Global Fintech Fest 2026: PM Modi to Launch Major Fintech Event in Mumbai
Inauguration of Global Fintech Fest 2026
File image of PM Modi(Photo: IANS)
Mumbai, Sep 7: On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the seventh edition of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026 in Mumbai. This event marks the beginning of one of the largest annual fintech gatherings worldwide, uniting policymakers, regulators, financial institutions, technology firms, investors, and academic representatives.
The four-day festival, taking place from September 8 to 11, will emphasize the significance of emerging technologies in promoting inclusive finance. Since its launch in 2020, GFF has transformed into a global forum for exploring the future of finance and digital innovation, as stated by the Press Information Bureau.
The theme for GFF 2026 is “Potential to Impact: Agentic AI, Tokenisation, Quantum - Trusted, Connected, Global Systems for Inclusive Finance.”
This year's GFF aims to serve as a convergence point for policy, regulation, technology, capital, and industry, building on India's leadership in digital payments and financial inclusion while transitioning from potential to tangible impact. Discussions will center on how Agentic AI, programmable finance, quantum technologies, and other emerging technologies can foster trusted, inclusive, and measurable outcomes for citizens, businesses, and economies worldwide, according to a government announcement made on Monday.
Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has recently positioned Mumbai not only as India's financial capital but also as its Fintech Capital. He pointed out that Mumbai has historically underutilized its status as a financial hub. By integrating traditional banking and capital markets with advanced digital infrastructure, the city is evolving into a comprehensive fintech ecosystem.
In addressing the competition from tech hubs like Bengaluru and Hyderabad, CM Fadnavis noted that Maharashtra leads the nation in the number of startups, venture funding, and total unicorns, largely driven by fintech companies. He also mentioned that the state currently hosts over 60 percent of India's total data center capacity, exceeding 1 GW of operational capacity.
The state's surplus power status and dedicated cloud infrastructure provide the essential technical support needed for low-latency financial transactions and digital payment processing.
The Maharashtra government has introduced specific fintech policies that include plug-and-play parks, single-window clearances, and expedited land allotments (often within 24-36 hours) to reduce the costs and complexities of conducting business.
Through various initiatives, such as AI Innovation Parks, cybersecurity centers, and digital public infrastructure, the administration is aligning the fintech sector with emerging technologies to enhance financial networks and scale solutions globally, according to sources from the industry department.