Mark is highly successful, experienced global fintech expert and board-level executive. He has spent over 25 years successfully founding, building, leading, raising investment funds and transforming multi-million-pound solutions for brands such as Orange, Ukash, Naspers PayU, ThisIsMe, Entersekt and now Xago Technologies.

Mark combines significant practical experience with a deep understanding of the Financial Services arena and ‘day-to-day’ requirements, to deliver substantial digital channel growth and revenue. Using a collaborative approach, he is well-known for building high-performing, cross-functional teams to deliver on a vision in challenging times, against aggressive deadlines.

Key achievements include:
- Founder and Technical Lead of Ukash, and as the CEO, driving growth into over 50 countries, exceeding £500m+
- Re-platformed and delivered the Naspers PayU brand across Africa and collaborated within the global group.
- Sale of 3DS v/EMV platform to a leading Payment Scheme across numerous countries.
- Innovation awards for his work in Know Your Customer in South Africa.
- Successfully implementing leading Neural Biometric solutions in crypto arena for Know Your Customer and Strong Customer Authentication.
- Non-executive IT Board Member of largest Retail bank in Africa, RMB.

Jurgen Kuhnel is South Africa’s leading blockchain and XRP Master and has been involved with cryptocurrencies since early 2012.

He initially founded a QR mobile payment start-up utilising credit cards but realised the power of blockchain to facilitate financial transactions. The start-up pivoted and is now Xago Technologies.

Jurgen is a Co-Founder of Xago and Chief Commercial Officer and focuses on global strategic partnerships, ongoing commitment to regulatory compliance, security management, and continuing to develop innovative products and services that create new avenues for facilitating lower-cost financial transactions.