Bialek Group

What We Offer

Our Focus

Africa, 1 billion people, 54 countries, young, teaming with possibilities, opportunities. I have seen Africa through the lens of my work, initially as Head of Prepaid for Visa, Inc. and then as CEO of Global Technology Partners.

Africa will surprise you. My company Global Technology Partners, a payment processor, based in Tulsa. Oklahoma was acquired by MFS Africa, the largest mobile wallet network in Africa, based in Johannesburg, South Africa. African fintech acquires American fintech, it turns the usual story upside town. I like that.

Who We Are

Rich

Rich Bialek, CEO

I have lived in a high rise apartment in modern Dubai, enjoyed a starlight sky in the South African Karoo, eaten lamb tagine in Casablanca, pepper soup in Lagos and debated who has the best jollof throughout West Africa. Africa overwhelms you with its diversity, energy and potential.

In my field of expertise, payments, Africa is an innovator. I have seen companies such as Djamo and Weblogy leapfrog over incumbents in their markets and redefine the playing field.

Rich Bialek is CEO and Founder of Bialek Group; a payments advisory firm focused on helping clients enter and expand into Africa.

Prior to BialekGroup Rich was of Global Technology Partners (GTP), a Tulsa; Oklahoma USA based prepaid processor serving the African markets. He was responsible for the P&L and growth of GTP. During his tenure GTP expanded into 38 African countries with over 100 issuing bank and fintech partners.

More about Rich

Prior to BialekGroup Rich was of Global Technology Partners (GTP), a Tulsa; Oklahoma USA based prepaid processor serving the African markets. He was responsible for the P&L and growth of GTP. During his tenure GTP expanded into 38 African countries with over 100 issuing bank and fintech partners.

In June of 2022 MFS Africa, the leading provider of mobile wallet payment solutions in Africa, acquired GTP. Post acquisition Rich served as Executive Director for GTP focused on strategic partnerships and growth initiatives.

Immediately prior to joining GTP Rich was Head of Prepaid Products for Visa CEMEA based in Dubai UAE, where he was responsible for Prepaid Market and Product Development.

Rich’s extensive experience in the payment industry includes senior-level positions managing payment businesses at Neiman Marcus, GE Capital and Ameritech. Rich also managed Consumer Credit Products for Visa International prior to the formation of Visa Inc. and held the post of Senior Vice President in charge of Strategic Research and Intelligence for Visa International.

Rich earned a BA in Economics from Harvard College and was a Harvard College National Scholar and Boyden Scholar. He completed his degree requirements in three years. Rich earned his MBA from the Harvard Business School and was a Harvard University National Fellow.

Social Media

rich@bialekgroup.com
+1 847 525 8414


melissa@bialekgroup.com
+1 630 520 1175

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