Ashish Kakar

Dr. Ashish Kakar is a seasoned professional with extensive experience in the banking and insurance sectors. Currently serving as the Director (Research) at Asia Financial Insights, he leads financial services research, focusing on areas like AI, risk management, and SME lending. Dr. Kakar holds doctorates from Durham University and emlyon Business School, with his research recognised for its excellence, earning him the Best Doctoral Thesis Award.

Before his current role, he was the founder of BigdataInvestor.com, where he led the company’s strategic growth and innovation in fintech. His efforts in driving business value and securing funding through machine learning algorithms helped the company gain recognition in Hong Kong and the UK.

With over 16 years at Citi, Dr. Kakar led transformation initiatives that resulted in significant cost reductions and operational efficiencies. He managed large teams and oversaw major projects in Asia, including redesigning customer journeys and driving digital banking initiatives. His leadership led to improvements in fraud prevention and customer service, as well as notable cost savings.

Dr. Kakar has a strong academic background, with an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore and certifications from institutions like Stanford and the University of Texas. His expertise spans AI, data analytics, financial crime investigations, and digital strategies, which he has applied across diverse industries and markets in Asia.

As a thought leader, Dr. Kakar has published numerous articles on venture capital funding, smart cities, and AI startups, including contributions to Channel News Asia and the House of Lords. His leadership and vision have consistently driven innovation and efficiency across organisations, positioning him as a key figure in the finance and technology sectors.