www.wealthandfinance-news.com Wealth & Finance - Fintech Awards 2024 &wealth finance i n t e r n a t i o n a l Best Capital Markets Email Enhancement Company 2024 When it comes to email intelligence, no company has its finger on the pulse quite like Canada’s Street Context. In today’s digital world, information is primarily transported via email. This is an irrefutable truth. However, the process is usually far from perfect, with countless hours lost to the menial tasks involved over the course of the week. Thanks to a platform that is designed to enhance, rather than replace, the pre-existing email system of a client, Street Context offers an email enhancement solution that is easy to use, simple to deploy, and already enjoyed by more than 150 firms in over 20 countries worldwide. In this issue:
AI Global Media, Ltd. (AI) takes reasonable measures to ensure the quality of the information on this web site. However, AI will not assume any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, correctness or completeness of any information that is available through this web site. If errors are brought to our attention, we will try to correct them. The information available through the website and our partner publications is for your general information and use and is not intended to address any particular finance or investment requirements. In particular, the information does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by us or any of our partner publications and is not intended to be relied upon by users in making or refraining from making any investment or financial decisions. Appropriate independent advice should be obtained before making any such decision. Any arrangement made between you and any third party named in the site is at your sole risk and responsibility. Fintech Awards 2024 Editorial Team Sofi Parry, Senior Editor | Rebecca Scotland, Editor Emily Godbold, Writer | Matthew Wright, Writer Joshua Beardsmore, Writer | Kita Thomas, Writer | Lou Allkins, Writer Design Team Lauren Baldwin, Graphic Designer Haeri Jung, Junior Graphic Designer Wealth and Finance International is happy to announce the return of the FinTech Awards. Now entering its eighth year, this highly exclusive awards programme recognises and celebrates the leading companies within the FinTech Industry. The FinTech Industry encompasses a diverse array of technologies and innovations aimed at enhancing and revolutionising financial services. From mobile payment solutions and peer-to-peer lending platforms to blockchain-powered cryptocurrencies and AIdriven investment algorithms, FinTech is driving unprecedented levels of efficiency, accessibility, and inclusivity in finance. Over the past 12 months, the FinTech Industry has surged ahead, showcasing remarkable growth and resilience. Both the US and UK maintain their positions as global frontrunners in this dynamic field, with the UK projected to double its number of FinTech firms by 2030. These regions serve as vibrant hubs of FinTech innovation, spearheading progress and setting new standards. Sofi Parry, Senior Editor
6. Street Context: Best Capital Markets Email Enhancement Company 2024 10. Lendwire Inc: Best Mortgage Lending FinTech Start-Up 2024 | Fintech Start-Up Founder of the Year 2024: Shawn-Marc Melo 14. BrickMark Group AG: Real Estate SaaS Platform of the Year 2024 – Switzerland 16. Infinite Business Solutions DMCC: Most Innovative Self-Service Kiosk Solutions Provider 2024 - Middle East 18. The State Labour Inspection Service of Azerbaijan: Digital Innovators of the Year 2024 - Azerbaijan 20. GDS Link: Global Leaders in Credit Risk Management 2024 | FinTech Innovators of the Year 2024 22. MYNE: WealthTech Innovation Excellence Award 2024 – Middle East 24. GBST: Navigating transformation: Inside Composer’s technological shift 25. Investortools: Most Innovative Fixed-Income Investment Management Platform Developer 2024 & Credit Analysis & Data Management System of the Year 2024: CreditScope 26. RS Data Tech, Ltd: Most Innovative Credit Report Solutions Provider 2024 - UK 27. KogoPAY Group: Socially-Conscious Payment Fintech Start-Up of the Year 2024 – UK & Financial Inclusion Champion of the Year 2024: Dr. Narisa Chauvidul-Aw 28. SPLICE Software: Best InsurTech CX Software Company 2024 – North America 29. HiPipo: Most Innovative Financial Inclusion Organization 2024 – MEA & Fintech CEO of the Year 2024 (MEA): Innocent Kawooya 30. iOL: Best Hospitality FinTech Platform 2024 31. UpSlide: Most Innovative Brand Compliance Automation Solution 2024: UpSlide Contents
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32. Winnow: Most Innovative RegTech Platform 2024 – North America &Most Advanced LLM/ NLP LegalTech Solutions 2024: Winnow AI 33. Clearview FX Ltd: Most Innovative Currency Risk Management Solutions Provider 2024 34. eMetals Gateway Ltd: Alternative Physical Metal & Commodity Trade Platform of the Year 2024 – UK 35. Finavator: Most Empowering Retail & Payments Fintech Company 2024 - North America & Fintech Female Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 (North America): Michelle Beyo 36. Curql Collective: Fintech Strategic Investment Capital Firm of the Year 2024 37. CoinPort Cryptocurrency Exchange: Best Cryptocurrency Exchange Platform 2024 - APAC 38. Global Islamic Financial Services: Most Innovative Islamic Financial Institution 2024 - Middle East 39. EST Global: Most Inclusive Neo-Banking Solutions Company 2024 – India & Most Dedicated Banking & Financial Services CEO 2024 (India): Dr. Sindhu Bhaskar 41. Unlimited Remit: Most Innovative Remittance Company 2024 – Asia 42. SNYPAY by SNY Financial: Most Innovative Digital Payment Processing Solutions Developer 2024 – UK & Most Dedicated Bespoke Payment Solutions CEO 2024: Naseer Ahmed
6 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 When it comes to email intelligence, no company has its finger on the pulse quite like Canada’s Street Context. In today’s digital world, email is the most used communication tool in the capital markets and beyond. This is an irrefutable truth. However, the process is usually far from perfect, with countless hours lost to the administrative tasks involved with sending, tracking, and following up on emails over the course of the week. Thanks to a platform that is designed to enrich, rather than replace, the user’s pre-existing email system, Street Context offers an email enhancement solution that is easy to use, simple to deploy, and already leveraged by more than 150 firms in over 20 countries worldwide. Best Capital Markets Email Enhancement Company 2024 “On the Street, connections are everything.” Essentially, it is the double meaning inherent in this phrase that lies at the core of Toronto’s Street Context, a company that knows winning is all about being in the right place at the right time, as well as having the right tools to drive the right conversations. This is why the real-time email insights that it provides – discussed further below – have swiftly given its clients an edge, allowing them to capitalize on the attention of their customers and convert it into revenue. By making it fast and easy for senders to both distribute emails and understand exactly how they are engaged with and consumed by the recipient, Street Context has proven an invaluable resource for its users, a group spanning every asset class from sales and trading to research and investment banking. Whichever class a client falls into, the company’s team strives to work closely with users to ensure that Street Context, in all of its multi-award-winning glory, is the right email enhancement solution for their business and its unique needs. Enabling clients to achieve their intended high-value conversations much faster than even the closest competitor, a semi-annual impact survey conducted by the company revealed that more than 90% of its users saved at least two hours on average per week, with some even reporting having saved more than five hours weekly. Aside from this, seven out of ten users reported having between one and seven extra conversations with clients per week and an additional eight percent even feeding back that they had more than 15 additional conversations. 60% of Street Context’s users say that it’s the most valuable tool they have. For those wondering how or why such impressive numbers are achieved across the board, it all comes down to this industry’s make-or-break factor. Speed. Today’s markets move incredibly fast, and this means that emails need to as well. The chances are, if an email isn’t the first on its topic to a client’s inbox, it is already too late, and somebody else has gotten the client’s attention. What Street Context does so well is to deliver emails with such speed that they will almost certainly reach the top of the list every time, but without sacrificing on reliability or depriving clients of a number of enhanced features that benefit the overall user experience. From providing automatic contact updates to managing any email bounce backs, as well as monitoring delivery times and sending email notifications about high priority contact activities, Street Context ensures that all of the bases are covered for its clients. This unwavering commitment starts with perhaps the most important element of email delivery – ensuring an email goes into a client’s inbox and not their spam folder. This is achieved thanks to holistic protection from spam markers that effortlessly preserve one’s sending reputation. With Street Context users are able to send personalized, one to one emails to an unlimited number of contacts in seconds, not minutes with minimal workflow interruption to deliver the maximum value. As an extra level of customization, dynamic content (merge tags) are available to add a personal touch that can make a world of difference in the long run. It is defining elements such as this which lend themselves to the impressive statistic that most of Street Context’s new business comes from users switching firms and insisting on bringing Street Context with them. “ ”
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8 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 Street Context is the only email enhancement tool purpose-built for the pace and scale of global capital markets. As a cloud-based network that operates safely and securely on Amazon Web Services (AWS), Street Context is able to host a series of network and production systems without a hitch. This means that all of a client’s data is entirely secure, something that is backed by regularly audited SOC 2 type 2 certification and a steadfast adherence to ISO 27001. A dedicated information security team is on staff full time to continually monitor and update security protocols to maintain the strictest security standards, a fact that reassures compliance departments at some of the biggest banks in the world. In the unlikely event that security questions arise that cannot be immediately answered, the Street Context InfoSec team will work with the firm’s compliance team extensively to see that any questions are quickly answered. On the back of this, the company is incredibly proud to be leading a world-wide email evolution, unlocking a global network for its clients to maximise in the process. Upholding this entire operation is a stellar workforce who have made it their mission to understand what users care about and help them find the best way to leverage the emails they’re already sending to gain actionable insights. By empowering their customers to elevate their communications, the team here are singlehandedly nurturing smarter conversations, more robust relationships, and better revenue generating opportunities for not only their clients, but their clients’ customers as well. As the only company focused on improving email for capital markets – where it is the biggest and most relied upon communication channel – Street Context has pioneered a game-changing solution that boasts industry-leading deliverability, efficient list management, and actionable engagement analytics, to name just a few of its standout features. Street Context promises minimal workflow disruption to users, allowing them to send and receive emails through their existing email tools while providing them back actionable, real-time insights. Street Context’s unique engagement insights are made further accessible by the fact that they are not only summarized in regularly scheduled emails but can be viewed either through the company’s own intuitive dashboards or integrated into a client’s CRM/ business intelligence tool via API. By enabling users to see and use this data in a way that works for them, Street Context is taking a proactive approach towards client service, living its overarching ethos that sees clients and users of the platform placed firmly at the centre of everything that it does. The company’s support and success teams are dedicated to ensuring users are getting the most out of the platform. “Our clients are not only our number one priority but our greatest advocates”, says CEO Blair Livingston. “Our utilisation metrics are consistently in the 85-90% range, and we’ve never lost a client in our 12-year history.” Street Context’s clients come for the promise that they can say goodbye to everything they hate about email. They stay because this email enhancement platform does exactly that, and so much more. We are the only firm focused on enhancing email for the capital markets, giving users the insights they need to better target follow ups based on when to reach out, to whom, and about what. We have dedicated teams building and innovating on functionality and accuracy to make our insights second to none. We track and gather the analytics that matter to the industry. Since our sole focus is capital markets email, we’re committed to making it the best that it can be on both the buy side and the sell side. Since their singular focus is on email enhancement for capital markets, the team here is wholly committed to assessing this from all angles. Until earlier this year, their sole focus has been building out a high value, user friendly solution for sell side firms, gaining over 5,000 users across over 20 countries, but they have recently introduced a new buy side product that promises to improve email for the buy side and connect both sides of the street in a way that has not been possible before. Both of these areas can leverage the company’s software to cut through the chaos usually associated with the world of email and instead focus on attaining the high-value conversations necessary for success. This is just one example of how Street Context enables its clients, all of whom already represent the best of the best, to consistently operate a cut above the norm. For sell-side firms, Street Context’s robust platform gives them the seamless email capabilities necessary to build lasting relationships, make more deals, and ultimately affords them the recognition that they deserve, all thanks to its unique and industryleading email intelligence capabilities. The company’s newest release, Street Context for Broker Relations, currently in a closed beta with select development partners – including some of the largest hedge funds in the world – allows portfolio managers and broker relations professionals to optimise their productivity “ “ ” ”
9 | Wealth & Finance Fintech Awards 2024 by quickly and easily distributing change requests and notifications to the companies and the people that they want to build relationships with and receive information from. The next year will see a broader release of a similar, more refined version of the product. In time, these two products will connect to build a thriving ecosystem for the capital markets, which again will contribute to the company’s aim of making email truly work for its clients. The future of the buy side solution is bright, the company is working towards centralizing subscription management, ensuring PMs have the most valuable information at their fingertips without the extra “noise”, ensuring uninterrupted and value-added coverage from the sell side. Focusing holistically on the needs of buy- and sell-side teams has resulted in the sharpest players across the global capital markets relying on Street Context for their email communications, something reflected in the impressive statistics that it boasts. With more than 50,000 distribution lists, over 1.4 million contacts in its network, and in excess of 70% of all platform users logging in every day, one does not have to look very far to see that Street Context’s platform is truly something special. A Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 70 is yet another indication of the company’s ongoing positive contributions in this space. So as to foster further engagement with, and provide more value to, its client base, the company’s aforementioned and much-quoted CEO, Blair Livingston, also publishes regular thought pieces that can be subscribed to here. These engaging articles primarily cover industry trends, hot topics, and valueadded insights, and there is a vast back catalogue available for those interested in learning more. New pieces are being written and added to this hub regularly, meaning that there has never been a better time to subscribe and gain access to the thoughts and opinions of one of the sector’s best and brightest minds. To briefly conclude, in a sphere where the problem is often an overload of information, Street Context’s solution succeeds by empowering its clients to cut through all of the unnecessary noise like a hot knife through butter. After all, this is an environment where deals are both won and lost in an instant, but where CRM and other such email marketing tools frustratingly do not offer the speed and reliability that is necessary to get the job done right. With over 12 years of experience leveraged in order to go above and beyond for its clients, the possibilities are endless thanks to this groundbreaking software. Those wishing to know more are invited to follow the link below and visit the company’s website, where they can read more about the company, the product, and the value for each use case, and even request a demo to see for themselves what this valuable email enhancement tool can do for them. There is no longer any reason not to make every email a competitive advantage. Things really are that easy thanks to Street Context. Recognised as the Best Capital Markets Email Enhancement Company 2024, Street Context takes email intelligence to lofty new heights, from which a client will never want to come back down. Contact: [email protected] Company: Street Context Web Address: https://streetcontext.com
10 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 Best Mortgage Lending FinTech Start-Up 2024 Shawn-Marc Melo founded Lendwire Inc. two years ago with the intention of changing the everyday lives of Canadian consumers and industry titans. “I wanted to bring something new and innovative to the table – a way to experience transparency and a well thought process,” he tells us. “What we landed on was the ability to service clients at every level of our industry.” And he is quick to delight in the company’s already brilliant success, sharing how it has seen a “strong start without capital expenditure into large investment companies. We are able to hit $1.5 million in revenue in year one and are on track for $3.75 million in year two. Our steady growth has been the core reward for us.” Lendwire acts as a mortgage brokerage and lender, helping clients to navigate the complexities of securing the right mortgage products to meet their needs, with an approach that is deeply rooted in personalisation, transparency, and efficiency. In terms of personalisation, it places great importance on understanding each client’s individual needs and financial goals, which is why it offers tailored mortgage solutions that align with their specific circumstances. In terms of transparency, it works to keep clients well-informed throughout the entire mortgage process, consistently providing clear, honest communication at every stage. And efficiency is another vital area of focus, driven by its use of cutting-edge technology to streamline application processes and expedite approvals. Shawn-Marc says, “By prioritising these areas, we aim to provide a seamless, stress-free experience that exceeds client expectations and fosters long-term relationships.” Alongside its traditional brokering and lending services, the company leverages the latest technology developed inhouse – Blitz, BrightBroker, Lendy, and its online application platform – to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of its banking and financial services and further empower both borrowers and investors. Blitz is a robust platform that accelerates loan processing, reducing the time from application to approval. BrightBroker is a tool that enhances the capabilities of mortgage brokers through advanced analytics and client management features. It includes a catalogue of more than 250 courses to enhance their professional careers, giving them the ability to monitor their development. Lendy is an AI-driven assistant that provides real-time support and guidance to users, helping them with loan calculations, answering queries, and providing personalised advice. Last but not least, Lendwire’s online application platform simplifies the mortgage application process by allowing users to apply for loans from anywhere at any time. With this user-friendly platform, applicants are guided through each step of the process, from initial inquiry to final submission, including document upload and status tracking. Shawn-Marc comments, “The convenience and efficiency of this platform reduces barriers to application, making financial services more accessible to a broader range of customers.” By combining these technologies, the company is able to deliver a more dynamic, responsive, and efficient financial service, reducing workloads, improving accuracy, enhancing customer engagement, and ultimately leading to faster, more favourable outcomes for both providers and users. Having implemented such technologies in its operations, Lendwire has solidified its position as a leader in Canada’s online mortgage domain. But how does the company remain ahead of the curve in the fastevolving world of fintech? Shawn-Marc explains, “Lendwire takes several proactive steps. We invest heavily in research and development to stay abreast of the latest industry trends and technological investments. Our team regularly attends industry conferences, participates in webinars, and engages with thought leaders to gain insights into emerging best practices and innovations. We also foster a culture of continuous learning within our organisation, encouraging our staff to pursue professional development opportunities. Additionally, we collaborate with technology partners to integrate the latest tools and features into our platforms, ensuring our solutions remain state-of-the-art and highly effective for our clients.” It is evident how the company prioritises innovation, collaboration, and client-centricity within its team, with this giving it a real competitive advantage. By fostering a dynamic and inclusive working environment, where creativity and teamwork are highly valued, the company is encouraged to continue developing cutting-edge solutions and deliver exceptional service. He states, “Our commitment to innovation and clientcentricity drives us to refine our offerings regularly, ensuring they meet the evolving needs of the mortgage market.” So, how do Lendwire’s clients find their experience of working with the company? Upon first glance, it boasts a glowing five-star rating across the board, so we take a look at what clients have to say. Terri shares, “Great brokerage to work with! Very knowledgeable on industry trends and will find the right solution for your financing needs. The team at Lendwire take the time to guide you through the mortgage process. Exception service offered by kind and caring people. Highly recommend!” Michael F. shares, “My experience with Lendwire has been nothing short of amazing. Shawn has been wonderful to work with regarding all my mortgage needs. I was put in a very uncomfortable situation from a bad experience with a previous broker, and Shawn not only fixed the problem entirely but got me better rates, better deal, and saved me thousands of dollars. If you’re looking for a mortgage of any type, I would look no further than Lendwire!” Andrew R. comments, “I worked with Mike North. He worked really hard to help me close a deal I was happy with. Mike was available day or evening to make sure things went smoothly. Mike set up a lawyer and the appraiser for an easy transaction. Would not recommend anyone but him. Thanks for your help, Mike!” As such, it is clear to see how Lendwire Inc. has come to be named Best Mortgage Lending FinTech Start-Up 2024, between its rapid growth Jun24447 Lendwire Inc. (Lendwire) is a premier fintech and lending firm based in Canada, dedicated to becoming the nation’s go-to online mortgage platform. Specialising in connecting borrowers with the right mortgage products and investors through cutting-edge technology solutions such as Blitz, BrightBroker, and Lendy, its comprehensive suite of services streamline and enhance the mortgage brokering and lending process. In light of the company’s success within the FinTech Awards 2024, we speak to founder, Shawn-Marc Melo to learn more about the company’s offering.
and dedication to providing the most innovative and efficient client service possible. Its clients can’t say enough positive things about their experience with it, and this is only the beginning! The future is looking very bright indeed for the company, with ShawnMarc telling us that it has plans to expand its market presence across Canada, enhancing its technology platforms and broadening its range of services to better serve its clients. He explains, “Over the next few years, we aim to integrate more advanced AI-driven tools and analytics to further personalise and streamline the mortgage process. For the remainder of 2024, we are focused on launching several key initiatives, including an upgraded version of our Lendy AI and expanding our partnerships with real estate professionals and financial institutions. We are also committed to further developing our team’s expertise and enhancing our client service protocols to ensure we remain at the forefront of the industry, providing unparalleled value to our clients.” To learn more about Lendwire and how it could help you, please visit the company website. Best Mortgage Lending FinTech Start-Up 2024
12 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 Fintech Start-Up Founder of the Year 2024: Shawn-Marc Melo Shawn-Marc Melo has come a very long way since he first started his sales career 15 years ago. With an impressive array of experience under his belt, he soon discovered his dream to launch his own fintech brokerage – and, two years ago, he did just that in the form of Lendwire Inc (Lendwire)., which has fast become Canada’s go-to online mortgage brokerage and lender. Shawn-Marc is a highly acclaimed leader within the mortgage industry, leading Lendwire to pioneer cutting-edge solutions that truly empower borrowers and investors. As Shawn-Marc celebrates a worthy win in the FinTech Awards 2024, we gain a deeper insight into what makes him such a remarkable innovator, founder, and CEO. When Shawn-Marc Melo founded Lendwire Inc., he wanted to create a company that would transform the everyday lives of Canadian consumers and industry titans. His vision was to develop something entirely new that would bring transparency and efficiency to the world of mortgages and fintech. The result was a comprehensive suite of services that can streamline and enhance the mortgage experience, helping clients to navigate the complexities when it comes to securing the right mortgage products to meet their specific needs. At the core of Lendwire is providing an experience that is as effective as it is efficient, and as founder of the company as well as lead programmer and front-end developer of its tech, Shawn-Marc has overseen the development of innovative technologies that take this to the next level. These come in the form of Blitz, BrightBroker, Lendy, and its online application platform, each of which contribute to the positioning of Lendwire as a leader in Canada’s online mortgage domain. Blitz has the ability to automate routine tasks, including document verification and risk assessments, to allow teams to focus their attention on the more complex decision-making processes; BrightBroker provides efficient learning tools enhance brokers’ professional careers; and Lendy leverages AI to deliver personalised mortgage advice and support. Key towards the creation of these stateof-the-art technologies is Shawn-Marc’s dedication to research and development, with him proactively working to address gaps and overlooked opportunities within the market. At Lendwire, constant innovation and improvement is prioritised, with this allowing it to ensure its technology remains at the cuttingedge. Focused on transparency, simplicity, and excellence, Shawn-Marc’s passion for exceeding the expectations of clients with only the best in financial solutions really shines through, and it means they can always expect access to the most user-friendly and efficient technology possible. Not only is Shawn-Marc a pioneer in fintech, but he is also an excellent mentor as CEO of the company, sharing his expertise with his team of five full-time staff, three part-time staff, and 13 agents, as well as clients and even competing brokerages. Being such a visionary, this is only a brilliant motivator for the inhouse team as they aspire toward breaking the glass ceiling in the world of fintech. Bringing him to his current position as a highly respected leader within the industry is a decade and a half of experience in sales. Shawn-Marc built his career from the ground up, starting off with door-to-door sales and cold-calling, and soon progressing to roles in sales management and as director of sales for a top company, with this all forming the solid foundations for an extraordinary career ahead. By 2017, he had become a mortgage agent, and it was during this time that he realised his ambition to start his own brokerage with a fintech focus. Since Lendwire’s establishment in 2022, the company has gone from strength to strength, and without the need for capital expenditure into large investment companies. Shawn-Marc delightedly shares how the company’s steady growth has been hugely rewarding, expressing his pride at how it was able to hit $1.5 million in revenue in only year one, and it being on track to achieve $3.75 million in year two. Helpful in getting Lendwire out there into the industry and in front of a large, diverse audience has been its marketing including billboards, radio ads, and sponsoring local sports teams. So, how do clients find working with ShawnMarc and Lendwire? With a five-star rating, the positive impact the company is having on clients’ lives is undeniable. Amanda B. shares, “Shawn-Marc saved me from losing my home. He was so understanding and compassionate and was able to get me the mortgage that fit my needs quickly and professionally. I don’t know where my children and I would be without him and Lendwire. Thank you so much!”
13 | Wealth & Finance - Fintech Awards 2024 Catherine A. comments, “Our broker, Shawn went way beyond the call of duty to give us the best rates. He worked tirelessly to help us close our properties. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a mortgage. With him in your corner, you will never go wrong.” Chelsea A. says, “Shawn is very prompt at replying, especially when we were arranging to close our property last minute. He made sure we got the best rate possible on our mortgage and gave us sound advice. He corresponds with our lawyer and realtor, keeping all of our properties organised and ensuring that we are not missing anything. He also follows up with us despite us being so busy. I highly recommend Lendwire and Shawn.” Ultimately, there is no doubt in how ShawnMarc Melo has come to be named Fintech Start-Up Founder of the Year 2024, with the astonishing heights that he has led Lendwire to in only two years. He has rapidly established himself as a true force to be reckoned with, having left such an indelible mark on the industry as a leader and innovator in such a short space of time. Having achieved so much already, we cannot wait to see what Shawn-Marc comes up with next in terms of groundbreaking fintech. Company: Lendwire Inc. Contact: Shawn-Marc Melo Email: [email protected] Website: www.lendwire.com
14 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 As traditional investor markets enter the future, assets are taking new forms in the digital space. BrickMark Group is playing a colossal role in advancing the real estate market with its tokenisation platform, BrickGate. Its tokenised real estate assets are the future of property ownership, affording new ease to the real estate market for new and existing investors alike. Real Estate SaaS Platform of the Year 2024 – Switzerland Since 2018, BrickMark Group has been successfully integrating blockchain technology with the real estate market through its proprietary tokenisation software, BrickGate. Located in the Canton of Zug, Switzerland its headquarters sits in the heart of digital innovation, sharing the valley with other eminent companies conducting vital research into the applications of blockchain tech. In tandem with its pioneering work, a run of welldeserved award wins and honourable mentions from Oxford University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have helped consolidate the company’s place as a prominent player in the future of digital commerce. Real estate is the world’s largest asset class, with an estimated value of $240 trillion – over three times the value of the global stock market. However, less than 7% of the world’s real estate is currently liquid of tradable on public exchanges. We help unlock these values and provide access and liquidity to investors worldwide. BrickGate is a simple smartphone application which allows simple access to real estate tokenisation, utility and rights management, and proactive user support. BrickMark Group’s ecosystem allows securities to be divided with ease, finalised with smart contracts to map and control them. It is a lifetime companion for digital real estate investors, providing a sleek tool for issuance and management which connects every market entity from developers and owners to institutional investors. To date, the company has executed tokenisation transactions with a total value of $166m and was a key leader in the world’s largest tokenisation of a single property. As tokenisation markets began to expand over the years, BrickMark Group developed its offering to drive the verticalization of real estate tokenisation. BrickGate is Europe’s first ever tokenisation platform specialising in real estate, bringing property markets to prolific and prospective investors with newfound simplicity. At BrickMark, we are using blockchain technology to fundamentally change the way property investment works in the banking and finance sector. BrickMark Group’s mission is the democratisation of wealth through accessibility, efficiency, and security. Its onestop offering hits every one of these marks, providing the ideal SaaS platform for investors at every level and empowering the secondary real estate market. Through pioneering software development and strategic partnerships with organisations in the real estate, tech, and banking industries, the company is making an indelible mark on both the real estate and tokenisation industries. The company is keen to undermine the negative stereotypes surrounding NFTs, or Non-Fungible Tokens. Utilising these tokens is a convenient and entirely digital way to represent ownership of tangible assets and it employs them alongside fungible tokens to pioneer access to the real estate market. The tokenisation of properties divides their ownership into smaller shares tradable on digital marketplaces. This leverages the numerous advantages of blockchain transactions, notably, the level of inherent security. Every purchase or sale forms part of a record in a decentralised ledger, accessible only with authorisation and nearly impossible to manipulate. Combined with cryptographic encryption, this ensures a secure and fully scrutable transaction history, therefore a drastically reduced fraud risk. Mostly free of intermediaries and administrative costs, BrickMark Group’s decentralisation efforts improve the overall cost efficiency of real estate trading. Smart contracts drive further efficiency, automating many processes such as payment processing, ownership transfers, and compliance checks. Digital tokenisation implicitly makes BrickGate stand among the most convenient and accessible methods of trading available. That signature accessibility forms one of BrickGate’s key strengths. Tokens are tradable on secondary markets and increase the overall liquidity of property within real estate markets. This opens the floor to a greater range of investors than were traditionally empowered to enter real estate markets such as smaller and international investors. The platform drives diversity in the marketplace within a convenient and compliant infrastructure. By using blockchain technology on our BrickGate platform, we are revolutionising the real estate industry while providing significant benefits to the banking and finance sector. This includes increased transparency, security, efficiency, and liquidity, making property investment more accessible and attractive. BrickMark Group is the project of a dedicated team whose collective expertise spans the real estate, electronics, manufacturing, software design, and blockchain spaces. Property Tokenisation as a Service leverages the full wealth of this experience, and the company is always seeking new team members who “ “ “ ” ” ”
15 | Wealth & Finance Fintech Awards 2024 - share its revolutionary vision and dedicated service to the industry. CEO and Founder Stefan Rind speaks proudly of the company’s contributions to its niche. “I am particularly proud to work for BrickMark because we are driving the verticalization of real estate tokenisation. Our innovative technology gives investors of all sizes access to high-quality real estate products.” He goes on to praise the company’s dedication to lowering its environmental impact. “We are strongly committed to integrating ESG criteria, which means that our investments are not only financially attractive but also sustainable and responsible. It is fulfilling to be a part of s company that is revolutionising the real estate industry while promoting positive environmental and social impact.” BrickMark Group’s dual contribution to the real estate and tokenisation markets cannot be overstated. Thanks to BrickGate, the real estate market is more liquid than ever and further aligned with sustainability goals. It is a key pillar in Europe’s efforts to cater to the investor of the future and one of the world’s most prominent figures in the democratisation of real estate trading. Contact: Stefan Rind Company: BrickMark Group AG Web Address: www.BrickMark.net
16 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 Most Innovative Self-Service Kiosk Solutions Provider 2024 - Middle East Established in 2020, Infinite Business Solutions is headquartered in Dubai, UAE, with a sales office in Amman, Jordan, and a client base stretching across the GCC region and as far as African countries such as Rwanda. Over the past four years or so, businesses in these countries, such as banks, telecom operators, government institutions, insurance companies, and educational institutions, have adopted IBS’ renowned products and services. As a result, the company’s solutions currently process more than 75 million transactions every year, with these taking place across its 1,300 active kiosks, 20,000 POS (point of sale) machines, and hundreds of thousands of mobile app users. The creation of every product in IBS’ six-strong line is overseen and executed by its skilled in-house development team, which ensures every client is afforded an entirely customised solution that has been meticulously crafted to adhere to their specific needs and preferences. Exploring this product range further, IBS’ primary offering and the one that has ultimately netted it this award is (iKiosk), a complete automated self-service solution that spans everything from hardware and software to API integration. Thus, one of IBS’ distinguishing features is its tailored kiosk software and custom kiosk hardware encompassing outdoor, wall-mounted, in-lobby, and counter-top designs. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner Ibrahim Darraz explains, “IBS takes pride in providing organizations with its renowned iKiosk Solution that automates the entire customer journey with smart and attractive self-service kiosks” With the self-service model having become increasingly popular in recent years as a result of the pandemic and significant advancements in technology, customers are beginning to favour these solutions for their short turnaround times and 24/7 availability. It is not only customers that benefit from these self-service machines however, as they also allow providers to implement features much quicker, expand the presence of their brand in the market without the cost of opening new stores, and face a reduction in both staff costs and margins of error. Through its custom self-service kiosks, IBS is able to offer all of this and more, allowing for effective and convenient facilitation and processing of services. As for exactly how this is achieved, IBS’ industry experts begin by identifying and understanding the needs of a partner business, before presenting a hardware design that will have contained within it all of the necessary components. From here, the company’s software experts take the reins, choosing the specific modules to be installed and then finalising the machine to ensure its quality. Aside from these award-winning self-service kiosks, more products rounding out the company’s range are the e-Voucher Distribution System (iVoucher) and the POS solution (iPOS) that manage credit top-ups, bill payments, KYC, sim issuance, wallet top-ups and electronic vouchers; the custom mobile app (iMobile) which enables the self-management of mobile accounts and executing services; web-based portal (iWeb) for real-time configuration and monitoring of all connected devices; and the mobile wallet solution (iWallet) that is a mobile platform which facilitates payments through applications and merchants via mobile wallets. All of these cutting-edge technologies combine to make IBS a leader when it comes to pioneering remittance solutions across the Middle East and Africa’s demanding fintech landscapes. Given its prowess in both software and hardware settings, the company offers a 24/7 support service for its B2B customers for each of these areas. Employing such consistently high standards as these is imperative, particularly given that the industry is continuing to evolve at a rapid rate. This motivates the team here to stay ahead of the curve. “IBS remains at the forefront of industry technology through its unwavering desire to innovate. New products and versions will be introduced in 2024 incorporating the latest AI and big data analytics trends,” said Mohammad Al-Azzeh, the Managing Partner at IBS. Of course, this all starts and ends with its team, a vital component in the ongoing success of IBS. When it comes to its personnel, IBS only selects those who are more than qualified for the job, with this involving them possessing a deep-rooted knowledge concerning the nature of the business, its technology, and its culture of excellence. Across the company’s team, professional interpersonal and communication skills come as standard, and are essential given that 24/7 support is one of the business’ cornerstones. When it comes to picking just one from many accomplishments that it has achieved so far during its relatively short tenure in this market, the first thing that comes to mind is the IBS e-Channels Management Platform, which integrates seamlessly with the back-end systems as well as its kiosk, POS, and web/mobile applications. Essentially, Jun24524 FinTech solutions company Infinite Business Solutions (IBS) DMCC pioneers a range of leadingedge technologies and value-added services for a variety of industries on a global scale. Striving to more than meet the demands of growing businesses with its worldwide reach and flexible delivery models, the company is being recognised particularly for its excellent self-service kiosks.
Solutions DMCC as the Most Innovative Self-Service Kiosk Solutions Provider 2024 - Middle East. “I believe we deserved the win and I’m very glad that our company was recognized as one of the best firms working in the FinTech field” added Ibrahim Darraz, the Managing Partner at IBS. This award alone however does not do justice to the fantastic suite of services offered here, which ranges from e-payment service solutions to an integrated terminal management system. Anyone wishing to know more is cordially invited to visit the website listed below to learn more. Contact: Ibrahim Darraz Company: Infinite Business Solutions DMCC Web Address: https://www.infinitebs.net/index.html Most Innovative Self-Service Kiosk Solutions Provider 2024 - Middle East this platform allows clients to view, control, and manage all of their electronic channels from one simple, user-friendly interface. IBS was one of the first companies across the globe to develop a cloud-based platform like this, and it remains one of its most cherished feats. Not one to merely rest on its laurels however, IBS today has its eyes firmly set on the future, after having spent the better part of 2024 expanding its client base and breaking into new markets such as Kuwait, Rwanda and Jordan, all whilst continuing to grow its numbers in the countries where its presence has already been felt, such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. This contributed to growing IBS’ revenue by approximately 35%-40% per year since its establishment, with Saudi Arabia accounting for 42% of the business. Many ongoing projects are also set to be signed off later this year, replaced by a number of new contracts that will be in effect by the end of the year themselves. Also, to mention the new range of products and updated product versions also set to be released soon. For its exceptional work as a custom kiosk solutions provider in the Middle East and Africa, it is our privilege to name Infinite Business
18 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 Digital Innovators of the Year 2024 - Azerbaijan The State Labour Inspection Service, under the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Azerbaijan (hereinafter referred to as the Service), is responsible for overseeing the implementation of labor legislation and other relevant normative legal acts, as well as promoting a healthy labor relations environment and decent working conditions in the country. This award is presented in recognition of the Service’s remarkable achievements related to the Labour and Employment Subsystem (EMAS). This electronic platform integrates employers, employees, and job seekers, facilitating the regulation of labor relations while promoting transparency and accountability within the labor environment. Developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection in 2022, the platform has significantly improved employer-employee relations and has driven the transition to digital processes in response to the evolving labor market. The platform centralizes the management of market trends, supports statistical research, and enhances proactive monitoring measures. The Service continues to expand the national electronic employment platforms and fulfill its role in meeting the growing demands of employers and employees alike. Aligned with the Service’s operational objectives, the platform has implemented modules for the online signing of employment contracts between employers and employees by automating the process. It also applies international standards in the fields of labor organization and protection, and includes systems for registering occupational accidents. Additionally, the creation of an electronic audit module is planned for the near future. A unified electronic information system called “Control of Informal Employment” will also be established. This system will include tools for identifying cases of informal employment, conducting risk assessments, preparing annual plans, and managing event registries and relevant notifications.
19 | Wealth & Finance - Fintech Awards 2024
20 | Wealth & Finance FinTech Awards 2024 Global Leaders in Credit Risk Management 2024 Helping Clients Turn Data Into Decisions. As many are aware, credit risk management refers to the probability of losses a lender may experience due to the borrower’s failure to pay back their debt. This is why credit risk management companies exist – to ensure that both payment behavior and affordability can be understood well enough to mitigate losses in the first place. By examining more than just the borrower’s credit report, credit risk management companies have had to step up to the challenge of gathering data from multiple sources, digesting and analyzing the data found, and acting with risks, digitalization, and technology in mind at all times. We’re pleased to introduce GDS Link as the company wins not one but two titles in this year’s FinTech Awards. To begin, we’d like to showcase GDS Link’s offerings: Decision Management Platform: GDS Link’s revolutionary platform offers a comprehensive suite of tools for credit risk management. This allows clients to integrate over 200 data sources for instant data-driven decisions. Furthermore, the platform ensures GDS Link’s clients can self-manage and self-test, resulting in the use of minimal IT resources. Predictive Analytics: These analytics are rooted in almost two decades of experience in the field, and, therefore, GDS Link frees its clients up to implement and monitor complex models with ease. Fraud Solutions: GDS Link’s advanced fraud detection and prevention solutions allow lenders to effectively safeguard their operations against fraudulent activities, anywhere and at any time. Customer Management and Collections: With the company’s solutions for customer management and collections, clients can always optimize their operations and improve collection rates. Digital Lending and Loan Originations: Aiding digital lending and loan origination processes, GDS Link cultivates a seamless and efficient customer experience for any number of clients. Marketing and Lead Generation: GDS Link supports lenders to enhance their marketing efforts and generate quality leads through targeted strategies and tools. Delivering best-in-class services and solutions, GDS Link ensures that its clients can each benefit in the ways they need most. With a user-friendly approach and personalized support every step of the way, the company promises – and delivers – comprehensive data integration to act as the backbone of its clients’ data-ready decisions. This inevitably results in sustainable and scalable growth, without the decline of performance, for any business. As a fine example of how GDS Link’s clients feel about the company’s unparalleled offerings, Steve LeJeune, Business Intelligence Manager, from Marine Credit Union said: “Working with GDS Link has been a game-changer. Their expertise and experience helped us to streamline our loan application process, freeing up our team’s time and resources to focus on more complex loan decisions. The credit union is now poised to achieve substantial growth opportunities, and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.” Contact: Matthew Tepper, Vice President of Global Marketing Company: GDS Link Email: [email protected] Web Address: https://www.gdslink.com Working with a diverse collection of clients, such as large institutions, lenders, and retailers, on a global scale, GDS Link supports its clientele with their credit risk management so that they can reap the many benefits. With 18 strong years of experience behind it, GDS Link continues to be the standout option for businesses and organizations everywhere. We take a closer look at its contribution to the world of credit risk management as it is named in our FinTech Awards 2024. “ ”
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