Judging Panel 2026
Jonathan Easton, Editor, FStech
Awais Sher Bajwa, Leader, Software and AI banking
Chiedozie Hez, Founder/CEO, ChakaPay
Janthana Kaenprakhamroy, CEO, Tapoly
Arturs Kokins, Managing Principal, Capco
Joe McHale, Investor, Finch Capital
Nick Rudd, Director of Consulting, MMT
Awais Sher Bajwa, Leader, Software and AI banking
Awais Sher Bajwa is a leader in Software and AI banking. With a career spanning over 15 years, Awais has led over 60 strategic deals, including IPOs, M&A, and capital raises, with a total value exceeding $60 billion. Awais founded Bank of America’s global AI banking practice in Palo Alto. His unique insights into AI adoption within financial institutions as well as the broader AI landscape position him as a distinguished strategic advisor on AI. Prior to his current role, Awais established the software investment banking practice at Bank of America and the digital infrastructure banking practice at Barclays in London. Awais holds a Master’s degree in Engineering from the University of Oxford.
Chiedozie Hez, Founder/CEO, ChakaPay
Chiedozie is the Founder/CEO of ChakaPay®, Global Utility Apps and Payments solutions company. He is an award-winning FinTech and Digital Transformation Consultant and Speaker with over 15 years’ experience. He has worked with brands such as Visa, VocaLink - MasterCard, RBS, Barclays, BNP Paribas, Financial Conduct Authority and London Clearing House and UK Universities delivering digital transformation projects. Chiedozie has successfully managed teams of up to 400 consultants and budgets of over £50m, delivering desired outcomes with high ROI and solving complex business problems across geographies using his 5D Transformation Model™. After successfully running UK BACS Payment Platform Maintenance for over 2 years and delivering ERP solutions to banks and higher education institutions, he is now focusing on ChakaPay® and also helping FinTech Startups, big and small banks adopt new technology through proof of concepts, pilots and new product development.
Janthana Kaenprakhamroy, CEO, Tapoly
Janthana Kaenprakhamroy is the CEO of Tapoly, an award-winning on-demand insurance provider for SMEs and freelancers. Named one of Forbes’ Top 6 Women Founders to Watch and a Top 100 Influencer by the National Sales Awards 2025, she has also received Innovator of the Year (UK Fintech Awards 2023) and Insurance Leader of the Year (Women in Finance Awards 2021). Janthana serves on the board of BIBA and has a background in accounting and internal auditing, having worked at UBS, Deutsche Bank, JPMorgan, and BNP Paribas.
Arturs Kokins, Managing Principal, Capco
A strategy and transformation expert with nearly 20 years of experience in driving growth, shaping customer-centric business models, and enhancing the operational capabilities of leading players across a wide range of industries, including Banking, Insurance, Asset Management, Telecommunications, Consumer Goods, Technology, and more. For over a decade, Arturs has specialised in the insurance sector, collaborating with prominent (re)insurers, brokers, MGAs, and InsurTechs across the UK, continental Europe, North America, East Asia, and the Middle East. His expertise covers a broad spectrum of product lines, from personal insurance (home, motor, pet) to commercial and specialty products such as property & casualty, cyber, credit risk and reputational harm. Arturs works closely with executive teams to transform business models through technology and advises product teams in developing next-generation value propositions. He has also worked extensively with investors, providing insight into Fintech investments, and directly with Fintechs, supporting them in scaling their businesses effectively.
Joe McHale, Investor, Finch Capital
Joe is a member of the investment team at Finch Capital, a leading European growth equity fund specializing in finance and business technology. As part of the investment team at Finch Capital, Joe is heavily involved in sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities, as well as working closely with existing portfolio companies such as eflow Global. Joe has a background in Private Equity and holds a Master's degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Nick Rudd, Director of Consulting, MMT
As Director of Consulting at MMT, Nick Rudd helps our enterprise clients achieve their digital ambitions and realise the value of their innovation initiatives at speed and scale. Nick is an active advocate of sustained digital transformation and agile best practice, and is keen to connect with people who are looking to embrace technology and push the boundaries of digital engagement.
