John Owens

John Owens is a global expert in digital financial services, regulation, and inclusive finance with more than 25 years of experience across Asia and the Pacific, Africa, Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Middle East. He has led major initiatives with the World Bank, USAID, Asian Development Bank, FCDO, and GIZ, focusing on digital finance, SME access to finance, agricultural and climate finance, financial literacy, and consumer protection.

As a senior regulatory advisor, Mr. Owens has worked with more than 95 central banks worldwide, guiding the design of enabling policies and regulatory sandboxes that balance innovation with financial stability and consumer protection. He has also advanced SME finance by supporting banks and non-bank financial institutions to adopt digital tools, new lending methodologies, and smart incentives that expand access to credit for small enterprises.

Recognized as one of the top 100 global fintech influencers, he has spoken at over 100 international conferences on topics ranging from open banking and digital payments to crypto assets, stablecoins, and alternative data. Most recently, he has been advancing the responsible use of generative AI in financial services, linking innovation with regulatory best practices to build safe, inclusive, and sustainable digital ecosystems.