Technology

Global Fintech Fest 2024 Showcases Wide Spectrum of Innovations

Published

3 weeks ago

August 30, 2024

Three-Day Mega Event Concludes, Attracting 300 exhibitors from across the world, 100000 Footfalls, 1000 Speakers

MUMBAI, India, Aug. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — India’s Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Mr. Piyush Goyal said on Friday that the Indian fintech ecosystem had turned into a hotbed for innovation. Addressing the Global Fintech Fest 2024 in Mumbai, he said, “As our country is poised to become the third largest economy, the success story of a developed India rests on the wonderful work being done by fintech sector.”

The Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024 was presented by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Financial Services (DFS), Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA). The conference was jointly organised by the Payments Council of India (PCI), the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC).

GFF 2024 featured over 1000 speakers from 70 countries, more than 350 sessions, over 60 product launches, more than 300 exhibitors, and attracted 100,000 footfalls over the three days.

The Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2024, one of the world’s largest fintech gatherings, concluded here on Friday, August 30, showcasing emerging opportunities and issues in the sector. The three-day event, in its fifth edition, brought together global policymakers, regulators, central bankers, industry leaders, and academicians to explore the future of financial technology, aligned with this year’s theme- ‘Blueprint for the Next Decade of Finance: Responsible AI | Inclusive | Resilient’.

In his keynote at the conference, Mr. Shaktikanta Das, Governor, Reserve Bank of India, said, “India is now a fast-growing economy, economic powerhouse with an increasingly tech savvy population. India’s financial sector has witnessed a remarkable transformation, driven, among other factors, by the FinTech sector.”

Mr. Das further emphasized India’s engagement in international fora and bilateral agreements to foster economic cooperation with many countries and said, “Going forward, strengthening financial infrastructure, including cross-border payment systems, will be our key focus areas. India, with its tech talent and evolved financial fintech ecosystem, holds potential to serve as a global hub for digital innovation and fintech startups.”

Mr. Christopher Waller, Member, Federal Reserve Board of Governors of the United States in his address, highlighted the potential role of public and private sectors in advancing cross-border payments. Commenting on the practical aspects of interlinking fast payment systems, Mr Waller said, “Domestic networks need to be developed first. If this condition is not in place, interlinked networks could end up being a road to nowhere.”

Highlighting Federal Reserve’s efforts, Mr Waller added, “We will continue our engagement with international fora to improve the speed and efficiency of cross-border payments and to investigate the issues critical to interlinking payment systems. Our chief focus in the near-to mid-term, however, is continuing to build the FedNow network domestically and increasing participation in the service.”

In a special address on emerging trends in sustainable finance, Mr. Allen Forlemu, Regional Industry Director, Financial Institutions Group, Asia and Pacific, International Finance Corporation (IFC) discussed the critical role of fintech in driving sustainable finance, emphasizing its importance for a greener and more equitable future. “Looking ahead, it is clear that collaboration will be essential and fintech companies, traditional financial institutions, governments and regulators must work together to scale sustainable finance solutions and amplify positive impact on sustainability”, remarked Mr Forlemu.

He further said, “At IFC, we are optimistic, and we believe that by investing in innovation and fostering collaboration across sectors, we can build a financial system that is inclusive, resilient and sustainable for everyone.”

Discussing ‘Recent Developments in Digital Finance – Experiences from German and EU Regulation,’ Dr. Florian Toncar, Parliamentary State Secretary, German Federal Ministry of Finance, commented, “India has shown immense capacity to innovate and spread new technologies at an impressive speed, with UPI being popular far beyond Indian borders.”

Highlighting the importance of cooperation between security agencies and anti-money laundering agencies, Dr Toncar added, “Appropriate resourcing of prosecutors or police, specialized financial investigators, and information exchange across borders and countries is key.”

In his special address, Mr. Harjinder Kang, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for South Asia and the British Deputy High Commissioner for Western India, UK Department for Business and Trade, said, “UK finds India as a very important partner, and it’s not just in fintech, but across different sides of the business.”

During a panel on ‘Innovation in Fintech Regulation: Balancing Innovation and Regulation in Global Financial Services,’ Mr. Ryosuke Ushida, Chief Fintech Officer, Financial Services Agency of Japan provided insights into the country’s regulatory landscape and said, “In Japan, our regulatory scope covers a wide range of financial institutions, including banks, insurance companies, investments, and currency exchange. A key focus has been on blockchain technology, in response to past challenges, particularly incidents involving exchanges in Tokyo. Japan has established a comprehensive regulatory framework for the crypto industry.”

Mr. Ushida further emphasized that these regulations are designed not only to protect the industry but also to create a stable environment that encourages innovation. “The goal is to support the growth of international tech companies and ensure that Japan continues to lead in this field, in line with global counterparts”, he added.

Addressing the session on ‘The Role of Technology in Shaping the Future of Global Finance,’ Mr. Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief Fintech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore, said, “The challenges of integrating DPIs across borders—from pricing to technical standards—are significant. Initiatives like Project Nexus are underway to tackle these issues, but achieving seamless connectivity across different markets will take time.”

Mr. Mohanty added, “Fintech must expand beyond payments and lending to include other asset classes such as wealth advisory and capital market infrastructure.”

GFF 2024 also featured a significant global presence, with numerous international leaders contributing to the dialogue on the future of fintech. Among the notable speakers were Mr. Camilo Tellez-Merchan, Deputy Managing Director, UN based Better Than Cash Alliance, United Nations; Mr. Alan Lim, Director, FinTech Infrastructure Office, Monetary Authority of Singapore; Mr. Paul van Sint Fiet, Head of APAC cross-currency solutions, J.P. Morgan Payments; Mr. Edward Bass, Inward Investment Manager, UK Department for Business and Trade; Mr. David Finch, Global Managing Director Fintech, TransUnion CIBIL, and Mr. Jan Pilbauer, Chief Executive Officer, Al Etihad Payments.

The event also saw eminent leaders from the Indian fintech ecosystem. For more information about the conference, visit: Global Fintech Fest 2024.

For further information, please reach out to:
Vipin Chanddra, APCO: +91-9582 731432
Kuldeep Singh, APCO: +91- 97113 06379

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/global-fintech-fest-2024-showcases-wide-spectrum-of-innovations-302235213.html

SOURCE APCO Worldwide India

Technology

AIE Graduates create visual effects for Academy-nominated film

Published

13 mins ago

September 20, 2024

NAWI, a feature film whose visual effects were created by graduates from the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), has been officially nominated by Kenya for entry into the 97th Academy Awards in the category of Best International Feature Film. NAWI is a heartfelt story about a young girl’s journey towards empowerment and aims to shed light on a pressing issue that affects countless young women in the Turkana region of Kenya.

CANBERRA, Australia, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — NAWI, a feature film whose visual effects were created by graduates from the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE), has been officially nominated by Kenya for entry into the 97th Academy Awards in the category of Best International Feature Film. NAWI is a heartfelt story about a young girl’s journey towards empowerment and aims to shed light on a pressing issue that affects countless young women in the Turkana region of Kenya.

“The film has a very important social message to tell so it was rewarding in many ways to be able to contribute to this project. NAWI was a fantastic opportunity for our graduates to put their skills to the test on a full-length feature film,” said Tom Pugh.

AIE graduates and teachers were given the opportunity to work on the film’s visual effects through AIE’s ongoing partnership with Learning Lions, who produced the film with Film Crew & Baobab Pictures. AIE is proud to support Learning Lions non-profit mission to enable young adults in marginalised rural communities of East Africa to become digital creatives by providing game development training and technology.

The visual effects for NAWI were brought to life by AIE teachers and experienced industry professionals, Thomas Magill and Tom Pugh, who were tasked with supervising the visual effects and liaising with the film’s Directors, Apuu Mourine, Kevin Schmutzler, Tobias Schmutzler and Toby Schmutzler. They assembled a team of recent AIE graduates and worked out how to create the effects required to immerse audiences in Nawi’s world.

“Graduates were able to take the skills they had learnt in class and apply them to cinema-quality footage. There was even a bit of nervous excitement working with professional expectations and deadlines,” said Tom Pugh.

Thomas Magill explained that most of the work involved compositing such as fixing blemishes, removing unwanted folds in clothing, changing pages in a book and removing background actors that were in the wrong place.

“We had a river shot where there was only a sandbank, and we had to create an entire island! There were several shots filmed in a dry riverbed which required us to create floodwater. We had to draw upon various disciplines: not just digital compositing but also visual effects creation and fluid simulations,” said Thomas Magill.

Both teachers enthused that the directors were a pleasure to work with and the collaboration was smooth.

Learning Lions and AIE look forward to seeing NAWI progress through two rounds of voting by members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to narrow the list of submitted films down to five nominees for the Best International Feature Film.

About Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE)

AIE offers practical, career-focused courses delivered by industry-experienced teachers in 3D animation, game development, visual effects and film. Since 2019 AIE has sponsored scholarships to their Certificate and Diploma programs to Learning Lions student. AIE provided laptops and is supporting with opportunities at various gaming companies around the world for paid part-time and full-time work.

https://aie.edu.au/

About Learning Lions

Learning Lions is fighting poverty with digital opportunity. Established in 2015, Learning Lions equips local youth with essential IT and media skills, and empowering them to become entrepreneurs and self-sustaining individuals. By leveraging digital services, these aspiring entrepreneurs not only support themselves but also provide opportunities for others through employment and mentorship.

https://www.learninglions.org/

Media Contact

Neil Boyd, Academy of Interactive Entertainment, 61 434273190, neilb@aie.edu.au, https://aie.edu.au/

Facebook, LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/aie-graduates-create-visual-effects-for-academy-nominated-film-302252825.html

SOURCE Academy of Interactive Entertainment

Technology

Valhalla MSO Launches Impetus One to Enhance Valhalla Vitality’s Telehealth Platform

Published

13 mins ago

September 20, 2024

Valhalla MSO launches Impetus One, enabling healthcare providers to expand services, improve patient retention, and boost revenue with no upfront costs

MIAMI, Sept. 19, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Valhalla MSO is excited to announce the launch of Impetus One (IO), a new software designed to power the Valhalla Vitality Network Provider Program. This initiative aims to expand the reach and capabilities of independent healthcare providers by offering an alternative to the traditional insurance model. With a focus on preventative medicine and wellness therapies, the platform is set to enhance patient care while creating new revenue opportunities for providers.

The Valhalla Vitality Network Provider Program addresses the gap created by insurance companies that often deny coverage for preventative medicine, wellness services, and even weight loss therapies. Insurance typically does not compensate healthcare providers for the time spent improving a patient’s overall health. Impetus One (IO) offers an alternative by providing a cash-pay marketplace where providers are fairly compensated for delivering impactful, life-changing services to their patients.

Key Benefits for Providers

Impetus One Software Integration: The platform integrates seamlessly with Valhalla Vitality, offering an e-commerce marketplace that connects patients with a wide range of health services. Providers can easily adopt the system to deliver therapies and other services, ensuring smooth payment processing and order fulfillment.No Upfront Costs: Providers can join the Network Provider Program without any initial fees. They simply share a unique link with patients, allowing for easy access to services, and payments are processed as orders are placed. Partner pharmacies handle medication shipments directly, creating a hassle-free experience for providers.Boosting Patient Retention: The platform includes a VIP Rewards Program, designed to increase patient retention and loyalty. Patients earn points for discounts and exclusive benefits, which encourages ongoing engagement and care continuity.E-commerce and Wellness Integration: Unlike typical affiliate programs, Valhalla Vitality allows providers to retain full control of their patient relationships. Providers can generate revenue through the integrated e-commerce system without worrying about referral fees or kickbacks, enabling them to focus solely on delivering high-quality patient care.

By joining the Valhalla Vitality Network Provider Program, healthcare providers gain access to a scalable model that helps increase profits, introduce new services, and enhance patient satisfaction. The VIP Rewards Program also strengthens the bond between patients and providers, making healthcare more accessible and rewarding for all.

Healthcare providers looking to grow their practices and increase revenue can join the Valhalla Vitality Network by visiting http://www.providevitality.com. Valhalla MSO’s new platform is a powerful tool for delivering advanced, patient-centric healthcare with a focus on accessibility and quality.

For more information, visit Valhalla Vitality at http://www.valhallavitality.com.

Media Contact

Chris K., Valhalla Vitality, 888-888-8888, ck@s99agency.com, https://valhallavitality.com/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/valhalla-mso-launches-impetus-one-to-enhance-valhalla-vitalitys-telehealth-platform-302253701.html

SOURCE Valhalla Vitality

Technology

Ultima Markets Wins Two Prestigious Awards at Global Forex Awards–Retail 2024!

Published

13 mins ago

September 20, 2024

LIMASSOL, Cyprus, Sept. 19, 2024 /CNW/ — Ultima Markets, a leading global forex and CFDs brokerage, is thrilled to announce its double success at the prestigious Global Forex Awards – Retail 2024. The company won two distinguished awards: “Best Affiliates Brokerage – Global” and “Best Fund Safety – Global.”

The awards were presented during the event in Limassol, Cyprus, where Jean Philippe, Board Advisor, Corporate Governance and Sustainability at Ultima Markets, accepted the honours.

The Global Forex Awards – Retail has celebrated excellence in trading innovation for seven consecutive years. Ultima Markets’ dual wins reflect its commitment to quality, client-centric strategies, and strong partnerships across the financial services sector.

The “Best Affiliates Brokerage—Global” award recognises Ultima Markets’ exemplary affiliate programme, which has successfully driven its global expansion. It is celebrated for its transparency and competitive rewards tailored to affiliate needs.

Receiving the “Best Fund Safety – Global” award highlights Ultima Markets’ efforts to safeguard client assets. Through its partnership with Willis Towers Watson, the company provides up to USD$1,000,000 in insurance per account, while its Financial Commission membership ensures clients access to up to €20,000 in compensation funds.

These recognitions underscore Ultima Markets’ priority to security and transparency, including segregated accounts and robust risk management practices. The broker also assures affiliate partners of exceptional standards.

Commenting on the awards, Jean Philippe said, “These recognitions reflect the exceptional work of our teams to ensure the safety of traders’ funds and our dedication to creating value for our partners and clients. We will continue to evolve and innovate to meet the market’s demands.”

Ultima Markets is renowned for its extensive range of trading products and personalised customer service, designed to meet clients’ diverse needs worldwide. The dual recognition marks a significant milestone in the company’s global growth and reaffirms its reputation for delivering fund safety and robust affiliate opportunities.

“We are delighted to be recognised with these awards, which reflect our mission to create a secure trading environment and build strong, rewarding partnerships,” said Jack Li, Ultima Markets’ Regional Business Director.

About Ultima Markets

Ultima Markets is a fully licensed, fast-growing broker offering access to 250+ financial instruments. With a team of 2,000+ professionals in 15 global offices, we serve clients in 172 countries. Check out more about our awards on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube.