Applications have now opened for the 2026 Global Fintech Hackcelerator and SFF Fintech Excellence Awards ahead of Singapore Fintech Festival (SFF).
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) announced the call on 29 June.
Winners for both programmes will be announced at the SFF Fintech Excellence Awards Dinner on 19 November 2026.
The Global Fintech Hackcelerator, organised by MAS with the Global Financial Technology Network (GFTN), is seeking proposals from fintech firms and solution providers on how artificial intelligence (AI) can address key challenges in financial services.
This year’s challenge areas cover credit and fraud risk modelling in digital banking, wealth management for a digitally native generation, and tools to help SMEs assess and manage business risk.
The 2026 edition is supported by GXS, Julius Baer and Zurich Insurance as corporate champions. Each has contributed a problem statement in its area of expertise.
AI Takes Centre Stage
Up to 20 finalists will be chosen for the programme. Each finalist will receive a S$20,000 cash stipend, work with their corporate champion and receive mentoring before attending an in-person programme in Singapore from 11 to 13 November 2026.
They will pitch their solutions at the Global Fintech Hackcelerator Demo Day during SFF on 18 November 2026.
One winner will be selected for each problem statement, with each winner receiving S$80,000 in prize money.
After the competition, each corporate champion may also select one finalist for a pilot project, subject to mutual interest and agreement.
SFF Awards Open for Nominations
MAS also opened applications and nominations for the 2026 SFF Fintech Excellence Awards, which are organised with the Singapore Fintech Association (SFA) and supported by PwC Singapore.
The awards recognise fintech solutions and individuals that have contributed to new industry practices, financial inclusion, emerging technology adoption and improved delivery of financial services.
Eight winners will be named at SFF 2026. The corporate categories are Emerging Fintech, Financial Inclusivity, Regulatory Leader, Sustainable Innovator and Artificial Intelligence Champion.
Three individuals will be selected under the Fintech Mentor Award category.
Each corporate category winner will receive S$50,000, while the three Fintech Mentor Award winners will each receive S$5,000.
The awards are also supported by the Fintech Gives Back initiative, which was launched in 2023 to encourage established industry players to support early-stage innovation in the sector.
In 2025, contributors included Ripple, Visa, HeyMax, Aspire, Experian, LexisNexis, Sumsub, Syfe and YouTrip.
Applications for both the Global Fintech Hackcelerator and SFF Fintech Excellence Awards close on 14 August 2026.
Singapore Fintech Festival 2026 will be held from 18 to 20 November.
Featured image: Edited by Fintech News Singapore, based on image by mrsiraphol via Magnific
