Salim Dhanani (Pave Bank)
Overview
Salim Dhanani, a prominent figure in the fintech industry, is the CEO and Co-Founder of Pave Bank, a digital financial institution focusing on integrating programmable money and regulated digital assets into traditional finance. Prior to this venture, Salim played a crucial role in the Southeast Asian fintech landscape as the Co-Founder and CEO of BigPay, which became one of the region's largest neobanks, boasting over 1.3 million users and raising significant capital. Salim's career has been marked by his strategic positions at Carta Worldwide and the World Bank Group, emphasizing his commitment to innovative banking solutions and payment technologies.
Recent Developments
Over the past couple of years, Salim Dhanani has been at the forefront of significant developments in digital banking and finance:
- October 2025: Pave Bank raised $39 million in a Series A funding round led by Accel, signaling strong investor confidence in its model of programmable banking. The funding will support the expansion of its regulatory footprint and product development strategies, targeting a broader client base across various global markets.
- 2025: The bank has been focusing on the idea of 'programmable money,' which allows businesses to automate financial operations through APIs and smart contracts. This innovation aims to address the complexity involved in handling both fiat and digital assets.
- March 2024: Salim Dhanani was an active participant in industry discussions around open financial networks and the implementation of stablecoins, emphasizing the importance of compliant digital infrastructures for large-scale digital asset transactions.
- 2023: Completed the exit from BigPay, allowing him to focus fully on the launch and growth of Pave Bank. Initiated the bank’s first license acquisition in Georgia, identifying it as a progressive jurisdiction for digital finance.
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Salim Dhanani |
| Born | (Date not available), India |
| Nationality | British |
| Occupation | CEO & Co-Founder of Pave Bank |
| Known For | Founder of BigPay and Pave Bank |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | (Specific institutions not documented) |
Early Life and Education
Salim Dhanani was born in India and later immigrated to the United Kingdom, where he pursued his education and initiated his career. From a young age, Salim was fascinated by the financial systems, prompting him to study fields related to economics and banking. Though specific details about his education are not extensively documented, it is clear that his formative years shaped his interest in revolutionizing financial systems, a passion that would drive his later business ventures.
Career and Notable Achievements
Salim Dhanani's career in financial services is distinguished by several key achievements:
- BigPay: As a Co-Founder and CEO, Salim led BigPay to become one of Southeast Asia's largest neobanks. BigPay revolutionized digital banking in the region by making digital transactions seamless and accessible.
- Carta Worldwide: Managed the EMEA division, focusing on enhancing digital payment solutions.
- World Bank Group: Worked in South America to aid economic development through land formalization projects.
- Pave Bank: Co-founded this innovative bank to introduce programmable money and regulated digital assets, providing businesses with a platform to manage both financial realms.
- Thurloe Partners: An active investor in fintech and Web3 startups, further cementing his influence in the financial technology sector.
Current Work and Impact
Currently, Salim continues to lead Pave Bank and push the boundaries of what digital finance can achieve. By merging traditional banking principles with digital asset management, Pave Bank aims to not only streamline financial operations for businesses but also set a new standard in the financial industry for handling digital currencies and programmability. His work is paving the way for a new era of banking that promises more transparency, speed, and security.
Conclusion
Salim Dhanani remains a key figure in the digital banking revolution, offering insights and leadership in an industry rapidly evolving with technological advancements. Through his efforts at Pave Bank, Salim is effectively bridging traditional finance and new-age digital assets, securing a place as a pioneer in programmable banking. His ongoing contributions are likely to have a lasting impact on the global financial landscape, particularly as digital currencies and programmable money become more integral to everyday transactions and business operations.