Street Wallet, a cutting-edge mobile payment platform empowering informal traders and service providers, is pleased to announce the appointment of John Rajes as its new Chief Technology Officer (CTO).

With more than 25 years of experience building and scaling fintech platforms for some of the world’s most respected financial institutions, John will lead Street Wallet’s technology strategy, product innovation, and platform development as the company expands its footprint in South Africa and ultimately across the continent.

Before joining Street Wallet, John held senior leadership positions at Goldman Sachs, Barclays, Deutsche Bank, UBS, and LPL Financial, where he oversaw global technology and product teams, headed up the launch of new digital platforms, and forged strategic partnerships with leading technology and financial service providers.

John is also the founder and managing partner of Polymer Growth Partners, a consultancy specialising in wealth management technology.

“John’s appointment marks a major milestone for Street Wallet,” said Kosta Scholiadis, CEO and Founder of Street Wallet. “His experience building complex, secure, and scalable financial systems will be invaluable as we continue to expand and innovate for underserved communities across South Africa.”

Stephen Britto, COO of Street Wallet, added that John’s background developing technology and products for the world’s leading banks will help Street Wallet continue enhancing its mobile payment platform to empower informal workers and underserved communities.

“I see hiring John as a critical step in building a macro solution for low-income workers. His experience will help us scale at pace in South Africa and, ultimately, across Africa,” he said.

Commenting on his appointment, John Rajes said he is excited to join the Street Wallet team at a time when they are scaling rapidly across South Africa. “I’m thrilled to join Street Wallet at such a promising stage of growth. Street Wallet’s mission to empower informal workers in South Africa and across the continent aligns deeply with my passion for leveraging technology to create meaningful impact. I look forward to driving innovation that empowers individuals and communities.”

Fresh off a recent funding R6.2 million (USD $360k), Street Wallet is continuing to strengthen its senior leadership team as it scales operations designed to make digital financial services more accessible, affordable, and inclusive.