UK FinTech Panel: Opportunities, Barriers and Threats in the Indo-Pacific

The Worshipful Company of International Bankers is pleased to host an evening panel discussion examining the growing intersection of FinTech and geopolitics, with a particular focus on the Indo-Pacific.

As the Indo-Pacific emerges as one of the world’s most strategically important economic regions, UK FinTech firms face a complex landscape shaped by geopolitical tensions, regulatory fragmentation, digital sovereignty, and shifting capital flows. From payments and compliance to financial infrastructure and digital assets, global expansion increasingly demands not only technical excellence but also geopolitical awareness.

This panel will bring together senior industry leaders, founders, and investors to discuss:

• The opportunities and risks of expanding FinTech businesses into the Indo-Pacific
• How geopolitics is influencing regulation, licensing, and cross-border operations
• Capital allocation, partnerships, and market entry strategies
• What UK FinTech leaders and investors may be underestimating today

The discussion is designed to be strategic, forward-looking, and conversational, offering practical insights rather than promotional commentary.

The event will conclude with a networking reception, followed by informal extended networking at a nearby pub.

Afterwards there will be informal drinks at The Anthologist on Gresham Street.

(Buy your own drinks.)

Time: 17.30 (Refreshments - tea and coffee will be served on arrival ) for 18:00 start, until 19:30
Cost: £15 per person
Venue: Guildhall, Committee Rooms 3/4 (enter via West Wing reception on Aldermanbury), followed by informal drinks at The Anthologist (buy your own drinks).
Dress code: Business casual
Guests: WCIB members can bring one guest each

About the speakers....

Andrew Gershon (Chair)
Senior leader at LTI Mindtree, with extensive experience advising global financial institutions on technology, transformation, and digital strategy.

Hemal Jayasinghe
Senior executive at LTI Mindtree, specialising in FinTech innovation, digital platforms, and cross-border financial services transformation.

Martin Watkins
Chief Executive of Montis Group, with 30 years’ global leadership experience across exchanges, financial market infrastructure, and technology, specialising in regulated markets, digital securities, and DLT-based innovation.

FinTech Speaker – TBC
Senior leader from a high-growth FinTech operating across payments, compliance, or financial infrastructure.

VC Speaker – TBC
Senior venture capital investor with exposure to FinTech and emerging market expansion.