Introduction
Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore-headquartered not-for-profit organisation supporting global collaboration in financial technology. Established in 2024 by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, it builds on the work of Elevandi and expands Singapore’s international fintech engagement. GFTN focuses on forums, advisory services, digital platforms and investment activity that support more efficient, resilient and inclusive financial ecosystems.
What is GFTN and what does it offer
GFTN connects regulators, financial institutions, fintech companies, technology providers, investors, academics and ecosystem builders working on the future of finance. Its activity is designed around global collaboration rather than ordinary trade-association membership.
The organisation supports industry dialogue, public-private cooperation, innovation projects, market development and international ecosystem links. Its work is especially relevant to organisations involved in payments, artificial intelligence, asset tokenisation, digital platforms, SME finance, financial inclusion and emerging financial infrastructure.
Mission and role in the ecosystem
GFTN’s mission is to harness technology and innovation to build more efficient, resilient and inclusive financial systems through global partnerships. It provides a platform for policymakers, regulators, financial-sector leaders and technology companies to exchange ideas and turn innovation themes into practical initiatives.
Its ecosystem role combines convening, advisory, platform development and investment. This makes GFTN different from a conventional fintech association: it is more of a global fintech infrastructure and collaboration platform linked to Singapore’s wider financial innovation strategy.
Programmes and activities
| Programme type | Format | Target participants |
|---|---|---|
| Global forums | Conferences, roundtables and policy dialogues | Regulators, fintechs, financial institutions, investors and technology leaders |
| Advisory services | Innovation ecosystem and market-development support | Governments, institutions, ecosystem builders and industry partners |
| Digital platforms | Market, SME and innovation-enablement platforms | Fintechs, SMEs, financial institutions and ecosystem participants |
| Venture investment | Investment activity through technology-focused funding channels | Startups and technology companies with growth and impact potential |
| Research and thought leadership | Reports, insights, working sessions and public-private discussion | Policymakers, industry leaders, academics and fintech practitioners |
| Capability building | Training, talent and innovation programmes with partners | Students, professionals, institutions and emerging fintech ecosystems |
Geographic scope and cross-border reach
GFTN operates globally from Singapore. Its network is relevant to fintech companies, financial institutions, public-sector bodies and innovation ecosystems seeking cross-border collaboration, policy exchange and market-development opportunities.
The organisation has particular relevance in regions where Singapore-linked fintech initiatives, capability hubs, forums and public-private partnerships are active. Its reach extends beyond Asia through global fintech forums, international advisory work and partnerships with governments, institutions and technology ecosystems.
Why GFTN matters for payments operators
GFTN matters for PSPs, payment networks, digital wallet providers, remittance companies, cross-border payment firms, payment infrastructure providers and embedded finance platforms because payments are one of its key innovation themes. Its forums and projects can expose payment operators to regulatory perspectives, partnership opportunities and emerging technology use cases.
For payment firms, GFTN is especially relevant where payments intersect with cross-border connectivity, AI, tokenisation, digital identity, SME finance, financial inclusion, fraud prevention, regulatory dialogue and public-private innovation. It can help payment operators understand global policy priorities and build relationships across markets.
The teams most likely to follow GFTN include strategy, partnerships, business development, policy, government affairs, product, innovation, investment, ecosystem development and senior leadership teams.
Who runs GFTN and how is it organised
GFTN operates with board-level leadership, executive management, advisory structures and regional activity. It was created to expand the impact of Singapore’s fintech initiatives and build a more globally connected model for financial technology collaboration.
Its work is organised around forums, advisory services, digital platforms and investment activity. This gives it a broader operating model than a conference organiser or membership body alone.
Governance and leadership structure
GFTN’s governance includes senior financial-sector, policy and industry leaders. Its leadership structure is designed to support both strategic oversight and operational delivery across global fintech initiatives.
| Area | Role in GFTN’s operating model |
|---|---|
| Board and strategic leadership | Sets direction for global finance and technology collaboration |
| Executive leadership | Runs day-to-day operations, partnerships and programme delivery |
| Advisory structures | Brings international policy, finance, technology and ecosystem expertise |
| Regional teams and partners | Support market-specific initiatives, forums and capability-building activity |
| Public-private partners | Contribute to projects involving governments, institutions, fintechs and technology firms |
Community and stakeholder base
GFTN’s ecosystem includes regulators, central banks, financial institutions, fintech companies, technology firms, investors, universities, research organisations, development partners and public-sector bodies.
Its community is best understood as a global network of participants, partners and stakeholders rather than a standard member list of fintech companies.
What does GFTN do in the ecosystem
Forums and convenings
GFTN convenes forums and policy dialogues focused on financial technology, innovation and the future of finance. Its work is closely connected to major fintech platforms, including Singapore FinTech Festival and other regional or thematic convenings.
These forums bring together regulators, fintech companies, banks, investors, technology firms and academics to discuss payments, AI, tokenisation, digital assets, financial inclusion, SME finance, sustainability, data and infrastructure.
Advisory and ecosystem development
GFTN provides advisory support for innovation ecosystems, governments, institutions and industry partners. This work can include market-development initiatives, public-private collaboration, fintech capability building and support for emerging technology adoption.
Its advisory role is especially relevant in markets seeking to strengthen fintech ecosystems, improve financial inclusion, build talent pipelines or connect local innovation with global financial technology networks.
Digital platforms and investment activity
GFTN’s digital platform activity supports practical collaboration between financial institutions, SMEs, fintech companies and ecosystem participants. Its investment-related activity is focused on technology startups with growth potential and positive social impact.
These areas make GFTN relevant not only as a convenor, but also as an organisation involved in turning policy and innovation themes into market-facing initiatives.
How to engage with GFTN
GFTN engagement is relevant for fintech companies, financial institutions, payment operators, technology providers, regulators, public-sector bodies, investors, universities and ecosystem builders.
Who can participate
Participation is most relevant for organisations involved in financial technology, digital finance, payments, AI, tokenisation, SME finance, financial inclusion, digital platforms, investment and innovation ecosystem development.
Companies may engage through forums, partnerships, advisory projects, platform initiatives, investment opportunities, research activities, sponsorships or ecosystem programmes.
GFTN access routes and fees
Access depends on the specific route, such as event participation, partnership, sponsorship, advisory work, platform involvement or programme participation.
Organisations should confirm current participation routes directly with GFTN before budgeting for engagement.
Commitment and benefits
Participants may gain access to global fintech forums, policy dialogue, market insights, partnership opportunities, innovation projects, investment channels and ecosystem-building initiatives. Engagement typically depends on the organisation’s role, market focus and relevance to GFTN’s active programmes.
FAQ
Is GFTN the same as Elevandi?
GFTN builds on and replaces Elevandi, the not-for-profit organisation previously set up by MAS to support fintech dialogue and major ecosystem convenings.
Who can engage with GFTN?
Fintech companies, payment operators, financial institutions, technology providers, regulators, investors, public-sector bodies, universities and ecosystem builders can engage through relevant forums, partnerships and programmes.
Why does GFTN matter for PSPs?
GFTN is relevant to PSPs because its work covers payments innovation, cross-border collaboration, AI, tokenisation, financial inclusion, SME finance and public-private regulatory dialogue.
Does GFTN operate globally?
Yes. GFTN is headquartered in Singapore but operates globally through forums, partnerships, advisory work, digital platforms and regional initiatives.
Does GFTN offer standard membership?
GFTN is not best understood as a standard membership association. Engagement usually happens through events, partnerships, platforms, advisory work, investment activity or specific ecosystem programmes.
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