What is Global Fintech Fest (GFF)? How AI, Inclusion, and Health-Backed Finance Are Shaping the Future of Fintech

What is Global Fintech Fest (GFF)?  

Global Fintech Fest (GFF), now in its 6th edition, is India’s marquee fintech gathering, a global platform where innovators, regulators, investors, and financial institutions converge to shape what’s next in finance. 

Organised by the Payments Council of India (PCI), NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India), and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC), GFF has grown into a stage for collaboration, policy dialogue, and product innovation.

A Look Back at GFF 2024 

GFF 2024 reinforced its status as the premier global fintech leadership platform under the theme “Blueprint for the Next Decade of Finance: Responsible AI, Inclusive, Resilient.” 

Key Facts

• 100,000+ attendees from 75+ countries
• 950+ speakers and 400+ exhibitors
• 300+ sessions covering digital public infrastructure, embedded finance, and AI ethics

Major Highlights 

• Launchpads for 100+ fintech products, including UPI Circle, Bharat BillPay for Business, and the RBI’s CBDC programmability pilot 

• Introduction of Finternet by Nandan Nilekani—a secure, cryptography-driven infrastructure to integrate diverse financial assets 

• Release of 30+ strategic industry reports on digital lending, InsurTech, and financial inclusion 

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s keynote: “The best is yet to come,” highlighting $31 billion in investments, 500% startup growth, and 530 million Jan Dhan accounts opened in the past decade 

• Catalytic dialogues that advanced regulatory clarity on digital lending frameworks and InsurTech standards 

With unprecedented collaboration between startups, regulators, and global institutions, GFF 2024 laid the groundwork for a more inclusive, interoperable fintech future. 

The Theme of 2025 – AI Focus

“Empowering Finance for a Better World – Powered by AI.” reflects the growing role of artificial intelligence in driving more inclusive, efficient, and intelligent financial systems. It underscores a collective vision: to harness AI not just for innovation, but for solving real-world challenges, from improving financial access and reducing risk, to personalizing services and protecting consumers at scale.

In 2025, GFF runs from October 7 to 9 in Mumbai, bringing together 100,000+ attendees, 7,500+ companies, 1,000+ speakers, 500+ investors, and participants from over 100 countries.

Initiatives at GFF & Why A Startup Should Attend: 

GFF isn’t just about talks. It brings together several key initiatives: 

• Innovation Showcases & Expo Zones 
  Live demos across AI, blockchain, embedded finance, InsurTech, and more, including a new AI Zone for immersive tech experiences. 

• Masterclasses, Hackathons & Product Launches 
  Deep-dive sessions and competitions for fintech builders and creators. 

• Thought Leadership & Industry Reports 
  GFF will feature over 20 new white papers and thought leadership pieces across fintech domains. 

• Global Fintech Awards 
  The 4th edition of the awards will celebrate excellence in fintech, banking tech, and innovation. 

• Networking & Partnerships 
  Structured B2B matchmaking, roundtables, lounges, and VIP networking formats for deal-making and collaboration. 

• Financial Inclusion & Education 
  Special sessions on digital access, rural finance, and financial literacy will also be spotlighted. 

Investment & Growth Focus-Why This Matters for Startups  

GFF has become a vital hub for fintech funding. In recent editions, the event catalysed more than USD 2 billion in investment conversations, with a strong investor presence and startup showcases. 

In 2025, with 500+ investors attending, there’s heightened focus on areas like AI-led finance, climate fintech, embedded insurance, and cross-border finance. 

The event’s “Investment Strategies of Tomorrow” track will deep dive into capital allocation, risk modelling, and emerging growth sectors.

Who Are the Big Speakers?  

GFF 2025 is expected to host global and national leaders from across policy, finance, and technology. 

In previous editions, the event has seen participation from heads of government, central bank governors, startup founders, and key fintech pioneers. 

This year, notable confirmations include Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, reflecting the international weight of the gathering.

Tracks will feature leaders in AI, embedded finance, risk management, climate, digital infrastructure, compliance, and rural inclusion. 

What to expect in 2025

Here’s what’s shaping GFF 2025: 

• Deeper AI Integration: Reimagining everything from underwriting to fraud detection 

• Embedded Finance & Insurance: New use cases across credit, health, and savings 

• Climate & Fintech: Sustainable finance and green lending models 

• Cross-border Ecosystems: Global fintech bridges for trade, payments, and partnerships 

• Rural & Last-Mile Models: Innovation in financial inclusion for underserved areas 

• Capital Conversations: Stronger investor presence and startup showcase 

• Breakthrough Products: Tools and APIs that redefine how finance reaches people 

Our Take: Onsurity at GFF  

For us at Onsurity, GFF is a place to tell a different kind of fintech story, one that puts health and financial protection at the centre of financial access.