Saaly Temirkanov is an independent director and strategic advisor to financial services and fintech businesses, with experience spanning the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and emerging markets.
His background combines regulatory expertise with hands-on execution.
Over the past decade, he has been involved in building and operating regulated financial platforms, working across licensing, banking relationships, payment infrastructure, and cross-border operations. His experience covers a range of regulatory frameworks, including EMI and digital asset regimes, as well as multi-jurisdictional operating models.
Saaly has worked closely with founders and leadership teams in both early-stage and established businesses, supporting them through periods of growth, market entry, and regulatory complexity. His involvement typically sits at the intersection of governance, regulation, and execution providing both oversight and practical input where decisions carry operational and regulatory weight.
He has led and supported licensing processes across multiple jurisdictions, engaged directly with regulators, and established key partnerships with banks, payment institutions, and infrastructure providers. Alongside this, he has contributed to the design and implementation of internal frameworks required to operate within regulated environments.
His approach is measured and practical, with a focus on clarity, structure, and delivery. He is typically engaged in situations where businesses require experienced judgement, steady oversight, and the ability to translate complex regulatory and operational requirements into executable outcomes.
Saaly works on a select basis with companies where he can add meaningful value, through independent directorships, advisory roles, and involvement in specific strategic initiatives.