about us

Abdul Akel is the Founder and CEO of T-CETRA, a pioneering fintech company that has grown into an enterprise generating over half a billion dollars in revenue. Under his leadership, T-CETRA has revolutionized financial accessibility by connecting strategic service partners to the 84.8 million unbanked and underbanked individuals in the U.S. through a network of over 10,000 independent retailers. By converting cash transactions into real-time, cashless solutions, the company empowers underserved communities with access to mainstream financial services, mobile technology, and microfinancing—fostering economic inclusion and opportunity. A visionary entrepreneur and industry disruptor, Abdul was recognized as the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2021 for the East Central Region and was a national finalist for his transformative contributions to the fintech sector. His strategic partnerships with industry leaders such as Verizon, Amazon, and Google, as well as public and private sector entities, have positioned T-CETRA at the forefront of payment innovation. T-CETRA’s proprietary cloud-based processing platform, VIDAPAY, enables retailers to mitigate risk, enhance sales, and manage customer accounts in real time within a secure, intuitive framework. The company’s commitment to financial empowerment has earned multiple accolades, including the Vanguard Award for Corporate Citizenship, Columbus Business First’s Diversity in Business Award, and Columbus CEO’s Top Workplace Award. Philanthropy & Community Leadership Beyond business, Abdul is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. In 2020, he established the T-CETRA Foundation, which supports underserved communities through charitable initiatives. In 2023, he co-founded Ohio Ihsan Academy, a community school in Dublin, Ohio, integrating rigorous academics with Islamic values, where he currently serves as treasurer. Abdul is also a dedicated advocate for democracy and humanitarian efforts. He has served on the executive boards of: •⁠ ⁠Citizens for a Secure and Safe America (C4SSA) – promoting democratic change in Syria. •⁠ ⁠Kayla’s List PAC – honoring Syrians who have lost their lives since the revolution and supporting congressional candidates who champion freedom, justice, and human dignity. •⁠ ⁠Civilian Council for American Security – educating policymakers and the public on the importance of a free, stable, and democratic Syria for global security. Personal Life Outside of his professional and philanthropic endeavors, Abdul enjoys spending time with his wife and children, watching soccer, and exploring new places. His passion for innovation, community empowerment, and leadership continues to drive meaningful change, shaping a more inclusive and equitable future.