SINGAPORE, [16 March 2026] — The Global Fintech Institute (GFI) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Asia Pacific Exchange (APEX) on 10 March 2026, establishing a strategic partnership to advance fintech education, talent development, and industry engagement.
APEX is a Singapore-incorporated exchange infrastructure company focused on building next-generation trading and clearing solutions for Asia Pacific markets. This partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening professional standards, promoting fintech innovation, and expanding global networks through structured education and industry collaboration.
Strengthening fintech education and certification pathways
The MOU establishes a framework for collaboration across certification access, internship programmes, industry events, and knowledge exchange. Under the agreement, APEX staff may enrol in GFI’s Chartered Fintech Professional (CFtP®) and Chartered Fintech Associate (CFtA) programmes, with scholarship opportunities available through a corporate sponsorship arrangement.
Eligible APEX participants who complete the CFtP may also be nominated to the GFI Industry Fellowship Programme, subject to internal review, reinforcing the partnership’s focus on recognising professional excellence and building institutional leadership within the fintech ecosystem.
Building talent pipelines and industry connectivity
Ho Hui Yi, Chief Strategy Officer at the Global Fintech Institute (GFI), said the collaboration reflects a shared commitment to building credible talent pathways and deepening industry engagement across the fintech ecosystem.
“What makes this partnership meaningful is the breadth of collaboration it enables — from structured certification and internship pathways through to industry events and co-authored knowledge initiatives. APEX brings real infrastructure expertise and a commitment to professional development that aligns directly with how GFI approaches talent building. Together, we’re creating practical, industry-connected pathways that support professionals at every stage of their fintech careers.”
Creating internship pathways for fintech professionals
A distinctive element of this MOU is APEX’s commitment to providing internship positions for GFI-certified candidates during the term of the agreement. These internships are designed for CFtA holders at entry level and CFtP charterholders or candidates at mid-career level, creating structured pathways from certification to real-world industry experience.
GFI will promote these opportunities through its charterholder network and the FLEX.sg platform, ensuring that certified professionals have direct access to meaningful career development opportunities within exchange infrastructure and capital markets.
Deepening industry engagement and knowledge collaboration
Wang Naihui, Chief Corporate Service Officer of Asia Pacific Exchange, commented:
"APEX highly values its collaboration with GFI. Through this partnership, APEX can actively participate in GFI's talent development programs, while GFI provides APEX with multi-level support in talent cultivation and industry development."
Events, branding, and co-authored initiatives
Beyond certification and internships, the partnership extends to industry events, branding, and knowledge collaboration. APEX will be invited to participate in GFI’s in-person events, seminars, and policy roundtables, with opportunities for co-hosted events and speaking engagements.
Supporting professional standards and responsible innovation
This MOU represents a shared intent to collaborate in good faith, strengthen professional standards, and support responsible innovation across Singapore and the wider Asia Pacific region. By combining APEX’s exchange infrastructure expertise with GFI’s education-driven mandate, both organisations aim to build a more skilled, connected, and future-ready fintech ecosystem.
Talent Certification
GFI’s core programmes, the Chartered Fintech Professional (CFtP®) and Chartered Fintech Associate (CFtA) certifications, equip professionals with the essential skills needed to navigate industry change and adapt to the rapidly evolving fintech landscape.
For collaboration enquiries or to explore CFtP® certification for your organization, please contact: [email protected], CC: [email protected]
About Asia Pacific Exchange
Asia Pacific Exchange (APEX) is an international derivatives exchange located in Singapore and is the third Approved Exchange in Singapore to hold “Approved Exchange” and “Approved Clearing House” licenses. Approved by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 2018.APEX offers a suite of futures contracts -- Digital Assets, Financial, Commodity, Precious Metal Asset.