Dialogue Video: Accelerating Cloud-based Embedded Finance Strategies (Microsoft Asia President Ahmed Mazhari × SMBC Group CDIO Katsunori Tanizaki)

Ahmed Mazhari, President of Microsoft Asia, and Katsunori Tanizaki, SMBC Group CDIO engaged in dialogue and reaffirmed our commitment to accelerate business collaborations based on the strategic partnership they formed in March 2022.

Katsunori Tanizaki talked about his vision to drive embedded finance initiatives particularly in Asia and strive to become a leading solution provider in the region through partnering with external platform providers and fintech companies, and pursue long-term initiatives in the fields of sustainability and the environment for future generations.

Ahmed Mazhari talked about accomplishing more with little resources by using digital technology in today’s ever-changing, risk-prone business environment. He also emphasized the importance of the concept of digital perseverance in the face of uncertainty, expressing how thrilled he was to be able to strengthen promoting innovation in SMBC Group through their partnership.

See the videos below for details on the dialogue.

Short version

Full version

SPEAKER BIO
* The departments, titles, etc. of the people introduced in this story are as of the time of writing.

  • President, Microsoft Asia

    Ahmed Jamil Mazhari

    After working in management for 23 years at US-based GE and Genpact (BPO provider spun off from GE in 2005), Ahmed Mazhari drove the global growth of the GE Group as Senior Vice President and Chief Growth Officer (CGO). He joined Microsoft Asia in February 2020 and today serves as its president.

  • Senior Managing Executive Officer and Group CDIO, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group

    Katsunori Tanizaki

    Katsunori Tanizaki joined Sumitomo Bank (currently Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation) in 1982 after graduating from the University of Tokyo Faculty of Law. After serving as general manager of the Global Investment Department and IT Planning Department, he became Group CIO in 2017 and Group CDIO in 2018 (his current position). As CDIO, Tanizaki drives digital strategies of the entire SMBC Group. In 2022 he was recognized as “Japan CDO of The Year 2022” by CDO Club, a global Chief Digital Officer (CDO) community.