From limited access to full access
Growing up in Uganda, Robert experienced first-hand what living with limited financial access feels like for millions of people in underserved communities worldwide. This financial exclusion set the stage and provided Robert, now residing in Australia, with the vision and motivation to advocate for the adoption of open-source core banking that is accessible to all.
The vision behind Fiter
Being a member of the Fineract (ex Mifos) community since 2008, Robert was passionate about making a difference in the open-source community. The potential for creating a well-oiled machine that accelerates the adoption of OSS in core banking by financial institutions, thereby realizing Robert’s vision, was irresistible.
Vision over distance
Fiter’s co-founders, Robert Jakech and Javier Borkenztain reside on two different continents, with a 12-hour time difference between them. However, despite the physical location and the lack of capital, the vision trumped the challenges and Fiter was born. Ongoing communication between Robert and Javier strengthened the bond and sense of purpose, and eventually the one customer that Robert and Javier shared as separate consultants became Fiter’s first customer.
Fiter’s evolution
Fiter started out with 2 founders and has evolved over the years to a robust, efficient team with global coverage. Today Fiter is setting the tone and spearheading the adoption of open-source core banking solutions from a position of advocates and champions of OSS.
Why open-source technology?
Combining ease of use, seamless integrations, straightforward customizations and a robust community presence, open-source core banking is the future of FinTech. The complete freedom from vendor lock-in and enjoying the support of the entire Fineract community provides many benefits and opportunities for core banking.
Why Fiter?
Fiter is not only diverse but provides global presence in over 20 countries worldwide. Fiter’s team of professionals is comprised of Fineract experts, making Fiter a domain expert. In fact, Fiter holds the #1 spot in Fineract implementations worldwide! Being the global leaders in Fineract implementations and possessing the knowhow as to how to stretch Fineract’s capabilities to evolve businesses is serious business, but Fiter manages to achieve this while remaining lean and efficient when it comes to deployment, enhancement, and customization of Fineract.
Founder duties
With the teams at Fiter working like a well-oiled machine, Robert and Javier can now focus on strategy – optimizing the team environment, improving team performance at scale, evolving open-source core banking, educating the market on OSS and advocating open-source core banking as a growth engine for FinTechs and traditional financial institutions.
Company culture
Fiter is diverse from all aspects, possessing a rich skillset, different backgrounds, cultures, and beliefs. Everyone at Fiter has a story which they are encouraged to share during Fiter’s town hall. The discussions are amazing, and people are motivated and inspired to become their best selves. Robert makes it a priority to uphold random one-on-one calls with employees to talk about anything and everything, thereby nurturing Fiter’s “We are Human” core value.
Fiter and innovation
Innovation is always at the core of everything Fiter does. Innovation allows achieving technical excellence. Fiter’s mindset always looks for more creative ways to deliver, to improve processes and leverage innovation to achieve this.
The future of FinTech and Fiter
Fintech as a domain is growing exponentially. The rise of innovation in payments, embedded finances, neo banks among others is a testament to that. Fiter is positioning itself to be at the epicenter of the action, driving the adoption of open source that creates the flexibility to leverage innovation.
Special leadership moments
Watching team members grow into their roles always leaves a fond memory when recalling their first day at work up until the present. Seeing the evolution of employees into professionals who offer value to Fiter’s clients and contribute to the community is always a heartwarming experience.
Work-life balance
When Robert wants to destress, he turns to music. Robert is collaborating with brilliant African creatives to get their music out for the entire world to appreciate. Robert enjoys spending time with family and friends outside of work, playing video games, going to the beach, and hiking.
Career insights
Robert believes we are all capable of much more than we realize and that provided with a supportive, conductive environment, anyone can thrive. Another insight is that while working hard is honourable, combining working hard with working smart goes further.
Role models and inspirations
A huge source of inspiration for Robert is Ed Cable, the president of Mifos due to Ed’s dedication in leading the community which has evolved into a huge movement called Fineract. Robert met Ed for the first time in late 2013 after having worked remotely for a while. Outside FinTech Robert draws much inspiration from many people who built empires from scratch, the disruptors who did not conform to the normal paradigm.
Advice for aspiring FinTech entrepreneurs
Robert sums it up in one sentence: “Don’t be hung up on having to figure it all out before you start. Simply start then figure it out”.
For more information on how Fiter can help take your business to the next level, contact us at: hello@fiter.io
