Phil Reynolds

(Co-founder); Executive Chairman

United Arab Emirates

About

Serial entrepreneur, intrapreneur and Venture Capitalist. An internationally seasoned transformational leader and enterprise strategist. A thought leader and community builder. Globally experienced and independently awarded “C” suite executive/NED/ General Counsel/ Company Secretary. 35+ yrs international experience in ICT and digital technology sectors. Battle-proven track record of strategically navigating complex governance/compliance/regulatory/legal environments and in creating, developing and implementing highly successful innovative and disruptive business models and solutions incl. AI, Fintech (blockchain/crypto), NFTs, MVNO’s/MVNE’s, WiFi and AV's Senior adviser to tech start-ups, blue-chip multi-national companies, governments, regulators, leading business consultants and law firms in the areas of regulation, governance, ethics, compliance, public policy, legal and business strategy including transformational equity/debt funding and IPOs. Past full-time Executive Director Level posts include 3 Fortune 500 corporations, 3 leading market-disruptive start-ups, and 2 national sector and competition regulators. NED appointments held on multiple boards in multiple regions and countries including in emerging markets. Excellent communicator and advocate able to build, lead and motivate teams, including in complex, challenging and culturally diverse environments. Results-focused with a penchant for strategic ‘big picture' thinking and problem-solving. A staunch advocate of founder-led and data-driven enterprises, corporate ethics, good governance, and compliance. Extensive hands-on experience in navigating difficult and novel environments/situations incl. international sanctions regimes. Geography: - SAMEA, UK, Europe, Australia, Asia and CIS Market sectors: - AI, FinTech (DLT (blockchain)), NFTs, AR, VR, IoT, AV's, cloud, mobile, fixed, broadband, satellite, digital broadcasting, digital content and delivery, and big data. Organisations: - start-ups/new entrants; SME's; challenger and incumbent enterprises; regulators; government Academic: LL.M./LL.B (Melb.), Grad.Dip.Inf.Man (Melb.), B.A.(Canb.), Post.Grad.Dip.Telecomms (London). Professional: -Barrister & solicitor High Court of Australia and Supreme Court of Victoria and NSW. Professionally qualified and experienced knowledge, records and information manager. Member of Aust. Inst. of Company Directors (MAICD); Member of U.K. Inst. of Directors (MIoD); Associate Records Managers Association of Australia (ARMAA) and Associate Australian Library and Information Association (AALIA).

Experience

  • Co-Founder, Director, Executive Chairman at Panda Advisory Group Pty Ltd (previously gr82tlk Ltd.)
    Oct 2010 - Present · 15 yrs 9 mos

    Boutique strategic advisory firm supporting boards, founders, and senior leaders in governance, regulation, and digital transformation across borders. - Delivering board-level insight and commercially attuned advice across professional services, digital infrastructure and products incl., fintech, MVNO, blockchain, digital assets, BNPL and other emerging technologies - Supporting strategic planning, governance frameworks, regulatory positioning, new market entry (licensing) and international expansion - Recognised for discreet, high-trust engagement style and values-driven leadership

  • Advisory Board Member at Enactia
    May 2023 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos

    Enactia is an AI-driven Privacy and Governance Risk Compliance (GRC) platform and service covering current laws, regulations, and standards across multiple international jurisdictions. Enactia's multi award-winning software enables customers to implement scalable Privacy (DP) and GRC programs that are comprehensive, intuitive and cost-effective. https://enactia.com/

  • Pyypl - it's your money. (9 yrs 7 mos)
    • Co-founder; Counsel Emeritus - Special Adviser
      Jun 2022 - Present · 4 yrs 1 mo

      “Pyypl” (pronounced "people') provides a mobile Super App - delivering multiple digital financial services from a single blockchain-powered cloud-based technology platform - to the 100's of millions of under-served, under-banked individuals across the planet. [Previously, Board Director; General Counsel; Chief Ethics & Regulatory Officer at Pyypl Ltd]

    • Member Board of Directors
      Feb 2020 - Dec 2024 · 4 yrs 11 mos

    • Board Director (Co-founder); General Counsel; Chief Ethics and Regulatory Officer
      Dec 2016 - Jun 2022 · 5 yrs 7 mos

  • Member (Founding Investor} at Dubai Angel Investors - DAI
    Jun 2017 - Present · 9 yrs 1 mo

    A founding investor in Dubai Angel Investors Limited, a VC fund focusing on early-stage technology start-ups with an active portfolio of 30+ enterprises.

  • Virgin Mobile Middle East & Africa (Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates)
    • Of Counsel, Senior Adviser Legal & Regulatory
      Aug 2016 - Nov 2022 · 6 yrs 4 mos

      Private Shareholder. Advisor. Previously full-time executive role as Group CLO/GC.

    • Group Chief Legal Officer, Head of Ethics and Regulatory Affairs
      Feb 2007 - Jul 2016 · 9 yrs 6 mos

      [previously FRiENDi GROUP FZ-LLC - 1 year break 2012/13] [Board Director various subsidiaries and Group Company Secretary]