The World Fintech Summit, happening on May 5-6, 2025, in Bengaluru, is set to be a premier global platform that will define the next frontier of innovation in the financial ecosystem. Organized in collaboration with the Department of Electronics, IT, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, as the Host State Partner, and Karnataka Digital Economy Mission (KDEM) as the Strategic Partner, alongside Elets Technomedia, the summit is further supported by TiE Bangalore. This collaborative effort will drive transformative conversations and breakthroughs in the industry.
Over two engaging days, the summit will unite financial institutions, technology leaders, startups, investors, and innovators. The summit aims to explore challenges, unlock opportunities, and build strategic partnerships, pushing the evolution of smarter financial services globally. The event will offer keynotes, panel discussions, fireside chats, and exclusive networking opportunities to explore the dynamic future of fintech.
Dr. Ravi Gupta, CEO & Editor-in-Chief of Elets Technomedia, will deliver the welcome address at the World Fintech Summit, highlighting the significance of the event in shaping the future of financial services. Dr. Gupta’s address will emphasize the importance of innovation, collaboration, and the evolving landscape of fintech, setting the stage for insightful discussions and networking opportunities throughout the summit.
A special souvenir magazine will also be launched during the summit, showcasing the evolving landscape of fintech and highlighting Karnataka’s significant role in shaping this transformation. This publication will feature key developments, emerging trends, and the state’s contributions to the rapidly growing fintech ecosystem, positioning it as a hub of innovation and technological excellence.
Day 1 Highlights – May 5, 2025
The morning will kick off with impactful keynotes, including insights from Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, CEO of KDEM, followed by an engaging fireside chat featuring Shri Priyank Kharge, Hon’ble Minister of IT, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Government of Karnataka, along with distinguished industry leaders such as Harshil Mathur, CEO of Razorpay, and Prashanth Prakash, Partner at Accel. These leaders will share their vision on the future of fintech and digital transformation.
In her keynote, Dr. Ekroop Caur, IAS, Secretary, Department of Electronics, Information Technology, Biotechnology, and Science & Technology, Government of Karnataka, will share insights on the state’s vision for supporting innovation and driving the digital transformation in the fintech ecosystem
In the afternoon, the focus will shift to critical discussions around AgriFinTech, with expert speakers including Ajay Vir Jakhar, Chairman of Bharat Krishak Samaj; Timmana Gouda D, Founder & CEO of WhatsLoan; Sanjay Uppal, Founder & CEO, FinbotsAI; Sheeba Sen, Co-Founder, Hasten Regeneration; and Ashutosh Vaidya, Board Member, Multi Commodity Exchange of India, and Co-Founder, The Agri Collaboratory.
Special presentations, lightning talks, and crucial discussions will delve into diverse topics like the future of banking, AI ethics, and fintech partnerships, offering new perspectives and innovative solutions. Notable speakers include Rakesh Ranjan, Chief Operating Officer at Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH); George John, CEO of ESAF Small Finance Bank; Hitesh Sachdev, Head- Startup Engagement & Investments, ICICI Bank Ltd, Sandhya Vasudevan, Board Member & Fintech Chair, TiE Bangalore, etc.
As the day progresses, expert panels will tackle topics such as scaling fintech innovation, digital transformation for NBFCs, and the future of cross-border payments, featuring thought leaders such as Kalpesh Dave, Deputy CEO, Bajaj Capital; Suzannah Muthoot, Executive Director, Muthoot Housing Finance Ltd; Sheetal Jain, Co-Founder & CEO, LeRemitt; Chiranth Patil, Co-Founder, Riskcovry; Navneet Kumar, Chief Technology Officer, Card91; Prabhat Chaturvedi, Chief Executive Officer, National Urban Cooperative Finance and Development Corporation Ltd. (NUCFDC); Ashton D’cruz, Executive Director, NatWest Markets; Sameer Shetty, President & Head – Digital Business and Transformation, Axis Bank Limited, etc.
These discussions will provide attendees with actionable insights into the rapidly evolving fintech landscape
Day 2 Highlights – May 6, 2025
Day 2 of the World Fintech Summit will continue to shape the future of financial innovation with keynotes, dynamic panels, and deep-dive sessions. Leaders from across fintech will explore cybersecurity, sustainability, digital lending, open banking, and AI’s role in financial services.
Panels on InsurTech, Cybersecurity, and DeepTech will feature distinguished voices such as Avinash Naik, Chief Information Officer, Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, Rohit Kilam, Chief Technology Officer, HDFC Life, Shibu K Thomas, General Manager & Head – IT Assurance, South Indian Bank, Shuja Hussain, Co-founder & COO, Carret, and Prasanna Lohar, President, India Blockchain Forum & Executive Member, India Fintech Forum. An engaging investor session will bring together leading venture capitalists including Sonal Saldanha, Principal – Investments, 3one4 Capital, and Sunitha Viswanathan, Partner, Kae Capital, while Claude Smadja, President, Smadja & Smadja, will deliver a special keynote offering global perspectives on innovation and disruption.
The Global Innovation Alliance (GIA) panel will underscore the importance of international collaboration, featuring dignitaries such as Balaji Venkataraman, Area Director – FDI, Netherlands Consulate, Bangalore, Stephen Mathias, Chairman, Indo-American Chamber of Commerce, Jacob Sebastian, Representative, British Deputy High Commission, UK, and Jonas Brunschwig, Representative, Consulate General of Switzerland.
Sessions on Digital Transformation and WealthTech will include key voices like Johnson K Jose, Chief Technology Officer, Federal Bank, Venkat Yellapantula, Chief Digital Officer, Indian Bank, and Ajath Anjanappa, Co-Founder & CEO, Fabits, who will share insights on organizational agility and next-gen banking models.
The day will conclude with a visionary fireside chat featuring Ajay Kanwal, Managing Director & CEO, Jana Small Finance Bank, in conversation with Dr. Ravi Gupta, Founder, CEO & Editor-in-Chief, Elets Technomedia Pvt. Ltd., followed by a compelling valedictory keynote by Kris Gopalakrishnan, Co-Founder, Infosys; Chairman, Axilor Ventures; Chairman, Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH); and Chairman, Vision Group on IT, Government of Karnataka, reinforcing India’s rising leadership in fintech and digital transformation.
World Fintech Awards
The World Fintech Awards will celebrate groundbreaking innovation in India’s evolving financial ecosystem. Honouring industry leaders, startups, and visionary companies, the awards highlight transformative solutions shaping the future of finance, driving innovation, inclusivity, and digital transformation across the financial sector.
Expo
The summit will also showcase new-age solutions that are redefining the financial technology landscape. Attendees will experience innovative products, services, and technologies designed to enhance the future of finance.
World Fintech Summit 2025 is powered by a stellar lineup of partners who are driving innovation and shaping the future of the financial ecosystem:
- Platinum Partner – JAMF
- Secured Communications Technology Partner – Pinnacle
- Technology & Innovation Partner – Lauren/IBM
- AI-Driven Fintech Partner – Zrika
- Digital Transformation Partner – Airtel Business
- Data Streaming Partner – Confluent
- Communication Partner – Onextel
- Innovative Fintech Solutions Partner – Broadridge
- Supporting Partner – SBI
- AI Partner – Hyperverge
- Experience Transformation Partner – edas
- Banking Technology Partner – Falcon
- Escrow Partner – Castler
- The Financial Partner – Payrupik
- Neo-Banking Experience Partner – BranchX
- Exhibitors – Ongrid & Solytics Partners
- Loyalty & Rewards Partner – Easyrewardz
- Startup Partners – Eloan & Eagle Eye View
- Data Security Partner – Induz
- Branding Partner – BankNbfc.com
- Ecosystem Partner – Indo-American Chamber of Commerce
- Fintech SRO Partner – FACE
- Community Partner – Unified Fintech Forum
