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Dominic Grunden of Smile API, a financial technology solutions provider, was recently recognized as top cybersecurity leader in SEA

Financial technology solutions’ CSO recognized as top cybersecurity leader in Southeast Asia

Smile API, a leading provider of financial technology solutions, today announced that Dominic Grunden, its Chief Security Officer (CSO), has been named to the prestigious CSO30 ASEAN 2024 list.

This esteemed recognition, bestowed by CSO Online, highlights Grunden’s exceptional leadership and contributions to cybersecurity within the dynamic Southeast Asian and Hong Kong markets.

CSO Online is a trusted authority in the cybersecurity space that delivers cutting-edge insights and in-depth analysis on a wide range of critical security issues, including cyber threats, data breaches, and emerging technologies. Its ASEAN 2024 list celebrates cybersecurity professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, and strategic vision in safeguarding digital assets across the region.

Commitment to data security, privacy in financial technology

Grunden’s inclusion in this elite group underscores Smile API’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the highest standards of data security and privacy within the rapidly evolving financial technology sector.

“We are incredibly proud of Dominic’s achievement,” said Jerome Eger, CEO of Smile API. “His strategic leadership in cybersecurity is paramount to ensuring that our platform provides secure, reliable, and efficient employment and income data verification for financial institutions across Asia.”

“This recognition validates our ongoing investment in cutting-edge security infrastructure and our dedication to protecting sensitive financial information,” he added.

Grunden plays a crucial role in developing and implementing comprehensive security strategies that safeguard Smile API’s innovative platform. His expertise spans a wide range of areas, including threat management, data protection, risk mitigation, and the design of robust security architectures.

By implementing advanced security protocols, Grunden has fostered a high level of trust among Smile API’s financial institution partners and end-users.

This recognition is particularly significant in the context of Southeast Asia’s rapidly evolving digital landscape. As financial services increasingly embrace digital technologies, the need for robust cybersecurity measures becomes paramount.

In March last year, Smile API was also named “Most Innovative Startup” at the KMC Solutions Awards Night held in Makati City, further underscoring the company’s groundbreaking efforts to enhance financial access throughout Asia, starting with the Philippines.

Today, by prioritizing data security and recognizing the critical role of cybersecurity leadership, the financial technology company is well-positioned to drive responsible innovation and enhance financial inclusion across the region.

About Smile API

Smile API is a pioneering financial technology platform that revolutionizes how financial institutions access and utilize employment and income data.

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By leveraging secure and seamless API integrations, Smile API empowers businesses to make informed credit decisions, thereby improving access to financial services for individuals across Asia.

Smile API’s innovative solution addresses the challenges faced by many in obtaining formal credit by providing a reliable and efficient means to verify employment and income information.

Ralph Fajardo

Ralph, the Editor-in-Chief of FintechNewsPH.com, brings over 15 years of writing and editorial experience that make him a strong fit to lead the publication’s mission of delivering credible and compelling fintech stories. Before joining FintechNewsPH.com, he served as editor of Hello Philippines, a UK-based news magazine for the Filipino community abroad, where he covered stories on culture, business, and the global Filipino experience. He also contributed as a writer for The International Filipino, profiling Filipinos making an impact worldwide, and later worked as copy editor for Malaya Business Insight, one of the country’s respected business newspapers, where he refined his eye for accuracy, clarity, and style. Ralph’s editorial journey began at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where he was Editor-in-Chief of Kampus Dyornal. There, he developed a keen sense for storytelling that informs and connects — a passion that continues to define his work today. Through the years, Ralph has written across diverse subjects, from finance and technology to culture and communication, consistently weaving insight with narrative depth. His solid newsroom background and commitment to quality journalism position him to guide FintechNewsPH.com in highlighting the stories that shape the country’s rapidly evolving fintech landscape. Discover more about Ralph's professional journey on his LinkedIn profile.