News & Updates

New Opportunities in Zhejiang’s Digital Finance Landscape: GFI Chairman Prof David Lee (CFtP®) Outlines Collaborative Blueprint for the RWA Era

SINGAPORE, 29 November 2025 — At the Guizhou Moutai–Zhejiang Businessmen Singapore Conference 2025, held on 29 November, Prof David Lee (CFtP®), Chairman of the Global Fintech Institute (GFI), Professor at the Singapore University of Social Sciences, and Vice President of the Singapore Economic Association, delivered a keynote address that placed Zhejiang and Singapore at the centre of the global Real World Asset (RWA) transformation. Speaking to business leaders, policymakers, and innovators,

Prof David Lee (CFtP®) Issues Key Warning on “Silent Dollarisation” and ASEAN’s Digital Sovereignty at the 48th ASEAN Economic Association Meeting

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, 27 November 2025 — The 48th ASEAN Economic Association Meeting convened from 19 to 20 November 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, bringing together regional policymakers, economists, and academics to address this year’s theme: Enhancing ASEAN Resilience: Sustainability, Digitalisation and Inclusivity. The event gathered senior leaders including His Excellency Dato’ Seri Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour, Governor of the Central Bank of Malaysia, and Dr Marco Larizza from the World Bank, alongsi

World Scientific Releases the 2025 Annual Review of Fintech, Volume 03: “Leading in a Future Economy”

SINGAPORE, 19 November 2025 — The Global Fintech Institute (GFI) is pleased to share the release of the World Scientific Annual Review of Fintech, Volume 03 (2025), a Special Edition titled “Leading in a Future Economy.” Developed under the Temasek Foundation – Wealth Management Institute (WMI) Finance and Markets Programme for Policymakers, the publication brings together insights from central banks, regulatory agencies and policy institutions across Southeast Asia, India and China. As jurisdi

GFI Articulates Core AI Ethical Principles at AICIF 2025

SINGAPORE, 20 November 2025 — The 6th ACM International Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Finance (AICIF 2025) convened global leaders in Singapore on 15 November to examine one of the industry’s most urgent topics: cross-border governance of artificial intelligence. At the Industry Leaders Roundtable, experts from regulatory bodies, financial institutions, and academia exchanged perspectives on how AI can be deployed responsibly across global financial systems. Moderated by Dr Andrzej G

Global Fintech Institute Unveils Youth Wing at NTU FinTech Industry Day 2025

SINGAPORE, 21 November 2025 — The Global Fintech Institute (GFI) unveiled its newly formed GFI Youth Wing at NTU SPMS FinTech Industry Day 2025, marking a significant milestone in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of fintech talent. Held at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Physical and Mathematical Sciences, the Industry Day brought together academics, industry leaders, and regulators for a full day of dialogue on digital finance. Supported by the Monetary Authority of

Global Fintech Institute Concludes Web3 Leader Programme in Singapore, Empowering the Next Generation of Fintech Leaders

SINGAPORE, November 9, 2025 — The Global Fintech Institute (GFI) successfully concluded the Web3 Leader Programme, a four-day initiative held from 6 to 9 November 2025 in Singapore, bringing together founders, policymakers, executives, and academics from across Asia to explore the evolution of decentralised finance, digital assets, and financial innovation. Hosted in collaboration with leading fintech institutions and ecosystem partners, the programme aimed to strengthen knowledge exchange acro

Developing a Competitive Digital Asset Ecosystem — Insights from Prof David Lee at the Da Nang International Financial Center Seminar

DA NANG, Vietnam, November 7, 2025 — The two-day seminar on “Positioning and Developing Viet Nam’s International Financial Centre in Da Nang: Opportunities for Transaction and Investment Attraction” brought together policymakers, regulators, and international experts to explore strategies for transforming Da Nang into a vibrant regional financial hub. Jointly organised by the Da Nang People’s Committee and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the event focused on three key pillars shapi

GFI Forward-looking Insights: Professor Li Guoquan Talks Global Web3 and Infrastructure Construction at Shanghai Blockchain International Week 2025

Blockchain Global Summit: Explaining Singapore’s ‘Garden City’ Web3 Development Philosophy At the 11th Blockchain Global Summit, Professor Lee gave a strategically high keynote address on the topic of “From the Wild West to the Garden City: The Web3 Order Revolution in Singapore”. 1. Strategic Blueprint for the “BLOOM Plan” Professor Lee focused on the newly launched “BLOOM” scheme of the Monetary Authority of Singapore. The plan aims to build a borderless, highly liquid, open, online, multi-

Binance Academy and Global Fintech Institute Launch Curriculum on Crypto Regulatory Risks

SINGAPORE, October 23, 2025 — The Global Fintech Institute (GFI), in collaboration with Binance Academy, has launched a new professional curriculum titled Introduction to Regulatory Risks and Frameworks, designed to help financial and compliance professionals understand how global crypto regulation is evolving. As digital assets reshape global finance, the course provides a structured pathway to mastering crypto compliance, financial regulation, and digital asset risk management. Learners gain

Binance Supports Global Fintech Institute to Advance Fintech Education in the AI & Crypto Era

TOKYO, March 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Binance, the global blockchain ecosystem behind the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, has announced its sponsorship and strategic support for the Global Fintech Institute (GFI) to advance fintech education, professional development and innovation. This collaboration aims to equip professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an era defined by artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain, and evolving financial regulations. Empowering the Fintech Workfo

Strengthening Asia’s Fintech Landscape: GFI Successfully Co-Hosts “Fintech Innovation and Application Forum” in Xiamen

Xiamen, China – 13 September 2024 – Global FinTech Institute (GFI) proudly co-organized the “Fintech Innovation and Application Forum” in Xiamen, China, bringing together industry leaders to explore the growing impact of fintech and artificial intelligence (AI) on international business expansion. The forum served as a pivotal platform for discussions on the latest trends and innovations in the fintech sector, with a focus on how these advancements are shaping global markets. The event featured

GFI Partners Shanghai Pudong Talent Development: Launch of CFtP Program in Shanghai & Establish Zhangjiang Hub for Fintech Innovation

Shanghai, China – 10 September 2024 – The Global Fintech Institute (GFI) has launched a strategic partnership with Shanghai Pudong Talent Development to introduce the Chartered FinTech Professional (CFtP) Talent Development Program. This initiative, unveiled at the International Fintech Innovation Development Forum 2024 in Zhangjiang, Shanghai, aims to set global standards in fintech education and training. The event also marked the debut of the GFI Zhangjiang Hub, a pioneering center for fintec

Forging a Path to Digital Excellence: Oracle and GFI Join Forces to Drive Fintech Innovation and Talent Development

The synergy between industry and academic institutions is crucial for driving innovation and progress in today’s fast-paced world. By combining the strengths of both sectors, we can create a powerful engine for growth and development. Therefore, we are thrilled to announce a strategic collaboration between Oracle Technology Talent Innovation Center (China) and the Global Fintech Institute (GFI)!  This partnership inked via Oracle Technology Talent Innovation Center (China)’s authorized partner

Strategic Partnership Between Global FinTech Institute and ICP Hub Singapore

We are pleased to announce that the Global FinTech Institute and ICP Hub Singapore have entered into a strategic partnership aimed at advancing the FinTech and Web3 ecosystems. Key Highlights of this Collaboration: – Innovation: Joint efforts on FLEX International, an open investment marketplace designed to connect global FinTech startups with investors, fostering a dynamic environment for innovation. – Talent Development: Promotion of the Global FinTech Institute’s Chartered FinTech Professio

WAWEB3 & GFI International Web3 Conference 2024

The long awaited yearly WAWEB3 & GFI International Web3 Conference started with a bang yesterday at The University Club Of Western Australia! We brought together government representatives, academics, tech enthusiasts, developers, creatives community leaders, entrepreneurs and many more from the WA and ASEAN region. Here are some of the event highlights: 🌏 The overarching theme yesterday wraps around a deeper understanding of Web3 from diverse perspectives, we touched on the latest updates a

Fostering Innovation and Impact: A Collaboration to Bolster FinTech and Social Progress – Flex International.

Singapore Strengthens FinTech and Impact Ecosystem Through Partnership Two prominent Singaporean institutions, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) and Temasek Trust, have joined forces to accelerate the growth of financial technology (FinTech) and impact investing in the region. This collaboration aims to establish a unified roadmap and a compatible technological framework to streamline collaboration across various open technology platforms. Shared Vision, Open Infrastructure The partne

Tokenization vs Securitization

Tokens and securities have a lot in common. Both are claims on assets. The developments of these instruments have also benefited from advances in computer technology operationalizing the concepts underlying the instruments. However, there are differences. Tokenization extends the possibilities from securitization. Tokenization adds a new dimension – programmability. This enables the terms of a claim to be modified, under different circumstances, through a process that is programmed into the tok

The Financial Academy and Global Fintech Institute sign a MoU for training programs and professional exams

Riyadh, 23 July 2023 – The Financial Academy and Global Fintech Institute have signed today an MOU for a business relationship in training programs, professional qualifications, and events to the financial sector in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The MOU was signed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Financial Academy, Mana Alkhamsan and Co-founder and Executive Director of Global Fintech Institute, Chia Hock Lai. “With our collaboration with Global Fintech Institute, we look forward to provid

Global Fintech Institute & Digital Pilipinas partner to build Fintech expertise

Digital Pilipinas, now the largest private sector-led movement for creating an innovation and technology ecosystem in the Philippines that is actively engaged in a global digital economy, has joined forces with the Global FinTech Institute (GFI), a global professional credentialing body dedicated to certifying FinTech professionals globally and creating greater collaboration, advocacy, ethics, and knowledge for all FinTech professionals. Through this partnership, Digital Pilipinas and GFI have

MOU signed amongst GFI, Africa Fintech Network & One ASEAN Fintech Movement to collaborate on education programs in Africa & ASEAN countries to advance development of digital economy & fintech ecosystems

On June 22nd, 2023- At the inaugural Inclusive Fintech Forum held at Kigali, Rwanda, Global Fintech Institute signed a three-party MOU with Africa Fintech Network and One ASEAN Fintech Movement/ Digital Pilipinas, committing to jointly promoting and furthering collaboration amongst the three institutions as part of the development of the fintech and the digital economy ecosystem in Africa and in ASEAN Countries (Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia). GFI will be worki

Professor David Lee Kuo Chuen ‘Global Market Overview ChatGPT’

Professor David Lee Kuo Chuen, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and Chairman of the Global Fintech Institute (GFI), attended the ‘iNews24 ICT Forum’ (ICTF) 2023 held at Ferrum Hall, Ferrum Tower, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul on the afternoon of 24th May. and gave a special lecture entitled ‘Global Market Overview ChatGPT’. Source: https://www.inews24.com/view/1597650

Chongqing and Singapore Initiate Financial Technology Talent Development

On April 20-21, 2023, the 5th China-Singapore (Chongqing) Connectivity Initiative Financial Summit  was held simultaneously in Chongqing and Singapore. The summit was jointly organized by the Ministry of Commerce, the People’s Bank of China, the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the China Securities Regulatory Commission, the State Administration of Foreign Exchange, the Ministry of Trade and Industry of Singapore, the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the Chongqing Municipal

WAWEB3 GFI Conference at the University of Western Australia

[Perth, 5 April 2023] The two-day WAWEB3 GFI conference was held as scheduled at the University of Western Australia today. This two-day conference will cover hot topics such as sustainable green finance, security, regulations, digital assets, and the metaverse. In particular, the conference will explore how to use green energy for mining and promote a safer Proof-of-Work consensus mechanism. Fiona Argyle, the Mayor of Nedlands in Australia, was invited to the conference and delivered a speec

Online webinar co-organised by GFI and IU Alumni Singapore Chapter on ChatGPT and the Future of Work

Event on 28th March 2023, a masterclass by Professor David Lee, touching on topics very relatable to today’s workforce. Then followed by a fireside chat with Professor David, moderated by Mahmood Jumabhoy. The fireside chat was very warm and open, and it gave everyone much food for thought. The audience was very active in asking thought-provoking questions, such as “If you have children now, what areas of education should they pursue given that most jobs will go away in the not too distant futu

New Green Financing for SMEs Certificate by SME Financial Empowerment Programme

[Singapore, 3 November 2022] Proxtera and Global Fintech Institute (GFI), together with key partners, the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), have launched a new ‘Green Financing for SMEs’ certificate at the Singapore Fintech Festival, as part of the SME Financial Empowerment (SFE) programme launched earlier this year[1]. This is in conjunction with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding amo

GFI & Proxtera signs MOU with Philippines Trade Training Centre for roll out of SME Financial Empowerment Programme to SMEs nationwide in the Philippines

Global FinTech Institute, Proxtera & Philippines Trade Training Centre (PTTC) have signed an MOU at the Philippines Fintech Festival 2022 to mark their partnership for the local roll-out of the SME Financial Empowerment  (SFE) Programme via PTTC’s vast network across the whole of Philippines. The MOU aims to operationalize the SFE program in the Philippines, targetting 500 participants this year and 100,000 in the next three years. Globe, Esquire and Azure will initially sponsor the training fe

GFI signs MOU with Digital Pilipinas for collaboration on SME Financial Empowerment Programme roll-out in the Philippines

Digital Pilipinas and Global FinTech Institute have signed an MOU at the recently concluded Singapore Blockchain Week 2022 to collaborate closely with the Department of Trade and Industry & Filipino universities to co-create and roll-out digital finance literacy content for SMEs in the Philippines, under the second phase of the SME Financial Empowerment  (SFE) Programme. Digital Pilipinas is the largest private-sector movement in the Philippines to actively champion technological adoption in ind

GFI inks MOU with Monetary Authority of Singapore & Singapore University of Social Sciences for SME Financial Empowerment programme

Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) and Global FinTech Institute signed an MOU at the recently concluded Global Web3 Eco Innovation Summit 2022 to collaborate on education, research, training & development and dissemination of knowledge that concerns the financial empowerment of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (“MSMEs”). As Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer of MAS had shared, the SME Financial Empowerment (SFE) Programme goes bey

GFI launches the SME Financial Empowerment programme, an initiative led by Monetary Authority of Singapore

With the goal of helping more than 400,000 MSMEs in Asia & Africa build foundational digital financial literacy skills, and gain a good understanding of cross-border financial services relevant to MSMEs, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched a new digital financial education programme, the SME Financial Empowerment programme, in partnership with the IFC – International Finance Corporation, UNDP, Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) & Global Fintech Institute. The programme

GFI Establishes International Council

The International Council will provide strategic guidance to GFI in promoting FinTech education and exchange of ideas globally, as well as establishing thought leadership within the industry by sharing the best practices of different countries and regions. GFI’s International Council members include: * H.E. Dr Serey Chea, Assistant Governor, National Bank of Cambodia * Mr Calvin Choi, Chairman and CEO, AMTD Group * Prof Sheng Songcheng, Counselor of PBoC and Shanghai Municipal People’s Gove

GFI, World Scientific Publishing & The Journal of FinTech forges official partnership and GFI sets up International Council

Global FinTech Institute (GFI) partners Globally-Acclaimed World Scientific Publishing Co (WSPC) to Collaborate on Journal and Book Series for FinTech professionals in Singapore GFI named official partner of the Journal of FinTech and to promote the journal to its members and encourage paper submissions WSPC designated as official publisher of course materials for the Chartered Fintech Professional (CFtP) programme accredited by GFI Singapore, 7 May 2021 – Global FinTech Institute (GFI) annou

Global Fintech Institute, Blockchain Association Singapore, and Elliptic Singapore to roll out a Digital Asset Compliance Certification in Asia

Singapore, 22 April 2021 – Global FinTech Institute (GFI), Singapore- based global professional credentialing body  for FinTech professionals, Blockchain Association Singapore (BAS), the leading industry association for Digital Asset and Enterprise Blockchain, and Elliptic Singapore Private Limited (Elliptic), a leading provider of Digital Asset Risk Management Solutions for Digital Asset businesses and financial institutions, today announced it has inked a Memorandum of Understanding to roll ou

GFI and AMTD Foundation awards scholarships and sets up Professional Council

Press Release For Immediate Release GFI and AMTD Foundation awards scholarships and sets up Professional Council * GFI and AMTD Foundation awards the AMTD-GFI SpiderNet scholarship to 20 students from SUSS and SUFE to complete the Chartered FinTech Professional (CFtP) qualification with internship in the AMTD SpiderNet ecosystem of Fintech firms around the world * GFI sets up the Professional Council aimed at guiding GFI to offer continuing education programmes for its members  Singapore,

Fintech in China & ASEAN

BSN的技术架构和核心理念介绍

Future of Learning and the New Work Agenda

What is the future of learning? Why and how should individuals take ownership of their own learning? What are the different options in life and how should one be prepared in order to seize the opportunities? Come hear from experts and industry practitioners, on 7th Sep 2020 (10am – 11.30am) on the “Future of Learning and the New Work Agenda”, with a stellar line-up of speakers : Patrick Tay Teck Guan NTUC, Annie Koh SMU, David LEE Kuo Chuen 李国权 GFI, Calvin Choi AMTD and moderated by Chia Hock L

CFtP Launch Video on 26 Aug 2020

Global FinTech Institute partners SUSS and SIIFC to grow international FinTech talents through the CFtP Qualification

Press Release For Immediate Release Global FinTech Institute partners SUSS and SIIFC to grow international FinTech talents through the CFtP Qualification • The collaboration will propel business growth by augmenting international financial technology and the FinTech ecosystem • GFI, SUSS and SIIFC signed a MOU to build a sustainable pipeline of international FinTech talents over a virtual ceremony held this afternoon 全球金融科技学院携手 SUSS 和 SIIFC，通过 CFtP 培养国际金融科技人才 • 此次合作将推进国际金融科技专业人才的培养和提升金融科技生态系统

Launch of Chartered FinTech Professional (CFtP)

On 26 August 2020, Global FinTech Institute, the Shanghai Institute of International Finance Center of Shanghai University of Finance and Economics and the Singapore University of Social Science, are signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) online to jointly develop the Chartered FinTech Professional (CFtP) qualification program. Through this collaboration on the CFtP qualification program, we hope to cultivate more international FinTech talents, promote the formation of FinTech ecosystems, a

Ant IPO: The Internet 2.0

A publication by GFI Academic Council member Paul Schulte on the Ant Group IPO. https://learn.globalfintechinstitute.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/ED290-Ant-IPO-The-Internet-2.0.-Subscribe-.pdf