Strategic planning abilities stand as the bedrock for a Chief Operating Officer, steering the company toward its long-term objectives and fostering sustainable growth. Developing an inclusive, growth-oriented corporate culture nurtures collaboration and innovation, vital for organizational prosperity. Moreover, a steadfast commitment to operational excellence guarantees efficiency, productivity, and a competitive edge. These pillars empower COOs like Akriti Lamichhane to lead with precision, adapt to market shifts, and cultivate a motivated, high-performing team, ensuring enduring success.

Akriti Lamichhane, the Chief Operating Officer of ISEND GLOBAL, exemplifies leadership in the dynamic fintech industry. With a career marked by strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to innovation, Akriti has played a pivotal role in transforming ISEND GLOBAL into a leading entity in the payments sector across Singapore and Australia.

Below is an excerpt of Akriti Lamichhane’s exclusive interaction with The Global Woman Leader magazine.

TAKE US THROUGH THE FORMATIVE YEARS OF YOUR LIFE. WHAT WERE SOME KEY EARLY INFLUENCES IN LIFE THAT SHAPED YOU AS AN INDIVIDUAL?

My formative years were profoundly shaped by strong family values and a passion for learning. Growing up in a household where education and hard work were paramount, I was inspired by my parents, both professionals who instilled discipline, integrity, and perseverance in me. My mother, a dedicated teacher, balanced her career and parental responsibilities, demonstrating that excellence is achievable in both spheres. My father’s unwavering support and belief in my potential encouraged me to embrace challenges and aim high.

GIVE US A GLIMPSE OF YOUR EXPANSIVE PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY IN THE FIELD OF FINANCE. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE MOST CRUCIAL JUNCTURES THROUGHOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY?

My professional journey in finance has been dynamic and multi-layered, marked by key transitions that significantly shaped my career. I began as a business development executive, focusing on growth opportunities, strategic partnerships, and sales enhancement. This role honed my skills in negotiation, market analysis, and relationship management, emphasizing the importance of understanding market dynamics and customer needs. Transitioning to a Compliance Manager, I delved into regulatory aspects, handling anti-money laundering, and ensuring risk-free operations. This period involved continuous learning and effective compliance program implementation.

"As COO, I Develop & Execute Operational Strategies, Optimize Processes, Manage Technology Infrastructure, & Foster Collaboration & Innovation"

Advancing to a Director, I oversaw projects, drove strategic initiatives, and led teams. Now, as COO, I oversee daily operations, ensuring we achieve strategic objectives and deliver stakeholder value.

INTRODUCE US TO ISEND GLOBAL. THROW SOME LIGHT ON THE KEY RESPONSIBILITIES YOU SHOULDER AS THE COMPANY’S COO.

ISEND GLOBAL is a prominent parent company overseeing esteemed entities in the payments sector in Singapore and Australia. We hold licenses from the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and the Australian financial services authorities, showcasing our dedication to compliance and regulatory standards. Specializing in top-notch fintech solutions, we offer services including cross-border transactions, remittance, and online payments. Our mission is to enhance and simplify the payment experience for our customers through cutting-edge technology while adhering to regulatory requirements. ISEND GLOBAL’s commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer satisfaction makes us a trusted partner in the financial industry.

As COO, I develop and execute operational strategies, optimize processes, manage technology infrastructure, and foster collaboration and innovation. By promoting accountability and excellence, I empower our teams to achieve their full potential, driving sustainable growth and success for ISEND GLOBAL.

THROW SOME LIGHT ON THE MAJOR CHALLENGES YOU ENCOUNTER IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE. HOW DO YOU OVERCOME THE SAID ROADBLOCKS?

As the COO of a payments company, I have tackled challenges in managing operational scalability during rapid growth and navigating changing market dynamics. Balancing immediate demands with long-term goals and anticipating future growth is essential. Addressing operational risks such as cybersecurity threats and regulatory complexities remains a constant challenge. To overcome these obstacles, I focus on fostering a culture of innovation, investing in technology and talent development, and promoting both internal and external collaboration. Empowering our teams to embrace challenges and pursue opportunities, while equipping them with the necessary skills, enables us to thrive and drive sustainable growth.

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST WINS IN YOUR PROFESSIONAL JOURNEY? WHAT'S YOUR SUCCESS MANTRA?

Reflecting on my professional journey, several milestones stand out as significant achievements. Leading a cross-functional team to successfully launch a new product required meticulous planning, effective collaboration, and seamless execution. Driving operational efficiency, resulting in cost savings and productivity improvements, has been particularly rewarding.

Furthermore, cultivating strong relationships with key stakeholders, both internal and external, has also been instrumental in my success. I attribute my achievements to maintaining a growth mindset, fostering a collaborative and inclusive culture, and prioritizing customer value and satisfaction. These principles have been crucial in driving my success and achieving the company's goals.

Akriti Lamichhane, FinTech Expert, Isend Global

Akriti Lamichhane, COO of ISEND GLOBAL, is a visionary leader in fintech. With a robust background in finance and strategic management, she drives operational excellence and fosters innovation. Her dedication to inclusive growth and relentless pursuit of excellence drives ISEND GLOBAL towards pioneering advancements in the payments sector.