Global Finance and Technology Network
Singapore-headquartered not-for-profit established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2024. It runs fintech forums, advises authorities on policy, and plans an investment arm; it replaced Elevandi.
Industry: Fintech ecosystem development | Location: Singapore, Singapore | Founded: 2024
About Global Finance and Technology Network
The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), which announced it on 30 October 2024. The Asian Banker described its purpose as improving international financial connectivity and building a resilient, globally connected fintech ecosystem. Law firm Allen & Gledhill reported that GFTN replaced Elevandi, the MAS-established not-for-profit that organised the Singapore FinTech Festival. GFTN convenes forums, offers advisory services on innovation ecosystems, provides access to digital platforms and invests in technology startups with growth potential and social impact through a venture fund. One account says it operates through two commercial subsidiaries: GFTN Services, which covers forums, advisory and platforms, and GFTN Capital, its investment arm. It also works with MAS on industry and policy dialogues in payments, asset tokenisation and artificial intelligence and quantum technology, and it supports the Singapore FinTech Festival. Ravi Menon, a former managing director of MAS, was appointed chairman of the board. Leong Sing Chiong, a deputy managing director of MAS, and Neil Parekh, a nominated member of parliament and non-executive chairman of Tikehau Capital, were named deputy chairmen. Sopnendu Mohanty, who had been MAS's chief fintech officer, was appointed group chief executive officer with effect from 1 February 2025, stepping down from his MAS role to take the post. Pat Patel leads GFTN as chief executive for the Middle East, Africa and the Americas. GFTN has developed a regional presence in the Gulf. In November 2025, at the Singapore FinTech Festival, it announced a strategic partnership with Qatar Development Bank, represented by Qatar Fintech Hub. The memorandum provides for a Global Centre of Excellence for finance and technology in Doha, with the stated aims of strengthening regional collaboration, deepening links between the Middle East and Asian markets and building ties with Singapore's fintech ecosystem. One flagship initiative is an annual fintech forum in Doha that is integrated with GFTN's global platforms, including the Singapore FinTech Festival. Speaking at the festival, Patel described corridors linking Singapore with the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, North Africa, Central Asia and other regions. He said capacity building would be a major part of the Doha centre, and that training programmes already being delivered in India and for clients such as MUFG would be extended to Qatar and the wider region.
Leadership
- Anthony Thomas, Chief Strategy & Growth Officer
- Maha El Dimachki, Chief Executive Officer, GFTN Solutions
- Pat Patel, Chief Executive Officer, USA, LATAM, Middle East & Africa; Co-CEO, GFTN Connections
- Pieter Franken, Chief Executive Officer, GFTN Japan; Chief Technology Officer
- James Boey, Chief Executive Officer, GFTN China, India, ASEAN, Central Asia & Europe; Co-CEO, GFTN Connections
- Jonathan Eng, Chief Financial Officer