Global FinTech Hackcelerator

A Decade Of FinTech Innovation

Register here for the Global FinTech Hackcelerator.

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#gfh2025 #sff2025 #sgfintechfest2025

Global Fintech Hackcelerator Journey 2025

  • Registration & Proposal Start

  • Registration & Proposal End

  • Announcement of Finalists

  • Demo Day

  • Announce Winners

All timings are as per (GMT +8:00) Singapore, Beijing, Perth, Hong Kong
Organized By
In Partnership With

About Us

Organised by the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) in partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the Global FinTech Hackcelerator celebrates a decade of FinTech innovation while charting the course for the next. Since its inception, the Hackcelerator has attracted 3,400 startups from more than 50 countries. Past finalists have raised more than US$1.5B collectively. The program seeks groundbreaking, market-ready solutions that leverage technology to drive a more efficient, inclusive, and resilient financial system.

AI based solutions for the financial industry

Each problem statement reflects a real challenge sourced from the frontlines of finance, brought forward by corporate champions committed to piloting breakthrough solutions.

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Agentic AI for SME Financial Empowerment and Inclusion | By Mastercard 

How might we deploy AI-enabled financial assistants that empower SMEs to manage cashflow, optimize operations, and access credit, in order to enable underserved businesses to participate fully in the digital economy?  

How might we deploy AI-enabled financial assistants that empower SMEs to manage cashflow, optimize operations, and access credit, in order to enable underserved businesses to participate fully in the digital economy?  

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AI Agents for Wealth Management | By BNP Paribas

How might we leverage AI to help relationship managers in wealth management reduce time spent on administrative tasks, while augmenting their ability to identify new revenue opportunities and deliver superior client outcomes? 

How might we leverage AI to help relationship managers in wealth management reduce time spent on administrative tasks, while augmenting their ability to identify new revenue opportunities and deliver superior client outcomes? 

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AI-Driven Expertise and Client Experience Augmentation for Insurance | By Prudential AI Lab

How might we bridge the expertise gap in core insurance processes, such as claims handling and underwriting, in order to equip human decision-makers with AI-powered insights and recommendations for faster, more informed decisions? 

 

How might we bridge the expertise gap in core insurance processes, such as claims handling and underwriting, in order to equip human decision-makers with AI-powered insights and recommendations for faster, more informed decisions? 

 

AWARDS

Showcase at SFF. Win at the FinTech Awards.

Up to 20 finalists will be selected to showcase their visionary solutions at the Singapore FinTech Festival, with winners crowned at the FinTech Awards dinner. 

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What's in it for Finalists?

SGD20K stipend for each finalist team to attend in-person workshops and the Singapore FinTech Festival

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What's in it for Winners?

SGD240K in total cash prizes for the top three winners

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Pilots with Corporate Champions

Opportunity to run pilots with the Corporate Champions

Eligibility

Early stage startups:
o   Bootstrapped to Series A
o   Based or operating in Southeast Asia Or Overseas startups keen to enter Southeast Asia markets
o   Startups that are open to funding
o   Startups must answer one of the challenge statements
o   Startup must be able to attend in person sessions leading up to Demo Day

FAQ

Why should a founder apply for GFH 2025?

The Global FinTech Hackcelerator 2025 provides an unmatched opportunity for early-stage fintech startups to gain global visibility, market access, and unlock growth through mentorship, funding and partnership opportunities.

Finalists will receive:

  • SGD 20,000 stipend for each finalist team.
  • Complimentary exhibition kiosk at Singapore FinTech Festival 2025.
  • Mentorship by senior leaders from financial institutions and leading corporates.
  • Dedicated investment pool earmarked by venture capital firms to invest into Global FinTech Hackcelerator finalists, subject to due diligence.
  • Masterclasses and workshops to sharpen investment readiness and operational expansion strategies.
  • Pitch your startup at the Demo Day before an international audience of investors, corporate executives, and regulators.
  • Networking and Deal flow: Access to Investor Hours™ and curated closed-door networking sessions.

Winners will additionally receive:

  • SGD 80,000 prize money for each of the top 3 winners.
  • Opportunity to embark on pilot projects with Corporate Champions post-programme.

Does it cost anything to participate?

Absolutely. All finalists will:

  • Showcase to a global audience at the Singapore FinTech Festival.
  • Gain mentorship from senior financial leaders.
  • Be considered for pilot collaboration opportunities with Corporate Champions.
  • Access masterclasses covering investment readiness, legal fundamentals, and scaling strategies.
  • Participate in Investor Hours™, maximising chances for partnership and investment even beyond the competition.

Is my startup application confidential?

Yes, all submissions will be treated confidentially and reviewed exclusively by the official Global FinTech Hackcelerator’s independent evaluation panel.

What is the application process?

  1. Submit your application through the registration form
  2. Applications will be reviewed and shortlisted by a panel of industry experts.
  3. Finalists will be announced and onboarded for mentorship and workshops.
  4. Finalists will pitch to a panel of judges at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025.

What startups are Global FinTech Hackcelerator 2025 targeting? 

Global Fintech Hackcelerator 2025 is looking for early stage fintech startups that:

  • Have developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP).
  • Are currently Bootstrapped, Pre-Seed, Seed, or Series A.
  • Based in, operating in, or intending to enter Southeast Asia markets.
  • Open to external funding opportunities.

What are the requirements in forming a team? 

  • Participants must form their teams before registering.
  • Each individual is allowed to join one team only.
  • Teams are advised to comprise of no more than 10 members, following the “2-pizza rule” for effective collaboration.

Can I submit more than one proposal to different problem statements?

No. Each team or participant may submit only one proposal addressing one Problem Statement.

What should I include in the video for my application?

Your video should highlight:

  • A live demonstration of your product/service.
  • A clear articulation of how your solution addresses the selected GFH 2025 Problem Statement.
  • Authenticity over production quality – phone-recorded demos are welcome.

What do I need to include in my overall submission?

Your submission must include:

  • Proposal Document: A PDF (1–5 pages, minimum 11-point font and 1-inch margins) making the case for why your solution should be selected.
  • Pitch Deck: An overview of your solution, the problem it solves, market opportunity, business model, and team background.
  • Video Demonstration: A short video showing one or more team members presenting a live demo of your solution.

Important Submission Guidelines:

  • All documents must be in English.
  • Videos must either be in English.
  • Do not submit Google Drive, Dropbox, or similar links – files must be directly uploaded.
  • All submissions must be completed by 20 June 2025, 2359 SGT. Late submissions will not be accepted.

Who are the Corporate Champions?

Corporate Champions are leading financial institutions and corporates who contribute the official Global FinTech Hackcelerator 2025 Problem Statements.

They will work closely with finalists to contextualise and refine solutions for  potential pilot engagements post-programme.

Do I have to be based in Singapore to participate?

No. GFH 2025 is open to global applicants with an interest in the South East Asia market.
However, attendance in Singapore is mandatory for finalists during the in- person programme week and Demo Day at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025.
Each finalist team will receive a SGD 20,000 stipend to defray travel and accommodation costs.

What can winning GFH 2025 do for my startup?

Winning GFH 2025 unlocks:

  • Global brand exposure through the Singapore FinTech Festival2025.
  • Cash prizes and access to an investment pool reserved for Global FinTech Hackcelerator finalists.
  • Strategic introductions to industry leaders, government agencies, and global investors.
  • Continued post-programme support via the GFTN network.

Can finalists benefit if they don’t win?

Absolutely. All finalists will:

  • Showcase to a global audience at the Singapore FinTech Festival.
  • Gain mentorship from senior financial leaders.
  • Be considered for pilot collaboration opportunities with Corporate Champions.
  • Access masterclasses covering investment readiness, legal fundamentals, and scaling strategies.
  • Participate in Investor Hours™, maximising chances for partnership and investment even beyond the competition.

When will the winners be announced?

The winners will be crowned at the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025 Awards Dinner on 13 November 2025.

Need more information?

Contact us at gfh@gftn.com - we're happy to support you through your GFH 2025 journey!

Register & show your interest

Register for the Global FinTech Hackcelerator here.

Click here to learn more about the Global Fintech Hackcelerator.

Benefits

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Global FinTech Hackcelerator

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