2025 Speakers
Ithinan Watsuksanti
Head of Lending
Ascend Money
Ithinan currently leads Ascend Money’s digital lending business, focusing on expanding access to credit for underserved retail and MSME segments across Southeast Asia. He joined Ascend Money with over 15 years of experience in financial services, bringing a unique blend of credit risk expertise and product innovation to drive financial inclusion.
Prior to joining Ascend Money, Ithinan held key credit risk and portfolio management roles at leading Thai financial institutions including Kiatnakin Bank, TMB, and the Bank of Ayudhya. Throughout his career, he has specialized in designing inclusive loan products and utilizing alternative data such as e-wallet, telco, and retail transactions to underwrite thin-file customers.
At Ascend Money, Ithinan has played a key role in the development of proprietary credit scoring models and automated decision engines, helping the team achieve over 95% straight-through processing while maintaining robust risk control. His deep understanding of credit risk, combined with a passion for AI and data-driven lending, has positioned him at the forefront of responsible innovation in fintech.
Ithinan holds an MSc in Finance from Henley Business School, UK, and graduated with First Class Honors in Bachelor of Economics from Thammasat University. He is also a Certified Financial Risk Manager (FRM) and is committed to using technology to close the financial access gap in emerging markets.
Speaking At
-
1:50–2:30pmTue 16 SepSummit StageSummit Stage, (5F), BOT Learning CenterOpen
Others
Turning Digital Footprint into Financial Opportunity
Summit StageSummit Stage, (5F), BOT Learning CenterOpen
-
Ithinan WatsuksantiHead of LendingAscend Money
-
Pawan BhatVice PresidentNucleus Software Exports Limited
-
Phurush OngsriHead, GrabFin ThailandGrab
-
Dr. Saran AhujaChief Data ScientistABACUS digital
-
Dr. Charosporn ChalermtiaranaContent Lead, JapanGlobal Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)Moderator
About this session
Billions remain underserved by traditional financial systems, but alternative data offers new ways to bridge the gap. This panel will highlight how fintech firms and regulators are using data from non-traditional sources to enable responsible micro-lending and affordable financial products. Hear from the practitioners and experts about real world case studies that have transformative potential of inclusive digital finance.
-

