Financial innovation is a marathon

(June 2025) “You’ve got to have a big, bold vision – in many ways, one that even terrifies you,” says Khomotso Molabe.

Not only is Molabe CIO of Personal and Private Banking at Standard Bank Group, the largest financial services company in Africa. He’s also an experienced marathon runner – a hobby he shares with Huawei's Executive Editor-in-Chief, Gavin Allen.

The two spoke recently at the Huawei Intelligent Finance Summit 2025, an event showcasing the latest innovations in financial technology.

Long-distance running shares some traits with financial innovation, Molabe says. “There will be obstacles along the way. You’re going to ask yourself whether you’re crazy to even attempt this.”

But in the end, the rewards of victory are worth the effort. “The endurance that comes with long-distance running is exactly what you need to push through innovative ideas that will change the world.”

One innovative change Molabe envisions: using technology to help African farmers use technology in a way that will improve their harvest.

Partnerships are key to achieving such goals, Molabe says. For example, Standard Group’s ongoing long-term co-operation with Huawei “helps us to be higher than peers in terms of the latest and greatest in that technology space.”