When Musa Abdul-Jabbar travelled overseas, he experienced a level of financial technology that made everyday transactions simple.
Digital wallets, faster payments and seamless banking were part of daily life. Returning home to Bermuda, he quickly noticed the difference.
Rather than accepting that gap, the recent Berkeley Institute graduate decided he wanted to help close it.
“I knew there were great social and economic benefits that came from these technologies,” he said.
“That gap can only be filled if someone has the ambition to do it and the persistence to get it done.”
Mr Abdul-Jabbar, 18, graduated from Berkeley this year with Advanced Honours, and the prestigious Summa Cum Laude, after serving as head boy.
He then gained first-hand experience through an internship with Penrose Partners, the company behind Bermuda’s Digital Finance Forum, where he learnt how digital finance is being developed in Bermuda and internationally.
He has received a merit-based scholarship for $140,000 from St John’s University in New York as well as two Berkeley Educational Society Scholarships.
Mr Abdul-Jabbar’s journey into financial technology began at Berkeley, where he studied fintech through the school’s Signature Learning Programme in Business.
“I was sitting in a classroom learning about the fundamentals of decentralised finance,” he said.
The course opened doors to industry events, professional networking opportunities, internships and his first fintech certification.
“Education has been one of the driving factors throughout my journey,” he said. “As I move on to tertiary education, scholarships make valuable knowledge more accessible, and that creates more opportunities for my future.”
Working at Penrose broadened his understanding of the industry.
“I’ve realised just how vast fintech really is,” he said. “Being surrounded by talented people has increased my knowledge very quickly.”
One of the biggest surprises has been discovering how much collaboration takes place behind the scenes.
“There really is no ‘tech’ without the ‘fin’,” he said. “Finance comes first, and that means constant discussions around regulation and working with different parts of the industry.”
The experience has reinforced his belief that innovation depends on people working together.
“We’re all in this together,” he said. “There’s no room for inactivity. Progress moves quickly.”
Leadership has also shaped Mr Abdul-Jabbar’s outlook.
Reflecting on his year as Berkeley’s head boy, he said the role taught him the importance of supporting others, particularly those who may be struggling quietly.
“Sometimes people are overwhelmed and too afraid to ask for help,” he said. “You never know what battles someone is fighting, so it’s important to look out for people whenever you can.”
Mr Abdul-Jabbar credits several people with helping shape his journey. Among them is fintech teacher Dee Ah Iris, who introduced him to the subject at Berkeley and encouraged him to make the most of every opportunity.
He also credits Premier David Burt, whose leadership in digital finance showed him that Bermuda has the potential to become a leader in the industry.
Above all, he says his parents have been his greatest supporters, nurturing his ambition, encouraging him to stay committed to his goals and instilling the values that continue to guide him.
Mr Abdul-Jabbar believes digital wallets will play an important role in Bermuda’s future.
“I believe digital banking is the future,” he said. “With technologies like stablecoins and smart contracts, digital wallets can make transactions faster, reduce fees and make international payments much easier. They can improve everyday life for Bermudians while also strengthening our economy.”
His advice to other young people interested in emerging industries is simple.
“Don’t wait. Don’t hesitate,” he said. “Be present. Learn what’s happening now, whether that’s AI, regulation or new technologies. Then execute. You don’t have to have everything figured out before you begin.”
In ten years, Mr Abdul-Jabbar hopes to have played a meaningful role in modernising Bermuda’s financial ecosystem while continuing to explore the opportunities the world of fintech has to offer.
For someone whose journey began in a Berkeley classroom, that future is already taking shape.
