Bobby Yulandika Putra, Founder and CEO, Prospero
In the unfolding narrative of Southeast Asia’s economic ascent, where progress dances with unpredictability, one figure is rewriting the rules of engagement. Bobby Yulandika Putra, Founder and CEO of Prospero, is not just a tech entrepreneur; he’s a strategic architect, designing a future where businesses, regardless of size, can navigate the region’s complexities with unwavering confidence. His vision is a bold one: to dismantle the traditional barriers to sophisticated risk management and empower a new generation of enterprises to not only survive but thrive, fueling a more robust and equitable era of growth.
From Industry Insider to Entrepreneur
Bobby’s path to entrepreneurship wasn’t a sudden leap. For over a decade, he immersed himself in the world of banking and insurance, holding key roles such as Head of Risk at Bank of India and Country Risk Manager at AIA. This deep industry experience provided him with invaluable insights: he witnessed firsthand the limitations of traditional risk management systems—often rigid, expensive, and ill-suited to the specific regulatory landscapes of emerging markets. He recognized a significant disconnect between the available tools and the actual needs of the institutions they were intended to serve.
The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst. While digital transformation accelerated, it also laid bare the vulnerabilities in existing risk governance structures. Bobby saw an urgent need for a new approach, an opportunity to drive meaningful change. This realization sparked the idea for Prospero.
Prospero: A Vision for Accessible Risk Technology
Prospero isn’t just a software company; it’s the embodiment of Bobby’s vision to democratize risk technology. He wanted to move beyond providing yet another software solution. He was driven by a mission to make sophisticated risk management tools accessible to everyone from large financial institutions to the smaller entities that form the backbone of Southeast Asia’s economy. As Bobby Yulandika Putra states, “Founding Prospero has been more than business — it’s been a mission to democratize risk technology, making it accessible for both large institutions and smaller financial entities.” This vision led to the development of proERMS, Prospero’s AI-powered Enterprise Risk Management SaaS, a platform specifically tailored to the unique challenges and regulatory requirements of the region.
Building Trust and Delivering Results
Under Bobby’s leadership, Prospero has achieved remarkable success. The company has earned the trust of major players in Indonesia’s financial sector. Institutions like Bank BTPN Syariah, Bank Syariah Indonesia, BNI Life Insurance, BRI Finance, and HiBank have adopted Prospero’s solutions. This trust is a testament to the effectiveness of proERMS and its ability to address the critical needs of these organizations.
Prospero’s success stems from its focus on three key principles: simplification, automation, and integration. The proERMS platform provides a comprehensive, all-in-one solution for managing the complexities of modern risk. It streamlines processes, automates key functions, and integrates various aspects of risk management, including risk registers, controls, incident reporting, issue tracking, and risk profiling. Standout features like AI-Powered Risk Register Creation and AI-Driven Issue & Action Management (IAM) are not mere buzzwords; they represent a commitment to leveraging cutting-edge technology to reduce human error and enhance the effectiveness of risk mitigation.
Leadership by Example: Clarity, Empathy, and Ownership
Bobby’s leadership style is characterized by three core principles: clarity, empathy, and ownership. He believes in transparent communication, ensuring that every team member understands the company’s mission and their role in achieving it. He fosters a culture of deep listening, valuing the input of both clients and employees. This empathy informs the development of Prospero’s solutions and the creation of a positive and collaborative work environment.
He also empowers his team, encouraging them to take initiative and ownership of their work. This approach has cultivated a culture of innovation, accountability, and a relentless focus on the customer. As Bobby Yulandika Putra emphasizes, “Everyone in Prospero is empowered to take initiative and lead from their seat. This mindset has allowed us to move fast, stay lean, and continuously improve our solution.” This, in turn, has fueled Prospero’s rapid growth and established it as a trusted partner for leading financial institutions.
Shaping a Risk-Aware Future
Beyond Prospero, Bobby is dedicated to shaping a more risk-aware future through the Prospero Learning Academy. He understands that even the most sophisticated systems are only as effective as the people who use them. The academy provides training and certification programs designed to equip professionals with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate complex risk scenarios and foster a culture of proactive risk ownership within their organizations.
Bobby’s vision for Prospero extends far beyond Indonesia. He aims to establish the company as the leading provider of digital risk management solutions across Southeast Asia and beyond. He is focused on expanding Prospero’s global presence, delivering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of diverse industries and regulatory environments. His ultimate goal is to empower businesses to become more risk-aware, navigate uncertainty with confidence, and contribute to a more resilient and prosperous global economy.
Advice for the Next Generation
Bobby’s advice to emerging entrepreneurs, particularly those in the dynamic APAC region, is rooted in his own experiences: “Start with a clear purpose and a deep understanding of the problem you’re solving. Focus on creating solutions that bring value and make a lasting impact. Listen closely to your customers and stay agile. Build a resilient business by viewing setbacks as learning experiences, and surround yourself with a strong team. Be patient, focus on sustainable growth, and embrace change.”
Bobby Yulandika Putra’s story is a powerful reminder that true innovation lies not only in creating cutting-edge technology but in democratizing its access and empowering others to thrive. His legacy will be measured not just by the success of Prospero but by the countless businesses across Southeast Asia that are now better equipped to navigate an uncertain future, driving a new era of economic resilience and prosperity for the region.