The first of a new series to the c-suite podcast, where we speak to the individuals behind some of the biggest events and conferences in the world, whether that’s in retail, payments, technology or fintech.
Graham Barrett is joined by Pat Patel, co-CEO of Global Finance and Technology Network Forums, organisers of the Singapore Fintech Festival, to chat about the highlights from 2025’s event and the challenges of putting on such a large show, the mood of the fintech industry today, and plans for 2026’s festival.
Pat outlines key highlights from the latest festival. These include work on new principles for digital money and new initiatives aimed at reaching the next billion people who remain unbanked or underserved. Digital public infrastructure and financial health are central themes.
He describes managing a thousand speaker sessions and how insights gathered in Singapore shape GFTN’s programmes around the world. Pat also notes a renewed sense of energy in fintech, driven by IPO activity and excitement around AI, tokenisation and quantum technologies.
Pat advises new founders to prioritise profitability over pure growth and to explore opportunities in emerging technologies, along with solutions that genuinely boost financial inclusion. He also reflects on the personal demands of running a major global event, particularly when hosting senior government figures.
Looking ahead, Pat expects further progress in tokenised deposits, commercial use of generative AI and early quantum applications. He hopes to see the number of unbanked people fall below one billion and stresses the importance of including students in industry discussions.
