Asia Tech Podcast

In the U.S. equity market, European financial markets, and major Asian capital markets, algorithmic trading accounts for about 60-75 percent of the overall trading volume. Algo trading has been on the rise in the U.S. equity markets since the turn of the century but seems to have plateaued around 70-80 percent in the last 5 to 10 years.In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we spoke with Nirav Shah, Founding Partner of Versor Investments, about systematic investing and how technology is reshaping the financial landscape. Nirav explained how quantitative trading models use data to identify patterns and opportunities in global markets, allowing for trades at scale across various asset classes.Some of the topics that Nirav covered in detail include: Quantitative models operate at scale, meaning they can apply algorithms across various asset classes and geographies, from equity markets to commodities, currencies, and futures. This ability to scale is a key advantage for systematic firms. While systematic investing might seem purely data-driven, Shah highlighted that every algorithm starts with economic intuition. Before a model is built, there needs to be a reasoned hypothesis—an understanding of why a specific signal should correlate with future market behavior. Nirav believes that Versor’s edge lies in its use of alternative data—non-traditional datasets that aren’t created specifically for finance but can be harnessed to generate investment insights. This alternative data include news sentiment, social media sentiment, regulatory filings, credit card data, and app or web traffic. Even with advanced algorithms, there are times when human intervention can occur. Nirav explained that Versor typically lets models run without interference. However, in rare situations their investment committee steps in to adjust strategies. While alternative data provides a significant advantage, Nirav points out that it is operationally challenging to work with. Quant firms like Versor have developed a unique ability to handle large datasets, process information quickly, and connect with multiple data vendors. Nirav is optimistic about the future of systematic investing. He believes that we are at the cusp of an AI revolution, where technology will touch every part of the investment process. The increasing availability of alternative datasets, combined with the rapid advancement of AI tools, is creating a new landscape for investment firms.

Microfinance plays a crucial role in promoting financial inclusion, particularly in underserved regions like Pakistan. By leveraging mobile technology and branchless banking, microfinance institutions can reach populations with limited access to formal banking, offering them essential tools like mobile wallets, credit, and savings products. However, financial inclusion is more than just providing access to banking—it is closely tied to social inclusion.In this episode, Kabeer Naqvi, Chairman of the Pakistan Microfinance Network, shared his journey in using microfinance to drive financial inclusion in Pakistan.Some of the topics Kabeer covered in detail include:Launching EasyPaisa revolutionized financial inclusion in Pakistan by leveraging mobile penetration to bridge its banking gap.The critical link between financial AND social inclusion, particularly in Pakistan's rural areas.By immersing himself in the communities his microfinance initiatives were intended to help, Kabeer gained an authentic understanding of the challenges and opportunities faced by local populations.While microfinance serves small entrepreneurs and commercial banks cater to large businesses, a significant gap remains in the support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The "missing middle" represents a crucial area for future development, as addressing it could lead to broader economic growth and stability.An estimated 30 million children in Pakistan are out of school, a figure that presents a formidable challenge to the nation’s future workforce. Naqvi expressed his concern that without proper education and vocational training, Pakistan’s youth could become a liability rather than an asset. His call to action for both the private sector and government is clear: education reform and support for underserved populations must be a national priority.

The idea that remote work is just a cost-cutting measure is outdated and shortsighted. The real power of remote teams lies in accessing a global talent pool that brings top-tier skills and diverse perspectives to companies that know how to leverage them. Large corporations have been doing this for years, but now, even small and medium-sized enterprises can tap into the same competitive advantage.In this episode, we dive into the future of business growth with Yoni Kozminski, co-Founder and CEO ofMultiplyMii, who tells us how leveraging high-performance remote teams is the secret weapon for scaling profitable companies.Some of the topics that Yoni covered in detail include:The democratization of talent allows SMEs to achieve the same level of productivity and profitability as large corporations—if they know how to harness remote talent effectively.The Philippines' 120 million-strong population, combined with a robust education system where English is the official medium of instruction, makes it a prime destination for outsourcing talent.Outsourcing isn’t just about paying lower salaries. The real advantage lies in operational savings and the ability to reinvest those savings into growth.You need to be crystal clear about your business’s needs before onboarding remote talent. If your company’s internal processes aren’t solid, hiring remotely will only magnify those inefficiencies.Having a well-documented set of procedures is crucial to scaling a business, especially when remote teams are involved.

While fintech apps and tools promise to simplify personal finance, they often miss the mark by focusing too much on the tech itself, rather than the real needs of users. The key to better money management isn’t just about having access to financial services; it’s about designing solutions that truly make a difference in people’s lives. In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast with Monica Millares, Principal Product Ways of Working at BigPay, we explored the complexities of financial management and why technology alone isn’t the answer. Even the best technology fails if it doesn’t solve a real problem or if it’s too complicated for users to engage with confidently. Some of the topics Monica covered in more detail: Financial inclusion isn’t just about access—it’s about accessibility Financial literacy and financial inclusion are two distinct yet interdependent challenges. It’s not enough to simply provide access to services; you need to ensure that users understand how to manage their finances effectively. Instead of overwhelming users with complex products, fintech companies should focus on solving one key problem that matters to the user. By doing this, companies can earn trust, which in turn opens the door to introducing users to more sophisticated financial services. Financial products should be designed for simplicity and impact - the impact of a financial product is not just about what it offers but how it solves real-life problems. With AI becoming increasingly powerful, fintech companies have an unprecedented opportunity to create personalized, scalable solutions that can impact millions of lives.

Most of us don’t realize how much cutting-edge technology is transforming logistics and supply chain management. Behind every e-commerce order, retail shipment, and last-mile delivery, AI, automation, and data-driven intelligence are reshaping how goods move from warehouses to customers.  Smart warehouses are reducing reliance on human labor, dark warehouses are cutting energy costs, and AI-powered route optimization is saving businesses millions. Logistics is no longer just a background function—it has become a key competitive advantage, where efficiency, speed, and sustainability determine success. As businesses push to meet rising customer expectations while cutting costs, technology is the only way forward. Companies are using predictive AI to optimize operations, digital twins to simulate logistics networks, and machine learning to improve last-mile delivery. Sustainability is no longer optional—AI-driven logistics are reducing carbon footprints while maximizing efficiency. The future of supply chain management isn’t about controlling every step—it’s about seamless integration, real-time visibility, and strategic collaboration. In this evolving landscape, those who fail to adapt will simply be left behind. The Smart Delivery Expo 2025 proved one thing above all: The future of logistics isn’t coming—it’s already here. The question is, are you ready to adapt?

Cybersecurity is no longer an abstract concern or a niche issue reserved for IT departments—it is a fundamental business risk that affects companies of all sizes. Rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence, have enabled cybercriminals to launch more sophisticated attacks than ever before. At the same time, organizations are struggling to keep pace with these threats, often relying on outdated security models that leave them exposed.  From small businesses with limited resources to large corporations and government agencies, no one is immune to cyber threats. The rise of deepfake technology, misinformation campaigns, and vulnerabilities in third-party integrations are reshaping the cybersecurity landscape, making it clear that traditional defenses are no longer enough. The conversations at CyberSec Asia 2025 highlighted a critical truth: security must be proactive, continuous, and deeply embedded into business operations. SMEs and mid-sized companies are now prime targets for cyberattacks, as they often lack the infrastructure to defend themselves effectively.  Meanwhile, AI-driven attacks and quantum computing threats are evolving at a pace that traditional security methods cannot counter. With businesses shifting more of their operations online and relying on interconnected systems, cybersecurity is now a 24/7 battle that demands real-time monitoring and rapid response. The question is no longer if an attack will happen but when—and whether organizations will be prepared to handle it. CyberSec Asia 2025 made it abundantly clear that the cybersecurity landscape is evolving faster than most organizations can keep up with. The companies and governments that treat cybersecurity as a priority will be the ones that thrive in the digital future. The question is no longer if you will be attacked, but when.  Are you ready?

In a rapidly evolving world driven by artificial intelligence and digital transformation, the ability to adapt and innovate is no longer optional—it is essential. Organizations that succeed in this landscape go beyond surface-level change, embedding experimentation, customer-centric design, and agile collaboration into their core. They recognize that transformation is a continuous journey, where the insights gained from failures are as valuable as those from successes. DBS Bank’s transformation journey, detailed by Nimish Panchmatia, the Chief Data and Transformation Officer at DBS Bank, offers a masterclass in how businesses can use artificial intelligence, process innovation and customer obsession to redefine themselves. Some of the topics that Nimish covered in detail included: The integration of structured data allows DBS to make data analytics a core driver of decision-making. While traditional AI has matured significantly, generative AI's potential is still being tested and validated. Customer obsessions must drive innovation. How DBS has embedded a startup mentality across its organization, encouraging experimentation where employees feel empowered to test new ideas. AI is also important for improving employee experiences.

The world of cryptocurrency is rapidly evolving, driven by a generational shift in how people approach wealth and investment. Traditional paths like real estate and stock markets are becoming less accessible, especially for younger generations, who are increasingly turning to alternative assets such as cryptocurrency, whiskey, and wine. Therefore, understanding the ongoing evolution of the crypto space in Asia is no longer optional—it’s essential. In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, Paul Quickenden, Chief Commercial Officer of Easy Crypto, shares key insights into the evolving world of cryptocurrency. Some of the topics that Paul covered in detail include: There is a significant shift in how younger generations think about wealth and investment. The importance of the core innovation of blockchain technology - decentralization. The potential weakening of the U.S. dollar's dominance as the global reserve currency and its impact on international trade. Fractionalization of assets and if it is really a thing. Despite the growing interest in crypto, the user experience remains a significant hurdle for new investors.

Is artificial intelligence about to transform how we experience travel, from planning a trip to dealing with unexpected issues along the way? Does AI have the potential to make travel planning seamless by turning stressful, complex decisions into smooth, intuitive processes? In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we spoke with Adrienne Enggist, Senior Director of Product at Booking.com, to explore how AI is set to revolutionize travel. Some of the topics that Adrienne discussed include: How AI can structure unstructured data to create a more agentic relationship, where it anticipates a traveler’s needs without the traveler having to micromanage every detail. The idea that customer reviews can be gamified or manipulated, leading to mismatched expectations. Adrienne pointed out that AI can help tackle this issue by filtering out misleading or irrelevant information from reviews. The subtle difference between 'personalization' and 'relevance'. It’s not about knowing every detail of a traveler’s life; it’s about showing them the most relevant options for their trip based on context and past behavior. Importantly, Adrienne doesn’t believe the human touch in travel will disappear. Instead, AI will help scale human interactions, allowing customer service agents to focus on complex issues while AI handles the more mundane tasks. The importance for large platforms, including Booking, to use and manage all of the data they gather with care and ensure at all levels that data is protected and privacy is paramount.

The event ticketing industry has apparently remained quite stagnant despite advancements in technology. Most ticketing platforms create frustrating experiences for both consumers and organizer with cumbersome processes and unnecessarily long waits to complete transactions. In this episode of the Asia Tech Podcast, we speak with Nicolas Deppenweiler, co-founder and CEO of tessera, a company laser focused on revolutionizing the outdated event ticketing industry. Some of the topics Nicolas covered in detail included: Tessera was born out of a realization that ticketing, an industry generating billions in annual revenue, is unnecessarily complicated, clunky, and ripe for innovation. In today's world, where convenience reigns supreme, people expect to accomplish tasks in seconds. Yet, buying event tickets remains a tedious experience that often deters potential attendees. Big, incumbent ticketing platforms generally hold onto the revenue from ticket sales until after an event takes place, leaving organizers in difficult cash flow positions. Legacy platforms have become too big to adapt to modern tech stacks, opening the space for startups like tessera to modernize and innovate. The secondary market for tickets is also broken and can and should be integrated into one, seamless ecosystem. Data is the future of event management.