Future Skills Forum (FSF), Singapore — 26th February 2026
The Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) and Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly accelerate talent development, AI readiness, and innovation capabilities across Singapore and global financial ecosystems. The MOU was signed at the Future Skills Forum which took place on 11 November 2025.
The MoU addresses a growing challenge faced by organisations worldwide: technology is advancing faster than they can upskill their workforce. While experimentation with generative AI and automation increases, capability building remains uneven across departments and industries.
The strategic partnership between CFTE and the SFA is essentially a talent-and-ecosystem alliance: SFA brings national fintech convening power in Singapore, and CFTE brings global education, research, and workforce transformation capability. The collaboration aims to position Singapore as a global AI-finance talent hub.
A Global Bridge for Talent and Innovation
Singapore is home to more than 1,500 fintech firms and is one of the most dynamic AI innovation environments in the world. Through this collaboration, SFA and CFTE aim to establish a global talent bridge connecting Singapore’s fintech talent with CFTE’s global learning hubs in London, Paris, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and multiple markets across Asia and MENA.
Focus Areas of Collaboration
Under the MoU, CFTE and SFA will explore collaboration across several priority initiatives:
Position Singapore as a Leading Hub for AI-Ready Finance Talent
The organisations will support efforts to strengthen Singapore’s position as a global hub for AI-ready finance talent. This includes helping financial institutions and professionals build practical AI capabilities—grounded in real operational needs and responsible adoption. The goal is to ensure the workforce is equipped not only with tools, but with the skills and judgement required to deploy AI effectively across financial services.
Develop a Connected, Cross-Border Finance Talent Ecosystem
Recognising that talent and innovation function increasingly across borders, the partnership will explore ways to connect stakeholders across markets. This may include shared programmes, community-led learning initiatives, and knowledge exchange between institutions, policymakers, and ecosystem partners. By strengthening links across regions, the collaboration aims to accelerate capability building and scale proven approaches to AI readiness.
Strengthen Founder and Startup Capability in the AI Era
To support entrepreneurship and innovation, the organisations will also explore initiatives aimed at founders and early-stage teams building in the AI era. This focus area is designed to help startups develop practical AI understanding, go-to-market readiness, and responsible deployment practices—especially in regulated financial contexts. The objective is to enable founders to develop credible, scalable solutions that meet real market needs.
“At SFA, talent development and skills readiness are central to our mission of supporting a vibrant and future-ready fintech ecosystem. This collaboration with CFTE reflects our continued commitment to working closely with industry and education partners to equip our workforce with the practical skills needed to navigate an evolving fintech landscape. As AI reshapes how businesses operate, SFA will continue to champion initiatives that promote responsible innovation and strengthen skillsets to build a strong pipeline of AI-enabled fintech talent for Singapore.”
“We are pleased to partner with the Singapore FinTech Association to accelerate the upskilling of talent and the creation of the next generation of AI founders. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to building AI readiness, entrepreneurial capability, and responsible innovation at scale while connecting SFA members to CFTE’s global network, and reinforcing Singapore’s leadership in shaping the future of finance and technology."
About CFTE
The Centre for Finance, Technology and Entrepreneurship (CFTE) is a global education platform focused on preparing professionals, institutions, and governments for the future of finance, technology, and artificial intelligence. CFTE works worldwide to define AI readiness and build future-ready talent through structured learning, diagnostics, and applied capability-building programmes.
About Singapore Fintech Association
The Singapore FinTech Association (SFA) is a non-profit industry body that represents and supports the fintech ecosystem in Singapore. It brings together fintech startups, financial institutions, corporates, investors, and regulators to promote innovation, collaboration, and responsible growth. SFA also works closely with government agencies to shape policy, develop talent, and position Singapore as a leading global fintech hub.
Media contacts
CFTE: partners@cfte.education
SFA: sfa@cognitomedia.com
