In the ever-evolving landscape of finance and technology, one voice stands out: Kaan Terzioglu, CEO of VEON, who passionately champions the vision of borderless finance. Recently, he shared insights at the Abu Dhabi Finance Week (ADFW), emphasizing the profound impact of financial technology on underserved populations.
Terzioglu describes VEON’s mission as a transformative journey focused on empowering 500 million individuals who currently lack access to essential services such as financial, healthcare, and education. “Our superpower is to create superheroes from our customers,” he asserts. By delivering these services at a fraction of traditional costs, VEON drives change while creating sustainable livelihoods.
Based in the UAE, a nation widely recognized for its progressive approach to responsible capitalism, VEON thrives within this supportive environment. Terzioglu notes that the UAE has become a global model, offering companies exceptional opportunities in talent acquisition, capital access, and logistics. “If somebody gives you so much power, it’s impossible to fail,” he said, crediting VEON’s decision to establish its headquarters in Dubai as pivotal to the company’s growth.
However, with opportunity comes a set of challenges. As Terzioglu explains, leaders must navigate conflicting objectives such as eradicating poverty while also delivering shareholder value. The path forward, he believes, lies in leveraging advanced technologies. “Poverty cannot be eradicated unless you give people access to financial services,” he emphasized. VEON’s use of AI, which he describes as augmented intelligence, is central to the company’s strategy for delivering essential services.
Terzioglu elaborated on how AI enables remote connectivity to deliver healthcare solutions to regions often overlooked by traditional infrastructure. Reaching people in Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan provides critical assistance where medical access is limited. This approach demonstrates how technology, when aligned with local needs, can form a sustainable business model that uplifts communities while enabling long-term corporate growth.
VEON’s achievements can be seen in both its community impact and financial performance. The company reported strong growth, with stock values rising from 7.5 to 50 in just four years. Terzioglu highlighted the scale of VEON’s customer reach: “Out of 500 people in our countries today, 1 out of 3 is our customer. Every morning we wake up and find another person using our financial services, healthcare services, or education services.” This engagement fuels economic activity in these markets while fostering deep customer loyalty.
Looking ahead three to five years, Terzioglu envisions a world where terrestrial and satellite networks are seamlessly integrated, providing universal connectivity. “When satellite networks and terrestrial networks work in one, that means we have 100% coverage,” he predicted. With widespread access to smart devices, individuals across all demographics will gain the ability to influence meaningful change in their lives.
Terzioglu’s vision extends beyond profit. It is rooted in empowering individuals to shape their own futures. He urges companies to embrace available technologies and remain adaptable as industries evolve. “Stay hungry, stay foolish,” he said. His message serves as a call to action for organizations seeking to make meaningful contributions in a world increasingly shaped by technology and social responsibility.
As finance and technology continue to converge, VEON’s model highlights the extraordinary potential of inclusive innovation. Kaan Terzioglu is not merely leading a company; he is redefining financial access for millions. His approach underscores the essential dual mission of advancing community welfare while delivering shareholder value. The future of finance, he believes, rests in our ability to connect, empower, and uplift every member of society.