Asia FinTech Network to host Asia FinTech Week 2026 in Colombo

Asia FinTech Network Chairperson Dr. Kumudu Megasooriya

The Asia FinTech Network (AFTN) is set to host Asia FinTech Week 2026, a landmark five-day regional gathering from 14 to 18 September 2026, bringing together financial regulators, policymakers, financial institutions, chief executives, investors, technology innovators and academics from across Asia and beyond.

Announced this week by the Asia FinTech Network, Asia FinTech Week 2026 represents a significant milestone in advancing regional cooperation while positioning Sri Lanka as a strategic meeting point for digital finance, investment and knowledge exchange across Asia.

Asia FinTech Network Chairperson Dr. Kumudu Megasooriya said: "Asia FinTech Week 2026 marks a pivotal milestone in Asia's digital finance journey. By convening visionary leaders, regulators, financial institutions, technology innovators, investors and academia, Colombo will become the meeting point where ideas evolve into partnerships, innovation attracts investment and regional cooperation creates lasting economic impact across Asia's fintech ecosystem."

Dr. Megasooriya said Asia FinTech Week 2026 is expected to attract more than 800 delegates from over 25 countries, bringing together senior executives and decision-makers from banking, fintech, investment, technology and the broader digital finance ecosystem. Through keynote addresses, executive forums, industry showcases and strategic networking sessions, participants will explore emerging technologies, evolving business models, regulatory developments and investment opportunities that are redefining financial services across the region.

The five-day programme has been designed around the technologies and market trends expected to influence the next decade of financial services. Discussions will cover artificial intelligence in financial services, digital payments, open banking and open finance, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), stablecoins, digital assets, blockchain, tokenisation, cybersecurity, digital identity, regulatory technology (RegTech), supervisory technology (SupTech), embedded finance, financial inclusion and sustainable finance.

Collectively, these themes reflect the technological, regulatory and commercial developments transforming the financial services industry while highlighting new opportunities for investment, digital transformation and sustainable growth.

"Asia FinTech Week 2026 is where business leaders, investors and innovators come together to exchange ideas, forge strategic relationships and accelerate the next phase of digital finance in Asia," Dr. Megasooriya said. "The conversations and connections established in Colombo will contribute to stronger regional cooperation, increased investment and the continued evolution of financial services across the region."

Beyond its conference program, Asia FinTech Week 2026 is expected to generate significant economic and commercial value for Sri Lanka by attracting international business leaders, investors and technology innovators. The week will facilitate business-to-business engagement, investment dialogue, technology showcases, startup exposure and cross-border commercial partnerships, while strengthening Sri Lanka's profile as an emerging destination for digital finance and innovation.

Participating organisations will benefit from direct engagement with senior decision-makers, investors, regulators and technology leaders, creating opportunities to establish new business relationships, explore regional markets, identify investment prospects and benchmark innovation against regional and global best practices.

The week will feature four flagship programs:

n14 September - Launch of the Asia FinTech Research Institute (AFRI), establishing a regional centre for fintech research, policy insights and innovation.

n15 September - Executive Masterclass: The Future of Money – CBDCs, Stablecoins and Digital Assets.

n 16-17 September - Sri Lanka FinTech Summit 2026, featuring keynote presentations, executive panel discussions, exhibitions, investment forums and business networking.

n18 September - Executive Masterclass: AI in Financial Services – From Generative AI to Autonomous Banking.

The Asia FinTech Network invites financial institutions, fintech companies, technology providers, startups, investors, regulators, universities, industry associations and business leaders from across Asia and beyond to participate in Asia FinTech Week 2026 in Colombo. The five-day programme offers an opportunity to exchange ideas, build new business relationships, explore investment opportunities and contribute to advancing digital finance across Asia.

Registration, partnership and sponsorship opportunities for Asia FinTech Week 2026 will be announced by the Asia FinTech Network in the coming weeks.

  FT Key take  

The next frontier of Asian FinTech begins in Colombo, where visionary leadership, breakthrough innovation, global investment and progressive policy converge to define the next era of digital finance