Basel Ismail

I love all technology, robotics and automation, blockchain and cryptocurrencies, financial engineering, and product development. I have a Bachelor of Commerce, an MBA from Cornell University, and an MS in Information Security and Risk Management from Norwich University.

I began working for American Express, where I held several different leadership positions over the next several years. These included market business analyst, data scientist, and technology strategy manager. During this period, I led 15 technology projects and launched an initiative that improved data quality to the highest level ever at that time.

Afterward, I served as senior manager in the business analytics division of the Global Client Group at Goldman-Sachs. In this position, I managed the risk governance and compliance program and innovated systems, including a travel optimization tool, that significantly decreased expenses for the company.

In 2012, I returned to American Express, where I served as the Director of Data Science and Product Engineering for the Global Pricing and Revenue division. In this position, I led the Pricing Infrastructure and Data Analytics team in improving revenue and market forecasting as well as developing the use of data analytics for predictive modeling. During my time at American Express, my performance was rated among the top 1% of all employees, and I was presented with an Excellence in Leadership award given by the Senior Vice President in New York.

I believe that Blockchain will be the next disruptive paradigm in technology, alongside the Internet and mobile phones. Once scalability is reached and smart contract code development and audits mature, mainstream adoption will go parabolic!

I now run multiple ventures in emerging technology, real estate, and provide consulting services for several global clients. Check out my posts on baselismail.com!