A high profile banker said last year that the FinTech innovators were going to eat her lunch. Judging from the drive, enthusiasm and innovative brain power gathered together in Singapore yesterday, (and today), it is clear that the bankers breakfast and dinner could also be at risk of being consumed.
NextBank Asia who were using the strapline - Changing Banking For The Better – are holding their annual Singapore get together in the appropriate creative and unique setting of The Red Dot Museum.
It also became clear from the presentations by professionals from the largest banks and global insurance companies that the finance industry is not standing still. The Singapore regulator, The Monetary Authority of Singapore, (MAS), was also represented by Roy Teo, Director and Head, (Technology and Payments Division), who are working diligently and constructively on calibrating the new financial technology innovations in a fast movement environment.
DBS Bank who have built a reputation for their rapid embrace of technology were represented by Paul Cobban managing director and chief operating officer of the Technology and Operations group in DBS, Cobban gave an in depth address of how the Singaporean banking giant is integrating FinTech while also pushing the envelope.
However the highlight of the day came when the stage was given over to the Fintech incubator Startupbootcamp who selected five of their stable of start-ups to make 4-minute presentation pitches to the audience. This well received segment displayed the depth and diversity of just what is in the FinTech pipeline in Asia.
NextBank was founded in Singapore four years ago by banking executive and innovation leader, Rob Findlay. He was recently ranked by FinServ 25, as the 8th most influential voice in banking. Next Bank has grown into a global forum to discuss the future of finance, driven by design, innovation and entrepreneurship with events in 18 cities around the world.
Commenting on this year’s Conference, Findlay said, “This is an exciting time to be in the banking industry in Asia and globally. New disruptive technologies and business models are emerging which are challenging the way we bank and transact with each other. Singapore is at the heart of that transformation in Asia. We are looking forward to bringing together thought-leaders from around the region and around the world to share ideas and their vision for the future.”
