A Journey Through Corporate Finance and Leadership
George Yeoh Wee Hock is a distinguished corporate finance leader known for his ability to merge precision with innovation. His career began at PwC, where he honed his expertise in accounting, financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and executive leadership. Over the years, he has held key roles in major companies such as Curlec Sdn Bhd/Razorpay, Sign Holding Pty Ltd, IPG Group – McCann Worldgroup, Havas Group – Havas Advertising Worldwide, WPP plc – GroupM, Mindshare, Newscorp, and Unisys.
George holds an MBA and an Accountancy degree from the PwC CPA Program. His linguistic fluency in English, Bahasa Malaysia, Mandarin, and various Chinese dialects enables him to navigate diverse cultural and business environments. He played an instrumental role in the IPO of a technology startup on the Australian Exchange (AXE) and holds multiple professional certifications, including FCA, CPA, and FCCA.
For George, financial leadership extends beyond balance sheets-it involves strategic decision-making, meticulous planning, and guiding a team toward a shared vision. He firmly believes that great leadership is a collective effort, requiring teamwork, adaptability to new technologies, ethical leadership, and a balance between long-term financial goals and business agility.
Curlec’s Mission: Bridging the SME Payment Gap
Founded in 2017, Curlec is a Fintech pioneer reshaping the payment ecosystem for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Recognizing a gap in Direct Debit payment solutions for SMEs, Curlec launched in 2018 with the mission of democratizing bank-to-bank transactions for businesses typically overlooked by traditional financial institutions.
“We envisioned a financial ecosystem where SMEs could navigate payments with ease, leveling the playing field in an arena dominated by larger corporations,” George reflects. Initially, Curlec focused on Direct Debit, but growing customer demand led to the expansion of its offerings to include card payments, payouts, and subscription management.
To cater to enterprise corporations in the online payments industry, George spearheaded a customized payment solutions initiative. This strategy involved integrating payment processing systems with ERP and accounting software, streamlining bulk payments, invoicing automation, and reporting to enhance operational efficiency for large businesses.
“Our success lies in understanding the intricacies of our clients’ operations and crafting solutions that not only meet but exceed their expectations,” George emphasizes.
Navigating Fintech: Balancing Cost and Profitability
As Chief Financial Officer of Curlec, George orchestrates a delicate balance between cost efficiency and financial growth. His multi-faceted strategy includes:
Technology Integration: Automating processes to reduce operational costs while enhancing efficiency.
Strategic Partnerships: Collaborating with third-party providers for compliance, cybersecurity, and customer support to optimize costs without compromising quality.
Cost Structure Optimization: Implementing scalable infrastructure and cloud-based solutions to support business growth.
“Technology is our ally in this endeavor, allowing us to streamline operations without compromising excellence,” George asserts.
Curlec & Razorpay: A Synergy of Support and Innovation
A pivotal moment in Curlec’s journey was its collaboration with Razorpay, a move that significantly enhanced its technological capabilities. Now operating under the Razorpay Group, Curlec has become a powerful force in Fintech, simplifying digital payments for businesses.
“Curlec by Razorpay weaves an invisible thread connecting businesses and customers. It’s about facilitating seamless interactions in the financial realm,” explains George.
Unlike many local payment gateways, Curlec bridges technological sophistication with local market expertise. By leveraging Razorpay’s advanced Indian technology and offering localized support, Curlec provides businesses with a comprehensive and cutting-edge payment experience.
Curlec’s early growth was backed by prestigious investors, including Sequoia Capital India, Tiger Global, Lone Pine Capital, and TCV. However, by the end of 2021, all investors had exited, selling their stakes to Razorpay, cementing the company’s position within a global Fintech ecosystem.
Additionally, Curlec’s participation in Y Combinator played a crucial role in its expansion. “Y Combinator is more than a badge of prestige-it catalyzes growth, global impact, and innovation,” George reflects. The accelerator provided access to mentorship, funding, and global best practices, fostering cross-border collaborations and enhancing Fintech’s development in Asia.
The Future of Fintech: Key Trends & Challenges
George predicts that automation, personalized financial insights, and seamless payment integration will shape the next era of Fintech.
AI & Machine Learning: Optimizing cash flow and risk management.
Blockchain Technology: Enhancing security and efficiency in payments.
Sustainability & ESG Factors: Aligning financial strategies with broader societal goals.
Cashless Economy: With Southeast Asia at the forefront, Malaysia is emerging as a Fintech hub for multinationals.
“We are witnessing a digital transformation. Fintech adoption is no longer a luxury but a necessity for businesses of all sizes,” George notes.
However, challenges remain. Regulatory compliance, cybersecurity threats, and consumer trust are critical hurdles. Robust cybersecurity measures, transparent customer communication, and collaboration with regulators are vital for sustainable growth.
“In a landscape where trust is paramount, transparency and clear communication with customers are non-negotiable,” George emphasizes.
Pioneering the Future of Financial Leadership
Drawing from his extensive experience, George advises the next generation of finance and Fintech leaders to:
Embrace innovation and technology in financial strategies.
Develop strong professional networks and seek mentorship.
Adopt a customer-centric approach in sales and marketing.
Stay ahead of regulatory changes and prioritize cybersecurity.
“Success in Fintech isn’t just about selling a product-it’s about delivering solutions that align with the evolving needs of businesses,” he asserts.
As the industry evolves, agility, foresight, and adaptability will define successful leadership. “Leaders must be architects of the future, anticipating change and steering their organizations through the evolving Fintech landscape,” George concludes.