By Tariq Jamal, Journalist, HD Flash News
Money20/20 Asia 2024, held at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre in Bangkok, Thailand, was a premier event that brought together leaders and innovators in the financial technology sector. The event showcased groundbreaking advancements, trends, and networking opportunities that are shaping the future of fintech globally.
Key Highlights and Insights
Vision Stage Panels
One of the standout sessions was “Global Payment Trends: Asia’s QR Revolution, Europe’s Open Banking Wave, America’s Card Dominance – Who Will Triumph?” This panel, moderated by Rachel Morissey from USA Money20/20, featured industry heavyweights like Zubin Rada Krishnan (BigPay), Andreas Kurniawan (Bank Danamon Indonesia), and Phil Pomford (Worldpay). They discussed the ongoing revolution in QR payments in Asia, the rise of open banking in Europe, and the continued dominance of card payments in the US.
Empowering Small Businesses
In the session “Empowering Small Businesses: A Vision Beyond Wall Street,” Charles Li, founder and chairman of Micro Connect, highlighted innovative financial models for micro and small businesses. His insights into Micro Connect’s expansion in Southeast Asia underscored the importance of daily revenue investments over traditional equity and credit models.
Asian Financial Trends
The “Redefining the Filipino Financial Frontier” panel explored the rapid growth of GCash in the Philippines. Ernest Cu (Globe), Pebbles Sy (GCash), and Douglas Feagin (Ant International) shared their experiences in leveraging technology and partnerships to unlock fintech opportunities in the region.
Another notable session was a fireside chat with Kattiya Indaravijaya from Kasikornbank, hosted by Danny Levy from Money20/20. Indaravijaya discussed the significant increase in digital transactions due to cross-border collaborations between KBank and DBS Bank, as well as efforts to combat fraudulent activities in Thailand.
Announcements and Collaborations
Several significant announcements were made during the event:
- PLDT-backed Maya Bank partnered with Tala to channel $48 million worth of loans to Filipinos, enhancing access to credit.
- KBank launched Project Carina in collaboration with J.P. Morgan, utilizing Q-money and JPM Coin to innovate digital financial transactions.
Networking and Social Events
The Money20/20 Asia event was not just about panels and keynotes; it also offered numerous networking opportunities. A highlight was the “Money Under Moonlight” event at the Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park. This enchanting evening featured a celebration of Asia’s diverse cultures, complete with lanterns and candles, creating a memorable experience for attendees.
Conclusion
Money20/20 Asia 2024 in Bangkok successfully highlighted the latest trends, innovations, and collaborations in the fintech industry. The event provided a platform for industry leaders to share insights and forge partnerships that will shape the future of financial technology.
For more detailed coverage and updates on fintech trends, follow HD Flash News and connect with me on LinkedIn.
Looking Ahead
The next significant gathering for fintech enthusiasts and professionals will be Money20/20 USA, scheduled to be held in Las Vegas from October 27-30, 2024. This event promises to continue the conversation and innovation showcased in Bangkok, bringing together global leaders to further explore the future of financial technology.