Recognized Financial Technology (FinTech) Leaders 2025

Anant Wairagade is a Technical Lead with over 20 years of experience in Software Engineering enabling IT organizations with digital transformation and helping them become secure organizations. In his more than two decades long career, Anant has worked for financial services companies where he led the design and development of several successful products in the Security, Finance and CRM domain. Beginning of his career, Anant worked as a Technology consultant for major Financial Services companies and Banks. Anant is a thought leader in Enterprise Integrations solutions. He is expert in API based data connector development, Kafka and Messaging Middleware. Anant is also an active member of several Industry Open Standard communities. He is an IEEE Senior member and serves as Program Committee Member for several IEEE and other IT conferences.

I'm Rahulkumar (Rahul) Chawda, a global product leader with over 20 years of experience in building secure, scalable, and future-ready digital payment systems. At Mastercard, I lead the global strategy, development, and commercialization of Payment Account Reference (PAR)—a foundational element in tokenized transactions and digital identity ecosystems. I’m passionate about shaping the next generation of trusted commerce—where security, intelligence, and user empowerment converge through technologies like Digital payments, tokenization and AI. My thought leadership has been published in The Financial Brand, DigitalCxO, TechStrong AI, and Global Banking & Finance Review, among others. One article I’m especially proud of is “Toward Financial Inclusion: The Benefits and Challenges of Ethical AI”, where I explore how responsibly designed AI can advance access to financial services for underserved communities. It's a topic I care deeply about—ensuring that as we scale new technologies, we do so ethically and inclusively. I'm also a mentor and a judge for many awards, and I enjoy working with cross-disciplinary teams to solve complex payment problems. I believe the future of finance is composable, intelligent, and secure—and I’m excited to help build it. Connect with me on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rahulkchawda

Sales and tech strategist driven to the front lines of the fintech evolution within the mortgage lending industry. Ambitiously working to create new opportunities, simplify processes, and pioneer modern solutions. Over 15 years of experience in the financial industry as an executive, strategist, consultant, trainer and team developer. •Founder of Liberty Financing LLC Previously: •Chief Strategy Officer at American Financing Corporation •Investment Advisor at Charles Schwab Knowledge and in depth experience ranges across technology innovation and integration (API, AI, Web design, SEO, SaaS), marketing, mortgage lending, business development, sales training, project management, data analysis and financial analysis. I’m passionate about providing the absolute best experience for our customers and the most rewarding career opportunities for our hard working high quality team members Current NMLS MLO State Licenses. Previously held FINRA Series 7 & Series 66 Licenses, Life and Health Insurance License, and Accredited Asset Management Specialist designation from the College of Financial Planning.

Igor Ujhazi is a seasoned expert in digital governance, regulatory technology (RegTech), and public sector innovation. With a background in leading global digital transformation initiatives, he specializes in e-government, digital fiscalization, AI integration in tax and customs administration, and sustainable governance strategies. Igor serves as Chief Executive Officer at The RegTech, a company based in Dubai UAE and focused on delivering tailored, cost-effective digital solutions for governments, particularly in emerging economies. He is also an alum of the Transatlantic Inclusion Leaders Network and an advocate for equitable digital access through pragmatic, policy-driven innovation.

Shane Hurley opened his first payment processing company in 2005. In 2012, Inc. Magazine named his firm the 16th fastest-growing business in Washington State and the 237th fastest-growing company in the United States. He was acknowledged as one of the 50 most influential people in the Inland Northwest, and at 27, was named one of his area’s top 20 professionals under 40. Shane's entrepreneurial success taught him the true value of dedication and hard work, and he carries this lesson with him in his personal and professional life. He is committed to leading and developing his team with a hands-on approach and takes pride in his coworkers' and his corporation's growth and progress. In addition, he enjoys giving back to the community, participating in the Cops for Kids 5K Cancer race, supporting the fight against breast cancer, and mentoring future entrepreneurs. Shane’s role as a business consultant in FinTech is a testament to his expertise and commitment to the industry, developing innovative strategies to maintain relevancy and navigate the ever-evolving credit card landscape.