're experimenting with generative AI, especially in development work.The key skills for a digital leader, like being comfortable with disruption and change.Why the biggest challenge to blockchain adoption is overcoming people's fear of change.The different blockchain use cases that can transform banking, including stablecoins, tokenization, and investments. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Arne Graeber, CEO/Chairman of the Board of Managing Directors at Commerz Global Service Solutions. They discuss the bank's current state of Digital Transformation, including how they've become a paperless office, how they're using AI to improve accuracy, and how ML is contributing to compliance. They also talk about how to navigate change through a clear strategy and how they're using an agile approach to release digital products.
Topics discussed:
A typical day for the CEO of a bank, and how it centers around empowering the management team and aligning everyone on initiatives.How Commerz is evolving its Digital Transformation initiatives, starting with moving to a paperless office.How smart automation is helping improve accuracy and free up employees for higher-value tasks.How they're using AI and ML to detect customer patterns and drive compliance.Why banks need a clear strategy around which trends to follow and an agile approach to rolling out new initiatives.How new digital projects can create a better client experience and more scalability. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Loice Ngulube, Chief Information Officer at POSB Zimbabwe. They discuss how the bank is evolving its digital transformation across operations and customer experiences, and how it involves tools, upskilling, and buy-in. They also talk about the new technologies improving banking, like blockchain, APIs, and AI, how POSB Zimbabwe is prioritizing sustainability, and why change management is a key skill to lead digital transformation.
Topics discussed:
The evolution of Loice's career, from starting as a nurse, to moving into business and computer science, to becoming CIO at the People's Own Savings Bank in Zimbabwe.How POSB Zimbabwe is exacting their digital transformation, what tools they're using, and what customer touchpoints they're impacting.How POSB Zimbabwe is fostering online and mobile banking to the extent where it gains 95% of its revenue through digital channels.What new technologies are improving operations and customer experiences, including blockchain, open APIs, chatbots, AI, and more.What top skills aspiring CIOs should possess, and why change management leadership is key to gaining buy-in for digital transformation.The ways in which POSB Zimbabwe is prioritizing sustainability in their own operations, and how they're supporting customers and businesses that prioritize sustainability, too. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Arnaud Misset, Chief Digital Officer at CACEIS. They discuss the evolution of CACEIS's digital transformation and how technologies like data lakes, APIs, and blockchain are pushing them forward into the future. They also talk about the challenges holding digital transformation back, the skills aspiring CDOs should possess, and what CACEIS's new digital asset service provider license means for their future.
Topics discussed:
A day in the life of a CDO, the need for continuous delivery, and how CACEIS combines product development and digital innovation.The unique approach CACEIS takes to developing new products and digital initiatives.Where CACEIS is today in their digital transformation, and which technologies are helping them move into the next phase.How new technologies like AI, blockchain, and APIs are impacting banking and improving the customer experience.The challenges to digital innovation, which include being sure you're following regulations and change management.The top skills aspiring CDOs should possess to be successful, and why you can’t do it all alone. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, Matthew speaks with Theodoros Papadopoulos, Chief Digital Officer at Bank of Valletta. They discuss a day-in-the-life of a CDO, the state of digital innovation at the bank, and what new digital assets they're rolling out in response to customer needs. They also discuss the top skills a CDO should possess in order to be successful, what opportunities AI can bring to the banking industry, and how to manage change when rolling out new digital initiatives.
Topics discussed:
What a typical day-in-the-life of a CDO looks like, including aligning on priorities with colleagues and strategizing on digitization.The state of digital transformation at Bank of Valletta, where they’re currently rolling out new digital assets like mobile banking in response to customer needs.How AI can benefit the banking industry in terms of monitoring and fraud, and how it will become a tool that will assist, not replace.The top skills a CDO should possess in order to be successful, which include having empathy and an entrepreneur innovator mindset.How to manage challenges, like buy-in across the organization, that may arise from implementing new digital innovation. The new projects that Theodoros is excited about, including BOV’s upcoming Customer Experience Week. -
In this special episode of Chief Digital Heroes, recorded at Sibos, Matthew speaks with Alexandre Kech, Head Digital Securities | Executive Board Member at SIX Digital Exchange. They discuss what SDX does in terms of "future-proofing the infrastructure" of digital securities, as well as a typical day that involves identifying use cases and preparing customers for the future. They also talk about where the industry is in terms of embracing digital transformation, the need for infrastructure interoperability, and how to get started with digital assets as a newcomer.
Topics discussed:
A typical day at a digital securities exchange that includes identifying use cases and educating customers.Where the financial industry is in terms of accepting and embracing digital transformation.Why building on different infrastructures will hold tokenization back and the need for interoperability instead.A look at public and private blockchains, and why we'll likely see a hybrid model in the future.How AI will impact banking, and how its biggest use case will be improving the user experience.Misconceptions around digital securities and those working in exchanges, and what to believe instead.How to get into digital assets if you're a newcomer, and ways in which you can "play around" with Ethereum, and other coins and assets. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, recorded at Sibos, Matthew speaks with Sailesh Panchal, CTO at TSB Bank. They discuss a day-in-the-life of a CTO, how a CTO can help their team more effectively deliver by establishing guardrails and policies, and how far TSB Bank has gone on their digital transformation journey overall. They also talk about how new technology like blockchain and AI are impacting banking and what skills to develop if you're an aspiring CTO.
Topics discussed:
A typical day-in-the-life of a CTO, which includes everything from scrum meeting to refining architecture to understanding business problems.How a CTO can emplower their team to do their best work by establishing guardrails and policy-as-code.Where TSB Bank currently stands with their digital transformation, and how over 80% of customers are transacting on mobile.What new technologies are impacting banking, and how blockchain, cloud, and AI will bring more value to customers faster.Top skills for aspiring CTOs that include understanding your business domain, curiosity, and practical skills.How TSB is working to improve the developer experience by understanding and implementing technology that can help solve problems. -
In this episode of Chief Digital Heroes, recorded at Sibos, Matthew speaks with Hari Janakiraman, Head of Industry and Innovation, Transaction Banking at ANZ. They discuss how ANZ is forwarding its digital transformation through asset tokenization and smart contracts, and why digital transformation should always start with the customer needs. They also talk about how public blockchains can provide global solutions, the evolution of digital bills of lading, and why you should solve customer needs with current tools before you start innovating.
Topics discussed:
A typical day at ANZ that involves spending time with customers and helping individuals innovate across the organization.The evolution of digital bills of lading and how they will make trade more efficient.Where ANZ is today on its digital transformation journey, and why digital transformation must always begin with customers' needs and solving problems.Why financial institutions should look at how to solve customer problems with current tools first before creating new ones.The digital initiatives that ANZ is focusing on, including tokenizing assets, creating a stablecoin, and implementing smart contracts.The benefits of using a public blockchain, and the necessity for regulations and boundaries around it. -
In the first episode of Chief Digital Heroes, recorded at Sibos, Matthew speaks with Sabih Behzad, Head of Digital Assets & Currencies Transformation, MD at Deutsche Bank. They discuss why Deutsche Bank is betting on a tokenized economy in the future and how they're taking action today with digitizing assets. They also talk about why digital transformation is a journey, how AI will bring value to processes and customers, and why technology is a differentiating factor in the industry.
Topics discussed:
What new projects Deutsche Bank has launched around digitizing assets, bringing financial assets on chain, and tokenization.The difference between digital assets and currency, and why Deutsche Bank is looking to a tokenized economy in the future.The pros and cons of both public and private blockchains and how banks can go about considering both.Advice for those early in their career, including why you should specialize and the value of working on your people skills.Why digital transformation is a journey of continuous improvement, and where Deutsche Bank is on that journey.How AI will bring value to banks not only by improving manual processes but by being the foundation of new business models.Why technology — and a workforce with technical skills — will be the differentiator that sets great banks apart.
