Meet Oussama Kseibati
Name
Oussama Kseibati
Company Role
Head of Business Solutions
Favourite Quote
“Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game” – Babe Ruth
Top Podcasts/Books?
Watchmen – Alan Moore, Dave Gibbons
20,000 Leagues Under the Sea – Jules Verne
Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep – Philip K. Dick
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
One key problem we often face in the industry is the difficulty individuals and MTOs face with banking when they are deemed high-risk. Often MTOs are abiding by regulations but are still not offered access – situations like these drive payments underground and makes them harder to track. We want to rectify this by offering end-to-end solutions for individuals and MTOs of all sizes and from all regions.
What do you do at RemitONE?
I recently moved into the Head of Business Solutions role, where I’m now responsible for sales growth and strategies across the UK, Europe and Asia alongside our HQ team.
What are your credentials/experience for working in your position?
I’ve been working in the Payments and Remittance industry for over 10 years, during which I’ve worked for some of the leading Tech and Remittance companies.
I’ve held roles at different levels, including FX Trader, Account Manager and Head of Sales – all of which have led me to my new role as Head of Business Solutions.
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
The thing I like most about working for RemitONE, and the remittance industry in general, is the feeling of doing something good for the wider community. RemitONE’s mission is to ensure a better flow of wealth around the world, allowing for everyone to support their loved ones – this is something I feel extremely passionate about!
What are the values that drive you?
Honesty, integrity and always giving 100% – a man’s work is a reflection of himself.
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you’re not working?
I really enjoy working on creative things, like building machines, painting and sculpting – a bit of a difference from the day job! I also love to drive/ride anything with an engine as fast as possible. I really enjoy going to movies, travelling and Airsoft.
Meet Ziad Mannan: Expert Engineer
Company Role
Head of Engineering
Favourite Quote
“Stay hungry, stay humble”
Top Podcasts/Books?
The Quran – I find my peace in coming back to this book.
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
Software development is seen as a battle between techies, management and clients. I want to play a part in making it more of a mission that all 3 sides work together to achieve the desired goals.
What do you do at RemitONE?
I oversee the engineering effort at RemitONE: making sure we have the right people, we have good processes in place for delivering to our clients and we are technically sound. And in all of these things, we are continuously looking for ways to keep improving. That means I have a lot of meetings all day! But every so often I get a chance to tinker with some code.
What are your credentials/ experience, for working in your position?
I’ve been working in software development for a long time. I got into programming as a kid (without even knowing it!) and was hooked so I studied Computer Science and went into the world of work as a developer. I really enjoyed working as a hands-on developer for several companies, learning my trade and honing my tech skills, but I always had an interest in looking at the bigger picture and how everything fits together. This led me to move into technical management/leadership roles.
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
We have a really close-knit team at RemitONE and working with the team doesn’t feel like work, it feels more like we’re on a mission together! I really love that.
What are the values that drive you?
There are a lot of values that are important to me but the one that drives me the most is pushing yourself to be the best that you can be and helping and inspiring others to do the same. And when you’re doing that with people that you really connect with, then that drives you even more.
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Academically and professionally I’ve always been interested in IT/technology. I was born and spent my early childhood in Bangladesh before moving to the UK, so that gave me quite a varied life experience early in my life and I feel that has served me well in being able to work with different people in different situations.
I love spending time with my kids, I have a lot of them! That takes up a lot of my time outside work. I also like to keep fit so I go for runs and work out when I can.
Meet the Summer Interns
RemitONE is thrilled to welcome our four interns joining the Sales, Marketing and Technical teams this summer!
Saffiyah, Zayn, Ibraheem and Yusuf are the latest interns to join RemitONE and are already proving to be a great addition to the team.
We caught up with them after their first month of the internship to hear more about their background, their future goals and how RemitONE is helping them along the way!
Tell us a little bit about you! Where do you come from and what are you studying?
Saffiyah: I live in South-East England, where I’ve recently finished studying my A levels. I plan on going to university in London later this year to study a finance-related course.
Yusuf: I finished Year 13 this year and hope to study civil engineering at university starting in September.
Zayn: Hi! I’m Zayn and I’m from Buckinghamshire. I’m a mechanical engineering student at Brunel University. I love MMA, gaming and learning new paths in life. I also enjoy anime!
Ibraheem: I’m 18 years old, was born in London but now live in High Wycombe. I was home-schooled most of my life but finished my A-Levels last year at the Royal Grammar School in Wycombe. I studied Maths, Computer Science and Economics and will be studying Computer Science at the University of Birmingham Insha’Allah.
What are you hoping to gain from your internship with RemitONE?
Saffiyah: I’m very interested in the finance world, so I hope to understand what goes on behind the scenes of a fintech company like RemitONE. I’ve learnt a lot already – working with the marketing team has been a great experience and I have an insight into the important role marketing plays in the company.
Yusuf: Work experience for the real world, such as how to professionally communicate with clients and colleagues and fundamentals of working in a business environment.
Zayn: I want to renew my knowledge of data analysis by implementing my skills again, and I’d love to learn more about effective ways to attract new prospects to the business. Additionally, working in a professional environment is an experience I appreciate and expect to help me gain confidence to pursue an exciting range of expertise.
Ibraheem: I’m really interested in gaining real-world experience of working professionally. I want to learn how all the team members work together and familiarise myself with all the tools used in this field.
What’s the best part of working at RemitONE?
Saffiyah: The best part for me is that everyone is very friendly, so it has been easy to talk to and learn from the people I’m working with.
Yusuf: The team ensure all the work is manageable even though we’re trying out lots of new things.
Zayn: The best part is that the people around me are very approachable and friendly – at RemitONE the people are extremely down to earth and, relatable. I firmly believe that because my seniors have these attributes, they set an example to many other enterprises on how to conduct communication between workers.
Ibraheem: I like how the company is small, so everyone works together and communicates when there are challenges; I don’t feel shy about asking someone else in the team for help or advice.
How are you liking the working environment?
Saffiyah: I’m really enjoying it. I’m working from home, which is probably a bit more relaxed than working in an office, but I get a lot done. The team I work with is great and they’ve made this a very meaningful experience.
Yusuf: The environment at RemitONE is very welcoming. Im also enjoying learning and working remotely.
Zayn: The work environment is comfortable. Everyone is very helpful and happy to take time out of their schedules to assist me and anyone else who has any questions or wants to run through any difficult tasks.
Ibraheem: The remote working environment is something I’m enjoying.
What’s the most helpful skill you’ve learnt so far?
Saffiyah: I’ve learnt the importance of connecting with clients. Many of my tasks are based on forming and keeping connections with clients via social media or email. I also helped with the IPR Panel events, which I found really interesting as in the process I got to listen to what the speakers had to say and appreciate the work that was put into making the event happen.
Yusuf: So far I’ve learnt the importance of professionally addressing clients, as well as how to write professional sales emails for lead generation.
Zayn: I love data analysis, and working at RemitONE has enhanced this skill a lot to the extent that I could make my tasks a lot easier by using functional skills in spreadsheets.
Ibraheem: The most important skill I’ve learnt is definitely communication.
Tell us a fun fact about you!
Saffiyah: I love travelling. I haven’t been able to travel during the pandemic, but when things get better I really want to explore new places and revisit some old ones.
Yusuf: Interestingly, I have hyperextension in my elbows and shoulders!
Zayn: I can solve the Rubik’s cube in 8 seconds! As random as it sounds, I used to speed-solve competitively around the UK. After that, I moved on to competitive e-sports (video games) in LAN tournaments in central London. I love competition and being in the same room as people with the same interest – it’s always fun to spark conversation with them.
Ibraheem: I was an assistant writer/cinematographer for a series of Islamic short films that have over 2 million views collectively on Youtube!
And finally, what advice do you have for future RemitONE interns?
Saffiyah: It’s a great experience with pleasant, hard-working people so there’s no need to feel nervous. Make sure you manage your time well.
Yusuf: Don’t let work pile up; try to manage your time well.
Zayn: Keep a positive mindset when you work and enjoy it! Take your time with work if need be, as long as you get it done.
Ibraheem: I think it’s very important for future interns to recognise the importance of good teamwork and communication when tackling tasks and participating in activities.
Meet Marco Dal Monte: Software Specialist
Company Role
Software Engineer
Favourite Quote
“Let’s go with the flow, wherever it goes.”
Top Podcasts/Books
Eagle in the Sky – Wilbur Smith
Monsoon – Wilbur Smith
I Promessi Sposi – Alessandro Manzoni
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
In our fintech branch, the main service is to provide a web and mobile platform people can use to send money quickly to their families and friends, without the fear of losing their savings.
As for all software, there is the chance to improve it, adding functionalities to the code, bug fixes on issues that might happen, and helping people to achieve what they need more quickly.
What do you do at RemitONE?
I work in the R&D Team of RemitONE as Software Engineer, and my role is to develop new functionalities or fix existing bugs.
What are your credentials and experience for working in your position?
After my graduation in IT in Padova, Italy, I have had a few job experiences in Italy, working as a web developer.
In 2013 I moved to the UK and worked as a software developer in the asbestos field for two companies.
My background is primarily with web and mobile, but different company types allowed me to learn things out of the IT field.
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
I like to work with my colleagues, who are all nice and friendly people. I also like the fact that we share our knowledge, helping each other resolve issues and achieve our goals.
What are the values that drive you?
I like learning new things, both in IT and out of work, and I never pull back if there is a chance to improve.
It is important for me to be in a team where we help each other, at least when possible. I like reciprocal respect and good education.
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I come from a Math and IT background, with a sparkle of accountancy at High School.
When I am not working, I like to play my guitar; I go to weekly lessons.
Other hobbies are reading books, keeping fit at the gym, going out with friends, and watching football – I am a fan of Juventus.
Meet Bethany Goodman: Marketing Enthusiast
Company Role
Marketing Executive
Favourite Quote
“If you’re happy doing what you do, nobody can tell you you’re not successful.”
Top Podcasts/Books
The Quiet at the End of the World – Lauren James
The Uninhabitable Earth – David Wallace-Wells
I Let You Go – Clare Mackintosh
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
The payments industry is one that is constantly changing and improving. It’s key for businesses to keep up with this change and have access to everything they need to be a part of the digital transformation – that’s where RemitONE comes in!
What do you do at RemitONE?
I lead the creation and distribution of content to our prospects and clients, as well as the wider remittance industry. We aim to produce relevant and thought-provoking content in the form of articles and newsletters, as well as host our successful IPR events throughout the year.
What are your credentials and experience for working in your position?
Before joining RemitONE I worked in the marketing team for a global merchandise company. I studied Communications at university and have experience in Marketing and Copywriting.
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
I love being able to get involved in the whole process when we carry out new marketing campaigns. At RemitONE everyone’s opinions are valued so much and it’s exciting to offer suggestions and ideas, as well as be able to get involved with new things.
What are the values that drive you?
The value that drives me is ambition. It’s so important to remember that we only get to enjoy one life; we should be spending it striving to be better and achieve everything we want to achieve.
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Although I’m originally from the West Midlands, I moved a little further away from home to Leamington Spa to study for my degree in Language, Culture and Communication at Warwick University. After graduating in 2019 I wanted to pursue my career in Marketing, so I moved to London where I have been settled for a couple of years.
I enjoy travelling and visiting new places. I lived in Australia during 2017/2018 and can’t wait to return and explore more of Oceania once the world gets a little bit closer to normality.
I also love reading and set myself the huge challenge of reading 100 books in 2021 – I got to 89 so I’m aiming to hit the 100 mark this year instead!
Meet Entesar Alsowmely: Support Pro
Company Role
Application Support Engineer
Favourite Quote
“Once prayer becomes a habit, success becomes a lifestyle.”
Top Podcasts/Books
The Montessori Notebook – I’m interested in learning more about the Montessori method so that I can use the philosophy on my future children (when god wills).
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
A continuous challenge that the remittance industry has faced is with online remittance. Especially now with Covid-19, many people have faced restrictions with sending money to their loved ones via the traditional methods. Here at RemitONE our system supports 100% online remittance, whether that be via the apps or via the agent systems. We are confident that our clients can do business using our system without any holdbacks.
What do you do at RemitONE?
I work in first-line support so if a client has any issues then they will come to me and the team. We support their system and ensure it is working correctly all the time.
What are your credentials and experience for working in your position?
I have worked in front-line support for a while now, including when I was at university and my first job afterwards. I studied computer science at university so I have programming experience and I can complete bug fixes quickly if needed!
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
I like that we are a small team so we all know each other. Our roles are diverse and I get the chance to program as well as support clients’ systems.
What are the values that drive you?
Loyalty, dependability and efficiency.
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
My background is in computer science and when I’m not working I enjoy being outside and taking long walks. Since lockdown began I have been taking walks with my husband, we usually take the longer route or sometimes we just walk with no destination!
Meet Ababacar Seck: Industry Expert
Company Role
Managing Director Africa
Favourite Quote
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together” – African proverb
“If you think you are too small to make a difference, spend a night with a mosquito” – African proverb
Top Podcasts/Books
“Amkoullel, l’enfant Peul” by Amadou Hampathe Ba.
The Collected Poetry by Leopold Sedar Senghor
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
One of the current biggest challenges we have in Africa is the inoperability of mobile money platforms. The growth of mobile money in Africa has been tremendous, with no such experience elsewhere, but still the potential is held back because of this issue and the lack of important actors in the ecosystems.
What do you do at RemitONE?
I am the managing director for the African market in the company. This consists of recruiting clients such as Banks, Central Banks, Money Transfer Operators and Telcos who want to use our different solutions. We cover the whole continent and make sure our clients are happy and growing with our products and support.
What are your credentials and experience for working in your position?
Before joining RemitONE, I worked for several companies in the African private sector. I’ve been working in the remittance business for many years. I was the CFO and afterwards the CEO of Money Express SA, a leading African player, for several years. I also was the CEO of Connect Africa Payments, and Rainbow Ltd.
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
I love the team spirit, the variety of culture and the ambition of the company. I also like the challenge for Africa and the opportunity we have to become a great sought after stakeholder of the African remittance ecosystem.
What are the values that drive you?
Things I value most are honesty, humility, empathy and accountability. They help me improve in my day to day life and work as a person and a professional
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I studied Finance (MBA) and Business Management (Master) and have been working in these fields the last 30 years at senior positions. I did all my studies in Senegal (University of Dakar and CESAG), and ended them in the USA (Boston University).
Aside of my professional work, I’ve been volunteering since college in development programs like environment, community development, youth empowerment, health, microfinance for the poor, etc.
I enjoy going for camping and discovering rural areas. I am also passionate about sports and I still play basket-ball despite my sore ankles!
Meet Nitheesh Chacko: Software Superstar
Name
Nitheesh Chacko
Company Role
Head of R&D for the Middle East
Favourite Quote
“Dream is not that which you see while sleeping, it is something that does not let you sleep.”
And
“Thoughts result in action.” ― Abdul Kalam A. P. J
Top Podcasts/Books
Wings of Fire – A. P. J. Abdul Kalam
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
We support the money transfer industry by providing information on the technology and services offered by RemitONE, in order to convert the customers to our digital platform.
What do you do at RemitONE?
My main role is to understand the requirements of the Middle East market. It helps the technical team to apply those changes to the core system.
What are your credentials and experience for working in your position?
Before joining RemitONE, I worked with a technology company in Dubai and I now have 10+ years’ experience working as a Software Developer/Tech Lead.
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
I love the variety, the culture, and the challenges. I enjoy working on multiple projects and the challenge of meeting our objectives and deadlines.
What are the values that drive you?
Reliability, Loyalty, Commitment, Honesty, Efficiency, and Innovation.
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I grew up in Kerala in India, I then moved to Dubai to start my career in Software Development.
When I am not working, I spend time with my family and my 2-year-old.
I also enjoy watching movies & travelling. I have been lucky to visit some parts of the Middle East & Africa regions, and I’m planning to visit Europe next.
Meet Saiful Alom: Technical Genius
Name
Saiful Alom
Company Role
Head of R&D (soon to change to Technical Customer Success Manager)
Favourite Quote
“If you fail to prepare, prepare to fail”
Top 3 podcasts/books:
This is a difficult question to answer! I have varied interests and love reading books – I have many favourites. I’m a big Sci-Fi/Fantasy fan.
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
Standardisation. In the Remittance industry, we do not have standard ways of doing things. This is the case when it comes to integrations with third-parties. Due to the lack of standards, it makes things interesting but laborious!
What do you do at RemitONE?
I’m Currently Head of R&D. I’m responsible for project management, product related items, liaising with customers to help them achieve their goals (from a technical perspective), and a variety of other things.
My role is soon to change to focus on Technical Customer Success Management. This change will allow me to focus on our clients and help them achieve success with our technology and services.
What are your credentials and experience for working in your position?
I have been a software engineer for half my career. Then I moved onto Programme and Project Management. This has helped me develop the ability to act as a bridge between the technical team and our clients. Because of my technical background, I am able to communicate with both parties easily.
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
We have a great team here at RemitONE. We work well together, which allows us to provide a good service.
What are the values that drive you?
I take my values from my faith, my upbringing and cultural background.
These values include: helping people in need, respecting others, fulfilling promises, being kind to people and to animals, being patient in adversity, maintaining justice, being honest, and many others. Just try to be a good person.
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I was born in Sylhet (Bangladesh) and raised in London (UK). I was four years old when I arrived in 1978 on a cold January day. My mother and I came to join my father, who had been here since the early 60s.
I am bilingual, but understand a few other languages to varying degrees. Recently I’ve been learning a bit of Korean, as we watch a lot of K dramas as a family.
I used to be part of the Air Training Corps (now RAF cadets) during my teens. In the seven years there, I picked up many skills and it kept me out of trouble.
I studied Computing Science (Software Engineering) at the University of Greenwich. I have now been working in this industry for the last 25 years!
When not working, I enjoy travelling with my family. I have always been a book worm and love reading. I enjoy learning languages – one of these days I will stick at it long enough to gain full fluency in them.
I have taken up Karate and MMA, something I started at a late stage as an activity to do with my son – I am now 2 belts away from black belt. I also enjoy other team sports such as football and badminton. I am known for my liking of food and love for chilli by family, friends and colleagues. My favourite activity is to eat great tasting food from around the world. Of course, this means there is a constant battle against the bulge.
Meet Natalie Perkins: Marketing Enthusiast
Name
Natalie Perkins
Company Role
Marketing Manager
Favourite quote
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” -Walt Disney
Top 3 podcasts/books:
- Everybody Writes by Ann Handley
- Top of Mind by John Hall
- Marketing Smarts from MarketingProfs podcast
What is something people in your industry have to deal with that you want to fix?
A key challenge that has come out of COVID is the accessibility to the digital ecosystem to keep remittances flowing. I want to support the industry by providing awareness of the technology and services available to accelerate the digital transformation of the industry.
What do you do at RemitONE?
Through the various RemitONE communication channels I manage, I aim to provide our network with relevant content that will support their businesses.
What are your credentials and experience for working in your position?
Before joining RemitONE, I worked in the London Marketing team at Boston Consulting Group and I have seven years’ experience working as a Marketing Manager across Wealth Management, Legal, Management Consultancy and Accountancy.
What do you like about working at RemitONE?
I love the variety, culture and challenge! Every day is different for me, I enjoy working on multiple projects and the challenge of meeting our objectives and deadlines.
What are the values that drive you?
Empathy is key for working with team members, clients and prospects, to understand their point of view so that you can provide support and information that will help them.
What’s your background and what do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
I grew up in Essex in the UK, I then moved to York to study a Business Finance degree and following this moved to London to start my career in Marketing. Now I am working remotely, I recently moved back to Essex with my Partner and puppy!
When I’m not working my Partner and I enjoy taking our puppy training and for long walks, which has kept us entertained through the lockdown.
We also enjoy travelling and have been lucky to visit many parts of the world, most recently we visited India for three weeks travelling through Mumbai, Kerala and Goa. For our next trip, we plan to travel to Argentina.
