Support Disruption for Good fintech challenge announces judging panel

RFI Foundation, Swiss France + Technology Association and Finocracy have announced the judging panel for their inaugural Support Disruption for Good (SDG) Challenge to find a fintech proposition that combines with socially responsible, ESG, or Islamic finance.

The seven-member judging panel was jointly appointed by the three organisers and composes senior Islamic banking executives, fintech innovators, and venture capitalists:

1. Sultan Choudhury, CEO, Al Rayan Bank UK (UK)

2. Ashar Nazim, Partner, EY (Bahrain)

3. Hussam Sultan, Head of Commercial Banking, HSBC Amanah Malaysia (Malaysia)

4. Dr. Rob Straw, Director of Education, Swiss Finance Institute & Expert, Global FinTech Association (Switzerland)

5. Boris Battistini, Partner, Metellus AG (Switzerland, London)

6. Dr. Daniel Diemers, Partner, strategy&, PwC's strategy consulting group (Switzerland)

7. Omar Layhani, CEO, Spacebyte AG (Switzerland)

INCLUSIVITY AND SDGs

The criteria for judging considers if the product can scale, contribute to financial inclusion, contribute to the Sustainability Development Goals (SDGs) and be financially sustainable. 

The United Nations' SDGs cover 17 goals, including no poverty (SDG 1), gender equality (SDG 5), industry, innovation and infrastructure (SDG 9), reduced inequalities (SDG 10), and partnership for the goals (SDG 17).

The RFI Foundation did not respond to Salaam Gateway's enquiry about the choice of an all-male judging panel.

The SDG Challenge accepts submissions through March 17 and the application form is available from the RFI Summit's website. The Summit will be held on May 3 and 4 in Zurich where three finalists selected by the judging panel will present their innovations. The winner will be voted by Summit participants. 

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