We are proud to share that SDK.finance CTO Pavlo Sidelov has once again been selected to join the Banking Tech Awards judging panel.
The 2026 Banking Tech Awards will mark the 27th annual edition of the event, celebrating the companies, projects, and professionals driving innovation across financial services. Organised by FinTech Futures, the awards recognise outstanding achievements in banking technology and showcase solutions transforming how financial products and services are built and delivered.
This year’s judging panel brings together more than 50 leaders from fintech, regtech, paytech, AI, and banking. Drawing on their experience across different areas of the financial industry, the judges will evaluate projects making a meaningful impact on the sector.
Pavlo’s invitation to serve as a judge for the second consecutive year reflects the recognition of his expertise and contribution to the fintech community.
What Pavlo brings to the judging panel
Pavlo combines hands-on technology leadership, academic research, and extensive experience in developing banking and payment products:
- More than two decades of fintech experience. Pavlo has over 20 years of experience in digital payments, banking technology, and the development and launch of financial products.
- Hands-on technology leadership. As the co-founder, CTO, and solution architect at SDK.finance, he leads the development of the company’s core banking and payment technology. His work covers the architecture behind digital wallets, payment platforms, and digital banking products.
- Author of two industry books. Pavlo wrote The World of Digital Payments: Practical Course (FinTech) and The World of Digital Banking, sharing practical knowledge about payment systems and modern financial technology.
- Strong academic background. Pavlo holds a PhD and has conducted research into digital finance, payment systems, transaction data analysis, and the application of AI and machine learning in financial technology.
- Former Forbes Technology Council member. He was selected to join the invitation-only community for experienced CIOs, CTOs, and technology executives based on his professional achievements and industry impact.
- Inventor and researcher. Pavlo is the inventor of several payment technology patents and has contributed to academic and industry research on open banking, payment data reconciliation, and digital finance.
- International advisory and mentoring experience. He has worked as an independent consultant to the OSCE and supported fintech founders through the AIFC FinTech Hub and GrowthUP accelerators.
- Active contributor to the fintech community. Pavlo regularly shares his expertise at international and European industry events and has previously served on other financial technology judging panels.
This combination of practical technology leadership, academic knowledge, and industry involvement gives Pavlo a well-rounded perspective for evaluating the innovation, impact, and technical strength of Banking Tech Awards entries.
Pavlo also served on the Banking Tech Awards judging panel last year. Read more about his previous participation in our 2025 announcement.
The Banking Tech Awards 2026 ceremony will take place on 3 December 2026 at Hilton Park Lane in London.
If you are planning to attend and would like to meet Pavlo to discuss fintech, banking technology, or potential collaboration with SDK.finance, we would be happy to connect. Get in touch with our team to arrange a meeting during the event.
We appreciate the continued trust from FinTech Futures and look forward to this year’s awards. We will share more highlights, photos, and insights from Pavlo following the event.
