Ariel S. Cecchi – Member of the Business Council for Digital Commerce, Innovation and Technology, and Sustainability and Environment
Ariel S. Cecchi is the Managing Director of Behavioural Finance Consulting and a member of the International Trade Council's Business Council for Digital Commerce, Innovation and Technology, as well as Sustainability and Environment. With over 15 years of experience in cognitive science, decision-making, and finance, Ariel has dedicated his career to improving financial services and enhancing business performance through a deep understanding of financial behavior.
Ariel’s career began in academia, where he focused on cognitive neuroscience, psychology, and decision-making. His academic journey included earning a PhD from the University of Geneva and the University of Glasgow, followed by a four-year research fellowship at both the London School of Economics and University College London. This extensive academic background laid the foundation for his consulting work, where he has successfully collaborated with wealth management firms, fintech companies, banks, and insurers, among others.
His consultancy has helped over 50 companies develop customer-centric solutions, increase efficiency, and stay competitive in an ever-evolving industry. Ariel has been at the forefront of crafting strategies for financial institutions, including optimising investment platforms, reducing R&D expenses, and driving new customer acquisition.
Ariel has witnessed significant changes in the financial services industry, including the rapid rise of fintech, the shift towards digital banking, and an increased emphasis on sustainability and ethical finance. His expertise lies in understanding how technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics, are transforming the industry.
A forward-thinking leader, Ariel is particularly excited about the integration of AI, machine learning, and decentralised finance (DeFi) into the financial landscape. He believes that the future of finance will increasingly rely on technology-driven solutions and a strong focus on sustainability, both of which will shape the next generation of financial products and services.
Throughout his career, Ariel has emphasized the importance of understanding not just technology, but consumer behavior and risk management. His proactive approach to handling challenges and setbacks has allowed him to navigate the complexities of the financial sector with agility and insight.
Beyond his professional life, Ariel is constantly seeking opportunities to learn and grow, drawing inspiration from a wide array of thought leaders in his field.