How the Victorian Government is working to position the state as a global Fintech hub
As Fintech innovations continue to disrupt the financial industry, the state government of Victoria in Australia has been working pro-actively to foster a thriving Fintech ecosystem. It is seeking to ensure that Melbourne’s fintech sector reaches its full potential and continues to create jobs, businesses, technologies and exports. Last week, the Victorian Government led a delegation of Fintech companies to Singapore for Money 2020 Asia. During a Corporate Access day prior to the event, OpenGov spoke to Amelia Fyfield, Deputy Commissioner, Southeast Asia, at Trade and Investment Victoria and Alex Veale, Trade Specialist- Professional Services, Trade Victoria, under the Department of Economic Development, Jobs, Transport and Resources (DEDJTR), to learn […]
ETFs the ‘starting point’ for Millennials
Almost 40 per cent of first-time ETF investors are Millennials, according to new research by BetaShares and Investment Trends. BetaShares and Investment Trends have launched a joint report that examines the attitudes of people who are currently invested in (or considering) ETFs. According to the report, the average age of ETF investors had dropped: the average age of those who began investing in ETFs five years ago was 56, whereas the average age of those who began investing in ETFs 12 months ago was 42. Furthermore, Millennials were found to have the greatest appetite for ETFs, with the report revealing this demographic made up 38 per cent of online investors […]
Australia and UK “Concluding Negotiations” for new FinTech deal
The Australian High Commissioner to the UK has revealed that the two countries are on the verge of inking a new FinTech agreement. Speaking at a global trade conference last week, Australia’s high commissioner to the UK Alexander Downer reportedly stated that the two countries “are in the process of concluding negotiations on fintech”, a move that will boost Australia with direct ties to one of Britain’s fastest-growing industries. As reported by International Investment, Downer further revealed that the agreement will bring enhanced cooperation between the two countries’ regulatory authorities. A spokesperson for Her Majesty’s Treasury, the UK’s economic finance ministry, confirmed the advanced talks, stating: “The UK and Australia […]
Sunshine Coast business promising easier bill payment
A Sunshine Coast business is promising to take their innovative bill payment platform to the next level with Queensland Government backing from the Advance Queensland Ignite Ideas Fund. Innovation Minister Leeanne Enoch said Noosa Heads business Promis Network’s automated bill payment platform had the potential to change the lives of business operators across Queensland, nationally and globally. “Promis Network have been working on the automated bill payment platform for over a year and have some customers already established on the Sunshine Coast. This Ignite Ideas funding will allow the business to take their amazing idea to new markets,” she said. Promis Network’s automated bill payment platform allows invoices to be […]
Australian Fintech companies amongst 2017 Finder Awards
Once again the 2017 Finder Awards was dominated by Australian Fintech companies, like they have done in previous years. Congratulations to all the Fintech winners: Best Investor Home Loan (PI 3-Year Fixed) UBank UHomeLoan Best P2P Personal Loan RateSetter 2 Year Personal Loan Best Personal Loan Pepper Money Unsecured Variable Personal Loan Best Personal Finance App Acorns Best Online Customer Service UBank Best Banking Innovation Spriggy Most Innovative Team Mario Hasanakos & Alex Badran, founders of Spriggy
Stone & Chalk leads FinTech Hub
FinTech Victoria’s former founding CEO, Alan Tsen, is spearheading the operations of the new hub, which will provide free office and in-kind support for start-ups in the finance and technology industries. Stone & Chalk says the first phase of the hub will link start-ups to the national and international marketplace, offer mentorship, talent and investment across Melbourne and Sydney. Stone & Chalk has corporate partners including ANZ, NAB, Findex, Genworth and Liberty Financial. Mr Tsen said the hub would be a helpful boost for start-ups to tap into the national and global FinTech space. “Melbourne FinTechs have found it hard to access affordable space, as well as mentorship, talent, business […]
finder Awards 2017: Innovation finalists announced
Entrepreneurs, start-ups and leading businesses are among this year’s finder Awards finalists. Finalists have been named across seven innovation categories following an extensive judging process in a range of industries from finance to technology, retail and travel. Fred Schebesta, co-founder and director of finder.com.au, says the annual awards have uncovered a diverse range products and brands which challenge the status quo – all with innovation at their heart. “From new smartphone apps to bite-sized property investing, these outside of the box ideas have the potential to change lives,” he says. “We were blown away by the calibre and number of entries this year; all of the finalists are finding solutions […]
Four areas Australia should focus on to lead in the coming fintech boom
If Australia wants to lead the next wave of fintech innovation, it needs the next generation of start-ups to be successful. Although the federal government and the corporate sector are on board, it will take more than general support for Australia’s fintech scene to mature competitively. Sydney start-up hub Stone and Chalk’s CEO Alex Scandurra believes the Australian fintech industry is already maturing past apps and gadgets, but the “valley of death” – the time before a start-up is cashflow positive – still looms large in an industry riddled with failed ventures. This is one reason the focus for Stone and Chalk has grown into more of a “fintech ecosystem”, […]
