William DerbanHead of Digital Financial Services

Dr. William Derban serves as the Head of Digital Financial Services for Opportunity International, defining technical standards, developing business strategy, and negotiating collaborations across mobile money, mobile/cell phone banking, and agent banking.

Derban is the convener and co-founder of the Financial Inclusion Forum Africa, a network of professionals passionate about promoting financial inclusion across Africa. He was formerly the Market Engagement Director for the Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation program at the GSMA. The role entailed working with mobile network operators and humanitarian organizations to find commercially sustainable solutions in complex humanitarian situations.

Before joining the GSMA, Derban worked in the financial sector for more than 20 years. He worked as the Director for Strategic Partnerships and digital banking for Fidelity Bank Ghana and before then as the Head of Community Investment for Barclays Bank, responsible for Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Also, Derban sits on several financial inclusion-related boards and is a passionate speaker on development and financial inclusion.

He lives in London with his wife and three children.