Who’s Who Interviews

Wong: What do you envisage will be the next frontier of payments in the next three to five years?   Davis: While there is a lot of focus in the market on mobile payments and associated technologies, I think there...

Somers: From an innovation standpoint, what sets the Singapore Exchange apart from its international counterparts, and which of the world’s exchanges do you think tend to lead the innovation charge?   Caisley: From an innovation standpoint, we are looked upon...

Wong: In your view, which countries in Asia are taking the lead in implementing innovative technologies; and which developments do you feel are most relevant to Standard Chartered in China?   Lynch: I am unashamedly biased here in saying that...

Somers: What are your IT priorities for the next 12-18 months?   Suppiah: Regional integration is highest on our agenda. We are dedicating significant executive management focus and our best people in a multi-project programme to implement an integrated banking...

Wong: What strategies does the State Bank of India (SBI) have in place to meet the increasing demand for banking in India’s rural regions; and how will technology play a role? Kumar: We are not only opening new branches but...

Somers: What do you think is essential for achieving and sustaining a successful business partnership with third party vendors? Khera: Firstly you need to identify the right partner. It’s important the selection process results in a right-fit vendor who can...

Somers: What are some of the emerging IT trends that you are keeping an eye on right now? Martin: Mobile banking is probably one of the hottest technology topics in the finance world, and the accelerating migration of mobile phone...

Bhattacharya: How far in advance does UBS chart out its regional IT strategy; and how closely aligned is the local strategy with the greater group’s technology blueprint? Ma: IT strategy evolves continuously but has gained significant momentum in light of...

Bhattacharya: What are Standard Chartered’s more notable innovations used to combat online identity fraud and theft? Narain: Online fraud and identity theft it something we take very seriously at Standard Chartered and we continue to revisit our standards to make...

JACKSON: Tony, it’s approaching six months since you joined HBOS Australia as Chief Executive IT (having previously been CIO at Colonial First State and Wealth Management at CBA); what have been the key priorities and objectives of this initial period...

Sharwood: What are the top three IT projects and strategies set to dominate AVIVA’s IT agenda within the next 12 to 18 months?   Hekmat: First one is agile methodology. This is something that we started 5 years ago and...

Sharwood: How effective do you think Visa’s new ‘pen or PIN’ offering will be? Richards: In the context of risk and fraud we see very little immediate change in profile. We have implemented an innovative new IVR-based customer select PIN...

Sharwood: The NAB recently introduced SMS banking, why did you choose SMS over other mobile technologies?   Cullen: Our approach for mobile banking at the NAB was to develop an overarching strategy with a clear roadmap. The first step in...

FST Media: Your role is GM of technology strategy and transformation. What does that role entail and what are your three main priorities for the next 18 months? Wenborn: The role is responsible for technology strategy, architecture, innovation, demand management...

SHARWOOD: Security and stability are two of the main consideration for business banking customers. How do those concerns impact on your strategy for using electronic channels?   RICKARD: Security and stability are absolute requirements for electronic channels. They are not...