Swift Innovation Challenge - Meet the winners | Swift

We asked. You delivered! In the first ever Swift Innovation Challenge, we asked for innovative AI solutions to streamline global financial transactions. 30 teams of the brightest AI developers, data scientists, and payment experts from all around Asia-Pacific answered the call - and developed some truly creative and inspirational solutions.
Join us to hear from the winners about their experiences and solutions. For Challenge 1, winner Commonwealth Bank and runner up BlockBucks will explain how they used AI to help institutions optimise their cross-border payment routes. And Challenge 2 winner Merlynn Intelligence Technologies and runner up DigsFact, will showcase their AI-based solutions to help institutions detect and mitigate financial crime.
If you’re interested in payments, technology, and the future of finance, this LinkedIn Live is for you!
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SPEAKERS:
Bio: Avalon Ingram, Head of Financial Crime Compliance, Data Intelligence and Cyber Initiatives, APAC & MENA
Avalon currently leads the APAC and MENA Financial Crime Compliance Cyber initiatives expert team having re-joined Swift in 2019. She is responsible for driving take up of Swift’s value-added shared services solutions in the areas of AML, CTF and Fraud. Additionally, Avalon runs community enrichment, educational engagements and consultations geared to safeguarding the integrity of the financial system against evolving financial crime risks through awareness. She has 12 years’ experience in FCC, starting her career at Dow Jones managing sub-Saharan Africa. Following which she joined Swift in 2016 covering the UKI & Nordic markets.
In the years away from Swift, she joined a Regtech startup that focused on elements of AI and Natural Language Processing delivering a multisource KYC platform to the banking sector. Avalon sat on the board of the Regtech sub-committee of the Singapore Fintech Association 2020-2021 and is regular industry commentator at FCC events across the region.
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Bio: Cian OMurchu, Managing Director, Head of Strategic Transformation Office
As Head of Strategic Transformation for Swift Cian is responsible for leading and driving significant change initiatives to ensure Swift's ability to adapt, innovate, and remain competitive across payments, securities, trade & FX.
Over almost two decades Cian has performed a broad range of leadership, transformation and business development roles across Deutsche Bank’s Investment Bank (2001-2012), Global Transaction Bank (2012-2022) and Swift's Strategy & Innovation Function (2022-Present). Cian works closely with clients, vendors and banking partners worldwide co-developing solutions, delivering advice, keynote speeches and workshops.
Cian is also an experienced Non Executive Director working with organisations across the performing arts industry.
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Bio: Sharon Toh, Head of ASEAN Region, APAC
Sharon Toh is Head of ASEAN region for Swift in Asia Pacific, based in Singapore. She leads the relationship management team in ASEAN region, supporting existing customers and expanding businesses in this fast-growing region.
With over 25 years’ experience in financial services industry, Sharon has developed deep client relationships across the ASEAN region, with strong connections with banks, corporates, regulators, and market infrastructures.
Prior to joining Swift, Sharon was Sales Director, Indochina at Thomson Reuters, overseeing Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Laos. Previously, she was Regional Head of ASEAN for the Client Specialist team, responsible for the region’s sales and client training.
In addition to her successful sales career, Sharon has worked in various roles across content acquisition, marketing, and client support at leading financial information providers.
Sharon was voted to the board of EU-ASEAN Business Council in 2022 and serve as its treasurer. She is also deeply committed to DEI and her commitment extends to nurturing the next generation of leaders. She is one of the founding members of Swift’s gender equality network and a council member of Women in Payment’s global mentorship council.
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