KOMAL KAUNDAL
Dubai
Summary
Digital Banking and Fintech Leader with 20+ years of experience building and scaling API-led, payments, and digital asset businesses across MEA, Europe, and the US.
Owns a $60–70M+ revenue portfolio and drives platform-led growth across open banking, embedded finance, and digital asset ecosystems, including custody and blockchain-based solutions.
Experienced in shaping product strategy by translating client demand, regulatory evolution, and market trends into scalable digital banking platforms. Strong track record in driving commercialization, building fintech partnerships, and expanding into new markets.
Recognized as a high-potential fintech leader through selection into the Money20/20 Rise Up Asia cohort, with executive education from INSEAD and NUS in AI and fintech transformation
Overview
22
22
years of professional experience
Work history
Director, API and Digital Assets
Standard Chartered Bank
Dubai
2024.10 - Current
- Own and grow a $60–70M digital banking and API revenue portfolio, driving commercialization across MEA, UK, EU, and US corridors
- Define product vision and roadmap for API-led digital banking solutions across payments, FX, and digital assets, including custody APIs
- Lead open banking strategy across the Middle East as the primary business interface with regulators, clients, and ecosystem partner
- Lead cross-functional onshore and offshore teams across product, engineering, and sales to deliver scalable digital banking platforms
- Expand into digital asset custody and on/off-ramp ecosystems, partnering with fintechs, exchanges, and institutional clients
- Shape product evolution by translating client demand, regulatory shifts, and market trends into scalable platform capabilities
- Leverage data-driven insights and market intelligence to prioritize product enhancements and commercialization strategies
- Contribute to investment prioritization (CAPEX/OPEX) and resource allocation across digital initiatives
- Act as a strategic advisor to CXOs and regulators, shaping digital banking and open finance strategies across key markets
- Lead strategic engagement under the UAE Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) program, translating regulatory priorities into scalable digital banking and platform capabilities and similar initiatives across the region
Director - Digital Channel Solutions- AME
Standard Chartered Bank UAE
2020.06 - 2024.10
- Led digital banking commercialization across 18+ markets, building and converting a $20M+ annual revenue pipeline
- Positioned and scaled API banking, instant payments, ISO migration, and blockchain-enabled solutions across the region
- Drove adoption of ERP/TMS-integrated banking solutions (SAP, Kyriba), accelerating client digitization and wallet share growth
- Influenced open banking and API monetization strategy, working with regulators and ecosystem partners across MEA
- Bridged product, coverage, and client teams to shape digital banking platform evolution aligned to market demand
- Developed repeatable go-to-market and commercialization playbooks, accelerating time-to-revenue across multiple markets
- Led multi-market CXO-level client engagements, positioning digital banking as a strategic growth lever
Director - Cash Implementation (Transaction Banking)
Standard Chartered Bank UAE
2013.01 - 2020.06
- Led global and regional digital banking implementations across Africa and the Middle East for large corporate clients
- Delivered end-to-end connectivity and platform solutions including APIs, host-to-host, SWIFT, and ERP integrations
- Acted as a digital champion, driving adoption of new channels and digitization initiatives across transaction banking
- Partnered with corporate treasury teams to enable digitization of payments, collections, and FX workflows
- Provided strategic input into product evolution by translating client requirements into scalable platform enhancements
Regional Client Implementation Manager- Cash Management
HSBC Bank Middle East
2010.06 - 2013.01
- Managed end-to-end delivery of cash management and digital banking solutions across regional corporate clients
- Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders to deliver efficient working capital and treasury solutions
- Built expertise in digital banking delivery channels and emerging technologies
Manager- Implementation Services, Transaction Banking India
RBS Bank PLC (Formerly ABN AMRO Bank NV)
2006.06 - 2009.11
- Supported development and rollout of global supply chain finance platforms (MaxTrad)
- Worked with ERPs (SAP, Oracle, JD Edwards) to enable bank-client connectivity solutions
- Led product channel delivery initiatives within transaction banking
Product Manager-Global Trade Services Unit, Product & Technology Group
ICICI Bank, India
2004.08 - 2006.06
- Contributed to early digital transformation initiatives, supporting corporate internet banking solutions
- Supported development of trade finance digital products and internal platforms
- Worked across product and technology teams to enable online banking innovation initiatives
Education
Course
Skills
- Digital Banking & Platform Leadership
- API & Open Banking Strategy
- Fintech & Ecosystem Partnerships
- Embedded Finance & Digital Assets
- Product Strategy & Commercialization
- Cross-Border Payments & FX Innovation
- Go-to-Market & Revenue Growth
- Regulatory Engagement & Market Expansion
- CXO Stakeholder Management
SELECTED LEADERSHIP IMPACT
- Led development of an end-to-end digital banking ecosystem for fintech and digital asset clients, spanning cash, FX, on/off-ramp, and custody across multiple markets
- Delivered multiple first-of-their-kind digital banking solutions across trade, payments, and FX over a 20-year career
- Scaled API portfolio from 5 to 22+ live solutions, significantly expanding monetization footprint
- Commercialized API solutions across 10+ markets, driving regional growth and adoption
- Expanded digital banking capabilities into US, UK, and EU corridors, enabling global coverage
- Built fintech and embedded finance partnerships supporting new digital revenue streams
- Contributed to open finance and regulatory discussions across UAE and regional markets
Timeline
Director, API and Digital Assets
Standard Chartered Bank
2024.10 - Current
Director - Digital Channel Solutions- AME
Standard Chartered Bank UAE
2020.06 - 2024.10
Director - Cash Implementation (Transaction Banking)
Standard Chartered Bank UAE
2013.01 - 2020.06
Regional Client Implementation Manager- Cash Management
HSBC Bank Middle East
2010.06 - 2013.01
Manager- Implementation Services, Transaction Banking India
RBS Bank PLC (Formerly ABN AMRO Bank NV)
2006.06 - 2009.11
Product Manager-Global Trade Services Unit, Product & Technology Group
ICICI Bank, India
2004.08 - 2006.06
Course