Fast-growing fintech company Aleta Planet, a partner of UnionPay International (UPI), announced the appointment of Stephen Richards Evans as its Regional CEO for Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) effective from 10 November 2020 onwards.
The banking veteran joins the homegrown start-up at a time when the company is looking to push the frontiers on digital payments and has bold plans for expansion in the coming years.
In his new role, Mr Richards Evans will help drive product growth for Aleta Planet in EMEA and spearhead new markets in the West.
Prior to joining Aleta Planet, Mr Richards Evans was with Coutts & Co, London, leading the firm’s international arm as Managing Director. He has over three decades of experience at several major banks in Asia, Europe and the Middle East.
He specialises in conceiving and executing strategies for business growth in emerging markets, especially in the field of banking and wealth management. He also has significant experience in sales and marketing, product and service development, hiring, and in directing and driving stakeholder value.
Mr Ryan Gwee, Chairman and Group CEO of Aleta Planet, said:
Ryan Gwee
“Stephen has over three decades of experience in the financial services industry, building brands and internationalising them. I am confident that having lived and worked in Asia, Europe and the Middle East, he is well positioned to introduce Aleta Planet’s China-centric solutions to the western markets and take our business to the next level.
“I am thrilled to welcome him onboard Aleta Planet’s management team and am certain that he will play a pivotal role in Aleta Planet’s continued growth and global expansion.”
Mr Stephen Richards Evans, Regional CEO, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) at Aleta Planet
Mr Richards Evans speaks six languages including Chinese and Arabic, and has lived across six different countries. He said:
“I have taken a keen interest in Aleta Planet for some years now and have admired the rapid growth of its proprietary payment solutions which harness the speed and reach of the UnionPay network.
“Moreover, Aleta Planet’s fast-expanding suite of utilities make payments easy for people and companies doing business in and with China.”
Aleta Planet was founded in 2014 by Ryan Gwee, a former banker. It is one of the first China-centric solutions in Singapore to pioneer cross-border B2B payments. The proprietary platform is supported by agile and scalable technology and combines robust operating capabilities framed by strong compliance and risk management.
Aleta Planet
Aleta Planet secured a direct acquiring license from UnionPay International in 2017 to enable more merchants to accept payments from UnionPay cardholders. In 2019, it also became a Certified Principal Member of UnionPay International in Singapore, with the license to issue offshore UnionPay commercial accounts.
