•
Loyyal collaborates with Smart Dubai in second phase of Dubai Future Accelerators Program
Talks about Blockchain, Fintech and Loyalty
SZ
Safwan Zaheer
Senior Advisor, Payments at Simon
Greater Philadelphia
Overview
Safwan Zaheer is a seasoned payments and fintech executive with a track record of driving innovative solutions and strategic growth, currently serving as the COO & CPO at autoMHatic Financial. With experience at reputable companies like LendingPoint and Barclays, Safwan has excelled in roles focused on payments, lending, and fintech, showcasing strong leadership and expertise in strategic planning and product management.
Work Experience
Chief Product Officer
2024 - Current
As COO & CPO of a PE-backed FinTech lender, led technology and product innovation to scale manufactured home financing, enhance profitability, and drive a high-value exit. Pioneered the industry’s first AI-powered “Instant Decision” loan approval, cutting approval times to under a minute setting a new competitive benchmark. Transformed lending operations by deploying modern LOS and POS systems, launching an AI/OCR-driven Lender Portal, and optimizing digital credit and closing solutions to streamline workflows and improve efficiency. Delivered 25% growth in annual loan originations to $100M+, increased approval rates from 35% to 45% (+70% with instant counter offers), and improved funding speed by 20% while maintaining rigorous risk controls. Worked closely with the CEO and investors on strategic initiatives, positioning the company for a successful exit (accomplished: Exiting via M&A in 2025).
Managing Director: FinTech, Payments, & Lending
2019 - 2023
Advisory firm empowering Banks, Payments, and FinTech giants with cutting-edge business and product consulting expertise. 1) Launched T-Mobile MONEY, T-Mobile's trailblazing Neobank, in a transformative partnership with BM Technologies (formerly BankMobile), revolutionizing mobile banking during 2019-2021. 2) Engineered explosive growth for a disruptive POS lending and BaaS FinTech by targeting three high-impact market verticals. Designed a game-changing pricing, positioning, and GTM strategy, driving a B2B2C and BaaS launch that exceeded expectations. Plus much more..
EVP & GM, POS Lending
2021 - 2022
Spearheaded exponential growth of POS Installment Lending, BNPL, and Payments business focused on Dental and Home Improvement sectors, driving funded volume from $10M/month to $30M/month while achieving record-breaking net margins. Built, managed, and mentored a high-performing cross-functional team of 85, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Increased share-of-wallet from 1.5% to 8%, cementing market leadership and driving sustained growth.
LendingPoint is a financial technology lending platform that provides debt facilities.
Raised $1,931,553,751.00 from MidCap Financial, Guggenheim Partners, Guggenheim Securities, Guggenheim Securities and Ares Management.
Head of Products: POS Lending & Payments
2019 - 2021
Unleashed T-Mobile MONEY, T-Mobile's revolutionary Neobank. Spearheaded E2E product development, propelling it from visionary concept to an awe-inspiring rollout that reached a staggering million consumers across the United States.
BM Technologies is a digital banking platform that uses cloud technology to offer checking and savings accounts via B2B2C sales model.
Head of FinTech, Digital Financial Services
2016 - 2019
Handpicked by the COO of Accenture Digital to join KPMG and spearhead the development of its FinTech practice, establishing a strong foundation for growth and innovation. Provided strategic and creative leadership for KPMG’s US FinTech service line as a key member of the Global FinTech leadership team, aligning client opportunities with management’s vision and driving impactful solutions. Spearheaded multi-$M initiatives, including implementing a digital banking platform for a Top 5 Bank and launching innovative payments products and FinTech solutions such as credit card and lending solutions for clients.
KPMG Advisory provides audit, tax, assurance, and financial advisory services to companies and people.
Director, Digital Payments, Financial Services
2015 - 2016
Drove explosive practice growth by leading end-to-end delivery of digital payments, transformation strategies, and product development services for top financial services and retail clients. Enhanced brand reputation and achieved a significant increase in repeat business through exceptional execution and client satisfaction.
Accenture Ventures is a venture capital firm arm of Accenture, delivers innovative solutions with strategic partnerships and investments.
Director, Digital Payments Product & Strategy
2012 - 2015
Pioneered the launch of a groundbreaking Mobile Payments Wallet for consumers and SMBs, achieving $500K in transaction volume, attracting over 11K users, and securing partnerships with 25+ top merchants. Led strategic expansion into P2P payments, solidifying a leadership position in the industry.
Management Strategy Consultant
2010 - 2011
Key member of the Mobile & Internet practice, driving strategy and consumer experience engagements that accelerated business value and enhanced brand reputation, contributing to a strong valuation at the 2011 sale. Delivered exceptional results for industry leaders like Facebook and T-Mobile, showcasing expertise in crafting impactful strategies for high-profile clients.
Senior Manager, Mobile Products and Solutions
2007 - 2010
Led global launch of two flagship mobile products across EMEA and Asia, generating multi-million-dollar revenue and securing partnerships with 9 prestigious global clients. Directed cross-functional teams worldwide, crafting strategic roadmaps and executing end-to-end product strategies—from visionary design and capabilities definition to seamless technology integration - delivering transformative market impact.
Manager, Mobile Products and Solutions
2003 - 2007
Spearheaded global cross-functional teams to create visionary mobile broadband product roadmaps, driving innovation through advanced capabilities, seamless technology integration, and implementation strategies - all tailored to meet evolving consumer needs.
Mobile Standards Engineer (Bell Labs)
2001 - 2003
Designed and delivered software to assess CDMA wireless network performance, enabling advanced evaluation of 3G/4G mobile solutions. Authored technical papers and presented at global standards bodies, influencing customers, competitors, and partners to secure consensus on CDMA and emerging technology and product standards. Secured a Patent on CDMA Systems.
Education
Latest Articles
•
Loyyal’s experience with Dubai Future Accelerators
Talks about Dubai, Blockchain and Loyalty
•
Loyyal adds Safwan Zaheer to Board of Directors
Talks about Blockchain, Fintech and Loyalty
•
Ann Camarillo Joins Loyyal’s Board of Directors
Talks about Blockchain, Payments and Loyalty