Bio

Dr. William Derban has over 20 years’ experience of financial inclusion and international development in the private and development sectors. William joined Opportunity International as the Global Director for Digital Financial Service in 2021, bringing his experience in financial inclusion, digital financial services and the passion for serving the poor to the organisation. Prior to Opportunity International, William worked at the GSMA, as the Director, Market Engagement for the Mobile for Humanitarian Innovation programme. Before the GSMA, William worked for 5 years with Fidelity Bank Ghana Ltd, holding several different positions in that time. He set up and managed the Inclusive Banking department as its first Director of Inclusive Banking and Strategic Partnerships. The unit pioneered the first agent banking network in Ghana accompanied by a low-KYC and instant-opening account for the unbanked market, the first of its kind in Ghana. William was appointed as the Director for e-banking, managing the bank’s mobile money business with mobile money operators, cards, ATMs and remittance business. William set up the bank’s mobile app and developed the first savings, credit and pension linkage products between the bank and the mobile money operators. Prior to Fidelity, William spent 10 years with Barclays Bank PLC in London and Dubai, working extensively across Africa. Starting as Financial Inclusion Manager in London and then being promoted to Head of Community Investment responsible for Africa, Asia and the Middle East, based in Dubai he was responsible for the bank’s youth, financial inclusion, education, environmental and volunteering programme across those regions. In 2016, William set up the Financial Inclusion Forum Africa which brings together professionals who are passionate about promoting financial inclusion. He serves on several boards, including Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Access, (EFInA) in Nigeria and Access to Finance Rwanda (AFR) and has formerly been a board member of Junior Achievement Africa and Airtel Money Ghana, as well as being a Smart Campaign steering committee member. He has lectured post-graduate students in CSR and consulted on public- private partnerships and small business development. He continues to play a key role in financial inclusion and development issues in Africa. William holds a PhD in Financial Inclusion from the Nottingham Trent Business School and is married with 3 children.