Leveraging Fintech to Promote Financial Inclusion

A business leader with over 20 years of experience in Fintech, banking, and finance, Charis co-founded SDAX Financial. SDAX Financial’s mission is to advance financial inclusion by empowering investors with access to institutional-grade global investment opportunities. In 2023, the successful digital investment platform exceeded $1 billion in listings and raised over $500 million. 

We caught up with the multi-award winner and Fintech entrepreneur, speaking to her about her career transformation, her advice for students and young alumni, and how being an NBS Alumna has contributed to her success.

Unknowingly, the seeds for my entrepreneurial venture were sowed 15 years ago during my final year project (FYP) at NBS. What began as a curious exploration of WAP technology for my FYP eventually evolved into a mission to leverage digital innovation for financial inclusion. 

There is profound uncertainty as I look back at my career journey. I did not set out to start a business, let alone a tech business. After graduating, I spent over a decade in banking and corporate consultancy. I never dreamt I would venture into tech since I did not have a computer science degree. 

I conceived the idea to build a digital financial ecosystem when the opportunity to offer alternative investments surfaced. My passion for innovation and financial inclusion propelled the growth and development of the business. 

I’m incredibly honoured to have received various accolades, such as being on Aspire’s 2024 “Future of Finance 50” list, and the “Singapore's 100 Women in Tech” list by the Singapore Computer Society and Infocomm Media Development Authority in 2021, as well as being recognised as a “Top 12 FinTech Leader” and “Top 5 Women in FinTech” by the Singapore FinTech Association in 2020. 

Beyond the glitz and glamour of awards, what’s more meaningful for me has been my involvement in the launch and deployment of the first SME Help Fund in Singapore during COVID-19. Funded by family offices and corporations, this first-of-a-kind scheme provided financial assistance from the private sector to support SMEs who faced liquidity issues due to the pandemic. 

By providing crucial financial support to a diverse range of companies, we were able to help safeguard jobs, preserve livelihoods, and bolster economic resilience during a crisis. 

Make a meaningful impact and pursue a purposeful career that aligns with your interests and values. This source of motivation will sustain you through challenges and drive long-term success. In my journey, I founded my Fintech company to empower people, using financial tools to promote financial inclusion. This has given me purpose and drive throughout the journey. 

View challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Actively seek out projects that stretch your boundaries and push you beyond your comfort zone. Curiosity sparks innovation and creativity; this will fuel your professional development.

The business world evolves constantly, with new technologies being developed at an unprecedented pace. Stay ahead of the curve by actively pursuing new knowledge to enhance your skills so that you can adapt and solve problems creatively. 

As an active participating member of the NBS Alumni Advisory Board, I stay informed about the school’s initiatives and contribute my experience by speaking on panels and interacting with the students. This has enabled me to stay connected to a powerful network of professionals, business leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators across various industries. This fosters the cross-pollination of ideas, continuously allowing me to learn and gain insights beyond my immediate field. 

Setting clear boundaries is important, and sometimes this means having to respectfully decline certain commitments. Nevertheless, it is essential to remain flexible and intentional to achieve harmony in both my work and personal life.