#Singapore #Fintech #Financial Health #Global Finance

Launch of the Global Impact Champions Awards

The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) has unveiled the Global Impact Champions Awards, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at recognizing FinTech startups that are innovating to improve financial health. The inaugural awards program emphasizes the importance of financial health as a crucial outcome of financial inclusion, aligning with the theme for 2025. This event will spotlight startups that provide scalable solutions to help individuals manage their financial lives more effectively.

Purpose and Vision

The GFTN aims to promote improvements in financial health by focusing on financial resilience and confidence. Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, who also chairs the GFTN International Advisory Board, articulated this vision during the 2024 Singapore FinTech Festival, highlighting that while financial inclusion is a significant milestone, the ultimate goal resides in financial health. This focus enables individuals to navigate life's challenges with greater security and confidence.

Award Importance

Despite a decade of FinTech advancements, many individuals still lack financial security. Although 80% of adults now have an account, many struggle to cover expenses in times of income loss, as only 33% can manage two months of expenses without additional income. The GFTN believes that addressing financial health is essential as we face economic volatility, growing debt, and the impacts of automation. Therefore, these awards will accelerate the shift from mere access to measurable improvements in financial outcomes.

Recognizing Innovators

The Global Impact Champions Awards seek to honor startups that don’t just offer services but also bring about transformative changes in their clients' financial lives. Award recipients may receive support ranging from recognition to funding, with prizes up to US$1 million, depending on specific terms and conditions. The finalists will be showcased at the upcoming Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) in November 2025, allowing them access to a global audience comprising over 60,000 participants from more than 135 countries.

Dates to Remember

• - August 1, 2025: Awards open for applications.
• - September 7, 2025: Deadline for submissions at 23:59 hours SGT.
• - October 29, 2025: Top 3 finalists to be showcased informally at the GFTN International Advisory Board meeting in The Hague.
• - November 12–14, 2025: Official award ceremony during SFF 2025.

Why Target FinTech Startups?

The awards specifically target FinTech startups because these entities are on the front lines of financial service innovation, redefining the concept of financial health. Many are developing critical tools to help users:

• - Budget and save
• - Build credit safely
• - Plan for future needs
• - Manage financial shocks effectively

They harness emerging tech like AI and blockchain to deliver customer-centric solutions aimed at inclusivity and financial literacy. However, these startups often go unrecognized, despite their potential to create significant improvements in financial wellbeing. Therefore, GFTN's initiative targets increasing visibility and investment in such ventures.

Conclusion

As we approach the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025, the Global Impact Champions Awards are poised to change the landscape of financial health by not only celebrating innovation but also fostering a culture of resilience and confidence among individuals managing their finances. Through these efforts, GFTN aims to create a robust global ecosystem supported by advanced technology, innovation, and inclusion.

For further details on the awards and application process, please visit GFTN's official website.