It’s the start of Techweek’18 – a highlight in the annual technology events calendar!
This year features an amazing lineup of events around the country; I’m particularly looking forward to Good For The World Open Days, where we will hear from Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern about how Government is going to deepen its relationship with the tech industry.
Other highlights include our very own Mitchell Pham, FinTechNZ Chair and Director of Augen Software Group, speaking with Delta Insurance at With New Innovation Comes New Risks. Mitchell has written a thought leadership article on the wider applications of Blockchain, I recommend you read it here.
We also hope to see you at the FinTech Regulatory Roundtable Open Banking Panel, which is likely to generate robust discussion on regulation of the finance sector, featuring some of our key members.
FinTechNZ is working with FinTech Singapore, MAS and NZTE to build stronger networks and promote international trade. You are invited to join NZTE and industry experts at the Singapore Tech Seminar, to find out what Singapore can offer New Zealand technology companies as a gateway to Asia.
In other news, and with a New Zealand first, the FMA and Inland Revenue recently collaborated on a joint presentation at our Connect events, discussing Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies. Following this we now have a common understanding from the authorities on cyber currencies; more clarity around GST; and we are establishing stronger connections inside the banks to support companies who operate in this space.
The NZTech showcase presented to over 70 companies at The Canterbury Club last week, which generated a great discussion about a country-wide strategy for the tech sector, and using technology to be inclusive. I am sure the person who succeeds in the Government’s CTO role will be focusing on just that, and will look to industry for guidance.
Mitchell Pham and I also spoke at the Co-op Money NZ Forum 2018 this month where we engaged with members discussing the future of FinTech, how to become more relevant, and how to use banking assets as more than just a place to transact financial dealings. The association was a very engaged audience who are keen to partner with FinTechs in this space.
With the year going past very quickly, please put a placeholder in your diary for the NZ Fintech Summit, being held November 29th at the Pullman in Auckland. The premier FinTech conference in New Zealand is brought to you by FinTechNZ and Finnotec. This will be the third year of the conference, and we’re looking forward to gleaning new insights from local and international speakers.
With the Hi-Tech Awards not far away I would like to wish all the FinTech finalists the very best; this year’s nominations showcase just how much innovation there is in this wonderful country; enjoy the evening and I look forward to hearing the results.
Last but not least, special mention and best wishes to FinTechNZ Chair Mitchell Pham, who has been nominated for the Kea World Class New Zealand Awards, held 21st June; we’re proud to have you represent the industry and wish you all the best on the night.
Regards
James Brown
General Manager
Join the FinTechNZ team and fellow members at our Connect Events in Wellington and Auckland #fintechnz
Check out #twnz18 it’s #goodfortheworld
MAKING CONNECTIONS & EVENTS
FinTechNZ is attending London FinTech Week with NZTE, Kea, Barclay’s Bank, the Royal Bank of Scotland, Blockchain Boutique, Emirates NDB, and a delegation of 25 companies from New Zealand. Find out more about the delegation’s plans here.
FinTechNZ will take a New Zealand pavilion at the Singapore FinTech Festival 12- 16 November in conjunction with Kea, NZTE, ATEED and Xero, please get in touch if you wish to join the delegation.
FSF CONFERENCE 2018: “DRIVING EXCELLENCE” focuses on proactively setting standards of responsible lending to drive excellence in the sector. Payments NZ brings you The Point 2018 in Auckland, 26-27 June, a biennial conference for the payments industry.
Attending the CIO Summit? Use the FinTechNZ code MO4K04 for 10% discount – or MK4KCO for a $200 TechTeam Pass. Following a recent meeting with FinTechNZ, Minister Faafoi has provided a letter of support to the industry.
FinTechNZ recently signed an MOU with TINZ, working together to achieve more transparency in the financial services sector, and to help maintain trust and confidence in New Zealand.
INSURTECH AND SECURITY
The next InsurTechNZ meetup is scheduled for Thursday, 7th June at 5.30pm at Bell Gully, “Customer and Data – Shaping the Future”. For more information get in touch here.
The Trans – Tasman Business Circle is organising the 2018 AU/NZ Tech Fusion Delegation to Israel, more details here.
The recent ANZIIF Conference was a great success, read Craig Kirk’s event wrap up here. Radio Rhema interviewed James Brown on how New Zealand is punching above its weight in the FinTech sector, and the NZ Herald profiled the growth of the sector in New Zealand.
James also spoke with Insurance Business magazine about the developments around InsurTech, and shared his insights on FinTech businesses helping the New Zealand public.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Read the AI Forum’s Artificial Intelligence: Shaping a Future New Zealand report and find out which technologies will be shaping the future of FinTech.
Missed AI-Day 2018? Watch the keynotes and presentations here. Register here for AI-DAY 2019 announcements here. Last month, Minister Curran announced the second half of her Digital Advisory Group. The final seven members join the first eight with the Chair, Frances Valintine of Tech Futures Lab. Their first order of business will be to assist the Minister with the appointment of a CTO.
Minister Curran is also asking for a review around New Zealand’s Cyber Security Strategy and action plan; only 6% of New Zealand companies have Cyber insurance, so it’s a timely discussion to be had. FinTechNZ met with Unitec’s Director of High Technology Transdisciplinary Research, Professor Christian Probst, and Murray Bain, the Dean of Business and Enterprise & Technology.
Unitec are reaching out to FinTechNZ to engage with industry on course design; and to deliver applied research opportunities within a matter of weeks, not years. With a large number of projects underway in this area, please reach out as we expand our volunteer program.
Want to know more? Sign up for the FinTechNZ update, it’s free and will take less than a minute!
