Just over a week ago, I—along with a handful of other Kiwis—returned from a trip to Singapore. It was not only a personal eye-opener, but also a reminder that, despite our small size and remote location, we remain at least largely aware of the key themes shaping global fintech. This trip highlighted how fast fintech is evolving worldwide, with New Zealand facing real challenges to keep pace. The influence of artificial intelligence is unmistakable—its impact can now be seen at every level of the financial ecosystem, from institutions and fintech’s to customers and society.
Below, I’ve done my best to summarise some of my core takeaways from participating in the Global Insights (Regulator) Forum (link) the Singapore Fintech Festival(link), and multiple meetings with members, potential inbound (fin)techs, regulators, and speakers who are planning to be involved with our Fintech Hui (see more below)
AI, Agentic Commerce & Digital Money
Agentic commerce is quickly moving from theory to reality, with live solutions demonstrated by groups like Ant, Mastercard, Visa, and Stripe. These products are profoundly changing e-commerce, marketing, digital advertising, and even browser behaviour. The rapid shift toward stablecoins, tokenisation, and digital currencies is driving real-world innovation that goes far beyond previous central bank experiments. New Zealand must prioritise these areas—especially now that the FMA has requested feedback on tokenisation.
Atomic Settlement and the importance of real time payments and credentialed Identity
Real-time, ‘atomic’ payment settlement is becoming essential, and robust identity verification is fundamental to that progress. New Zealand still lacks the necessary identity credential infrastructure. While initiatives like PaymentsNZ’s next-gen payments plan are progressing, the country risks falling even further behind if this gap isn’t addressed soon. Conversations with firms like Trust Stamp—offering infrastructure, fractional, and tokenised identity solutions—highlighted powerful use cases that can strengthen trust across the ecosystem. IMO, the likes of Stablecoin are by nature real time, cross boarder and are highly efficient and by pass many traditional infrastructures and will be highly valuable – and competitive offerings over traditional pathways. Both Identiy and regulation will be core drivers for success
Quantum Computing Threats
Quantum computing—especially the threat of “Q-day,” when quantum computers could compromise current encryption—is top of mind and I have to say initially I saw as extremely disruptive risk. Experts I heard from, especially Colin Payne (who leads the UK’s FCA Innovation Centre), forecast that Q-day may arrive in just 2–3 years. The good news is that global standards and migration strategies are emerging, so in most cases, organisations simply need to apply the right technology and meet the updated standards. Will it be another Y2K? Hopefully not.
Regulation and Global Collaboration
The ongoing partnership between the UK’s FCA and Singapore’s MAS stands out as a great example of regulatory alignment and the potential for building global standards. Thanks to New Zealand’s strong bilateral arrangements and participation in a regulated open banking regime, there are clear opportunities for us to benefit from this “bridge” approach as fintech continues to globalise.
In summary, I know it is hugely important for Kiwi’s to not only make a showing at very significant events like this (to fly the flag – not that we did at all well – see Graeme Mullers (LinkedIn) comment on this here)
In order that we remain relevant it a hugely important period of financial innovation as we progress to the vision of an Open Data led, digital economy we our nation
FintechNZ is determined we do not to lose opportunity here and if you believe like I – and may do that we could become a globally renowned FinTech nation (and not a back water essentially ‘ruled’ by others) then I do invite you to come to the Insights forum followed by the Fintech Hui on March 11,12 in Wellington. For more information on great (international) speakers, our sponsors and format see the Hui section below