Fintech vs. Traditional Banking – Is the Legacy Model Still Viable?

Impact Boards EM are excited to launch our "Virtual Boardroom" series for our members to meet virtually to network and share knowledge on specific board themes.

This one-hour discussion will be an opportunity for members to share their knowledge and experience of having served on boards across emerging and developed markets around the world.

We kick-start the series with a focus on Fintech vs. Traditional Banking – Is the Legacy Model Still Viable?

As Fintech companies continue to disrupt the financial services landscape with agile innovation, user-centric design and digital-first models, traditional banks face mounting pressure to adapt or risk obsolescence. This session will explore whether the legacy banking model can survive the wave of technological transformation – or if Fintech has already redefined the future of finance.

Bringing together industry leaders, investors and board members from both sides of the divide, we will discuss:

• How traditional banks are responding to Fintech disruption

• The challenges of legacy infrastructure, regulation and customer expectations

• Can Fintech companies ultimately replace Main Street banks?

• The role of boards in steering financial institutions through digital transformation

Is the future a battle between old and new – or a strategic partnership? Join us for a forward-looking discussion on what’s next for financial services in emerging markets and beyond.

Expect open and insightful discussions as well as the chance to make valuable connections in an informal online setting.

Moderator

Olga Pascault

Co-Founder, Impact Boards EM

Speakers

Shyamal Saxena is a senior retail banking executive, board director and FinTech entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in leadership and board roles. His expertise lies in driving strategic growth for both Fortune 500 companies and smaller, more nimble enterprises by identifying new business opportunities, launching market-resonant products, creating innovative sales strategies, implementing corporate change initiatives and enhancing operational efficiencies.

He has successfully led significant transformations and growth initiatives at major institutions, including:

• Standard Chartered Retail Banking India: Spearheaded digital transformation, modernising the setup for future readiness and fostering a profitable, winning culture.

• Revitalised business momentum and service delivery through organic interventions, M&A, strategic partnerships, and process re-engineering across India and South Asia region for Standard Chartered.

• HDFC Bank India: Scaled operations to market leadership, introduced industry-first digital products, and expanded both distribution in India and international markets.

As a business leader, he has managed large, multicultural teams, overseen risk, controls, and regulatory matters, and engaged with global regulators. As a board director he has guided strategy and transformation while supervising governance, serving on various committees, including those for operational and credit risk and asset-liability management.

View Shyamal's LinkedIn page here.

Sarah Clark is a seasoned executive with broad international experience in a variety of industries including travel, retail, financial services, FinTech and e-commerce across Europe, the USA, the Middle East and Africa. She grew PayPal’s business across three continents to deliver the highest revenue growth in the company, despite a challenging regulatory environment.

Sarah also launched and ran the European operations of two venture-backed businesses – LootCrate and Clearco – delivering double digit revenue growth.

View Sarah's LinkedIn page here.