ARIF ESA — THE FINTECH VISIONARY POWERING FINANCIAL INCLUSION FROM MOROCCO THROUGH MONEYIN GLOBAL
By Amana Alkali •
An exclusive with Arif Esa, the founder of moneyIN a startup revolutionizing global finance and digital banking for underserved communities.
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Arif Esa
In a world where millions remain unbanked and traditional financial systems still struggle to reach the underserved, one man and his team are reimagining what access to finance truly means—beyond borders, beyond bandwidth, and beyond barriers. Meet Arif Esa, a British-born entrepreneur with roots in Africa and India, a global financier, and the visionary force behind moneyIN Global, a digital banking powerhouse redefining the landscape of global finance.
From raising over $10 billion for international government projects to building an inclusive fintech platform with reach in over 60 countries, Arif’s journey is one of vision, grit, and deep impact. moneyIN isn’t just a fintech company—it’s a movement, empowering people in even the most remote communities to transact, save, and grow economically using tools as simple as a basic mobile phone.
In this exclusive Napoleon News interview, Arif opens up about the bold ideas behind moneyIN, the challenges of scaling a global digital bank, and how he's turning financial literacy, access, and inclusion into a 21st-century revolution.
FOUNDER'S JOURNEY & VISION
1. Arif, you’ve had an impressive journey across finance, tech, and infrastructure—what inspired you to start moneyIN?
Thank you! The idea behind moneyIN was sparked during the COVID lockdown while I was in Morocco, catching up over coffee with members of our founding team. We found ourselves discussing the glaring frustrations in the banking systems, not just in Africa, but across so many developing and even developed nations. The lack of instant payments, the outdated infrastructure, and the sheer number of hoops people must jump through just to access their own money are baffling.
What struck us most was how the traditional banking sector, for all its size and reputation, often operates in ways that feel disconnected from the people it claims to serve. We’re not here to name and shame, but let’s be honest, many of the larger institutions have created systems that are more about profit than people. That model simply doesn’t work anymore, especially when technology has made so much more possible.
We believe money should belong to you, not the banks, not the system, and certainly not hidden behind layers of bureaucracy. People should be able to access and use their money instantly, securely, and without unnecessary barriers. That’s how moneyIN was born: from a shared vision to build something different. A platform built on inclusion, freedom, and trust, banking that puts people first.
2. How did your early entrepreneurial ventures shape the vision behind a digital banking platform like moneyIN?
Oh, massively. From a young age, I was always drawn to building things that made a difference, whether it was setting up small importing and exporting ventures as a teenager or being one of the early adopters of drop-shipping and e-commerce when tech was just starting to explode. I remember being fascinated by how you could move products, services, and even money across borders using nothing more than a laptop and determination. Those early experiments weren’t just about making money, they were about solving problems, creating value, and breaking away from the norm.
As I grew older, that curiosity evolved into working across more complex sectors like oil and gas, infrastructure, banking, and trade finance. I had the privilege of working with governments on creative ways to raise capital, transforming in-ground resources into financial instruments, unlocking new liquidity, and helping countries become more self-sufficient. But through all of it, one thing became clear: the systems we rely on are fundamentally outdated, slow, and built for the few, not the many.
So, I thought, what if we could change that? What if we could design an entirely new financial infrastructure? One that’s digital, decentralised, inclusive, and actually made for real people. That’s the seed from which moneyIN was born. Every step I’ve taken, from teenage side hustles to billion-dollar trade structures, has led me to this point. And we’re just getting started.
3. From managing billion-dollar funds to launching a fintech venture—what mindset shifts were necessary for this leap?
You’ve got to go from thinking like a gatekeeper to thinking like a builder. When you’re dealing with massive funds and institutional finance, it’s all about control and risk mitigation. But to build something like moneyIN, I had to become radically open, open to change, to failure, to innovation. I went from managing capital to empowering people. That shift in mindset, from control to creation, was key.
4. How has your heritage and international experience influenced your business philosophy and leadership style?
My roots are a blend of rich cultures and experiences. I was born and raised in England, British through and through, but my heritage stretches back to Africa and India. I’ve also lived in Morocco for over a decade now, and to be honest, at this point I’m as Moroccan as anyone can be… well, except for the language! Still working on that part.
Living and working across the globe and extensively throughout Africa has shaped my leadership style into something deeply adaptable but rooted in purpose. I’ve seen the world from boardrooms and backstreets alike, and that’s given me a unique perspective on what people truly need, whether it’s access to finance, opportunity, or simply being seen.
I believe in leading with empathy, acting locally while thinking globally, and lifting others as you climb. This journey has never been about just me, it’s always been about the people we serve and the future we’re building together.
ABOUT MONEYIN GLOBAL
moneyIN Logo
5. In a nutshell, what is moneyIN and what core problems is it solving in today’s global financial landscape and what makes moneyIN different from other digital banking or fintech platforms out there?
moneyIN is a digital financial ecosystem designed to be more than just a digital bank, it’s a lifestyle tool. We’re tackling the very real, everyday issues people face: expensive cross-border payments, lack of access to basic financial services, poor financial literacy, and even outdated models of global trade. But what makes us different is that we’re not just digitising banking, we’re reimagining it.
We’re building an entirely new infrastructure, one that integrates instant remittances, real-time bill payments, accessible education, and now, even telecommunication and WiFi access through our exciting partnership with Ai-Connect. Soon, even connectivity won’t be a barrier.
With the launch of Mi-Academy, our education hub, we’re also providing globally recognised and accredited programs at truly affordable rates, because financial freedom starts with knowledge.
But we’re not stopping there. We’re redefining how import and export can work in regions where traditional financial guarantees are out of reach. Through our upcoming financial apps, we’re introducing tools that offer alternative forms of trust and trade validation, helping small businesses, cooperatives, and even farmers in underserved regions connect directly with buyers and institutions in places like Canada, the US, and beyond. It’s about removing restrictions, removing friction, and unlocking true freedom, especially for those who’ve been left behind for far too long.
We’re building a true all-in-one platform, step by step, brick by brick, with a world-class team and an ecosystem of partners who believe in the mission as much as we do. And above all, we’re doing it with purpose, with passion, and with people at the heart of it all.
We’re not a bank. We’re not a soulless corporation chasing profits. We’re something entirely different. We’re here for you, with you, because we believe financial access, education, and freedom aren’t luxuries… they’re basic human rights. Everyone, no matter where they are, even in the most remote village or orbiting Earth, deserves a secure, instant, and reliable way to manage their money without barriers, without delays, and without being left behind. We’re building the future of finance, and we’re doing it for the people. All of them.
6. How does moneyIN bridge the gap for underserved populations, especially those without internet or smartphones?
That’s a critical part of our mission. We’re not just building the future, we’re rethinking the tools of the past and giving them new life. Yes, we’ll be utilising older technologies like USSD, but modernising them to meet today’s needs. USSD allows us to provide essential banking services—like sending money, paying bills, and checking balances- on basic feature phones, without the need for internet or data. No smartphone? No problem.
But we’re going further. Through our strategic partnerships, we’re working to introduce free data access specifically for the moneyIN application, so users can bank without worrying about their mobile credit. In addition, we’re planning to roll out free public WiFi zones in rural and underserved areas, bringing connection to the very places that need it most.
This isn’t just for existing communities, it’s also for citizens, newcomers, students, and travellers who arrive in a new country and need a fast, reliable way to get started financially. Whether you’re settling in Canada or crossing borders in Africa, moneyIN is designed to be with you, giving you access, connection, and freedom from day one.
7. You’ve secured 13 financial licenses across Canada and the US—what regulatory or compliance milestones have shaped your journey?
Securing those licenses has been one of our proudest and toughest milestones. We’re fully registered with FINTRAC in Canada and (federally) FinCEN in the US, covering money services, remittances, foreign exchange, and much more. Each licence wasn’t just paperwork, it represented a step closer to legitimacy, scalability, and trust. These foundations allow us to operate across borders while remaining 100% compliant, which is vital when building trust with both users and regulators.
TECH, INNOVATION & INCLUSION
8. How do technologies like USSD, blockchain, and mobile-first architecture power the MoneyIN platform?
They’re the engine room of what we do. Blockchain allows us to provide decentralised services, secure cold storage, and transparent ledgers for users. USSD, as I mentioned, brings banking to the unconnected. And our mobile-first design means users can seamlessly transition from basic access to advanced services like investment tools, educational modules, and rewards, whether they’re in Ottawa or Timbuktu. We’re tech-forward but people-first.
9. What strategies has MoneyIN adopted to make financial literacy and banking more inclusive and user-friendly?
We’ve built Mi-Academy, an education hub, where users can learn about finance, digital currencies, budgeting, and even entrepreneurship. It’s multilingual, gamified, and tailored to regional needs. We also reward users for completing modules with accredited certification on some courses and additional benefits and discounts. It’s about making learning fun, relatable, and empowering.
10. Tell us more about your education hub and certification programs—how do they fit into MoneyIN’s broader mission?
Absolutely. The Mi-Academy certification programmes serve two purposes: skill development and credibility. We partner with universities and other international bodies to offer both accredited and non-accredited courses. Some learners just want a badge of completion, others want a qualification recognised in over 60 countries. Either way, it opens doors. And since education is the first step toward financial empowerment, it fits beautifully into our ecosystem.
11. How do you ensure trust, security, and regulatory alignment across diverse markets like North America and Africa?
We use multi-layered compliance, robust KYC/AML systems, and biometric authentication. But more than that, we work hand-in-hand with local regulators and legal teams to adapt our services to each jurisdiction. We also believe in being transparent, educating users on how their data and funds are protected. Trust is built, not bought.
IMPACT & EXPANSION
12. What measurable impact has MoneyIN had so far on individuals, businesses, and governments in the regions you serve?
While we’re not yet fully launched (only part launched), we’ve already made significant strides. We’ve been actively educating individuals, onboarding communities, and promoting the types of services that will soon redefine financial access. With over 25,000 users pre-registered, the demand speaks volumes.
Behind the scenes, we’ve extensively tested our full ecosystem, from digital onboarding and secure transaction services to GIC student banking and cross-border payments. Our student accounts and Mi-Rewards program are set to roll out shortly, making it easier for international students and everyday users to transact, save, and earn with ease.
Our secure trade assurance tools, a modern alternative to traditional financial guarantees. These tools are designed to support import/export, buy and sell transactions and high-trust payments, especially in regions where access to conventional instruments like letters of credit is limited.
Our Mi-Academy platform, offering accessible and accredited education, is launching now, while the remaining features of the platform are on track to go live very soon. We’re laying the foundation for long-term impact, and we’re doing it with precision, care, and a clear mission in mind.
13. How is MoneyIN scaling across African markets, and what countries or demographics are you prioritizing next?
We’re focusing heavily on West Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, Senegal, but also South Africa and North Africa, including Morocco. Our priority demographics are students, freelancers, and migrant workers. But the big goal is building strong local agency networks that let users cash in and out, even without formal bank branches. It’s grassroots fintech, with global ambition.
14. What partnerships—either private or governmental—have been pivotal in helping MoneyIN grow?
Too many to name! But some of the key ones include government education ministries (especially in India for our student onboarding), Universities in the US for our educational hubs, First Nations partners in Canada & US for Indigenous financial inclusion, and partners like Ai-Connect in Asia for our digital currency innovations. Each partnership helps us fill a gap, whether it’s tech, trust, or territory.
GLOBAL FINANCE, STRATEGY & POLICY
15. As Deputy Chairman of the International Trade Council’s Banking & Trade Finance Division, how do you use that platform to advocate for innovation?
It’s an incredible platform. I use it to shine a spotlight on startups, promote inclusive trade finance, and push for policies that support real-world use cases. It’s one thing to talk about blockchain, it’s another to explain how it helps a farmer in Africa get paid faster. That’s where I bring my voice: bridging boardrooms with the streets.
16. What gaps or inefficiencies in global commerce or trade finance does MoneyIN aim to address directly?
Three words: Access, speed, and cost. Too many small businesses are excluded from global trade because they can’t afford LCs or lack banking relationships. We’re building alternatives, escrow systems, tokenised guarantees, and easy FX tools that let people trade across borders with confidence and clarity.
17. How do you see regulatory frameworks evolving in fintech, and what should policymakers prioritize to support companies like yours?
I think we’ll see more sandbox models, cross-border regulatory collaboration, and clearer digital currency rules. Policymakers need to prioritise interoperability, digital ID standards, and licensing pathways for innovators. It’s not about relaxing regulation, it’s about making it adaptive. Help us build, don’t block us out.
LEADERSHIP, LEGACY & THE FUTURE
18. What legacy do you hope MoneyIN will leave behind—and what advice would you offer to future African or global fintech innovators looking to solve real-world problems?
I want moneyIN to be remembered as the company that put people first. A platform that opened doors, unlocked opportunities, and left no one behind, whether they were in a village without Wi-Fi or a city tower without time. To future fintech innovators, I say: don’t build for hype, build for humans. Stay grounded, stay ethical, and never forget the power of technology to transform lives.
