21 – 24 October 2024
Sibos 2024
Sibos is the premier forum for the international financial community, bringing together thousands of business leaders, decision-makers, topic experts and over 125 exhibitors, collectively shaping the future of finance under the theme “Connecting the future of finance”.
Our international footprint delivers the continent of Africa, and we look forward to decoding the future of finance for your business at Sibos 2024 from 21 – 24 October 2024 at the China National Convention Centre (CNCC) in Beijing.
Decoding the future of finance for your business. That's how Absa is invested in your story.
As we embrace rapid digital transformation, we also need to collaborate more than ever to foster a resilient and inclusive financial ecosystem. Watch as Michael von Fintel, Head of Financial Institutions at Absa CIB, shares insights on what to expect at this year’s Sibos.
Meet our experts
Michael von Fintel
Head of Financial Institutions, Absa CIB
Mike is Head: Financial Institutions for the Absa Group and a seasoned banker with twenty years’ experience in the Financial Institutions sector. Mike took over as FI team Head end 2010, and quickly implemented a new strategy that saw the business increase significantly to now be a strategic and “invest” sector. In this role he is responsible for leading the team and implementation of the institutional strategy across the Absa Group.
Post the sell-down by Barclays of its ownership in the Absa Group, Mike delivered a new FI strategy that positioned Absa as a leading pan-African counterpart to FI’s, inclusive of a trade hub solution that saw a significant rise in revenues. Mike led various projects as part of the separation agreement, including the reestablishment of the bank as a CLS Settlement Member, the Nostro change project, and worked closely with the Treasury to re-establish new funding lines for the Group.
Before his current position, Mike was the Regional Head for Europe for the International Financial Institutions team. Prior to this Mike had a long history in cash management, trade finance, and asset financing and has since developed a broad range of experience in all aspects of the Financial Institutions/Banks business. He has built up a FI network across many geographies. Mike represents the business on various Steerco’s and Manco’s.
Mike is sympathetic to the topic of “de-risking” and has presented to the SARB, the World Bank, and other stakeholders on this topic. Mike holds a Bachelor of SocSci (Economics) degree and a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance, Banking & Investment Management from the University of KZN, South Africa.
Ellen Kumwenda-Mtine
Head of Sales Cash Management, Transactional Banking, Absa CIB
Ellen is currently Managing Director & Head of Cash Management Sales, Transactional Banking at Absa CIB. In her role she oversees the strategic delivery & execution of cash management solutions for global, regional & local clients in both the private & public sectors, covering Absa’s key international corridors of the UK/Europe, America, China, and the Middle East. She also covers all of Absa’s presence markets in Africa.
With over 15 years of experience in banking, across geographies, Ellen has held various roles in the group and has experience in sales, corporate & business banking, transactional banking, financial markets sales, cash management, treasury and liquidity management, product development, business development, and business strategy.
Ellen holds an MSc in Development Finance from the University of Reading UK (Chevening/Beit scholar) and a Bachelor’s degree in Economics (Central Bank of Zambia scholar) as well as other leadership development accreditations. Ellen is also past Chair of Absa Corporate and Investment Banking women’s initiative Banking on Women for the Group.
Michelle Knowles
Head of Trade and Working Capital (Pan Africa), Absa CIB
Michelle has more than 25 years of experience in International Trade Finance at various Regional Banks. Currently, she is leading the Trade and Working Capital business for Absa Group in multiple markets.
Michelle holds a master's degree in business leadership and serves as the Secretary/Treasurer on the board of the Bankers Association of Finance and Trade. She is a respected leader in the Trade and Working Capital industry. Michelle actively contributes to articles and conferences on topics such as Trade Finance, Supply Chain Finance, digitization, and SMEs, playing a role in shaping the trade environment in Africa.
Join our experts as they unpack opportunities and challenges in global finance at the conference.
The latest insights
Shifting trade networks will impact the future of African trade
As the global economic landscape continues to evolve, shifting trade relationships among major economies are set to have profound impacts on African trade. With traditional trade routes being redefined and new alliances forming, Africa finds itself at a crossroads of both opportunities and challenges.
Innovative Payment Solutions Can Spark Africa’s Cross-Border Trade Boom—If We Act Fast
As organisations around the world face disrupted trade corridors & fragmented supply chains, emerging supply and payment risks have emerged and cross border payments have received increased attention as a key enabler of global growth and expansion opportunities.
African foreign currency liquidity shortages are driving financial innovation
The 15th Summit of BRICS Nations was recently held in South Africa during which many discussions were had regarding the trading bloc, it’s proposed expansion to include additional countries, how it could impact the relationship with the US, and the longer term impact on the US dollar.
Ready for take-off: Turbo charging African payments
The future of banking is digital … and deeply personal. As digital technologies reshape the monetary system, banks are drawing on partnership ecosystems and world-class advisory services to guide their clients forward
Digitisation and frictionless commerce
The future of banking is digital … and deeply personal. As digital technologies reshape the monetary system, banks are drawing on partnership ecosystems and world-class advisory services to guide their clients forward
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