FIVE MINUTES WITH ...
We all know the companies , but what about the people behind them ? Kats extols the virtues of problem-solving , the exciting possibilities of UK fintech , and why Poland and Venice are top of his travel list
Q . WHO WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO AND WHY ?
» My hero growing up was Robinson Crusoe . I was always fascinated by this story of a man who must overcome every obstacle in front of him , no matter what it is . He doesn ’ t have a choice ; he just perseveres and pushes through the hardship .
Q . WHAT ' S THE BEST PIECE OF ADVICE YOU EVER RECEIVED ?
» ‘ The higher the barrier , the bigger the reward in overcoming it .’ This premise is where Clear Junction originated : we found a niche that other companies weren ’ t willing to work within . This is why we built risk management capabilities into our proprietary technology to solve complex challenges .
Q . WHICH ACTIVITY ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO DOING WHEN THE PANDEMIC IS OVER ?
» The restriction on travel means that I haven ’ t met any of our new Polish office ’ s staff face-to-face . So , once that is possible , I ’ m looking forward to going out there and congratulating them on all their fantastic work . On a more personal level , Venice is one of my favourite places in the world . I never get tired of visiting it so I will be heading there as soon as I can .
Q . IS THERE AN ACHIEVEMENT FROM 2020 OF WHICH YOU ARE PARTICULARLY PROUD ?
» 2020 was the year Clear Junction started to scale up quickly because we had everything in order . Now , it ’ s just a matter of opportunity and there is no shortage of those in fintech right now .
The pandemic has also allowed me to spend more time with my family , especially my children . Post-pandemic , it is an important goal of mine to continue this increased focus on them .
Q . WHAT INSPIRES YOU IN FINTECH TODAY ?
» UK fintechs managed to secure $ 4.1bn in funding in 2020 and are a key growth driver
“ IT ’ S AN INCREDIBLY EXCITING TIME TO BE INVOLVED IN FINTECH ”