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Richard Budel
Chief Executive Officer
Beyon Connect
Richard Budel was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Beyon Connect in July 2026. He leads the company's strategic direction, driving innovation, digital trust and the expansion of Beyon Connect's digital identity and technology solutions across regional and international markets.
A former government official, Richard has held senior executive positions with leading global technology organisations, partnering with governments and public-sector institutions to transform the way they operate and deliver digital services. He has led public administration and digital transformation programmes in more than 80 countries, focused on delivering measurable outcomes through practical innovation. His work has consistently centred on creating sustainable value while strengthening the relationship between governments, citizens and the broader economy.
Richard is also an entrepreneur and executive advisor. He has co-founded technology ventures and advised business leaders, entrepreneurs and sovereign governments across sectors including space, defence and financial technology. As a global commercial executive, he has served as Chief Commercial Officer for technology and materials-science businesses, helping build new markets and accelerate growth. Earlier in his career, Richard held senior technology leadership positions, including Chief Technology Officer and Global Solutions Leader with organisations including Huawei and IBM.
In addition to his role at Beyon Connect, Richard serves as a member of the Board of Directors of BTC Sure Group Limited and is Chairman of the Audit Committee. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Total CX and Post Connect, the joint venture between Egypt Post and Beyon Connect.
Speaking at SFF 2026
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2:40–3:10pmFri 20 NovFutureMatters StageHall 5, Singapore EXPOPremium
Geoeconomic Rewiring
From Invisible to Investable: Building the Financial Infrastructure for the Next Billion
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Allen ForlemuRegional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Asia & PacificInternational Finance Corporation
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Munir DuriFounder & Chief Executive OfficerKifiya Financial Technology PLC
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Richard BudelChief Executive OfficerBeyon Connect
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Francesca AlivertiHead of Forums, MEAGlobal Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)Moderator
About this session
Billions of people and small businesses remain outside formal credit because financial institutions cannot reliably identify, assess or price their risk. This panel examines how payment infrastructure, digital identity, transaction data and AI can change that — turning previously invisible economic activity into a basis for lending and investment.
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