CEO of Nasdaq-listed firm prizes experiences over possessions

He owns a five-room HDB flat and doesn't have a car, favouring a more practical lifestyle

- Sue-Ann Tan Business Correspondent

Fintech executive Rohith Murthy runs a major Nasdaq-listed company in a booming sector, but experiences rather than possessions are his priority.

Mr Murthy, 42, lives by that even in his daily life: He rises at 5am every day to catch up with the news and cook some pasta in the quiet of the morning, then he hits the gym where he works out while listening to his favourite podcasts like All In, Lex Fridman, and Prof G.

Mr Murthy, chief executive of MoneyHero Group, does not own a car, a decision he said was inspired by the mimetic theory which suggests that we often desire what others desire. "This perspective steered me away from typical aspirations like car ownership, favouring a more practical and value-aligned lifestyle," he says.

"The high cost of car ownership in Singapore doesn't align with my financial priorities," he adds, noting that the country's reliable and comprehensive public transport system easily meets his commuting needs.

Indeed, despite being a CEO at the top of his game, he still values the simple experiences in life.

His interest in finance and technology started from his Indian childhood, where his father's passion for electronics and job as a banker played a crucial role in shaping him. "Some of my fondest childhood memories involve long car rides with our dogs, exploring new cities, and tinkering with the computer he bought me. This early fascination with technology ultimately guided my decision to pursue a career in computer engineering," he says.

Mr Murthy was born in India, and moved to Singapore when he was 17. His mother is a Singaporean who married his father in India.

He studied at the National University of Singapore on a scholarship, before beginning his career at Citibank.

"I have always been deeply passionate about the intersection of finance and technology,” he says.