Payment Expert’s ID Check: Payments Professionals offers insight from industry leaders and experts on how they got their start in the financial industry, from their early years in education, to how they have been able to climb the corporate ladder.
This week, Mouloukou Sanoh, CEO & Co-Founder of MANSA, reveals his journey from Hong Kong to Africa, ultimately leading him to Dubai, learning about the complexities of cross-border payments and learning to balance the dual responsibilities of running a startup and an investment fund.
Where did you go to university and what did you study? What impact did this have on your current journey?
I studied Chinese History and Economics at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. While there, I personally experienced the inefficiencies of international remittances, especially when receiving my monthly allowance from my parents.
The process was slow, costly, and frustrating. That experience planted the seed for my interest in building more efficient and accessible cross-border payment solutions.
Were you part of any sports clubs or societies at university and has this influenced your educational and professional development?
I was a member of my university’s football team, which played a big role in shaping my character. It taught me the importance of teamwork, resilience, and leadership—qualities that continue to influence how I operate professionally, especially in high-pressure startup environments.
What was the first job you had in the industry and are there any lessons from this you still draw on?
My first role was at a boutique investment bank in Hong Kong that specialised in digital asset deals, including landmark transactions involving Animoca Brands and Amina Bank.
It was a formative experience that equipped me with strong analytical skills, deepened my understanding of the digital asset space, and gave me my first exposure to the intersection of finance and innovation.
Who was your biggest role model—inside or outside of your industry—who continues to inspire you in your current career?
My biggest role model is my mother, a successful entrepreneur from Guinea. Watching her build and scale her business with unwavering determination instilled in me a deep sense of ambition, resilience, and work ethic. Her example continues to guide me both personally and professionally.
When was your first big break in the industry? Why was this such a significant moment for you?
My first major break came when I became the lead investment manager at Adaverse, Africa’s largest Web3-focused investment fund at the time, and simultaneously co-founded Cassava Network, which went on to become one of the leading Web3 projects on the continent.
Balancing both roles pushed me to grow quickly, exposed me to the challenges of entrepreneurship, and gave me the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from some of the best founders in emerging markets.
Was there a moment you faced in the industry that really challenged you? How did you overcome this?
One of the toughest challenges was juggling the dual responsibilities of being a startup founder and managing investments at a fund. It required ruthless prioritisation, building a great team around me, and learning how to delegate effectively.
That period tested my limits, but it also taught me how to thrive under pressure and make decisions with limited information.
What are some of the skills you deem essential to starting in your industry and how have yours developed over the years?
I believe the most critical skills are conviction, analytical thinking, and the ability to take a long-term view. Over the years, I’ve learned to trust my instincts more, sharpened my decision-making process, and developed a deeper appreciation for the importance of timing and market cycles.
Lastly, what is some advice you would give to an aspiring person looking to get a start in your respective industry?
Be curious, stay humble, and move fast. Don’t wait to have everything figured out, just start. The best way to learn in this industry is by doing. Find great mentors, build something meaningful, and don’t be afraid to take risks early on.
