Shaping the Future of Digital Finance Across ASEAN Through Innovation and Collaboration
Bangkok, Thailand, (16 September 2025) – The Bank of Thailand (BOT) and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) are proud to announce their partnership in co-hosting the inaugural Bangkok Digital Finance Conference (BDFC) 2025, in collaboration with the Thai Fintech Association. Taking place 16 - 17 September 2025 at the Bank of Thailand Learning Center in Bangkok, the forum brings together public and private sector leaders to shape the future of digital finance through open dialogue, cross-border collaboration and strategic policy engagement.
Themed “Building ASEAN Financial Corridor,” BDFC 2025 will convene 500+ delegates from more than 15 countries, featuring over 70 distinguished speakers, including leaders in finance, technology and policy. The conference is part of a broader mission to bridge innovation, regulation and capital fostering a resilient and inclusive financial ecosystem for the ASEAN region. With this shared vision of fostering an open, secure and interconnected financial ecosystem, BDFC 2025 will serve as a regional platform for strategic dialogue and cutting-edge knowledge exchange, in areas such as cross-border payments, digital identity, tokenisation, ESG finance and cybersecurity.
A New Milestone in Regional Financial Innovation
This marks the first collaboration between BOT and GFTN, a global convening platform initiated by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and recognised for hosting premier financial events such as the Singapore FinTech Festival, GFTN Forum Japan and Point Zero Forum in Zurich.
The Bank of Thailand has long championed financial innovation, hosting landmark events like the Bangkok FinTech Fair (2018–2021) and the BOT Digital Finance Conference (2022–2023), which welcomed thousands of participants annually. Now, in partnership with GFTN, BDFC 2025 expands that vision, bringing together an international audience to co-create the future of digital finance.
BDFC also draws on the global reach of GFTN’s ecosystem, with active networks across the world. Anchored within the Black Swan Network, BDFC complements a family of forward-looking global forums curated by GFTN. The Black Swan network was launched in Perth with the Black Swan Summit, a global forum convening leading technologists, policymakers, investors, and innovators to explore paradigm shifts in tokenisation, AI, quantum computing, semiconductor breakthroughs and digital infrastructure. By linking local priorities with frontier global dialogues, BDFC strengthens GFTN’s flagship multi-location platform for collective foresight and international collaboration.
Leading global and regional institutions have pledged their support, including Nucleus Software, Ascend Money, Hedera, Monee Capital, Plan B Media, Union Pay and Thai banks such as SCBX, Bangkok Bank, KASIKORNBANK, Krungsri and Krungthai Bank. Internationally, the event has garnered backing and support from GFTN Global members including Ant International, Binance, Circle, Mastercard and Tencent. These esteemed sponsors and partners reflect the growing significance of digital finance in the global landscape and highlight the industry's commitment to innovation and collaboration.
Conference Highlights
The two-day event will feature more than 70 influential speakers, including senior policymakers, regulators, industry executives and leading technologists across dynamic formats.
Summit Stage: High-level presentations and panels exploring strategy, regulation, innovation, and infrastructure in digital finance.
Public–Private Roundtables: Small-group, closed-door discussions on pressing topics such as cross-border payments, fraud prevention and digital trust frameworks.
An innovation showcase, keynotes and interactive panels will spotlight real-world applications of emerging financial technologies and foster cross-sector collaboration.
Key speakers include regulators, policymakers, bankers and more:
Click here to view full list of speakers.
Key Themes and Topics
BDFC 2025 will address six core themes shaping the digital finance agenda:
1. Digital Public Infrastructure – Building the foundations for scalable, inclusive financial systems
2. Blueprint for Digital Assets – Exploring tokenisation’s role in improving financial system efficiency
3. Collaboration Beyond Borders – Advancing regional integration through interoperable digital systems
4. Securing the Future – Strengthening cybersecurity and trust across digital ecosystems
5. Bridging the Financial Gap – Expanding access and affordability of financial services
6. Sustainability in Action – Leveraging fintech for sustainable and responsible finance
Dr. Sethaput Suthiwartnarueput, Governor, Bank of Thailand:
“ASEAN’s leap in digital finance has been remarkable, from QR codes connecting millions of street vendors to cross-border fast payments linking entire nations, yet leadership in innovation brings the paradox of risk arriving sooner and sharper. Thailand’s own journey with PromptPay, now reaching over 70 percent of our population and linking seamlessly with neighbours, shows both the promise and the challenges of inclusion at scale. The Bangkok Digital Finance Conference, co-hosted with the Global Finance & Technology Network, provides the platform for Thailand and our ASEAN partners to ensure technology, governance, and incentives move together — so that our region’s financial corridor is not only fast and innovative, but also trusted, open, and inclusive for all.”
Sopnendu Mohanty, Group CEO of GFTN and the visionary behind the Singapore FinTech Festival:
“The Bangkok Digital Finance Conference 2025 marks a pivotal moment in ASEAN’s journey toward a borderless, inclusive financial ecosystem. By bringing together policymakers, innovators, and industry leaders from across the globe, GFTN and the Bank of Thailand are laying the foundation for a resilient digital finance corridor that benefits communities and businesses throughout the region.”
About the Co-Hosts:
Bank of Thailand (BOT)
As the central bank of Thailand, BOT is committed to promoting monetary stability, developing a secure and efficient financial system, and enabling innovation to support inclusive and sustainable economic growth.
Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN)
The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore-headquartered organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration. GFTN hosts a worldwide network of forums (including its flagship event, the Singapore FinTech Festival); advises governments and companies on policies and the development of digital ecosystems and innovation within the financial sector; offers digital infrastructure solutions; and plans to invest in financial technology startups through its upcoming venture fund, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability. GFTN is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 2024.
For more information, visit: https://bdfc.gftn.co/
For Media enquiries, please contact:
Mr Takeshi Kito
Co-founder & Representative Director
Global Finance & Technology Network Japan
takeshi.kito@gftn.com