Dr. Farhad Reyazat is a highly accomplished individual based in London since June 2000 with a wealth of experience in entrepreneurship, investment, and education. He actively contributes to the impact community by advocating for community banking in the United Kingdom and Europe, aiming to bring about positive changes. His expertise lies in the banking industry, risk management, AI, and FinTech. He holds several prestigious degrees, including a Ph.D. in Risk Management from the University of Southampton, where his PhD committee chaired by a member of Oxford University’s- Linacre College and external supervisory board from the Cambridge Centre for Economics and Public Policy at Cambridge University. Farhad has completed a Financial Technology study at the University of Oxford.
In the academic realm, Farhad contributes as a senior lecturer in various university programs, including the central banking program at Linacre College, University of Oxford. He has also participated in the Oxford Executive Education program at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford, as well as the Centre of Risk Research & Mentor Scheme at the University of Southampton.
A milestone in Farhad’s career occurred when he was recognised as a senior certified professional in Equity & Fixed Income instruments by Bloomberg on 2005. This was a testament to his exceptional aptitude in analysing and effectively managing various types of investments within these domains. As an approved person by the Financial Services Authority (FSA), he carries out risk management activities in banks and financial institutions, showcasing his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and make sound decisions to measure and mitigate potential risks.
As the founder and chairman of numerous businesses, such as Smarty Software and Providence Asset Management, he is known for driving innovation and success. Farhad actively invests in UK-based ventures and has supported companies like Academy of Robotics, Pepper Software, Mr & Mrs Smith Hotels, York Cocoa House, Altramed, Graphane Composite, and Plum Fintech, among others. His achievements have earned him recognition, with accolades such as being a finalist for the 2018 Network Computing Inspiration Award and being honored as one of the trustworthy CEOs by SILICON Review in 2018. Leveraging his extensive 20 years of experience Farhad was advising hundreds of businesses in UK and overseas. His vast array of expertise includes Fintech entrepreneurship , applied Artificial Intelligence in financial technology, banking stress testing, systemic risk, network theory, and theory of Ultra small world.