WAIFC joins the Inclusive FinTech Forum, hosted by the Kigali IFC
WAIFC participated in a panel discussion titled "The Great Debate: Role of Financial Centres in the Development of FinTech" in Kigali. This engaging session took place at the Inclusive FinTech Forum, which was hosted by the Kigali International Financial Centre & Elevandi. WAIFC's MD, Dr. Jochen Biedermann, joined esteemed industry experts who shared their insights on critical success factors for FinTech ecosystems.
The moderator, Farai Gundan, M.B.A., M.P.A. (Harvard), skillfully guided the discussion, ensuring a fruitful exchange of ideas among the panelists and capturing the essence of the topic. We extend our sincere gratitude to Farai Gundan for her exceptional moderation, which kept the conversation focused and insightful.
With Dr. Biedermann on the panel were four distinguished professionals, each representing a prominent financial center, three of them being WAIFC members:
Amy Bryant - Jersey Finance: With her deep expertise in financial services, Amy brought valuable insights into the role of financial centers in fostering innovation and driving the growth of FinTech. Her contributions shed light on the regulatory frameworks and support mechanisms necessary to create thriving FinTech ecosystems.
Hortense Mudenge - Rwanda Finance: As a representative of Rwanda Finance, Hortense shared the unique perspective of an emerging financial center. Her input highlighted the importance of collaboration between industry stakeholders, government agencies, and technology innovators in promoting FinTech development and its impact on economic growth.
Sadiq Hamour - Qatar Financial Centre (QFC) Authority: Sadiq's extensive knowledge of the Qatari financial landscape provided valuable insights into the strategies employed by established financial centers to nurture FinTech ecosystems. He emphasized the significance of fostering a conducive environment for entrepreneurship, talent attraction, and cross-sector collaboration.
Lacina Koné - Smart Africa: Lacina's presence added a continental perspective to the discussion, as Smart Africa aims to drive digital transformation across the African continent. His insights shed light on the role of financial centers in supporting pan-African collaborations and leveraging technology to address regional challenges.
Throughout the panel discussion, these experts explored various aspects of FinTech ecosystem development, including regulatory frameworks, access to funding, talent development, and international collaboration. The session fostered a rich exchange of ideas, allowing participants to gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of FinTech and its impact on financial centers worldwide.
As the World Alliance of International Financial Centers (WAIFC), we are committed to fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among financial centers globally. We are grateful to the panelists and the Inclusive FinTech Forum for providing an exceptional platform to delve into the crucial role of financial centers in driving FinTech innovation.