I am an Engineer passionate about technology and new challenges, with 30 years of experience in the financial and technology sector, mostly in startups and innovative companies, where I have held positions of high responsibility in technology, operations and commercial areas. Before joining Lynx I was working from a very early stage, as COO at Ebury, leading the main technology and operations hub in Málaga and contributing to the growth and international expansion to more than 25 countries.Previously I was a co-founder and held management positions in Software Development project companies in the areas of mobility, Web presence and security and I have also worked for companies in the telecommunications and consulting sector such as Vodafone and Accenture. I really enjoy practicing sports such as cycling, running or hiking and staying active in general.
Archives: Team
Carlos Santa Cruz
I am Carlos Santa Cruz, the CTO of Lynx and a Professor of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at the Universidad Autónoma de Madrid (UAM). I was involved in the development and design of the fraud and AML applications from the very beginning.
At Lynx, I lead the development of fraud detection and anti-money laundering tools. We use AI to help our customers identify and prevent fraudulent transactions.
I have a PhD in solid state physics, which gave me a strong foundation in mathematics, computer science, and statistics. I am passionate about AI because I believe it has the potential to make a real difference in the world.
I love being active in my free time. I am an amateur hiker and I love exploring new trails in the great outdoors. I always make time for my family and friends. We love spending time together, whether we are going on outings, just hanging out, or simply talking and laughing.
John Williams
Business oriented CFO, with extensive experience working with international and multicultural teams. 20 years experience working for financial entities.
Over the last years I have had direct responsibilities in business and financial control, treasury, funding, accounting, cost control, taxation and operations. In addition to my direct responsibilities, I had a very active role in business development, implementation of business processes and IT systems. I promote integrity, proactivity and commitment spirit in the teams as well as the role of finance function in the coordination between different areas.
I have Business and Administration degree by Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and CFA charterholder.
Mario Ledo
With over 13 years of expertise in the cybersecurity sector, I bring a wealth of technical background in both offensive and defensive security practices. Before Lynx, I led the cybersecurity control and risk management model at Santander, driving robust protection strategies across all the Group. Prior to that, I led several projects of a cutting-edge cybersecurity lab at EY, specializing in offensive security and Red Teaming. My educational foundation includes a degree in IT Engineering and a master’s degree in Cybersecurity, underscoring my commitment to staying at the forefront of an ever-evolving field, as well as helping the cybersecurity sector as a speaker in cybersecurity-related trainings. Beyond the digital world, I find balance through my passions for playing the electric guitar and practicing kickboxing.
Sandra Toloba
I’ve always been passionate about technology and gadgets. I studied computer engineering, and when I was in my last years of the career, a big card processor offered me a summer internship in its fraud department. I loved the job so much, that ever since I’ve been growing professionally in the developing of anti-fraud systems, working with Europe, LATAM and North America’s largest banks. Fraud in payment methods is a constantly evolving environment in which new technologies play an important role. Working in this market has offered me continuous challenges and learning sources for over 20 years.
Juan Antonio Montesino
Hi, I’m Juan Antonio Montesino Benitez. Before joining Lynx Tech as a Research & Development AML Manager, I spent some time at the IIC (Instituto de Ingeniería del Conocimiento – Knowledge Engineering Institute) as a Cloud Architect & Data Engineer in the Banking Analytics department and also as a Data Scientist at the Algorithmic Engineering department. My academic path includes a Degree in Mathematics by the University of Malaga and a master’s degree in data science and Big Data from the AFI School of finance, both Degrees with Extraordinary Prize from the promotion. Outside of work, I’m an avid traveler and enjoy Crossfit as a way to stay active.
Natalia Zuñiga
Hola soy Natalia, Head of HR and Recruitment globally in Lynx. I love working with people, supporting them in their professional development and empowering their talents.
I’m responsible for the continuous development of Lynx´s HR strategy, culture, and process. My aim is to increase the greatest asset in Lynx, our brilliant people, where I focus on quality, care, and consideration.
Before joining Lynx, I contributed to Santander´s Group HR team, for more than 10 years, within its Technology and Operations division. Throughout these years I have been fortunate to work with talented leaders, managers, and employees across the company where I enabled them to deliver strong and consistent business results.
I never waver in my commitment to diversity and inclusion. I’m proud to lead a collaborative, innovative and customer-focused culture, and workforce.
Sofía Martínez
With more than 15 years of experience in the banking sector, I have worked for the last 12 years with Santander Group as an in-house lawyer in the Corporate Legal Department, specifically with the Technology, Digital and Data team. Prior to Banco Santander I worked as a litigation and commercial lawyer in a Law Firm.
I have been passionate about law ever since I was a child. I always had the impression that this career gives you the opportunity to advise on and help push forward new and innovative ideas. I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of a team that is providing amazing solutions to the challenges and needs of the market and to society as a whole.
And here I am …! In this exciting challenge as the Head of Legal and the Secretary of the Board of Directors. My educational background includes a degree In Law from the University of Granada, Jean Monnet Chair of European Constitutional Law from the University of Granada, University Master’s Degree in Legal Practice, PhD Programme in Criminal Law at the University of Granada, and Civil test for access to the Public Attorney’s Office.
In my free time I enjoy skiing, reading and traveling with my family.
Mariajo Bastero
I’m Commercial Director at Lynx. I love my job because I can get to know our customers (current and future) and help them develop their business and solve their problems. It also allows me to keep abreast of the latest technical innovations that appear on the market and that we incorporate into our products.
Before joining Lynx I worked in Business Development opening markets not only in Spain, but all around Latin America. I was very fortunate to be able to live in many different countries, getting to know other cultures and opening new markets for my Company. The knowledge I acquired in payment systems and fraud prevention allows me to know well the challenges my customers face and the peculiarities of their business.
I studied Physical Sciences and Business Administration, in Madrid. Also an AMP – Senior Management Executive Program at ESADE.
When I am not working, you can find me practicing ballet (I love it, not only for its beauty, but for the discipline and self-control it demands) and collaborating with NGOs and different universities and business schools.