In our latest edition of 'The Talent Behind The Tech' we spoke with our new Americas and MENA Business Development Director, Hiba Chamas. Hiba discussed her wide-ranging experience of working in the banking and fintech industries and why she is excited for what the future holds.
What have been the key learnings from your career to date that you have brought into your current role?
Throughout my career in banking to date, I have been on both the buyer and seller side of the transformational technologies that are shaping the way that money is being moved around the world. I have also had the pleasure of operating in many different countries, which has really helped to understand how different jurisdictions operate, and how they like to be engaged.
Away from the technical aspect, banking is very much a relationship-based business, so it has been important to understand the cultural differences that come with working in different geographies. There are nuances in the approaches to problem-solving, in methods of communication and how business is done.
The variety of roles I have been fortunate to hold have provided me with the skillset to bring that expertise, in conjunction with strategic thinking into my current role at RTGS.global. There’s still plenty more to learn and I am hugely excited for what the future holds!
What made you want to join RTGS.global?
I have followed RTGS.global’s journey and growth really since the start having been aware of Nick Ogden’s successful ventures which led to the formulation of RTGS.global.
Having been in the industry for a number of years already, I truly believe that the technology that RTGS.global is bringing to the table is something that banks and financial institutions have been crying out for for a long time. The G20 Roadmap has provided a guideline for where the industry is, and where it needs to be in the next few years, and I wanted to be a part of the innovation. To do so, joining RTGS.global was the logical choice as its solutions are no longer a nice to have – they have become a necessity to bring more security and efficiency to cross-border payments.
To be backed by central bank funds gives what we are building at RTGS.global a unique edge in delivering the most secure payment v payment solution. It’s disruptive and great to be a part of.
What are the most exciting developments in the banking industry at the moment?
The integration of Artificial Intelligence and the rise of instant transaction systems like Payment versus Payment are fundamentally changing the industry.
A technology that is influencing most industries in one way or another, AI enhances data-driven decision-making and automation, allowing banks to analyse customer behaviour, predict trends, manage risks, and personalise the services they offer far more efficiently. Similarly, the automation and efficiency of PvP systems enable instant, simultaneous transactions, reducing cross-border transaction risks and increasing security and reliability.
These innovations are driving the banking industry towards greater efficiency, security, and improved customer experiences.
What advice would you give to growing fintechs?
As you look to grow, it’s vital to remain agile and flexible.
The fintech industry is highly competitive with many vendors looking to solve the expanse of challenges that exist with their solutions or services - so it can be difficult to cut through the noise. Rather than trying to be everything to everyone, stay focussed on solving a niche problem that is scalable.
These challenges often evolve so while staying focussed, be open and adaptive to change.
In your opinion, what a makes a high-performance culture?
Any high-performance culture is underpinned by clear and open communication which starts from the very top.
I have always valued having a role model who leads from the front, without crossing into micro-management. You need to feel supported, trusted and believed in to get the best of out your abilities, regardless of your role.
As with the advice for growing fintechs, resilience and adaptability are huge assets and are a vital ingredient in growing a team and culture that is built to succeed. I also think that diversity is a key factor. If we all thought and approached challenges in the same way, we wouldn’t be able to adapt to the inevitable curve balls that we will face in our careers.
Finally, who doesn’t appreciate recognition? Making the effort to call out achievements, however big or small, goes a long way in fostering a culture where everyone feels valued.
What piece of technology do you see having the greatest impact on the fintech/banking world in the next 1,2,3 and 5 years?
Echoing my thoughts on why the banking industry is such an exciting space to operate in at the moment, the developments in AI and machine learning and how they will continue to drive greater efficiency are certainly ones to keep an eye on.
Looking more specifically to cross border payments, blockchain and distributed ledger technology are set to transform how banks and financial institutions communicate and transact. In doing so, we can expect to see more automation for transactions that have been previously impossible.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Embrace uncertainty and change.
Change is going to happen, whether you like it or not, but not all change is bad! By adopting a positive outlook to change, you can recognise and take full advantage of the opportunities it can open.
I’ve lived in more than 12 countries, each move bringing with it plenty of change. New places, faces and cultures, and I have tried to get the best out of each unique experience.
What does the future of RTGS.global look like?
One thing that’s for sure is the future of RTGS.global looks bright with numerous opportunities for growth and disruption in the cross-border payments space.
The recognition we’ve received from recent industry award wins and shortlists highlights the strength of what we’re building at RTGS.global, and how we are poised to become one of the leading PvP cross-border payment settlement companies with our unique and disruptive technology. There is huge potential to transform the industry by enhancing the speed, security, and efficiency of international transactions and I’m excited to be a part of the journey.
