In the process of organizing our inaugural FinovateAsia (November 6th in Singapore, a limited number of tickets are still for sale), I’m spending a ton of time interacting with technology companies, investors and financial executives from across the region.
With each passing day, I find at least one new data point that makes me ever more optimistic and excited about the rise of Asia in financial and banking technology innovation.
Here’s a small sampling of what is making me so excited:
First, the new innovations that our presenters will be demonstrating at FinovateAsia. Leveraging cutting-edge trends like big data, mobile, biometrics, gamification, aggregation, crowdsourcing and intelligent analytics, these companies (many of which are based throughout Asia) are pushing the boundaries of fintech.
Second, the growth of high-quality venture capital across the region, with some specific players like Citi Ventures and Arbor Advisors Asia being focused on the opportunities in financial technology.
Third, the efforts of government agencies (like Singapore’s Infocomm Development Authority) and large technology companies (like VisaLabs’ new office in Singapore) to foster innovation in the region.
Fourth, the strong growth of mobile banking across the region (e.g. Citibank’s recent passing of the 1 million user mark) and the innovative technology ideas coming from within large banks (e.g. Standard Chartered Bank’s Breeze).
Fifth, the high quality of the audience that will be attending the inaugural FinovateAsia. From leading banks (e.g. Standard Chartered, OCBC, Citibank, Barclays), research firms (e.g. Celent, Gartner), top tech companies (e.g. Microsoft, PayPal), venture capitalists and entrepreneurs, it’s amazing to see the high level of interest in innovative financial technology ideas.
If you’re interested in learning more about these trends, The Asian Banker is hosting a free teleconsultation on Tuesday October 30th
from 4-5pm Singapore time with myself and representatives from Citi Ventures and Arbor Advisors to discuss emerging financial technology trends in Asia.
Beyond that, I hope you’ll consider attending FinovateAsia next week to watch the future of Asian fintech unfold live on stage via our signature demo-only format. There are tickets remaining but time is running out so please register soon.
FinovateAsia 2012 is sponsored by: The Bancorp Inc., Citi Ventures, Financial Technology Partners, Infocomm Development Authority of Singapore, Standard Chartered, & Visa
FinovateAsia 2012 is partners with: Asian Banking & Finance, BankInnovation, BankerStuff, BeSuccess, Celent, Finance on Windows, PYMNTS.com, The Emerging Finance & The Asian Banker