In today’s globally interconnected world, cross-border transactions are non-negotiable. With the rising number of Indians traveling abroad for education, employment, and business, the demand for reliable and efficient forex services has never been higher. George Zachariah, Founder and CEO of ExTravelMoney(https://www.extravelmoney.com/) , identified this critical requirement during his time operating a money exchange business in Kochi. His vision for a seamless, technology-driven forex marketplace took shape when he met his co-founders through an entrepreneurial training program, which helped him lay the foundations for one of India’s largest online forex platforms.
George Zachariah, Founder and CEO, ExTravelMoney
Zachariah’s journey into the forex industry was fueled by real-world challenges. When a customer requested foreign exchange services in Bangalore, while he was operating a money exchange business in Kochi. This made him realize the critical gap in the market—a lack of a centralized platform connecting customers to authorized forex providers across locations. Realizing the unexplored potential of a digital solution, he partnered with like-minded entrepreneurs to create ExTravelMoney. Their collective experiences as international travelers reinforced the necessity of a streamlined service that offered competitive exchange rates and eliminated the inefficiencies of traditional forex transactions.
Zacharia reflects how ExTravelMoney has navigated major economic shifts, converting adversity into opportunity. The 2016 demonetization and the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital platforms, giving ExTravelMoney a competitive edge as customers increasingly sought online solutions. While traditional money changers struggled, the company leveraged its transparent and tech-driven model to build trust and expand its customer base, further validating Zachariah’s belief in digital transformation.
“In a traditionally offline industry, integrating banks and authorized dealers into a single platform was a radical move. We’ve created a seamless, transparent, and efficient forex marketplace that benefits both customers and vendors,” says George. He also reflects on how technology and innovation have been pivotal to the brand’s success, with continued support from their CTO, Ashwin Narasimha, whose leadership has ensured the development of a robust and secure platform that adheres to the highest industry standards.
The forex service aggregator has revolutionized the industry by integrating banks and RBI-authorized money changers into a single online platform, eliminating the hassle of manually comparing rates. Travelers, students, and businesses get to choose the best forex deals effortlessly. The company’s strategic partnerships with education consultants, travel agencies, and financial institutions have further strengthened its market presence, ensuring customers receive timely and cost-effective services.
A multifaceted growth strategy has been instrumental in ExTravelMoney’s success. Under Zachariah’s leadership, the company’s dedicated team acts as brand ambassadors, while satisfied customers continue to uplift the brand’s expansion through social media and positive reviews. Apart from this, Zacharia points out how their vendor network thrives from the absence of acquisition costs, incentivizing forex providers to offer the most competitive rates. Spearheading the company’s marketing initiatives, CMO Nisanth Issac focuses on simple yet impactful strategies that deliver tangible results, reinforcing ExTravelMoney’s stronghold in the industry.
George Zachariah, ExTravelMoney CEO, along with Ashwin Narasimha, CTO, ExTravelMoney (Left) and Nisanth Issac, CMO, ExTravelMoney (Right)
With a presence in over 400 cities and a network of 6,500+ partner touchpoints, ExTravelMoney has successfully bridged the gap between consumers and forex providers, offering seamless transactions within 24 hours for the past decade. Its customer-centric approach allows Indian travelers and students to save significantly on forex transactions, making overseas financial dealings more efficient and transparent.
Zachariah’s leadership philosophy emphasizes a balanced and growth-oriented work culture. He fosters a “fun under fundamental” approach, encouraging both professional excellence and employee well-being. With a strong background in banking, he understands the importance of work-life balance and continuous learning, ensuring that his team remains agile in an evolving industry.
Looking ahead, ExTravelMoney is expanding beyond forex services. The company is developing a suite of travel banking solutions, including online visa issuance, travel insurance, and student accommodation services. Zachariah envisions ExTravelMoney as a one-stop solution for global financial transactions, empowering Indian travelers and students with seamless, cost-effective, and secure services.
Through his strategic leadership and forward-thinking vision, George Zachariah has redefined India’s forex industry. His ability to anticipate market needs, leverage technology, and build consumer trust has positioned ExTravelMoney as an industry leader. As India’s outward remittance market continues to grow, Zachariah remains dedicated to driving innovation and ensuring that global financial transactions are easier, more affordable, and accessible to all.