1. Tell us about your role at Hubpay?
I’m CEO and Founder of Hubpay.
2. Can you tell us about your journey into this market?
My background is banking but I have also spent quite a bit of time as a pro-bono consultant in the microfinance space, so I understand how vital remittances are to communities in emerging markets.
When I arrived into the UAE 4 years ago, I was struck about the lack of a digital, convenient and low-cost solution for the market. So I started working on Hubpay in 2018 and after two years of work, we’ll be launching our wallet in market at the end of the summer.
3. How do you think technology is upgrading financial sector?
The digitalisation of the sector is a game changer, especially for developing markets. Much like we saw the mobile phone leapfrog landlines for much of the world, we are seeing digital wallets leapfrog traditional banking.
4. How has increase in digital transformation empowered payment firms?
The tectonic shift we’re seeing in all elements of the financial services, has provided the infrastructure for fintechs to launch the solution customers’ need; rapid onboarding, screening and API integrations has made real-time payments a reality.
5. Why do you think there was a need to have a dedicated platform for remittance community?
The remittance community is a vital lifeline of inward investment into many developing economies, outstripping foreign direct investment, therefore building a solution specifically tailored towards is vital. The remittance community has two parts, those sending and those receiving remittances. The market needs a platform that serves both sides of this equation.
6. Do you agree that having a mobile application has become mandatory at least for payment platforms?
Absolutely, for convenience and control; users want to have their money at the fingertips so they can pay and send when they need to, and have full visibility over their finances for peace of mind.
7. What advice would you like to give to the technology Start Ups?
Join an accelerator, they’re worth the time and investment.
8. What is your work related hack that you would like to share?
Networking comes naturally to some people and less so to others, but it is vital. The market is moving so rapidly that people who were experts two years ago are out of the game. Therefore,
building a network and always seeking out the latest information is a key factor in being on top of your product/market fit.
9. How do you prepare for an AI-Centric world?
Hire a data-scientist.
10. What are the major developments you are planning, in recent time?
Our key focus this year will be to offer the best solution in the market for remittances. The next major developments will be announced later this year.
11. Which book are you reading these days?
Just finishing A Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz, a pragmatic book with some fresh perspectives, and required reading for all entrepreneurs.
