Pioneering the Future of Fintech: The Visionary Leadership of Amit Gaur, CEO of EziPay Global and EziPay Coin

THE UAE'S MOST INFLUENTIAL ICON TO WATCH IN 2025

Pioneering the Future of Fintech: The Visionary Leadership of

Amit Gaur CEO of EziPay Global and EziPay Coin

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Amit Gaur Pioneering the Future of Fintech

NTS. P R O F I L E S

Aidana Aituarova Vision Behind Porte Tech

Farah Alkhateeb's Mission to Build a Culture of Conscious Action

Credits. Publisher: Harry Thompson

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FROM THE EDITOR Vision that Builds Beyond Borders

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ome leaders don't just embrace change they anticipate it, architect it, and bring others along with conviction and clarity. In a world racing toward digital-first everything, it's rare to find a voice that balances scale with substance, speed with responsibility. But that's exactly what this issue offers: not just a story of innovation, but one of intention. This edition is dedicated to leadership that looks beyond the obvious beyond borders, barriers, and buzzwords and chooses instead to design systems that empower people. Systems that redefine how trust, technology, and transformation intersect. Welcome to The UAE's Most Influential Icon to Watch in 2025. In this issue, we spotlight Amit Gaur, the dynamic a fintech trailblazer driving financial innovation across continents through digital wallet solutions and blockchain-powered platforms Amit's journey isn't just about building a payments platform; it's about building access, equity, and opportunity through

thoughtful innovation. With a focus on financial inclusion, secure cross-border solutions, and compliance-driven growth, his leadership has reimagined what's possible in emerging markets and done so with precision and empathy. This cover story isn't a showcase of ambition it's a blueprint for impact. Amit leads with vision, adapts with agility, and delivers with a sense of responsibility rare in today's fast-moving tech corridors. Read on, and discover how one fintech leader is not only navigating global complexity, but reshaping it. Let this edition leave you inspired to lead boldly, think expansively, and act meaningfully in your own sphere.

James jonhson - Managing Editor

Amit Gaur CEO EziPay Global

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Pioneering the Future of Fintech: The Visionary Leadership of

Amit Gaur CEO of EziPay Global and EziPay Coin

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In today's digitally driven era, the financial services landscape is undergoing a radical transformation, with fintech innovators leading the charge in reshaping how people access, manage, and transfer money across borders. At the forefront of this revolution is Amit Gaur a visionary CEO of Artificial Intelligence Technologies Limited known globally as EziPay Global and EziPay Coin. With an impressive track record and an unwavering focus on digital inclusion, Gaur has not only expanded the reach of digital banking across emerging markets but has also redefined leadership in the fintech sector.

Under his leadership, EziPay has transitioned from a traditional remittance facilitator to a full-fledged digital banking and payment ecosystem. This transformation was anchored by a customer-centric approach, where every solution is designed to enhance user experience and accessibility. "We've moved from transactional relationships to meaningful engagements with our customers," he explains. This includes data-driven decision-making, heightened cybersecurity awareness, and a strong grasp of regulatory nuances across international markets. For Gaur, thriving in the competitive fintech space requires more than vision it demands adaptability, collaborative thinking, and calculated risk-taking. "You must be a tech-savvy leader who can inspire teams, stay resilient through challenges, and always keep your finger on the pulse of innovation.”

Evolving Business Leadership in a Digital Era

The Journey: From Telecom to Fintech Trailblazer

Over the past few years, the very definition of business leadership has evolved, largely influenced by technological disruption and shifting consumer behaviors. Amit Gaur believes that agility, innovation, and empathy have now become quintessential traits for a modern leader.

Amit Gaur's journey into fintech didn't begin in a boardroom filled with venture capitalists or developers. Instead, it was rooted in his broad experience across sectors, particularly telecommunications and finance. His earlier roles as CEO of Surfline Ghana and Busy Internet Ghana, along with his experience as a CFO in the telecom and banking space, equipped him with a unique blend of operational, financial, and strategic insights.

"Today's leadership demands a digitalfirst mindset," Gaur shares. "It's no longer about adhering to conventional models but about leveraging technologies like AI, blockchain, and machine learning to improve service delivery and efficiency.” 08

"I founded EziPay in 2017 in Ghana with a small team and big dreams," he recalls. The turning point came during

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the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the inefficiencies in crossborder remittances and traditional banking systems across Africa. This spurred the idea of a fully digital, license-backed wallet solution that would cater to both intra-Africa and global remittances. "We saw that the future wasn't just digital—it was borderless," he says. Since obtaining a license from the Republic of Mauritius, Ezipay has rapidly grown into a global player, consolidating its services under the EziPay Global umbrella and launching EziPay Coin as its blockchain-based Web3 solution.

ensuring robust protection for customer data has become critical. EziPay has tackled this head-on by implementing world-class security standards, including PCI DSS, GDPR, and ISO 27001 compliance. Continuous technological upgrades, customer adoption, and stiff market competition also pose ongoing challenges. "Every day brings a new startup into the space," he says. "To stand out, we focus on delivering real value, not just flashy features.” Despite the hurdles, Gaur views challenges as catalysts for growth. "Innovation is born from adversity. The key is to remain agile and keep learning.”

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Gaur attributes much of his success to a mix of formal education an MBA in Finance and a Post Graduate Diploma in Enterprise Risk Management and a hunger to innovate. "Leadership, I believe, is about solving real problems while staying authentic to your mission," he says. Navigating Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

Gaur's leadership journey has not been without its share of challenges. The fintech sector is volatile, highly regulated, and often misunderstood by legacy institutions.

THINK LONG-TERM. BUILD YOUR FUNDAMENTALS. STAY CURIOUS. MOST IMPORTANTLY, THINK OUT OF THE BOX AND DON'T FEAR FAILURE IT'S LIFE'S GREATEST TEACHER.

to take risks and push boundaries is something I strive to emulate.” This bold approach also shapes Gaur's leadership philosophy. He champions transparent communication, a strong sense of purpose, and fostering innovation from the ground up. "A CEO is not just a title it's a responsibility to lead by example and empower others," he shares. As Group CEO, Gaur's responsibilities span far and wide. From strategic planning and financial management to talent development and risk mitigation, he's deeply involved in all facets of EziPay's growth. "I ensure our mission is aligned across all departments and countries. Consistency is key to building a unified brand.” EziPay's Remarkable Growth and Global Footprint Under Amit Gaur's stewardship, EziPay Global has achieved several milestones that underscore its success: •

• "Compliance remains one of our biggest hurdles," he notes. "We operate in multiple jurisdictions, and ensuring we meet the local financial and legal requirements is both complex and time-consuming." Another key challenge is cybersecurity. With the rise in digital transactions,

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Inspiration and Leadership Philosophy When asked about his inspiration, Gaur doesn't hesitate Elon Musk. "What I admire most is his visionary thinking and ability to execute across different industries," he explains. "His courage

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Pan-African Expansion: EziPay operates in 42+ African countries, providing reliable financial services to underserved and unbanked populations. Its userfriendly mobile wallet is now a household name in many regions. Cross-Border Reach: With operations now extended to Europe, the USA, the UK, Latin America, and the Middle East, EziPay offers seamless remittance and transaction services in over 160 countries. Strategic Partnerships: EziPay's collaborations with global banks,

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telecom operators, and digital merchants have helped integrate its solutions into wider financial ecosystems. Blockchain Adoption: The introduction of EziPay Coin positions the company at the forefront of Web3 fintech innovation, enabling faster, decentralized transactions. Financial Inclusion: Gaur is particularly proud of initiatives that cater to the unbanked. "We're not just a fintech company. We're a financial empowerment platform," he states.

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Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Evolving Market To remain competitive, Gaur emphasizes continuous learning. He actively follows fintech journals, attends global conferences, and networks with industry peers. "The moment you stop learning, you fall behind," he says. He also relies on real-time customer feedback and data analytics to shape product roadmaps. "Our users are our best advisors," he adds. Social media, webinars, and partnerships with other fintechs allow EziPay to stay in sync with market dynamics and tech trends. Looking ahead, EziPay plans to launch several new services, including: •

Prepaid EziPay Virtual Mastercards Virtual IBAN accounts for global banking flexibility International gift vouchers for cross-border gifting

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corporate social responsibility programs that reflect EziPay's core values of inclusion and empowerment. Striking a Balance: Life Beyond the Boardroom For someone managing multiple companies across continents, Gaur maintains a surprising balance between work and personal life. "Family always comes first," he says. He enjoys spending quality time with his loved ones, watching cricket, and reading books. Music and morning yoga are part of his daily routine. He's also actively involved in NGO activities, often incorporating social responsibility into his family's lifestyle. His secret to balance? "Clear boundaries and clear priorities," he explains. "I delegate where needed and

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Enhanced AI-based financial advisory tools Loyalty programs and gamified user engagement Biometric authentication for heightened security

These innovations aim to provide customers with a holistic digital banking experience secure, smart, and scalable.

is inclusive, innovative, and deeply human.

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"We invest in our people just as much as we do in our tech," he says. This includes ongoing training, flexible work environments, wellness programs, and recognition initiatives.

Empowering Teams and Cultivating Culture

What truly sets EziPay apart is its flat hierarchy and open-door leadership style. "Whether it's a junior developer or a department head, everyone has a voice," Gaur shares.

Amit Gaur believes that a company's true strength lies in its people. At EziPay, he has cultivated a culture that

The company also encourages community engagement. Employees are involved in NGO efforts and

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WE'RE NOT JUST A FINTECH COMPANY. WE'RE A FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT PLATFORM.

ensure that both my team and family understand my commitments.” Words of Wisdom for Emerging Leaders To aspiring business leaders, Amit Gaur offers sage advice rooted in experience and resilience:

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"Think long-term. Build your fundamentals. Stay curious. Most importantly, think out of the box and don't fear failure it's life's greatest teacher.” He emphasizes the importance of integrity, innovation, and continuous improvement. "Be the kind of leader who listens, learns, and leads with purpose.” Conclusion Amit Gaur's journey with EziPay is not just a fintech success story it's a testament to bold vision, empathetic leadership, and the power of purposedriven innovation. As he continues to reshape the global financial landscape, his mission remains clear: empower communities, democratize finance, and create a world where digital banking is not a privilege, but a right for all. With a blend of futuristic thinking, grounded values, and relentless drive, Gaur exemplifies what it means to be a transformational leader in the digital age.

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Transforming Hospitality with Purpose

AITUAROVA'S Vision Behind Porte Tech

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n a world increasingly shaped by convenience and instant service, the travel and hospitality industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As consumer behavior evolves driven by delivery apps, ridesharing platforms, and frictionless digital services expectations around travel are shifting. Leading this evolution is Aidana Aituarova, Founder and CEO of Porte Tech, a pioneering TravelTech startup reshaping how hotels and guests connect in the modern era. With a mission to bring clarity, ease, and enablement to mid-tier hotels often left behind by high-end digital solutions, Aidana is proving that the future of hospitality isn't just about luxury or artificial intelligence it's about thoughtful, human-centered technology that works seamlessly in the background. Let's delve in to learn more: Bridging the Digital Gap in Hospitality Today's travelers no longer settle for clunky check-ins, outdated communication, or limited service options. Yet, many small and mediumsized hotels still lack the digital tools to manage operations efficiently or deliver the kind of experience modern guests expect. 14

This is where Porte Tech is making a real impact. Rather than building flashy AI tools that few people ask for, the company focuses on solving the real pain points fragmented guest communication, outdated service booking processes, and unscalable service delivery. Aidana shares, "It's not about jumping straight to AI. It's about fixing the basics—better access, smoother logistics, and simplified service layers that benefit both guests and service providers.” Empowering Hotels with Seamless Tech At its core, Porte Tech is a digital concierge-as-a-service giving guests direct access to features like: • • • •

Online check-in and check-out Digital room keys Food and amenities ordering Service requests through a simple interface

Hotels don't need to replace their locks or overhaul systems. Porte Tech integrates with existing operations, giving properties an extra hand to upsell services and streamline guest support without requiring a full concierge team or dedicated IT resources.

This plug-and-play solution is tailored for hotels that serve the everyday traveler where comfort should never be compromised due to lack of tools. Human Behavior Over High Tech In a sector often driven by trend-driven technology, Aidana takes a refreshing stance: innovation should serve behavior, not overwhelm it. "Travelers aren't asking for voiceactivated bookings or AI-powered rooms," she explains. "They want clarity, control, and customization. They want to plan their stay easily, access services without friction, and feel understood.” The most impactful TravelTech tools today, she believes, are not the most high-tech but the most intuitive. That means enabling hotels to offer a personalized experience without requiring guests to download yet another app. By focusing on behavior-driven enablement, Porte Tech is simplifying the hospitality journey while preserving the essence of human service. From Finance to Founding: Aidana Aituarova's Entrepreneurial Journey Aidana brings a unique blend of

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finance, real estate, and startup expertise to her leadership role. With a strong foundation from PwC and EY, and experience as CEO of a leading real estate startup, working at Mercury Properties (the largest real estate company in Kazakhstan), she understands both the operational and service dimensions of hospitality. She founded Porte Tech with the vision of unlocking better experiences for every hotel not just the premium ones. Today, she's a celebrated voice in the tech world, having led Porte Tech to: • • • •

Finalist at SheLovesTech and Aurora Tech Award Winner of the Startup World Cup in Central Asia Finalist in the Entrepreneurship World Cup supported by His Majesty the Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Top 10 of Taqadam, the GCC's biggest accelerator backed by KAUST

While the startup is two years old, her team has been working together on different ventures for over five years, a testament to the strength and synergy behind the mission. Unlocking the Future of Travel One Stay at a Time As AI continues to make inroads into hospitality through dynamic pricing, operations, and feedback analysis Aidana urges a balanced approach. "AI will come, and it already adds value in many areas," she says. "But we shouldn't overpromise. Hospitality still runs on relationships, culture, and service.” Porte Tech is a powerful reminder that innovation doesn't always mean replacing humans. Sometimes, it simply means removing the friction between guests and great service. In Aidana's words: "Making people feel comfortable during their stay that's the real goal. And that's where TravelTech needs to deliver."

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Let's dive in to learn more: From Vision to Impact: The Birth of eGreenBadge Farah Alkhateeb's journey into the climate space was born out of a simple yet profound realization. While conversations around emissions and recycling were widespread, very few 16

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n the evolving arena of environmental innovation, true leaders are not only those who develop technological solutions but those who deeply understand human behavior. Farah Alkhateeb, Founder and CEO of eGreenBadge, exemplifies this rare blend of innovation, insight, and empathy. With over a decade of experience in purpose-driven business development, she stands at the forefront of a new wave in climate leadership one that begins not with infrastructure, but with human psychology. As the visionary behind eGreenBadge, a UAE-born circular economy platform, Farah's mission is clear: to build a culture where recycling and sustainability are not just options, but intuitive habits. Her journey is one of insight, challenge, and transformation guided by the belief that real climate solutions begin with the individual.

THIS ISN'T JUST ABOUT BUILDING A SOLUTION. IT'S ABOUT UNDERSTANDING WHAT MOVES PEOPLE, WHAT HOLDS THEM BACK, AND HOW WE CAN DESIGN AROUND THOSE TRUTHS.

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addressed the core issue human behavior. With a strong foundation in business development and innovation, Farah set out to build a platform that not only connected individuals, businesses, and recyclers, but also addressed the psychological barriers that hinder sustainable action. eGreenBadge was created as more than a recycling platform. It is a behavioral ecosystem that educates, empowers, and nudges individuals toward better waste practices making sustainability practical, personal, and emotionally resonant. Understanding Behavior Before Building Solutions While technological advancements play a critical role in environmental solutions, Farah discovered early on that the true roadblock wasn't access to recycling it was mindset. People often throw recyclables in the general bin not out of indifference, but out of habit or perceived inconvenience. Recognizing this, Farah reshaped the focus of eGreenBadge: "This isn't just about building a solution. It's about understanding what moves people, what holds them back, and how we can

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design around those truths." With this perspective, eGreenBadge took a unique turn—designing not just for the environment, but for emotion, convenience, and identity.

fashion statements, the transformation begins with how people feel. Farah applies this to sustainability building narratives of hope, pride, and ownership rather than guilt or obligation.

Designing for Emotion and Identity At the core of eGreenBadge's approach is a deep understanding of behavioral drivers. Farah and her team are guided by the belief that people change not when they are pressured, but when they are empowered. The platform focuses on three pillars: • • •

Emotion: Engaging users with uplifting, non-judgmental messaging Perceived Value: Helping individuals see the benefit in their actions Cultural and Personal Identity: Making sustainability part of who people are Instead of saying "Reduce waste," eGreenBadge says:

"Recycling is wealth—for you, your city, and your Earth." It's this conscious shift in messaging that transforms recycling from a chore into a meaningful act of contribution. Communication: The True Catalyst for Change Through real-world research and observations, Farah realized that even the most advanced systems fall short if the messaging doesn't connect. In contrast, movements in health, fitness, and even retail have succeeded by leveraging communication that resonates with users' values.

"Sustainability should come from a place of love, not fear," Farah asserts. And with this philosophy, eGreenBadge is redefining the way we think and talk about environmental responsibility.

conversation, a habit. Don't underestimate the ripple effect of your actions. If we want to solve the climate crisis, we have to start with human behavior. The future belongs to those who choose to care." With leaders like Farah Alkhateeb at the helm, sustainability is no longer a distant goal—it's a living, breathing culture in motion.

Building a Culture of Circularity Beyond just tracking waste or promoting recycling, eGreenBadge seeks to build a movement a shift in collective consciousness. It aims to normalize circularity by embedding it in everyday life, making it both accessible and emotionally aligned. Farah envisions a future where communities no longer need reminders to act sustainably it's simply who they are. And that future, she believes, is only possible when we speak to the heart as much as to the mind. Leading with Purpose and Inner Mastery In addition to her role as CEO, Farah Alkhateeb is an Inner Mastery and Business Coach, helping individuals align with purpose and unlock their full potential. This personal philosophy fuels her leadership at eGreenBadge where business meets meaning, and environmental impact is driven by human potential. As she continues to scale the platform across the UAE and beyond, Farah remains grounded in her core belief: that true change begins with awareness, is fueled by empathy, and is sustained through collective action. A Message from the Founder

Whether it's fitness apps gamifying progress or reusable bags becoming 18

"Change starts small with a choice, a

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AMIT GAUR CEO of EziPay Global and EziPay Coin

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