Amedeo Cristofaro
My Story
Growing up in the Middle East taught me something that business school never could: that the best solutions come from understanding people, not just processes. When you live between cultures, you learn to listen differently, to see patterns others miss, and to build bridges where others see walls.
My career has taken me from an American Express internship to leading teams across three continents. I've managed $110M P&Ls, launched Europe's first SuperApp on Alipay technology, and navigated EMI licensing in markets from Switzerland to Mexico. But honestly? Those aren't the achievements I'm most proud of.
What I'm most proud of are the people I've helped grow along the way.
I believe that great teams build great products—not the other way around. That's why I've always prioritized creating environments where diverse perspectives aren't just tolerated, they're celebrated. Where junior team members feel safe to challenge ideas. Where success is measured not just in revenue, but in how many people grew into leaders themselves.
Today, I split my time between building the future of digital payments at Rebell AG and helping other leaders navigate the same challenges I've faced. Whether you're a startup founder trying to crack EMI licensing, or an established institution looking to innovate without breaking compliance—I've been there, and I'd love to help.
Professional Experience
Two decades of leadership excellence across multinational corporations and innovative startups
Chief Commercial Officer
Rebell AG
Leading the development of Europe's first merchant-centric Super App built on proven Alipay+ technology
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Senior Advisor - CEO & Board member
Daytona Holding Limited
Strategic advisory role for EMI startup development
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Co-Founder
Trentatrepercento
Hybrid platform enabling consumers to collect, manage, and utilize their purchase data
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Global Head of Business Development & Country Manager
Sonect AG
E-money Institution scaling up in Switzerland & Italy
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
EMEA Managing Director
Wells Fargo Bank
Region Head EMEA Global Payment Services FIs
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
CEO Italy & S. Europe Head of Cash & Trade
Standard Chartered Bank
Member of European Leadership team
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Managing Director & Head of FIs
American Express Bank Ltd
Various roles from Intern to Managing Director across EMEA & US
Key Achievements & Responsibilities:
Curriculum Vitae
Managing Director | Chief Commercial Officer | Payments & EMI Leader
GTM Strategy • A2A • PSD2 • Acquiring & Issuing • EMEA & US
Executive Summary
Fintech and banking executive with 20+ years of leadership experience across EMEA and the US, specializing in payments, e-money institutions, digital wallets, cross-border payment systems, acquiring/issuing, and commercial growth.
Experience leading P&Ls exceeding $100M, managing multi-country teams, and delivering consistent double-digit growth.
Skilled in driving GTM strategy, building B2B2C ecosystems, and ensuring PSD2 compliance while driving operational excellence in regulated EMEA environments.
Core Competencies
Professional Experience
Rebell AG
Chief Commercial Officer
Electronic Money Institution
- •Leading GTM strategy and partnerships for Europe's first SuperApp
- •Managing EMI governance and A2A/merchant acquiring product roadmaps
33%
Co-Founder
Consumer Data Platform
- •Paradigm change in how consumers handle their Shopping Data registered in their Fidelity Cards
Sonect AG
Global Head Business Development
E-Money Institution
- •Led GTM for an EMI focused on Cash Digitalization (A2A & API)
- •Scaled EMEA operations to 4.5M users and secured IFPE licensing
- •Crafted strategic partnerships with Italian banks
- •Built merchant network with partners: NCR, TWINT, FEMSA, Epay, CGM, Mooney
- •"Scale up" Switzerland: 2,300 virtual ATMs & over 4.5 million users
- •Spearheaded global expansion via CLA series financing (Credem, IAG, Doorway)
- •Completed IFPE license procedure in Mexico
Consultancy Work
Senior Consultant
Various Clients
- •Syndeo Capital - Green Field launch of a Digital Bank in the UK
- •Coenobium Advisors - Governance, risk, compliance & payments consulting
- •Daytona Holding Limited (Hello Paisa) - EMI License
- •Trade Information Network - Senior Advisor, Go to Market Plan
Tokenomika
Advisory Board Member
Blockchain Advisory
- •Member of the Advisory Board
Wells Fargo Bank
Managing Director EMEA
Global Financial Services
- •Region Head EMEA Global Payments, driving GTM for acquiring and issuing solutions
- •Key results: CAGR 20% | Market share 12% | P&L $100M
- •New organizational model & remote team management in 6 countries
Standard Chartered Bank
CEO Italy & Southern Europe & Head of Transactional Banking
International Banking
- •Launched new sales strategy for trade finance product B2B2C
- •Member European Leadership team
- •Supervised operations in Italy, Spain, Romania and Turkey
- •Key result: market share in payments and trade finance > 20%
- •2010: Completed restructuring plan, centralizing operations in UAE, Italy and UK
- •Integrated the Milan branch of American Express following acquisition
American Express Bank
Managing Director and Head of Financial Institutions
Global Financial Services
- •Various leadership roles in product, business development, governance
- •Direct experience in New York, Vienna, Milan
- •2006: CEO Italia & Head Financial Institution South Europe
- •2005: Member American Express Co leadership team
- •2004: GSF Star Award for Euro Business Development
- •2002: Head of Payments and Financial Institution Italy
- •2001: Disaster Recovery Post Sept. 11th (New York)
- •1999: Product & Marketing EMEA (New York)
- •1998: Product Manager CEE (Vienna)
- •1996: Intern Payments & Financial Institutions (Milan)
Education & Certifications
POLIMI
Digital Program Purpose
POLIMI
Smart Learning Executive Program
Harvard
Fintech Executive Course
Miller Heiman
Strategic Selling
American Express
Compass 45 Leadership Program
Boston School
Modern Languages English Program
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
Banking & Economics
Languages
Italian
Mother tongue
English
Fluent
Arabic
Elementary
Volunteering
- •ANA Civil Protection Corp.
- •Blood Donor
- •Probono Startup Advisor & Mentor (since 2022)
Interests
Probono Startup Advisor & Mentor
Since 2022, advising and mentoring early-stage founders across digital platforms, payments, and consumer tech.
Portfolio includes: Attitude Comics, Cow Working, LVWorld, and more.
How I Can Help
I partner with organizations navigating the complex intersection of traditional finance and fintech innovation.
EMI Licensing & Compliance
Navigate complex regulatory environments across Europe and Mexico with confidence.
Cross-Border Payments
Design payment systems that work seamlessly across international markets.
Startup Scaling
Turn your fintech idea into a market-ready product with proven methodologies.
Team Building & Mentoring
Build high-performing, diverse teams that deliver exceptional results.
Ideal for:
Ready to Transform Your Business?
Let's have a conversation about your challenges and explore how my experience can help you succeed.
Let's TalkLet's Connect
Ready to transform your fintech vision into reality? Let's discuss how my expertise can accelerate your success and drive meaningful results.
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