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Mirna’s diverse career has spanned government relations, business strategy, digital communications and journalism. Wishing to further extend her experience and knowledge, Mirna studied an Executive MBA at Bayes Business School’s Dubai centre, graduating in 2019.
Mirna is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Fintech Galaxy, an open innovation platform that enables open banking and finance by offering a cloud-based innovation platform, an open API sandbox, and a global fintech marketplace.
Congratulations on Fintech Galaxy achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and SOC 2 Type 2 compliance! What does this mean for your financial services platform?
Achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is a significant milestone for Fintech Galaxy. This international standard demonstrates our commitment to managing sensitive company and customer information securely. Attaining SOC 2 Type 2 compliance is equally important, indicating that Fintech Galaxy has effective controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of a system. In Open Banking/Open Finance, data is king, and we are guarding and handling it carefully and respectfully.
What’s next for Fintech Galaxy?
Our plan is to make a mark across the MENA region, mainly markets like KSA and UAE. We’ve seen how much the region is embracing digital financial solutions based both on Account Information and Payment Initiation Services, and we want to be right there with them. For Fintech Galaxy, it’s not just about being present in these markets; it’s about understanding what makes them tick and how we can be an active participant in their financial journey.
And here’s the really cool part – we’re pushing past the usual Open Banking stuff. Open Finance is like opening up a treasure chest of financial opportunities. It goes beyond sharing bank data; it unlocks a whole world of financial services—think investments, insurance, and tools that help people manage their money better.
Can you tell us what trends you expect to see in the financial services industry over the next few years?
There’s a lot of exciting trends to be looking forward to in the financial technology, like:
- Everything’s going digital
- Open banking and Open Finance are the new buzzwords
- Artificial intelligence is the new smart
- Getting everyone on board: it’s all about making finance easy and accessible for all.
- Green is the new gold
- Staying on the right side of the law with tech
- It’s all about you: personalization is huge.
- Keeping things safe and secure
Exciting times ahead, for sure.
How was Fintech Galaxy born?
Fintech Galaxy started from a spark of an idea, a kind of ‘what if’ moment. You see, there was this growing buzz about fintech and how it could shake up the traditional banking world. But despite all the noise, there was this huge gap out there – a lot of traditional financial players were sort of watching from the sidelines, not really diving in.
So, the idea was born: how would I bridge that gap? To bring the innovative spirit of fintech to the more established traditional financial institutions and really get them to play ball together? That’s where Fintech Galaxy stepped in. We wanted to create a place where all these different players – the big banks, the scrappy startups, regulators, and even everyday consumers – could come together.
For me, founding Fintech Galaxy wasn’t just about starting a business; it was about starting a bit of a revolution in finance. And honestly, it’s been an adventurous ride—constantly learning, adapting, and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in finance.
And what were you doing before that?
Before founding Fintech Galaxy I advised a lot of financial institutions and government bodies across the MENA region, helping them navigate the complex waters of going digital. It was fascinating work, seeing how technology could reshape traditional practices.
And before that, I had a whole other life in journalism! This blend of media and digital transformation work really set the stage for Fintech Galaxy. It gave me a unique viewpoint on how technology could revolutionize industries, especially finance.
We understand before starting your career in business, you were an award-winning journalist. Please tell us about that time and the experience of transferring over to a new industry?
My journey before Fintech Galaxy was quite the adventure! I started in the bustling world of journalism, working with Dow Jones and later with Thomson Reuters. Those days were intense – always chasing the latest story, trying to make complex financial news understandable. It was thrilling, and I learned so much about the financial world from that ringside seat.
Then, I shifted gears and joined Thomson Reuters in a more strategic business role. It was a whole different game – less about reporting news and more about making things happen, driving growth, and building relationships.
Each of these experiences – from the newsroom to the boardroom – shaped me. They gave me a deep understanding of the financial world, an appreciation for the power of communication, and a knack for strategy. All of this played a huge part in my journey with Fintech Galaxy.
How has your Executive MBA supported your career?
My Executive MBA was a total game-changer for my career, no doubt about it. It’s one of those experiences that reshapes how you think about business, leadership, and strategy.
First of all, the MBA gave me a solid grounding in the fundamentals of business. It’s like getting a toolkit – you learn about finance, marketing, strategy, operations, and more.
Then there’s the leadership aspect. You’re constantly challenged to think critically, to lead teams, to negotiate, and to make tough decisions.
Another huge benefit was the network. You meet so many talented, driven people – classmates, professors, guest speakers. These connections are not just great for bouncing off ideas or getting advice; they often turn into long-term professional relationships and friendships.
And let’s not forget the global perspective. The world of finance and technology is incredibly international, and the MBA exposes you to this diversity in thought and practice.
Looking back, why did you choose Bayes to undertake your degree?
Choosing Bayes for my Executive MBA felt like the right fit for a bunch of reasons. First, their hands-on approach to learning really spoke to me. I wasn’t just looking for theory; I wanted real-world skills that I could apply directly to my work in fintech, and Bayes is known for that practical focus.
Then there’s the people factor. The faculty at Bayes are not just academics; they’re seasoned pros who’ve been out there in the business world.
Also, let’s not forget the location – it’s Dubai and London, both of which are global financial hubs. Being in the center of this whole ecosystem has certainly contributed to a great learning experience.
It felt like the perfect place to grow and get ready for the next big step in my career.
Do you have any standout memories from your time studying?
One of the most standout memories from my EMBA journey was undoubtedly the international electives. The trips to South Africa and Vietnam stand out as unforgettable experiences. The firsthand exposure to the diverse business landscapes and cultural nuances of these countries enriched my understanding and perspective in ways I had never imagined.
Were you able to make use of the Careers Service after you graduated or complete any electives?
I received substantial support from the Alumni teams in both London and Dubai. Their guidance and assistance have been instrumental in my post-graduate journey, offering valuable networks and resources that have greatly benefited my professional development.
Do you have any advice for others looking to follow in your footsteps?
Oh, for sure! Here’s what I would advise anyone looking to walk a similar path:
- Never stop learning
- Network like a pro
- Roll with the punches
- Passion plus grit
- Don’t be afraid to take risks
- Teamwork makes the dream work
- Lead with heart and honesty
- Turn dreams into reality
Basically, embrace the journey with all its ups and downs. It’s your unique story, so make it a good one!