Australia, Thailand Unite to Boost Fintech Capabilities

Left to right: Chatchai Khunpittiluck, Senior Executive Vice President, Digital Economy and Promotion Agency; Brian Collins, Deputy Chair, FinTech Australia; Chonladet Khemarattana, President, Thai Fintech Association; and Dr Angela Macdonald PSM, Australian Ambassador to Thailand.

Aussie fintechs impress at Asia’s leading fintech event

Austrade hosted 16 Australian fintechs and nearly 30 Australian fintech leaders at Money 20/20 Asia, the region’s leading fintech event.

The Australian delegation was exploring opportunities and partnerships in Thailand and across Southeast Asia. Australian fintechs such as EzyRemit and Privasec are already working with Austrade on opportunities in Thailand and across the region.

Among the highlights was:

• the Aus-Thai Fintech Connect networking event, with over 100 guests from across Southeast Asia excited to collaborate with Australia
• 13 Australian fintech leaders shared their expertise as speakers at the event
• one-on-one meetings facilitated by Austrade between Australian fintechs and key Southeast Asian banks and financial institutions.

Amelia Walsh, Austrade’s Trade Commissioner in Bangkok, says the event was a great step towards increasing Australia’s digital economy engagement with Southeast Asia.

‘My highlight was hosting the Aussie fintech pitch at the beginning of the week,’ says Walsh. ‘I loved hearing how well articulated the value-add is from our companies and matched to ambitions in the region. I’m excited to watch the continued growth of Australian fintechs in Southeast Asia.’

Opportunities for Australian fintechs in Southeast Asia

Thailand and Southeast Asia offer a massive growth opportunity for Australian fintechs.

‘It’s a part of the world many of our members expressed interest in due to rapid adoption of various forms of fintech,’ says Brian Collins, Deputy Chair, FinTech Australia. ‘We look forward to further collaborating with the Thai FinTech Association to improve outcomes for both regions.’

‘With Thailand emerging as a hub for fintech innovation, this collaboration promises to drive mutual benefits and foster cross-border synergies,’ says Chonladet Khemarattana, President, Thai Fintech Association. ‘We are eager to work closely with Fintech Australia to leverage our respective strengths and enhance outcomes for both regions’ fintech ecosystems.’