David Lighton

David Lighton is an entrepreneur and finance professional with extensive experience in the fintech and cross-border payments industry. Here are some key details about his background and current roles:

Professional Experience

David Lighton is currently the Founder and CEO of Diameter Pay, a cross-border payments platform that has processed over $1 billion in transactions.5 Prior to this, he founded and led SendFriend, another fintech company focused on international remittances.13

Education and Early Career

Lighton holds an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management. He also has an MA in International Economics and International Relations from Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and a BA in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University.2

Before becoming an entrepreneur, Lighton worked at the World Bank, where he played a key role in developing the Haiti National Financial Inclusion Strategy following the 2010 earthquake.12

Advisory Roles

As of June 2023, David Lighton serves as a Board Advisor at the Martin Trust Center for MIT Entrepreneurship.4 This role allows him to share his expertise with aspiring entrepreneurs at MIT.

Areas of Expertise

Lighton's areas of expertise include:

• Financial technology (fintech)
• Cross-border payments and remittances
• Blockchain technology
• Financial inclusion strategies
• Entrepreneurship

Achievements and Recognition

David Lighton has received grant funding for his R&D work from notable organizations such as the European Commission, the MIT Media Lab, and Ripple Labs. He played a significant role in launching one of the world's first blockchain-based global settlement networks.2

His experience and innovative approach to fintech have made him a respected figure in the industry, particularly in the areas of international payments and financial inclusion for underserved communities.