The Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF) 2024 will return for its 9th edition from 6 to 8 November ahead of the Insight Forum™.[1] November 4-5. With over 66,000 participants from 150 countries in 2023, SFF 2024 will bring together prominent members of global central banks, regulators, industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, innovators and influencers to shape the future of the global financial ecosystem through the collaboration of regulation, innovation and technology.
Organized by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Yerevandi and Constellar in collaboration with the Association of Banks in Singapore, SFF 2024 will explore the transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and quantum computing to revolutionize financial services and deliver sustainable and inclusive economic growth. As the world continues to grapple with the challenge of climate change, SFF 2024 will also focus on the role of fintech in driving sustainable finance.
Rapid advances in AI and unprecedented investments by businesses and governments[2]The SFF 2024 will host a dialogue between regulators and industry to promote greater alignment of policy approaches to create an environment conducive to AI innovation and adoption. The SFF 2024 also aims to foster the development of a responsible AI ecosystem in financial services and encourage strong international public-private cooperation to ensure that AI brings transparency, trust and inclusivity to the financial ecosystem.
Global public investment in quantum technologies exceeds $42 billion[3]SFF 2024 will also put the spotlight on quantum computing, highlighting the urgency of leveraging this groundbreaking technology to improve financial services performance, future-proof cryptography, and optimize efficiency. The festival will also highlight the challenges of applying quantum systems and their impact on the financial services tech stack.
Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer of MAS and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Yerevandi, said:“The financial services sector is at a watershed moment, with AI and quantum computing poised to revolutionize the global financial ecosystem. The SFF 2024 seeks to align technology, innovation and regulation to ensure that these transformative technologies are deployed with strategic foresight, collaboration and adaptability, unlocking new opportunities for economic and industrial growth and resilience. Harmonizing global fintech regulations to support innovation, fostering cross-border collaboration on payments and credit, and ensuring a secure, inclusive and sustainable financial ecosystem enabled by the responsible adoption of AI and quantum technologies will be the key focuses of the SFF 2024.”
SFF will also feature highlights including:
Invitation-only dialogues and signature side events such as the Insights Forum™ will bring together 1,500 senior policymakers, top industry executives and investors for leadership dialogue and collaboration. The forum, which will take place at the Sands Expo and Convention Center on November 4 and 5, aims to catalyze discussions to align key stakeholders on what is needed to grow and enable industrial applications of AI, quantum computing and other cutting-edge technologies. The Insights Forum™ will host the Asia-Pacific chapter of The Capital Meets Policy Dialogue™, convening senior policymakers and leaders from both the private and public sectors to discuss solutions to some of the most pressing issues in capital investment, value creation and policymaking.
This year, the Global Fintech Hack Celerator, hosted by MAS and in partnership with Elevandi, is calling for innovative solutions that address a problem statement centered around improving financial wellbeing. Up to 20 finalists will be shortlisted and paired with a Corporate Champion.[4] They will present their solutions at SFF Demo Day on 6 November. All finalists will receive a startup kiosk to showcase their solution at SFF and a cash prize of S$20,000. The top three winners will be announced at a gala dinner on 7 November and will each win a cash prize of S$50,000 at SFF. Find out more here.
The Blockchain Guardians program is a new skills-based learning initiative that will launch on September 2, 2024. The 10-week program launched by Elevandi Education will address the growing demand for talent and skills gap in the areas of digital assets, data, and compliance in both the public and private sectors. Co-curated by Web3 and digital asset industry stakeholders, the program will include online courses, mentorship, and industry exposure. The program will conclude with a ceremony at the SFF Talent Zone to award digital certificates to 30 graduates.
Across five thematic zones (Tech Zone, ESG Zone, Regulatory Zone, Founders & Investors Zone and Talent Zone), participants can take part in dialogues and workshops, as well as explore an international showcase of the latest FinTech solutions. There will also be mentorship sessions focused on founders and investors, masterclasses such as The Art of Storytelling, a spotlight on women entrepreneurs, mental health and wellness workshops and an alumni event for past participants of The Founders Peak™ in the Founders & Investors Zone.
SFF Meetup[5]A new networking initiative, SFF MeetUp, is expected to facilitate 20,000 meetings at the festival, with half of the exhibit hall dedicated to one-on-one simultaneous meetings. SFF MeetUp helps individuals and organizations efficiently meet, collaborate and conduct business, foster new partnerships and drive growth opportunities.
SFF 2024 to foster agility, innovation, inspiration and connection
Constellar CEO, Markets Paul Lee said: “As the premier platform for hosting the world’s largest annual gathering of the fintech community, SFF aspires to be a truly global marketplace. This year, we plan to expand to more than 40 international pavilions representing 30 countries, together with regional and local associations and industry partners. We will also launch SFF MeetUp, a first for Asia, and a first for the festival, showcasing a transformative technology-based networking experience that is proven to provide attendees with at least five times more efficient and effective engagement opportunities. By facilitating market access and expanding the festival’s collaboration potential, SFF 2024 will play a key role in facilitating connections between leading industry players, regional trade visitors, innovators and startups, fostering the growth of the fintech ecosystem on an unprecedented scale.”
Registration is now open for SFF 2024. Free passes are available for policymakers, regulators, think tanks, academics, programmers and students. Discounted tickets are also available for startups.
