The Responsible Fintech Institute (RFI) has announced the appointment of four new Executive Fellows: Professor Lawrence Loh, Associate Professor Eugene K.B. Tan, Professor Louis Chen, and Ms Farah Jaafar. These appointments come as digital finance becomes increasingly mainstream, and regulators, institutions, and technology providers seek to establish sound legal, ethical, and governance foundations for innovation in digital assets, AI, and cross-border payments.
The newly appointed Executive Fellows bring extensive experience in law, governance, digital policy, and capital market development. As Executive Fellows, they will engage with regulators and standard-setting bodies, contribute to principles-based industry frameworks, and strengthen RFI's partnerships across the region. Chairman of RFI, Chia Hock Lai, welcomed the appointments, highlighting the deep experience and expertise that the new fellows bring to the Institute.
Professor Lawrence Loh, Director of the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School, emphasized the importance of trust, transparency, and good governance in building a responsible and sustainable financial system. He expressed his pleasure in helping RFI support an industry that grows responsibly and sustainably. Professor Loh holds a PhD in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a regular commentator on governance and sustainability for various media outlets.
Associate Professor Eugene K.B. Tan, Associate Professor of Law at Singapore Management University (SMU), specializes in constitutional and administrative law, as well as the ethics and policy of artificial intelligence. He highlighted the need for accountability and public trust in the development of AI and digital assets, and expressed his enthusiasm for helping RFI develop frameworks that are principled, practical, and grounded in the rule of law.
Professor Louis Chen, widely recognized for his contributions to digital governance and sustainable digital economy development, emphasized the importance of governance that keeps pace with technology. He expressed his excitement about helping RFI bring policymakers, academics, and industry leaders together towards a secure and interoperable digital economy. Ms Farah Jaafar, a senior executive and governance leader, highlighted the need for digital finance to earn the confidence of regulators, investors, and the public.
Distinguished Professor Patrick H. M. Loh, who has been elevated to Co-Founder of RFI, was conferred the inaugural Singapore Distinguished Professor title by Murdoch University in 2024. He expressed his excitement about expanding RFI's impact across the region and beyond, and highlighted the importance of collaboration across law, governance, industry, and policy in achieving responsible innovation.
The RFI Executive Fellowship is designed for senior leaders with at least 20 years of experience in executive leadership and a demonstrated track record in shaping financial policy or institutional strategy. The Responsible Fintech Institute is a global nonprofit organization based in Singapore, with a goal of creating a safe, trustworthy, and reliable future for digital finance by building the digital utilities that support responsible innovation.
Key points
- The Responsible Fintech Institute appoints four new Executive Fellows to strengthen its partnerships and contribute to principles-based industry frameworks.
- The appointments aim to support the growth of responsible and sustainable digital finance.
- Distinguished Professor Patrick H. M. Loh is elevated to Co-Founder of RFI in recognition of his contributions to the Institute's strategic direction.
