Advancing Sustainability and NetZero Goals. Empowering Small-Scale Miners with Blockchain. Advocate for DeFi & Financial Equity

I have over 17 years of experience in IT leadership, software development, and digital transformation. I have managed complex projects and programs across various industries. My expertise lies in client relationship management, consulting and solutions delivery, risk management, leadership, and communication. I have a record of accomplishment of generating quantifiable success.

Currently, I am the CEO and founder of Axalio where I lead a team of seven building unique products to transform the finance industry by leveraging blockchain technology to empower underserved communities. 

During my tenure at Standard Bank Group, I led a team of four developers and eight support engineers. Together, we improved internal processes for key departments such as compliance, governance, legal, and fraud. Our efforts also led to increased revenues for the PBB retail sector within the bank. At another previous employer, I identified new revenue drivers and increased sales by over 180% in less than six months by deploying CRM solutions and integrating several ERPs with blue chip companies.

I have a hands-on leadership style, and I align sales processes with leading-edge technologies. I have a strong sense of leadership that guides each team member to reach their full potential, and I always align sales teams and developers and organize meetings to achieve buy-in on key directives.

Through decentralized finance and ESG-conscious solutions, I am unlocking the potential for better financial health and wealth creation for people in Africa and the world.

If you catch me outside of work, I'm an adventurous traveler - 35 countries and counting - and an avid lover of tennis!

Competencies: Software Development, Blockchain, DeFi, Web 3.0, Entrepreneurship, Customer Relations, Managing Teams, Strategic Partnerships, Business Strategy.

Feel free to connect with me to learn on LinkedIn or contact me directly on john@axalio.com or on Twitter (@JohnLombela) to learn more about Axalio, blockchain technology, or our mission to empower the underserved. I am always looking to grow my personal and professional network and share experiences.

John Lombela

Future Minerals Forum 2026 was a reality check in the best way.

After dozens of conversations in Riyadh, one thing is clear: the minerals industry is still running on trust gaps, spreadsheets, and slow money, exactly where real value leaks.

That’s why Axalio exists.

We’re building the infrastructure layer for transparent, compliant, production-linked mineral trade and financing, starting with gold and ASM. It’s hard, it’s unsexy, and very few are willing to build it end-to-end. But the demand is real, and the timing is now.

If we spoke at FMF, thank you. If we didn’t, and you’re serious about responsible sourcing, trade finance, or digitizing the supply chain, let’s connect.

Riyadh: message received. Axalio is on the right track. 🇸🇦

Joachim Emily Stacy Jason Lionel Dona Arisa Nancy Hassan Derrick Jason Arthur

#FMF2026 #tradefinance #supplychain #fintech #saudiarabia

Spiking

⦁ Launched the newest application to provide real-time information on trades made by sophisticated investors to help retail investors make better investment decisions with greater confidence based on market knowledge they never had before.

⦁ Raised Seed, Pre-Series A, and Series A funding to bring Spiking to market. Won the Best Innovative Start-up (Early Stage) at the 2016 SiTF Awards. Named one of Singapore's 20 hottest startups to watch in 2017 by Singapore Business Review. 

⦁ Awarded the Feefo Gold Trusted Service Award 2020 and 2021 and Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award 2022, 2023, and 2024 for consistently delivering an exceptional service experience as rated by over 1,000 real customers. Awarded the Two Comma Club in 2020 and 2021 for startups that reached the 7-figure financial milestone. 

⦁ Ranked the Singapore's Fastest Growing Companies 2023, a list of 100 companies compiled by The Straits Times and Germany-based global research firm Statista. Spiking achieved an absolute growth rate of 403.5% and a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 71.39% from 2018 to 2021.

⦁ Awarded the Winner in the Generative AI/AI Category and the Overall 1st Runner-Up in Huawei Cloud Startup Ignite Competition 2023.

⦁ Selected for the IBM Hyper Protect Accelerator 2023. Technical mentorship from IBM, investment-readiness training from Village Capital with bespoke mentor and investor matching, and access to both IBM’s and Village Capital’s broader networks.

⦁ Selected to participate in the pilot run of the AI Cloud Take-Off, jointly organized by the Economic Development Board and Google.

⦁ Secured investment from Quest Ventures, a leading venture fund for technology companies that have scalability and replicability in large internet communities. Supported by the National Research Foundation, Prime Minister’s Office, Singapore under the Interactive & Digital Media Strategic Research Programme.

Chief Executive Officer

Travelite Holdings Ltd

⦁ Formed an investment holding company providing management services for department stores, specialty stores, third party retail outlets and distributors, gift redemption sites, and corporate gift programme in 7 countries.

⦁ Successfully helped business move from the SGX-SESDAQ to the SGX Mainboard, marking a significant milestone.

⦁ Served as the Chairman of the Remuneration and Nominating Committees, as well as a member of the Audit Committee.

Independent Director, Board of Directors (SGX:BCZ)

Lucerne Asset Management Pte. Ltd.

⦁ Advised on establishing an AI-driven investment process using machine learning algorithm to identify alpha-generating assets among the world's best performing money managers.

⦁ Actively investing in a diversified portfolio of asset classes including, but not limited to, US equities and options, and from time to time, alternative asset classes.

⦁ Served as the Portfolio Manager to have wide discretion with regards to the investment selection and may invest in various companies, sectors, countries, and security types in order to take advantage of investment opportunities.

⦁ For qualifying accredited investors or institutional investors only.

Portfolio Manager

Quickom

⦁ Revolutionized traditional communication barriers by providing a decentralized video conference network that caters to customized communication needs for businesses.

⦁ Offers a suite of blockchain-based services, including Web3, to support the delivery of multiple solutions that help businesses reach a wider audience without any upfront investment and at the lowest possible cost.

⦁ Served as a Member of the Advisory Board together with high-profile technology evangelists, blockchain specialists, research scientists, software engineers, and experts from world-renowned universities and institutions such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Cornell, etc.

Advisor, Advisory Board 

Bitcoin Institute

⦁ Founded the platform as a place of discussion, advice and support, for all those who believe in the importance of cryptocurrency. 

⦁ Spearheaded as a think tank, providing the latest insights and news on Bitcoin with members around the world interested in the cybercurrency for both business and academic purposes.

Founder

Dîner en Blanc - Singapore

⦁ Bring together thousands of guests, all dressed in white, together for an evening of food and entertainment.

⦁ Broke a record for the Largest Outdoor Pop-Up Picnic and Most Floating Champagne Bottles with Enclosed Messages in the Singapore Book of Records in partnership with Marina Bay Sands, Perrier-Jouët, Sony, and Uber.

Founder & Advisor

SMI Vantage Limited

⦁ Formed an investment and management company focused on capitalizing on strong trends in the new economy including technology-based SaaS services and other high-tech platforms. 

⦁ Successfully listed on the Main Board of the Singapore Stock Exchange, with a highly capable and experienced management team with a proven track record in building strong business partnerships and alliances.

⦁ Served as the Advisor of the Advisory Board to contribute industry knowledge and expertise toward SMI Vantage’s new focus on new economies and internet technologies such as blockchains, cryptocurrencies and NFTs.

Advisor, Advisory Board (SGX:Y45)

Aurora Pacific Economic Zone and Freeport Authority

⦁ Advised on establishing a licensing / regulatory / investment framework for financial
technology businesses and projects (including digital assets, blockchain, distributed ledger
technology).

⦁ Assisted in formulating policies and rules for a regulatory sandbox framework in relation to
innovative business cases that leverage other emerging technologies.

⦁ Assisted in globally promoting APECO as an offshore financial technology center, in
particular, attract applicants for APECO’s financial technology licensing and regulatory
sandbox regimes.

International FinTech Consultant

ICObench

⦁ Provide analytical, legal, and technical insights to investors and financial experts seeking ICO investment.

⦁ Support the development of blockchain technology, commercial applications, digital assets, and data mining.

Leading Expert & Advisor, ICObench/Mars Blockchain Group

Asia Television Holdings Limited

⦁ Founded in 2003, Asia Television Holdings Limited (formerly known as Co-Prosperity Holdings Limited) had principally engaged in the processing, printing, and sales of finished fabrics, and the provision of fabrics processing subcontracting services in China.

⦁ Successfully diversified into properties, securities investment, money lending, as well as media and entertainment business with presence in Hong Kong, China, and Southeast Asia.

⦁ Served as a member of the Remuneration and Nominating Committees, as well as a member of the Audit Committee.

Independent Non-Executive Director, Board of Directors (HKEX:707)

As the CEO and founder of Spiking, I am committed to making world-class investment strategies accessible to everyone, empowering retail investors with the knowledge and confidence to navigate global markets effectively. Spiking began with a vision to democratize financial insights from top-performing money managers, and today, it continues to transform how individual investors engage with the markets.

With over two decades in entrepreneurship, finance, and management, I am driven to develop cutting-edge, data-driven solutions that bridge the gap between institutional expertise and individual access. My journey in the industry is rooted in a passion for creating impactful tools and resources that enable more informed, strategic investment decisions.

Throughout my career, I’ve earned recognition and accolades for leadership and innovation, backed by a Ph.D. in Management, an MBA in Entrepreneurship, and a B.Eng. in Civil and Structural Engineering. In addition, I hold a UAE Golden Visa and a Taiwan Gold Card, am a Chartered Wealth Manager, Chartered Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute, and Senior Accredited Director with the Singapore Institute of Directors. My experience spans board memberships with respected organizations, authorship on cryptocurrency, and ongoing contributions to global thought leadership.

I am honored to be a member of Fast Company’s Impact Council, the Forbes Business Council, and the Harvard Business Review Advisory Council, where I have the opportunity to connect and collaborate with industry leaders worldwide. These affiliations fuel my commitment to continuous growth and the exchange of innovative ideas.

I believe in excellence, integrity, and the transformative power of well-informed investment decisions. I look forward to connecting with fellow professionals and exploring new opportunities to shape the future of finance.

taplio

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John Lombela

Dr. Clemen Chiang (PhD, MBA)

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The Battle

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Performance Score.css-goub6s{font-size:var(--chakra-fontSizes-md);font-weight:500;color:var(--chakra-colors-gray-600);display:block;margin-top:var(--chakra-space-1);}John Lombela's LinkedIn Performance

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