Varun Mittal

Varun Mittal is a highly respected fintech leader, innovation strategist, and ecosystem builder based in Singapore, with deep experience in digital business, financial services, and emerging markets. As Group Head of Innovation & Ecosystem (Chief Innovation Officer) at Singlife, Varun plays a pivotal role in shaping the company’s innovation roadmap — driving new product development, embedded finance partnerships, and cutting-edge technology rollouts such as the establishment of an AI Centre of Excellence. Singapore FinTech Festival+2Google Sites+2

Over his career, Varun has led multiple high-growth ventures. He was part of the founding team at helloPay, where he scaled it to over 20 million users in Southeast Asia before its acquisition by Ant Financial / Alipay. Google Sites+1 At EY, he built and led the global emerging markets fintech and ASEAN digital banking practice, advising financial institutions, regulators, and private equity investors across more than 130 countries. Google Sites

Beyond his corporate roles, Varun is deeply embedded in the fintech ecosystem. He is the Founder of Fintech Nation™, a multi-dimensional platform that includes a book series, a mentorship initiative (Fintech 65™), an early-stage investment fund, and a policy-through-ideas think tank (Singanomics™). Singapore FinTech Festival Through Fintech Nation Fund and Boleh Ventures, he invests in early-stage companies across Southeast Asia, particularly in embedded finance, payments, digital banking, and insurtech. Google Sites

Varun is also an author — his writings chart Singapore’s fintech evolution and highlight the importance of building sustainable ecosystems. He has been recognized multiple times by the Monetary Authority of Singapore as a Top 10 Fintech Leader (in 2019 and 2021). LinkedIn+1

In terms of education, he holds an MBA from the National University of Singapore, with prior studies in computer science engineering. Najafi Capital

Varun’s unique strength lies at the intersection of operator, investor, and community builder: he blends hands-on execution (in innovation, product, and partnerships) with deep ecosystem thinking and active investing. As a thought leader and connector, he inspires and supports the next generation of fintech founders across Southeast Asia.