In this opening address, Ravi Menon, Chairman of the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), sets the strategic stage for the forum by outlining the essential pillars of a modern, interconnected financial ecosystem. As global markets face a transformative shift driven by tokenization, artificial intelligence, and digital public infrastructure, this session explores the critical role of international cooperation in building trust and interoperability. Chairman Menon will share GFTN’s vision for fostering an environment where technology enhances financial inclusion and efficiency while maintaining systemic stability. This keynote provides a foundational roadmap for the discussions to follow, emphasizing the synergy between Japan’s financial leadership and the global push toward a more seamless, secure, and innovation-ready global economy.

