Rakesh Bhatia
Rakesh Bhatia is an experienced banker with over 26 years of experience with HSBC - across Asia, UK and Middle East - followed by a stint as the CEO of an independent Private Bank in India. Having done a variety of global, regional and country roles, his knowledge of the financial services industry ranges from Commercial & Corporate Banking, Trade & Receivables Finance, Investment banking and FinTech in recent years.
With his background as an International Manager at one of the most global organisations in the world, he has understood and assimilated different cultures.
For the past three years, Rakesh has travelled extensively across Silicon Valley, New York, London, Hong Kong, and Barcelona to interact, learn and gain insights into the trends and growth of FinTech, on its new business models, delivery modes, analytics, data usage and customer engagement merger and evolution.
As a traditional banker, he is aware of the magnitude of disruption caused by new technologies, and understands the significance of a merger between traditional and new businesses to build a powerful hybrid of a future financial company.
His current focus is to help companies - young and established - to navigate, bridge and emerge in the new world of Financial Technology.
He is a co-founder of a startup Hektor SG, a Singapore based financial intelligence app aimed at millennials to empower them with financial liberty to achieve their goals. He also holds C-level executive positions at B2B & B2B2C FinTech companies across SME Online Lending, Insurtech, SME Global Platform and a Co-working cum incubator in India.
Commentary
Singapore’s small exporters need credit that matches their payment cycle
The hidden realities of succession for next-gen heirs
In Asia, fintech leaders must compete on credibility
F1 on a gravel road: Why AI is still stuck in first gear
Why AI blocklists give Singapore firms a false sense of security
When scale arrives before proof: Singapore’s capital allocation question in Southeast Asia
Rethinking fleet ownership in a changing business landscape
Beyond the chips: The materials behind Singapore’s AI infrastructure
How homegrown brands are redefining premium in Asia
AI in hospitality: Where should Singapore’s F&B operators draw the line?