Expanding Beyond Telecom: The Rise of MonPay
In a highly competitive market with three other mobile operators, Tatsuya recognized the need to push beyond traditional telecom services. Under his leadership, Mobicom ventured into digital finance and Internet TV, creating new revenue streams and strengthening its market presence. A defining achievement of this expansion was MonPay, Mobicom’s flagship FinTech service.
MonPay emerged as a national financial platform and smartphone application, approved by the Mongolbank as the first e-money licensed service in Mongolia. This innovative platform enabled seamless online transactions, e-wallet functionalities, e-commerce services, and instant micro-loan applications without collateral. MonPay’s impact extended further when, on November 8, 2021, it launched Mongolia’s first application-based digital bond, raising one billion Mongolian Tughriks in under 35 minutes. This historic initiative introduced the country’s first underwritten and blockchain-based bond, marking a milestone in Mongolia’s financial and technological evolution.
A Shock That Led to Change
When Tatsuya arrived in 2016, Mobicom was an aging giant with 1,600 employees entrenched in a comfort zone. Despite being a dominant player, the company had stagnated, losing market share to new competitors. Tatsuya likened the situation to the Galápagos Islands, where isolated species thrive without external influence, unaware of the changing world beyond. Similarly, Mobicom’s stability in voice communications had led to complacency, hindering innovation and growth.
Turning the Tide: The S.T.P.D. Method and a V-Shaped Recovery
Determined to revive Mobicom’s momentum, Tatsuya implemented sweeping changes across HR, salary structures, technical coverage, and customer service. He dismantled outdated practices, infused fresh talent, and reshaped the company culture to be more agile and customer-focused. His leadership transformed Mobicom’s trajectory, leading to a sharp V-shaped recovery.
At the core of this transformation was Tatsuya’s S.T.P.D. Cycle—See, Think, Plan, and Do. He emphasized the importance of “seeing” the business landscape with all five senses and using intuition as a sixth sense to anticipate market shifts. This approach empowered employees to be proactive, innovative, and responsive to consumer needs, ensuring the company remained at the forefront of industry trends.
Recognition and Impact Beyond Business
Tatsuya’s influence extended beyond Mobicom, as he actively participated in business forums, mentored professionals and students, and championed sustainability initiatives aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). His contributions to Mongolia’s business and social landscape were recognized in 2021 when he received the State Order of the Polar Star, the highest honor awarded to a foreigner by the President of Mongolia, Battulga Khaltmaa.
A Visionary Leader Who Redefined an Industry
Shanggari Balakrishnan, Chief Executive Officer of MORS Group, described Tatsuya as a leader willing to take extraordinary risks for the success of his company. His ability to merge two distinct industries—telecom and financial services—resulted in a groundbreaking synergy that revolutionized consumer finance in Mongolia. His leadership not only revitalized Mobicom but also set new benchmarks for innovation in both the telecommunications and financial sectors.
