From Milestones to Missions: The Next Chapter in Finance
Dear Reader,
'We’ve come long, long way together, Through the hard times and the good’
This timeless song by Camille Yarbrough signifies the Singapore FinTech Festival this year. As we celebrate our 10th Anniversary, we’ll be paying tribute to the journey we’ve been on, the progress made and the innovations that have got us to where the industry is today. The number of unbanked individuals has fallen from 2 billion to 1.4 billion. At the same time, mobile banking users have doubled over the past decade from 1.8 billion to 3.6 billion. It has not been without challenges, yet the resilience and depth of the community has shone through to persevere and pivot during the hard times.
Despite the great progress made over the past decade, there are many critical areas within the global financial services value chain that remain unresolved. The Festival will explore how tech innovations of today, fuelled by Web3, will address unfinished business, such as levelling the playing field for SMEs, talent and capacity building, financial health, lending, wealth management, digital public infrastructure and cross-border interoperability.
It will also cover the current macroeconomic and geopolitical environment in which operate in. Specifically, how financial, innovation and technology corridors are transforming across multiple geographies to drive the next wave of growth through capital flows, emerging applications of technology, job creation and best practices across public and private sectors.
With International MSME Day taking place on the 27th this month, we have the privilege of hearing from Qamar Saleem, Global Head of SME Finance Forum, who pens a note highlighting the value of MSMEs and their valuable contribution to the global economy.
Whether it's building resilience and opportunities for SME growth at the upcoming Global SME Finance Forum in September, or celebrating the past and future decade in FinTech at the Singapore FinTech Festival in November, all of these conversations will bring about a more connected, cohesive financial ecosystem of the future.
Connecting the World with Financial Trust and Digital Assets
To unlock the full potential of SMEs on the international stage, innovative solutions are urgently needed. How will Financial Trust Corridors (FTCs) and advancements in technologies like blockchain, tokenization, and new foreign exchange (FX) mechanisms offer viable pathways? Read the report to find out.
Point Zero Forum 2025 Magazine
The recent Point Zero Forum featured 95+ hours of content from over 1,350 policymakers, central bankers, technologists and financial leaders — now condensed into one power-packed magazine. Find out what these global leaders had to say about one of the most pressing challenges of our time: how to align innovation, regulation, and resilience in the financial system. Read the magazine.
Policy, tech and finance news that shape the industry
International MSME Day 2025: Recognising small businesses with big impact
SME Finance Forum Global Head Qamar Saleem highlights the importance of MSMEs and why they play a crucial role in the current global economy. Read his note.
Ant Group seeks stablecoin licences in SG, HK
In efforts to bolster its blockchain operation underpinning its cross-border payment and treasury management services, Ant International is applying for stablecoin licences in Singapore and Hong Kong. Learn more.
Chart your course
Stay ahead of the curve through education
Last call! Be a mentor for Blockchain Guardians 2025
The 2025 Blockchain Guardians programme will kick off in August. If you're a seasoned practitioner in the blockchain space and would like to contribute as a mentor, let us know! Specifically, we're looking for mentors with experience in:
Blockchain Application Development (e.g. Smart contracts, dApps, wallets)
Blockchain/Web3 cybersecurity
Blockchain/Web3 sales, marketing and partnerships
Apply to join us in shaping the young minds of the blockchain community. Applications close on 4 July.
Keep these dates on your radar
Join the conversations shaping the future of finance
Coming up next is the Global SME Finance Forum, happening on 15-17 September, in Johannesburg, South Africa. This three-day event will feature thought-provoking discussions and interactive panels to explore strategies for enhancing SME access to finance, driving innovation, and fostering job creation and inclusive growth.
And if you haven't gotten your Singapore FinTech Festival Pass, now is the time to do so! Early bird pricing for the Delegate Pass ends 30 June, 23:59 (GMT +8). Get it here.
The series of Forums continue throughout 2025 as follows: Global SME Finance Forum, 15-17 September | Johannesburg, South Africa
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