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The Current

Shaping the flow of Policy, Tech, and Finance

 

AUGUST ISSUE

Strategic Milestones and Market Expansion

Dear Reader, 

 

Where has the year gone!
 
As we approach the business end of the year, there's so much to look forward to and reflect on the past few months. Most notably, the Genius Act has created ripples around the world. Whether by coincidence or as a catalyst, Circle’s IPO has been followed by a wave of organisations across the digital assets and payments ecosystem preparing to go public. In addition, we're beginning to see new roadmaps for stablecoins in development and almost every bank we engage with are figuring out their playbook.
 
At GFTN, we have a raft of collaborations coming up in September across a broad spectrum of impact activities. This follows our recent launch of the BharatNetra initiative, where we partner with the Government of Odisha to help identify, nurture, and scale the next generation of FinTech and InsurTech entrepreneurs in Odisha. Our partnership with Ant Group and the Shanghai government on the Inclusion Conference on the Bund in Shanghai will focus on conversations that foster cross-border financial innovation, inclusion, and transformation, serving as a guide for those seeking to enter new markets. 
 
We'll then be heading over to South Africa for a collaboration with the International Finance Corporation on the Global SME Finance Forum – an official G20 side event – to double down on how the industry can support the growth and financing of SMEs during challenging times. There, we will be making an announcement of a new product that our tech team has been building, which will change the way market analysis and research is produced and consumed. 
 
In the same week, our teams will be in Thailand working with the Bank of Thailand on the Bangkok Digital Finance Conference, bringing together public and private sector leaders with a focus on building the ASEAN Financial Corridor. 
 
We've certainly got our hands full, and I look forward to seeing you at our inclusive platforms around the world! 

 

Pat Patel

CEO, MEA, Americas & Co-CEO, GFTN Forums

 

FutureMatters

Selected reports from the GFTN knowledge hub

Evolution of Insurance and InsurTech Ecosystem in India

India's insurance market is projected to become the fastest-growing among G20 nations, with average annual real premium growth of 7.3% between 2025–29. This is underpinned by India's forecasted average real GDP growth of 6.2% annually over the next 10 years. To find out more, read the report.

Challenges and Opportunities in Payments

This report addresses the barriers MSMEs face in accessing cross-border financial services, the urgent need for standards alignment, and the role of emerging technologies, including decentralised data protocols and PETs, in fostering both innovation and trust. Read the report.

 

Have a story to pitch? Apply to be a FutureMatters contributor here.

Events that make waves

Policy, tech and finance news that shape the industry

Establishing India's Gateway to Asia Pacific FinTech

Launched last week, the BharatNetra Initiative, anchored by the launch of the Integrated Global Financial Technology Capability Hub (I-GFTCH) in Bhubaneswar positions Odisha as a rising nerve centre in India’s evolving innovation ecosystem. Read the press release.

Commonwealth Bank Australia partners with Open AI

Together with Commonwealth Bank, OpenAI is exploring generative AI-enabled banking services for customers, enhancing AI solutions for both customers and employees over a multi-year period. Learn more.

Apply now: Global Impact Champions Awards

Are you a fintech innovator in the Financial Health space? This is your opportunity to shine! The Global Impact Champions Awards for Financial Health spotlights organisations driving measurable improvements in people's financial lives. Be one of three winners that will share the equity investment or grant of up to US$1,000,000. Details here.  

Chart your course

Stay ahead of the curve through education

The Blockchain Guardians Programme is underway!

We had our first industry immersion with Safeheron recently, and it was a treat! Next up: a site visit to Banking Circle. If you didn't make this year's selection, it's not too early to register your interest for the 2026 edition. Sign up here.

 

Keep these dates on your radar

Join the conversations shaping the future of finance

The Global SME Finance Forum will take place on 15-17 September, in Johannesburg, South Africa. Be a part of discussions that shape SME resilience. We look forward to seeing you there! Get the full agenda.
 
The Nordic Fintech Week is also happening next month, on 24-25 September. As part of the GFTN community, you are entitled to a 20% discount. Details here. 

As we count down to November, don’t miss your chance to lock in your Singapore FinTech Festival 2025 pass at SGD 1,000. Prices increase in just 1 week. This is your last chance to save before 6 September, 23:59 GMT+8. Register now. To check out the sessions we have planned, view the live agenda here.
 

The series of Forums continue throughout 2025 as follows:
Global SME Finance Forum, 15 - 17 September | Johannesburg, South Africa
Bangkok Digital Finance Conference, 16-17 September | Bangkok, Thailand 

GFTN Select - Gulf Series, 8 October | Dubai, UAE

GFTN Tbilisi Finance Summit, 22 - 23 October | Tbilisi, Georgia 

Insights Forum, 10 - 11 November | Singapore 

Singapore FinTech Festival, 12 - 14 November | Singapore 

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