30+ years of leading businesses in the Financial Services industry, and most notably, as founder, board director and former CEO of Varo Bank, one of the world’s largest digital banks focused on financial inclusion and economic opportunity. Colin also serves on the board of MoneyGram, acts as a Senior Advisor to McKinsey and is a Volunteer Advisor to the UNDP. He is deeply committed to making a positive impact through his work as a founder, board director, strategic advisor, and active participant in mission-driven businesses, industry think tanks, and non-profit organizations.

Vera Zakem is a globally recognized executive leader on democracy, human rights, and responsible and effective deployment and governance of emerging technologies, including AI and digital identity solutions. Vera has worked in Silicon Valley, academia, government, and helped launch global nonprofit organizations. Vera was the first ever Chief Digital Democracy and Rights Officer at USAID, leading on responsible technology, governance, and democracy, in partnership with government, industry, and nonprofit leaders in over 100 countries worldwide. She has served as a member and co-lead on the technology agenda for the Bipartisan Task Force on Democracy. Currently, she is the first woman to serve as the Chief Technology Innovation Officer of California, leading on effective and responsible technology, digital identity, and digital service delivery.  She holds an MA from Johns Hopkins University. 

Mykola brings a diverse range of experience, including serving as Co-Founder of Wisetack and Varo Money Inc., and as a Technology Advisor in the FinTech space. A dedicated engineering executive and entrepreneur, Kolya is committed to leveraging technology and innovation to drive inclusive economic opportunity and create lasting social impact. Originally from Ukraine, Kolya understands the importance of building solutions to help individuals and families forcibly displaced due to conflict.

Matthias is an experienced partnership developer, fundraiser, networker, and communications lead with deep expertise in innovative finance. A seasoned professional in international development and humanitarian aid, he has a demonstrated record of success in both headquarters and field operations. Matthias brings a comprehensive understanding of the global development system, with a focus on the Africa and MENA regions.

Nick is an entrepreneur and commercial leader with expertise in digital identity and financial crime across fintech, travel, healthcare, and government. He is Co-Founder and CEO of ProofSpace, an award-winning identity platform that streamlines credentialing and builds trusted data ecosystems. Before that, he worked in impact investing, co-founding a charity that was later acquired and leading BeyondMe’s partnership portfolio. Nick sits on the board of Street Child, serves on the advisory council for Ayra (formerly Global Acceptance Network), and holds an Executive MBA from Oxford University.

Amit brings deep experience that intersects financial markets, social enterprise/impact, risk management, international security, and development. He is currently head of digital products at Idemia. Previously, he developed FinClusive Capital, a digital financial services platform serving the financially underserved, leveraging blockchain technology, advanced analytics and global standard-based risk/compliance tools to drive financial inclusion, build economic resilience and protect financial system integrity. Prior to FinClusive, Amit co-founded Empowerment Capital, a strategic advisory and impact investment company assisting early stage commercially scalable social ventures.

Ana brings two decades of diplomatic experience as the CEO and Founder of The Diplomatic Courier. Throughout her career, she has been committed to amplifying the voices of changemakers and thought leaders across global affairs. Her expertise in international relations, strategic communications, and thought leadership has established her as a respected voice in advancing dialogue and collaboration on critical global issues.

Andrea is a seasoned corporate communications executive with over 15 years of experience leading strategic communications for cutting-edge technology companies. She specializes in translating complex technological breakthroughs into compelling narratives that drive market adoption and stakeholder confidence. As VP Communications at Varo Bank, she positioned breakthrough fintech innovations and AI-powered banking solutions for one of the world’s largest digital banks focused on financial inclusion, developing strategic narratives around serving underbanked and excluded populations. Andrea brings deep expertise in mission-driven technology communications across highly regulated industries and understands the communications challenges of building trust and achieving adoption for innovative solutions serving underrepresented communities. Andrea holds an MBA from Harvard Business School.