​Attending the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum on October 26-27, 2023, was an enlightening experience for FINA, especially the “Future of FinTech in Rising Economies” panel. This session provided deep insights into the evolving FinTech landscape in emerging markets, aligning with our mission to drive innovation in the SupTech and RegTech sectors.

Agenda Overview

The forum commenced with an opening ceremony featuring speeches from distinguished leaders, including Prime Ministers of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Montenegro along with Vice-President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The agenda was meticulously structured, encompassing various sessions that addressed pivotal topics such as trade, energy diversification and digital connectivity. Notably, the “Future of FinTech in Rising Economies” panel was a highlight for us.

Panel Sessions

The “Future of FinTech in Rising Economies” panel delved into the role of open banking and embedded finance in fostering innovation and enhancing access to financial instruments. Discussions emphasized the transformative potential of fintech in developing markets, highlighting opportunities and challenges unique to these regions. ​

The “Future of FinTech in Rising Economies” Panel Speakers

  • Ben Zhou, Co-founder and CEO of Bybit. Zhou shared his journey in establishing Bybit as a top-five crypto exchange since its inception in 2018. He underscored the importance of regulatory compliance and transparency in building a successful fintech enterprise.

  • Salim Dhanani, CEO & Co-Founder of Pave. Dhanani discussed the significance of programmable money and regulated digital assets in the new financial landscape, drawing from his extensive experience in the fintech sector. ​

  • Natia Turnava, Acting Governor and First Vice-Governor of the National Bank of Georgia. Turnava provided insights into Georgia’s approach to fintech regulation and the central bank’s role in supporting innovation while ensuring financial stability. ​

  • Aaron Heslehurst, Award-winning BBC World News TV Presenter. Heslehurst moderated the panel, facilitating engaging discussions and ensuring a dynamic exchange of ideas. ​

Organizers and Supporters

The forum was organized by the Government of Georgia, with key contributions from the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Supporters included Enterprise Georgia, the Georgian National Tourism Administration and the National Bank of Georgia, among others.

Reflections from FINA

Participating in this forum reinforced our commitment to advancing SupTech solutions tailored for emerging economies. The insights gained from industry leaders and policymakers will undoubtedly inform our strategies moving forward. We are inspired to explore new collaborations and contribute to the dynamic SupTech ecosystem in rising economies.

Event Gallery:

Conference - Tbilisi silk road forum
Conference - Tbilisi silk road forum
Conference - Tbilisi silk road forum
Conference - Tbilisi silk road forum
Conference - Tbilisi silk road forum
Conference - Tbilisi silk road forum

Media source: https://www.tbilisisrf.gov.ge/en/media/Photo_Gallery/