Singapore – – September 28, 2026 -- The Responsible Fintech Institute (RFI) has appointed Professor Lawrence Loh, Associate Professor Eugene K.B. Tan, Professor Louis Chen and Ms Farah Jaafar as Executive Fellows, while elevating Distinguished Professor Patrick H. M. Loh to Co-Founder.
RFI expands leadership bench as digital finance regulation intensifies
The nonprofit, based in Singapore, said the appointments deepen its expertise in law, governance, digital policy and cross-border capital markets as regulators and institutions push to ground digital asset, AI and cross-border payment innovation in legal and ethical frameworks.
Fellows will engage regulators and shape industry frameworks
As Executive Fellows, the four will engage regulators and standard-setting bodies, contribute to principles-based industry frameworks, and strengthen RFI's regional partnerships. Chia Hock Lai, Chairman of RFI, said the group brings experience across law, governance, digital policy and capital market development.
New fellows bring academic, legal and capital markets credentials
Professor Lawrence Loh directs the Centre for Governance and Sustainability at NUS Business School and leads the Singapore Governance and Transparency Index and the ASEAN Corporate Governance Scorecard project; he holds a PhD from MIT. Associate Professor Eugene K.B. Tan teaches law at Singapore Management University, served as a Nominated Member of Parliament from 2012 to 2014, and represented Singapore on the ASEAN Intergovernmental Commission on Human Rights from 2019 to 2026. Professor Louis Chen has led work at the Digital Governance Association on AI governance and digital ecosystems. Ms Farah Jaafar, former CEO of Labuan IBFC Inc., brings close to 30 years of experience across capital markets, offshore finance and digital assets, and chairs the Women in Fintech Group of the Asia Fintech Alliance, which represents fintech associations across 15 Asian markets.
Patrick Loh's elevation recognizes founding role
Distinguished Professor Patrick H. M. Loh, who joined RFI as an Executive Fellow in April 2026, was conferred the inaugural Singapore Distinguished Professor title by Murdoch University in 2024 and holds the Public Service Star (BBM) and Public Service Medal (PBM) from Singapore's President. RFI cited his role in shaping the Institute's strategic direction as the basis for his elevation to Co-Founder.
Fellowship criteria set high bar for senior leaders
The RFI Executive Fellowship requires at least 20 years of experience in executive leadership and a demonstrated track record in shaping financial policy or institutional strategy, with fellows expected to maintain institutional neutrality while contributing to globally aligned financial systems.