Mumbai, September 8 (Daily Kiran) : The Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026 kicked off in Mumbai on September 8, running through September 11. Chris Gopalakrishnan, co-founder of Infosys and chairman of Axilor Ventures, addressed attendees, emphasizing that India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies. This growth has drawn the attention of global investors and fintech companies to the Indian market.
Gopalakrishnan stated that this year’s event is set to become one of the largest and most influential fintech conferences globally. He noted that over 100,000 participants, more than 8,000 institutions, 1,200 speakers, over 500 investors, and 5,000 startups are expected to take part in the conference, which will feature over 450 sessions and 350 exhibitors, along with more than 200 product launches.
He highlighted that such extensive participation makes the event a significant platform for the global fintech industry. It will bring together policymakers, regulators, central banks, financial institutions, tech companies, investors, and startups to discuss the future of financial services.
Gopalakrishnan pointed out the rapid advancements in digital payments, financial inclusion, and technological innovation in India, which have positioned the country prominently in the global fintech landscape. He expressed confidence that this year’s fest would be as beneficial as previous editions for the industry, investors, and policymakers.
Notably, this marks the third consecutive year that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has addressed the Global Fintech Fest. Gopalakrishnan described this as a testament to the government’s strong commitment to India’s fintech sector and digital innovation.
He added that the Prime Minister’s presence underscores the importance of the event and reflects how much priority India places on financial technology, digital public infrastructure, and innovation-driven economic growth.
The Global Fintech Fest has evolved into an international thought leadership forum, where policymakers, central banks, regulatory bodies, financial service providers, fintech companies, tech experts, investors, and academics discuss key topics shaping the future of the financial sector.
Gopalakrishnan stated that the forum aims to develop a better global financial ecosystem by balancing innovation, regulation, and financial inclusion.
Earlier, Sanjay Malhotra, the Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), addressed the audience, highlighting the fintech sector’s vital role in enhancing financial inclusion, digital innovation, and customer services. He noted that fintech companies have connected India’s vast and diverse population to the formal financial system more quickly, accessibly, and affordably than ever before.
Malhotra emphasized that the RBI has consistently promoted responsible innovation within the fintech sector. The bank has encouraged self-regulation within the industry and collaborated to develop a digital public infrastructure framework that enables fintech companies to create new solutions.
The RBI Governor remarked on the significant improvements in access to banking and financial services due to fintech. Processes like account opening and payment settlements, which previously took considerable time, have become faster and more efficient thanks to technology.
This year’s Global Fintech Fest 2026 features the theme “Potential to Impact: Agentic AI, Tokenization, and Trusted, Connected Global Systems for Inclusive Finance.” Discussions will delve into topics such as artificial intelligence, tokenization, digital financial infrastructure, globally connected payment systems, cybersecurity, and inclusive finance. Experts will explore how emerging technologies can translate into real economic impact and how financial services can reach the most underserved populations worldwide.
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