Forum Highlights
Join us at the GFTN Forum, Japan where the rich heritage of Japan intertwines with cutting-edge financial technology. As part of the renowned Japan FinTech Week, the GFTN Forum, Japan 2025 will gather over 200 global speakers to explore the transformative role of Japan in the global financial landscape. With a dynamic agenda featuring deep dives, keynote sessions, and strategic roundtables, attendees will gain invaluable insights and practical tools and strategies to thrive in the fintech sector. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with industry leaders, share ideas, and be part of a vibrant community shaping the future of fintech!
Japan FinTech Week
The GFTN Forum, Japan 2025, is part of the Japan Financial Services Agency's Japan FinTech Week (JFW). This Forum highlights the dynamic international ecosystem within JFW, embracing the bold theme of "Building Financial Corridors Worldwide" while supporting the domestic ecosystem.
The Forum will focus on:
- Building Financial Corridors: Connecting South and North Asia, ASEAN, and the rest of the world through innovative solutions and capital.
- Exploring the Impact of Technology: Investigating how AI, Quantum Technology, and Digital Assets transform economies, focusing on practical implementation.
- A Deep-Dive Inquiry: Examining the future of technology transformation in three key areas: Asset Management, Digital Assets, and Future Tech Stack.
- Expanding the Founder's Peak™ Program: We are enhancing the highly successful Founder's Peak™ program with a new partner segment called "We The Women" (WTW), dedicated to celebrating women impact makers.
- Driving Actionable Results: Collaborating on reports and initiatives that engage the public and private sectors to achieve meaningful outcomes.
Forum Overview
* Live Bilingual Translation
Tuesday 4th March
Thursday 6th March
Global Leaders Dialogue*
A curated series of dialogues at the intersection of policy, finance and technology framing the year ahead in 2025. Where are the tailwinds and headwinds across the region and how can we navigate these?
Tuesday 4th March
Bellesalle Tokyo-Nihonbashi & TSE Hall
Exhibition Showcase & 1-1 Meetings
Tuesday 4th March
Insights ForumTM
Wednesday 5th March
VIP Reception
Deep-dive Roundtables
Wednesday 5th March
Asset Management Forum @TSE*
CXO Conversations
Thursday 6th March
FutureTech Forum*
Founders Day
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Investor Hours GFTN x Carta
The Founders ROCKTM
Kanda Myojin Shrine
International Delegations’ Receptions and Community Partner Events
Thursday 6th March
Digital Assets Summit*
Tuesday 4th March
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Delegations Day
Side Events
Across Tokyo
Delegations to Japanese Cities
The Founders PeakTM*
Kanda Myojin Shrine
Networking
Wednesday 5th March
2025 Themes
The new financial corridor
Next gen transactions
Blueprint for digital assets
Asset management &
capital markets
Roadmap for AI and quantum computing
Hyper scaling the start-up ecosystem
Forum Highlights
2024 in Numbers
Festival Agenda Themes 2025
RISE TOGETHER I “Building the New Financial Corridor”
- The new financial corridor: Japan’s evolving role as a financial hub in Asia and the Global stage with-in rapidly changing geo-politics
- Next gen transactions: How is the payments landscape evolving from B2C to B2B, both domestically and cross-border?
- Bridging the financial gap: The role of Japan in bringing financial inclusion for underserved communities
- Hyper scaling the Start-up ecosystem: Advancing Japan’s goal to lead in finance, deep tech, and innovation by boosting start-ups, foreign investment, and talent growth
- Blueprint for digital assets: How is regulation impacting new financial products and services, from stablecoins to tokenized real-world assets, in our daily lives?
- Sustainability in action: Japan's role in financial inclusion, climate change, circular economies, green financing, and ESG, highlighting recent developments
- Asset management & capital markets: As the world's third-largest economy, how can Japan expand its role in asset management, capital markets, and transaction flows with other financial hubs
- Roadmap for AI and quantum computing: What are the latest developments and leaders in Japan, and how can they impact the bottom line and reshape financial services?
- Rising Asia: Spotlight on fintech developments from Japan's neighbors, South Korea and Taiwan, and leaders from Southeast Asia as well Japan’s latest startups
JFF 2024 Featured Speakers
Taro Kono
Minister for Digital Transformation
Japan
Taro Kono
Minister for Digital Transformation
Taro Kono
Minister for Digital Transformation
Japan
Junichi Kanda
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office
Japan
Junichi Kanda
Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Cabinet Office
Yuriko Koike
Governor of Tokyo
Tokyo Metropolitan Government (virtual)
Yuriko Koike
Governor of Tokyo
Ken Hasebe
Mayor of Shibuya
Ken Hasebe
Mayor of Shibuya
Akio Isowa
Group Chief Digital Innovation Officer
SMBC Group
Akio Isowa
Group Chief Digital Innovation Officer
Akio Isowa
Group Chief Digital Innovation Officer
SMBC Group
Alan Lim
Head, FinTech Infrastructure Office
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Alan Lim
Head, FinTech Infrastructure Office
Alan is the head of the FinTech Infrastructure Office at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He is responsible for developing Singapore’s digital financial infrastructure and establishing platforms for cross border connectivity.
Prior to this, he held various leadership roles in the private sector including managing consulting and development teams across Asia Pacific.
Alan Lim
Head, FinTech Infrastructure Office
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Alan is the head of the FinTech Infrastructure Office at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He is responsible for developing Singapore’s digital financial infrastructure and establishing platforms for cross border connectivity.
Prior to this, he held various leadership roles in the private sector including managing consulting and development teams across Asia Pacific.
Brenda Hu
Director-General of the Department of Planning and Executive Secretary of the Fintech Center
Financial Supervisory Commission (Taiwan)
Brenda Hu
Director-General of the Department of Planning and Executive Secretary of the Fintech Center
Brenda Hu
Director-General of the Department of Planning and Executive Secretary of the Fintech Center
Financial Supervisory Commission (Taiwan)
Carole House
Executive In Residence
Terranet Ventures
Carole House
Executive In Residence
Carole House
Executive In Residence
Terranet Ventures
Dr Daranee Saeju
Assistant Governor
Bank of Thailand
Dr Daranee Saeju
Assistant Governor
Dr Daranee Saeju
Assistant Governor
Bank of Thailand
Dr David Hardoon
CEO
Aboitiz Data Innovation
Dr David Hardoon
CEO
Dr David Hardoon
CEO
Aboitiz Data Innovation
Devendra Kumar (DK) Sharma
President & Chief Operating Officer
Kore.ai
Devendra Kumar (DK) Sharma
President & Chief Operating Officer
As President and COO of Kore.ai, DK leads Go-to-Market functions, revenue growth, client success, strategy and cross-functional collaboration. Till recently he served as the CEO of a pioneering payments startup and a lending incubator. As ex-CIO of Citigroup International, he spearheaded large scale core modernization and digitalization initiatives. He is renowned for driving enterprise-grade software development and scaling sustainable growth.
Devendra Kumar (DK) Sharma
President & Chief Operating Officer
Kore.ai
As President and COO of Kore.ai, DK leads Go-to-Market functions, revenue growth, client success, strategy and cross-functional collaboration. Till recently he served as the CEO of a pioneering payments startup and a lending incubator. As ex-CIO of Citigroup International, he spearheaded large scale core modernization and digitalization initiatives. He is renowned for driving enterprise-grade software development and scaling sustainable growth.
Doug Feagin
President
Ant International
Doug Feagin
President
Doug Feagin
President
Ant International
Dr Felix Schneider
Head FinTech Investments
DEG
Dr Felix Schneider
Head FinTech Investments
Dr. Felix Schneider is heading the investment activities in the FinTech space for global markets at KfW DEG. He is responsible for the impact-oriented investment strategy across the themes FinTech, InsurTech and Embedded Finance and manages a diversified portfolio of direct investments and funds in Asia, Africa and LatAm. In his role, Felix frequently represents DEG as Board and LPAC Member at the portfolio companies and funds. Felix holds a PhD. from University of Cologne and a CEMS Master in International Management from HEC Paris and University of Cologne.
Dr Felix Schneider
Head FinTech Investments
DEG
Dr. Felix Schneider is heading the investment activities in the FinTech space for global markets at KfW DEG. He is responsible for the impact-oriented investment strategy across the themes FinTech, InsurTech and Embedded Finance and manages a diversified portfolio of direct investments and funds in Asia, Africa and LatAm. In his role, Felix frequently represents DEG as Board and LPAC Member at the portfolio companies and funds. Felix holds a PhD. from University of Cologne and a CEMS Master in International Management from HEC Paris and University of Cologne.
Fernando Vazquez
Chief Executive Officer
SBI Digital Asset Holdings
Fernando Vazquez
Chief Executive Officer
Jesper Koll
Global Embassador
Monex Group, Inc.
Jesper Koll
Global Embassador
Jesper Koll
Global Embassador
Monex Group, Inc.
Joichi Ito
President
Chiba Institute of Technology
Joichi Ito
President
Joichi “Joi” Ito is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, writer, and scholar focusing on the transformation of society and technology. He served as director of the MIT Media Lab from 2011 to 2019 where he lead the establishment of the Digital Currency Initiative in 2015. He has served on numerous boards, including at The New York Times Company and Sony Corporation. He was a senior independent advisor to Japanese Financial Services Agency from 2016-2019. He is a member of The Digital Society Council of the Digital Agency of Japan.
Joichi Ito
President
Chiba Institute of Technology
Joichi “Joi” Ito is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, writer, and scholar focusing on the transformation of society and technology. He served as director of the MIT Media Lab from 2011 to 2019 where he lead the establishment of the Digital Currency Initiative in 2015. He has served on numerous boards, including at The New York Times Company and Sony Corporation. He was a senior independent advisor to Japanese Financial Services Agency from 2016-2019. He is a member of The Digital Society Council of the Digital Agency of Japan.
Joyce Phillips
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
EqualFuture Corp
Joyce Phillips
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Joyce Phillips is an accomplished CEO and transformative leader. Ms. Phillips is Founder & CEO of EqualFuture Corp., a FinTech startup based in San Francisco, building an Ai enabled analytics based financial technology Super Ap platform that delivers affordable personal financial wellness and education to individuals and businesses.
Ms. Phillips previously held senior executive roles for Citigroup including CEO of International Retail Banking, Country Manager for Citibank Japan, and CEO of DinersClub and Citi Cards Japan.
Prior executive roles include Group Managing Director M&A, Group Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) and CEO of the Global Wealth Division.
Prior to joining ANZ, Ms.Phillips was President and Chief Operating Officer at American Life Insurance Company (ALICO), then a subsidiary of AIG.
Ms. Phillips serves as director on several boards including the Smithsonian National Board, and First Interstate Bank Holdings (NASDAQ FIBK) where she Chairs the Technology, Innovation and Operations Committee.
Ms. Phillips was included in the U.S. Banker "25 Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance" list multiple years and named one of the Top 100 Fintech leaders in Asia. Ms. Phillips’ innovation in marketing has also been recognized at the prestigious Cannes Lion marketing festival.
Joyce Phillips
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
EqualFuture Corp
Joyce Phillips is an accomplished CEO and transformative leader. Ms. Phillips is Founder & CEO of EqualFuture Corp., a FinTech startup based in San Francisco, building an Ai enabled analytics based financial technology Super Ap platform that delivers affordable personal financial wellness and education to individuals and businesses.
Ms. Phillips previously held senior executive roles for Citigroup including CEO of International Retail Banking, Country Manager for Citibank Japan, and CEO of DinersClub and Citi Cards Japan.
Prior executive roles include Group Managing Director M&A, Group Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, of Australia and New Zealand Banking Group (ANZ) and CEO of the Global Wealth Division.
Prior to joining ANZ, Ms.Phillips was President and Chief Operating Officer at American Life Insurance Company (ALICO), then a subsidiary of AIG.
Ms. Phillips serves as director on several boards including the Smithsonian National Board, and First Interstate Bank Holdings (NASDAQ FIBK) where she Chairs the Technology, Innovation and Operations Committee.
Ms. Phillips was included in the U.S. Banker "25 Most Powerful Women in Banking and Finance" list multiple years and named one of the Top 100 Fintech leaders in Asia. Ms. Phillips’ innovation in marketing has also been recognized at the prestigious Cannes Lion marketing festival.
Kathy Matsui
General Partner
MPower Partners Fund L.P.
Kathy Matsui
General Partner
Kathy is the former Vice Chair of Goldman Sachs Japan and Chief Japan Equity Strategist. Her groundbreaking ʻWomenomicsʼ research spurred the Japanese government to promote gender diversity, and she has advised corporations on governance and diversity best practices. She has an MA from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and an AB from Harvard.
Kathy Matsui
General Partner
MPower Partners Fund L.P.
Kathy is the former Vice Chair of Goldman Sachs Japan and Chief Japan Equity Strategist. Her groundbreaking ʻWomenomicsʼ research spurred the Japanese government to promote gender diversity, and she has advised corporations on governance and diversity best practices. She has an MA from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies and an AB from Harvard.
Koichiro Shimoyama
Managing Director
NTT Digital, Inc.
Koichiro Shimoyama
Managing Director
Koichiro works for NTT Digital Inc, a subsidiary of NTT docomo Inc, as a director for token exchange business such as Crypto Asset, NFT, Stable Coins, and is primarily responsible to establish business platforms including government licenses. Before joining NTT docomo in 2023, he managed to establish a new crypto exchange start-up licensed in Japan and also helped building a corporate governance framework for another licensed crypto exchange in Japan and Singapore. He spent most of careers in Mitsubishi UFJ financial group for more than 20 years primarily in the bank's own capital investment team and risk management.
Koichiro Shimoyama
Managing Director
NTT Digital, Inc.
Koichiro works for NTT Digital Inc, a subsidiary of NTT docomo Inc, as a director for token exchange business such as Crypto Asset, NFT, Stable Coins, and is primarily responsible to establish business platforms including government licenses. Before joining NTT docomo in 2023, he managed to establish a new crypto exchange start-up licensed in Japan and also helped building a corporate governance framework for another licensed crypto exchange in Japan and Singapore. He spent most of careers in Mitsubishi UFJ financial group for more than 20 years primarily in the bank's own capital investment team and risk management.
Laura Loh
Director, Investment (Blockchain)
Temasek International
Laura Loh
Director, Investment (Blockchain)
Laura is a Director at Temasek and is part of the team responsible for investments and venture building, with a focus on accelerating and scaling blockchain technologies to create robust ecosystems, innovative products and impactful solutions. She is a Founding Team Member and a Board Observer of Partior, a joint venture with JP Morgan, DBS and Standard Chartered Bank to setup new financial market infrastructure to enhance cross-border clearing and settlements. Laura also contributes actively to the public domain. She sits on the Advisory Committee of Elevandi, an independent legal entity, founded by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, to foster an active and open dialogue between the public and private sectors, to advance FinTech further in the global digital economy. Laura joined Temasek in 2007, prior to her current role she has also held roles in the Consumer, Industrials, Transportation and Logistics groups looking at both investments and working closely with their Boards and management teams on strategy and value creation initiatives, ensuring sustainable and profitable long-term growth for the organizations she's working with. Prior to joining Temasek, Laura was in General Electric and Ernst & Young in various roles, spanning several geographies including US, UK, China, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. She is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants and holds a BA(hons) in Accounting and Finance from Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Laura Loh
Director, Investment (Blockchain)
Temasek International
Laura is a Director at Temasek and is part of the team responsible for investments and venture building, with a focus on accelerating and scaling blockchain technologies to create robust ecosystems, innovative products and impactful solutions. She is a Founding Team Member and a Board Observer of Partior, a joint venture with JP Morgan, DBS and Standard Chartered Bank to setup new financial market infrastructure to enhance cross-border clearing and settlements. Laura also contributes actively to the public domain. She sits on the Advisory Committee of Elevandi, an independent legal entity, founded by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, to foster an active and open dialogue between the public and private sectors, to advance FinTech further in the global digital economy. Laura joined Temasek in 2007, prior to her current role she has also held roles in the Consumer, Industrials, Transportation and Logistics groups looking at both investments and working closely with their Boards and management teams on strategy and value creation initiatives, ensuring sustainable and profitable long-term growth for the organizations she's working with. Prior to joining Temasek, Laura was in General Electric and Ernst & Young in various roles, spanning several geographies including US, UK, China, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. She is a Fellow of the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants and holds a BA(hons) in Accounting and Finance from Sheffield Hallam University, UK.
Leong Sing Chiong
Deputy Managing Director
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Leong Sing Chiong
Deputy Managing Director
Lotte Schou Zibell
Advisor, Finance Sector
Asian Development Bank
Lotte Schou Zibell
Advisor, Finance Sector
Lotte provides strategic advisory support and leadership across the finance sector, including shaping sector policies, spearheading initiatives, and devising solutions that have a tangible impact. Work spans areas such as advancing emerging capital market issues, promoting contractual savings, championing sustainable and digital finance innovations, pioneering upstream development, overseeing quality assurance, and contributing to learning and development. Prior positions at ADB include Regional Director of the Pacific office and Chief of the Finance Sector Group. Before joining ADB, she was Director for International Economic Policy at the Swedish Ministry of Finance, a financial supervision and regulation expert at the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and central bank, and an IMF consultant.
Lotte Schou Zibell
Advisor, Finance Sector
Asian Development Bank
Lotte provides strategic advisory support and leadership across the finance sector, including shaping sector policies, spearheading initiatives, and devising solutions that have a tangible impact. Work spans areas such as advancing emerging capital market issues, promoting contractual savings, championing sustainable and digital finance innovations, pioneering upstream development, overseeing quality assurance, and contributing to learning and development. Prior positions at ADB include Regional Director of the Pacific office and Chief of the Finance Sector Group. Before joining ADB, she was Director for International Economic Policy at the Swedish Ministry of Finance, a financial supervision and regulation expert at the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and central bank, and an IMF consultant.
Mamoru Yanase
Deputy Director-General of the Strategy Development and Management Bureau
JFSA
Mamoru Yanase
Deputy Director-General of the Strategy Development and Management Bureau
Marco Bizzozero
Head of International & Member of the Executive Committee
iCapital
Marco Bizzozero
Head of International & Member of the Executive Committee
Marco Bizzozero
Head of International & Member of the Executive Committee
iCapital
Masaki Bessho
Head of FinTech Center
Bank of Japan
Masaki Bessho
Head of FinTech Center
Masaki joined the Bank of Japan in 1994. His career at the Bank includes: legal services/studies, research at foreign offices (London, Frankfurt), representation at subcommittees of the Basel Committee, and reserve management. Currently, as Head of FinTech Center, Payment and Settlement Systems Department, he leads the Bank’s projects on innovations in payments and settlements and engages with business leaders, tech experts and academics, representing the Bank at various forums in and abroad. He received an LL.M. from the University of Virginia (1999) and an LL.B. from Kyoto University (1994). He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.
Masaki Bessho
Head of FinTech Center
Bank of Japan
Masaki joined the Bank of Japan in 1994. His career at the Bank includes: legal services/studies, research at foreign offices (London, Frankfurt), representation at subcommittees of the Basel Committee, and reserve management. Currently, as Head of FinTech Center, Payment and Settlement Systems Department, he leads the Bank’s projects on innovations in payments and settlements and engages with business leaders, tech experts and academics, representing the Bank at various forums in and abroad. He received an LL.M. from the University of Virginia (1999) and an LL.B. from Kyoto University (1994). He is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.
Naveen Mallela
Global Head of Onyx Coin Systems
J.P.Morgan Chase Bank
Naveen Mallela
Global Head of Onyx Coin Systems
Naveen Mallela
Global Head of Onyx Coin Systems
J.P.Morgan Chase Bank
Oki Matsumoto
Executive Chairman
Monex Group Inc
Oki Matsumoto
Executive Chairman
Oki started his career at Salmon Brothers in 1987. He moved to Goldman Sachs in 1990 and became a general partner in 1994 at the age of 30. He became responsible for trading, risk management, and capital markets businesses in Asia. In 1997, he launched a Special Situation Group, which later grew into one of the most profitable units in Goldman Sachs worldwide. In 1999 he founded Monex, Inc. with Sony and then established Monex Group, Inc. in 2004. Monex Group is now a major online financial institution that operates retail online brokerages in Japan, US, and China (including Hong Kong), as well as one of the largest digital asset exchanges in Japan, Coincheck. It also operates asset management companies including Japan Catalyst, an engagement investment advisory firm. Monex Group is listed on Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange where he is presently Chairman of the Board & Representative Executive Officer.
Oki Matsumoto
Executive Chairman
Monex Group Inc
Oki started his career at Salmon Brothers in 1987. He moved to Goldman Sachs in 1990 and became a general partner in 1994 at the age of 30. He became responsible for trading, risk management, and capital markets businesses in Asia. In 1997, he launched a Special Situation Group, which later grew into one of the most profitable units in Goldman Sachs worldwide. In 1999 he founded Monex, Inc. with Sony and then established Monex Group, Inc. in 2004. Monex Group is now a major online financial institution that operates retail online brokerages in Japan, US, and China (including Hong Kong), as well as one of the largest digital asset exchanges in Japan, Coincheck. It also operates asset management companies including Japan Catalyst, an engagement investment advisory firm. Monex Group is listed on Prime Market of the Tokyo Stock Exchange where he is presently Chairman of the Board & Representative Executive Officer.
Parul Seth Khanna
Co-founder & Director
Pinbox
Parul Seth Khanna
Co-founder & Director
Parul has extensive experience in conceptualizing and implementing innovative financial literacy models and strategies, as well as technology-led outreach platforms for micro-pension and micro-insurance inclusion. She has worked in India on implementation of micropensions through PDS shop networks as well as through MFIs, Community based organisations, Unions with a focus especially on women. She has worked with the governments and pension regulators in India, Rwanda, Papa New Guinea, Bangladesh, Kenya and Uganda on strategies and effective models for outreach, retirement literacy and voluntary coverage strategies.
Parul Seth Khanna
Co-founder & Director
Pinbox
Parul has extensive experience in conceptualizing and implementing innovative financial literacy models and strategies, as well as technology-led outreach platforms for micro-pension and micro-insurance inclusion. She has worked in India on implementation of micropensions through PDS shop networks as well as through MFIs, Community based organisations, Unions with a focus especially on women. She has worked with the governments and pension regulators in India, Rwanda, Papa New Guinea, Bangladesh, Kenya and Uganda on strategies and effective models for outreach, retirement literacy and voluntary coverage strategies.
Peng Yang
CEO
Ant International
Peng Yang
CEO
Prior to joining IBG in early 2023 to lead Alipay+ global business lines, Peng Yang held various key management positions at Alipay. In recent years, he led continued innovation and drove growth for Alipay’s digital life services, promoting digital innovation and building new business operation systems across sectors. Those efforts enabled a better digital life experience for users and created important inclusive social value. Before joining Ant Group, Peng served as Vice President of Dell Technologies, holding various executive roles across Greater China, Asia Pacific, and global emerging markets, accumulating extensive experience in cross-market and cross-cultural management.
Mr. Yang Peng graduated from Lingnan College of Sun Yat-sen University with a major in International Business and Finance. He also holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota.
Peng Yang
CEO
Ant International
Prior to joining IBG in early 2023 to lead Alipay+ global business lines, Peng Yang held various key management positions at Alipay. In recent years, he led continued innovation and drove growth for Alipay’s digital life services, promoting digital innovation and building new business operation systems across sectors. Those efforts enabled a better digital life experience for users and created important inclusive social value. Before joining Ant Group, Peng served as Vice President of Dell Technologies, holding various executive roles across Greater China, Asia Pacific, and global emerging markets, accumulating extensive experience in cross-market and cross-cultural management.
Mr. Yang Peng graduated from Lingnan College of Sun Yat-sen University with a major in International Business and Finance. He also holds an MBA from the Carlson School of Business at the University of Minnesota.
Peter Walker
Head of Insights
Carta
Peter Walker
Head of Insights
Peter Walker runs the Insights team at Carta, focused on discovering key narratives across the private market ecosystem. Prior to Carta, he was the Head of Marketing for the media analytics company PublicRelay. He also led the data visualization team at the Covid Tracking Project at The Atlantic during the peak of the pandemic. He and his wife recently welcomed their corgi puppy Penny into the family and are introducing her to every one of San Francisco's many parks
Peter Walker
Head of Insights
Carta
Peter Walker runs the Insights team at Carta, focused on discovering key narratives across the private market ecosystem. Prior to Carta, he was the Head of Marketing for the media analytics company PublicRelay. He also led the data visualization team at the Covid Tracking Project at The Atlantic during the peak of the pandemic. He and his wife recently welcomed their corgi puppy Penny into the family and are introducing her to every one of San Francisco's many parks
Ravi Menon
Former Managing Director
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Ravi Menon
Former Managing Director
Rei Murakami
Venture Partner
Kazea Capital
Rei Murakami
Venture Partner
Rei Murakami is an investor in Venture Capital and Public Equity. She is also the President of the Murakami Family Foundation.
Rei Murakami
Venture Partner
Kazea Capital
Rei Murakami is an investor in Venture Capital and Public Equity. She is also the President of the Murakami Family Foundation.
Ryosuke Ushida
Chief FinTech Officer
Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA)
Ryosuke Ushida
Chief FinTech Officer
Ryosuke leads initiatives related to digital innovation in financial sector as Chief FinTech Officer of the JFSA. He also serves as the Co-chair of Virtual Asset Task Force, FATF. Prior to his current position, he has conducted a research on regulatory framework and governance mechanism in decentralized financial system as the Senior Fellow of Cyber SMART research center at Georgetown University from July 2019 to June 2021. He holds a Masters in Finance from London Business School.
Ryosuke Ushida
Chief FinTech Officer
Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA)
Ryosuke leads initiatives related to digital innovation in financial sector as Chief FinTech Officer of the JFSA. He also serves as the Co-chair of Virtual Asset Task Force, FATF. Prior to his current position, he has conducted a research on regulatory framework and governance mechanism in decentralized financial system as the Senior Fellow of Cyber SMART research center at Georgetown University from July 2019 to June 2021. He holds a Masters in Finance from London Business School.
H.E. Dr. Serey Chea
Governor
National Bank of Cambodia
H.E. Dr. Serey Chea
Governor
Serey Chea is the Governor of National Bank of Cambodia. She is passionate about financial inclusion and women economic empowerment. Achievements under her leadership include the establishment of Credit Bureau Cambodia in 2012 that propelled Cambodia’s Ease of Access to Finance to number 7 worldwide in 2017 by the World Bank, the introduction of Bakong, a national backbone payment system using DLT allowing interoperability amongst all financial service providers making financial services more accessible and affordable, and the introduction of financial literacy into the general education program. Serey holds a PhD in economics and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) and a member of the Alumni Community of the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
H.E. Dr. Serey Chea
Governor
National Bank of Cambodia
Serey Chea is the Governor of National Bank of Cambodia. She is passionate about financial inclusion and women economic empowerment. Achievements under her leadership include the establishment of Credit Bureau Cambodia in 2012 that propelled Cambodia’s Ease of Access to Finance to number 7 worldwide in 2017 by the World Bank, the introduction of Bakong, a national backbone payment system using DLT allowing interoperability amongst all financial service providers making financial services more accessible and affordable, and the introduction of financial literacy into the general education program. Serey holds a PhD in economics and is currently a member of the Board of Directors of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) and a member of the Alumni Community of the Young Global Leaders of the World Economic Forum (WEF).
Sigal Mandelker
Ribbit Capital
Sigal Mandelker
Sigal Mandelker joined Ribbit Capital in April 2020. Ribbit is an investment firm focused on financial services and technology. Prior to Ribbit, she served as Under Secretary of Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence and as Acting Deputy Secretary. As Under Secretary, Sigal supervised four main components of Treasury (OFAC, FinCEN, the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes). Before serving at Treasury, Sigal was a partner at Proskauer in New York. Sigal also previously served in a number of senior positions in the U.S. government, including as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division of the Justice Department, an AUSA in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Counselor to Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, and Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General. Sigal is also an Advisor to Chainalysis, is on the Boards of the Crypto Council for Innovation and the Financial Technology Association, is Co-Chair of the Center for a New American Security’s (CNAS) task force on FinTech, Crypto, and National Security, is a Member of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum Council, and Chair of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum's Collections & Acquisitions Committee.
Sigal Mandelker
Ribbit Capital
Sigal Mandelker joined Ribbit Capital in April 2020. Ribbit is an investment firm focused on financial services and technology. Prior to Ribbit, she served as Under Secretary of Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence and as Acting Deputy Secretary. As Under Secretary, Sigal supervised four main components of Treasury (OFAC, FinCEN, the Office of Intelligence and Analysis, and the Office of Terrorist Financing and Financial Crimes). Before serving at Treasury, Sigal was a partner at Proskauer in New York. Sigal also previously served in a number of senior positions in the U.S. government, including as Deputy Assistant Attorney General in the Criminal Division of the Justice Department, an AUSA in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York, Counselor to Secretary of Homeland Security Michael Chertoff, and Counsel to the Deputy Attorney General. Sigal is also an Advisor to Chainalysis, is on the Boards of the Crypto Council for Innovation and the Financial Technology Association, is Co-Chair of the Center for a New American Security’s (CNAS) task force on FinTech, Crypto, and National Security, is a Member of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum Council, and Chair of the US Holocaust Memorial Museum's Collections & Acquisitions Committee.
Sopnendu Mohanty
Chief FinTech Officer
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Sopnendu Mohanty
Chief FinTech Officer
Mohanty extensively engages with global technology and financial services ecosystems and has championed notable collaborative public goods like API Exchange (APIX), Singapore Fintech Festival, Payment Rails, Data exchange platforms, and experimental programs like Project Ubin. In addition, Mohanty advises many international global advisory bodies on Fintech, Innovation and Inclusion. Within five years of his leadership, Singapore has become a leading global Fintech hub producing unicorns and home to many vibrant fintech companies.
He has co-authored several patented works in the application of digital technology in Finance and won many industry recognitions.
Sopnendu Mohanty
Chief FinTech Officer
Monetary Authority of Singapore
Mohanty extensively engages with global technology and financial services ecosystems and has championed notable collaborative public goods like API Exchange (APIX), Singapore Fintech Festival, Payment Rails, Data exchange platforms, and experimental programs like Project Ubin. In addition, Mohanty advises many international global advisory bodies on Fintech, Innovation and Inclusion. Within five years of his leadership, Singapore has become a leading global Fintech hub producing unicorns and home to many vibrant fintech companies.
He has co-authored several patented works in the application of digital technology in Finance and won many industry recognitions.
Toshiyuki Miyoshi
Vice Commissioner for International Affairs
Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA)
Toshiyuki Miyoshi
Vice Commissioner for International Affairs
Toshiyuki (Toshi) currently heads the Japan FSA’s international affairs group and represents the FSA at working-level meetings of the G20 and G7. He also participates in discussions at the Financial Stability Board and International Organisation of Securities Commissions. In these capacities he made substantial contribution to building international consensus on regulating and supervising crypto-asset activities and markets. In previous positions at the FSA, Toshi worked on supervision of Japan's major banks and insurers, cross-sectoral supervisory policies and external communications. He also has working experience at Japan's Ministry of Finance on government debt management and the IMF on international monetary system.
Toshiyuki Miyoshi
Vice Commissioner for International Affairs
Financial Services Agency of Japan (JFSA)
Toshiyuki (Toshi) currently heads the Japan FSA’s international affairs group and represents the FSA at working-level meetings of the G20 and G7. He also participates in discussions at the Financial Stability Board and International Organisation of Securities Commissions. In these capacities he made substantial contribution to building international consensus on regulating and supervising crypto-asset activities and markets. In previous positions at the FSA, Toshi worked on supervision of Japan's major banks and insurers, cross-sectoral supervisory policies and external communications. He also has working experience at Japan's Ministry of Finance on government debt management and the IMF on international monetary system.
Vijay Sekhar Sharma
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Paytm
Vijay Sekhar Sharma
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is a prominent tech innovator and entrepreneur, recognized for his pioneering contributions to the transformation of India's financial services and mobile payments sector. As the Founder and CEO of One97 Communications and its well-known consumer brand Paytm, Sharma has played a crucial role in advancing financial inclusion and digital innovation across the nation. A passionate proponent of the power of emerging technologies, Sharma has significantly popularized QR code-based transactions and soundboxes among numerous small businesses, democratizing access to digital payments. His strategic vision extends to offering the distribution of a range of financial services including lending, wealth management, and insurance, solidifying his role as a key architect in India's progression towards a fully digital economy.
Vijay Sekhar Sharma
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Paytm
Vijay Shekhar Sharma is a prominent tech innovator and entrepreneur, recognized for his pioneering contributions to the transformation of India's financial services and mobile payments sector. As the Founder and CEO of One97 Communications and its well-known consumer brand Paytm, Sharma has played a crucial role in advancing financial inclusion and digital innovation across the nation. A passionate proponent of the power of emerging technologies, Sharma has significantly popularized QR code-based transactions and soundboxes among numerous small businesses, democratizing access to digital payments. His strategic vision extends to offering the distribution of a range of financial services including lending, wealth management, and insurance, solidifying his role as a key architect in India's progression towards a fully digital economy.
Yuko Seimei
Representative Executive Officer & CEO
Monex Group, Inc.
Yuko Seimei
Representative Executive Officer & CEO
Yuko Seimei started her career at the Sanwa Bank, Ltd. (currently MUFG Bank, Ltd.) in April 2001. She moved to MKS Partners Ltd in December 2006. She joined Monex Hambrecht, Inc. in February 2009 (merged with Monex, Inc. in 2017) and became Representative Director of Monex Hambrecht, Inc. in June 2011. She became Executive Director of Monex Group, Inc. in March 2013, Executive Officer of Monex Group, Inc. in June 2016, and the Representative Director and President of Monex, Inc.in April 2019. She was appointed Representative Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Monex Group, Inc. in January 2020 and Representative Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Monex Group, Inc. in January 2021. In June 2021, she was appointed to Member of the Board of Monex Group, Inc. and in April 2022, she was appointed to a Member of the Board, Representative Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Monex Group, Inc. Since June 2023, she has served as a Member of the Board, Representative Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer of Monex Group, Inc. As a result of Monex Group, Inc. and Monex, Inc. forming a capital alliance with NTT DOCOMO, Inc. in January 2024, she is also currently President, Member of the Board, Executive Director of Monex, Inc.
Yuko Seimei
Representative Executive Officer & CEO
Monex Group, Inc.
Yuko Seimei started her career at the Sanwa Bank, Ltd. (currently MUFG Bank, Ltd.) in April 2001. She moved to MKS Partners Ltd in December 2006. She joined Monex Hambrecht, Inc. in February 2009 (merged with Monex, Inc. in 2017) and became Representative Director of Monex Hambrecht, Inc. in June 2011. She became Executive Director of Monex Group, Inc. in March 2013, Executive Officer of Monex Group, Inc. in June 2016, and the Representative Director and President of Monex, Inc.in April 2019. She was appointed Representative Executive Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Monex Group, Inc. in January 2020 and Representative Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Monex Group, Inc. in January 2021. In June 2021, she was appointed to Member of the Board of Monex Group, Inc. and in April 2022, she was appointed to a Member of the Board, Representative Executive Officer, Co-Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of Monex Group, Inc. Since June 2023, she has served as a Member of the Board, Representative Executive Officer, Chief Executive Officer of Monex Group, Inc. As a result of Monex Group, Inc. and Monex, Inc. forming a capital alliance with NTT DOCOMO, Inc. in January 2024, she is also currently President, Member of the Board, Executive Director of Monex, Inc.
Vijay Sekhar Sharma
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Paytm
Vijay Sekhar Sharma
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Vijay Sekhar Sharma
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
Paytm
Vijay Sekhar Sharma
Founder & Chief Executive Officer
focus on the 3Gs: Gender, Generation and Geographical Diversity
Japan FinTech Festival 2023 Highlights
Why Attend?
gain unique insights into Japan through keynotes, roundtables and 1:1 meetings
from C-Level, Founders & CEO speakers on stage and in deep-dive workshops
focus on the 3Gs: Gender, Generation and Geographical Diversity
Why Japan FinTech Festival?
- Boost Japan's digital economy and global competitiveness, we address economic and structural challenges in the financial industry
- Channel Japan's financial resources strategically into fintech ventures, fostering economic growth and adapting to global economic trends
- Build an inclusive, cross border and innovation driven ecosystem stimulated by Japan’s public and public sector
Who Should Attend?
- Policymakers
- Financial Services Leaders
- Investors
- Fintechs
- Founders
- Technology Leaders
- Students
- Developers