Fintech in Focus: Navigating the Future of Finance at Techweek25

In 2025, fintech is no longer a niche sector—it’s a transformative force reshaping how we think about money, payments, and financial services. From open banking and digital wallets to SME lending and global expansion, financial technology is driving innovation across Aotearoa and beyond.

As part of Techweek25, New Zealand’s annual celebration of tech and innovation (20–26 May 2025), a standout series of fintech-focused events will bring together founders, investors, technologists, and regulators to explore the future of finance. Whether you’re building a fintech startup, integrating financial tools into your business, or simply curious about the future of money, these events will connect you with the people and ideas shaping the sector.

Securing the Future of Open Banking

Open banking is steadily becoming reality in Aotearoa. Securing the Future – An API Centre Technical Deep Dive(Tuesday 21 May, Auckland) offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at how open banking systems are being built securely and collaboratively.

Hosted by Payments NZ, this event features Nigel Somerfield (Lead Architect, Payments NZ), who will walk through live sandbox demos of common banking flows—from consent to payment. Phil Cass (API Centre Manager, Payments NZ) will also provide updates on API standards, security protocols, and the future roadmap for the API Centre. This is a valuable session for developers, fintech founders, and financial professionals working with open finance infrastructure.

Fintech on Stage at Canterbury TechFest 2025

Canterbury TechFest 2025 (Wednesday 22 May, Christchurch) is one of the largest regional tech gatherings during Techweek, and this year’s programme features a strong focus on fintech.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Josh Daniell (Co-founder, Akahu) – on NZ’s open finance ecosystem
• Sasha Lockley (CEO, Money Sweetspot) – on innovation in debt management
• Joe Rastrick (GM Technology Strategy & Architecture, BNZ) – on future payment technologies
• Mark Dunlop (GM Engineering, Xero) – on engineering leadership in fintech
• Cheryl Lee (Partner, Deloitte) – on AI’s role in financial services

The event is facilitated by Jason Butler (CEO, OMNIMax) and brings together thought leaders from across the sector to share insights into the technologies, policy shifts, and customer behaviours shaping fintech in Aotearoa.

From Idea to Impact: Building Fintech from the Ground Up

If you’re a founder or entrepreneur with a fintech idea—or early-stage product—Building FinTech: From Concept to Market (Wednesday 22 May, Auckland) is a practical workshop designed to help you move from vision to execution.

This session features three confirmed speakers:

• Josh Daniell (Akahu) – on building NZ’s open finance infrastructure
• Georgie Fenwicke (Founder, Frankie) – on property tech and user-first design
• Vivek Kumar (Founder & CEO, Emerge) – on reimagining SME banking

Together, they’ll cover product-market fit, regulatory navigation, and investment strategies. Ideal for founders, product managers, and anyone building in the financial tech space.

Scaling Globally: Lessons from the Frontlines

Global expansion is one of the biggest challenges—and opportunities—for NZ fintechs. Two standout sessions at Techweek25 offer real-world guidance for companies looking to grow beyond our borders.

The Secrets of Scale: Tips and Tools for Doing Business with the World (Wednesday 22 May, Auckland), hosted by Airwallex, features a panel of local leaders who’ve scaled globally:

• Andrew Fraser (Halter)
• Cassie McAdams (Ideally)
• Kevin Park (ConcordVisa)
• Lowry Gladwell (Airwallex)

Moderated by Madison Malone (NZME), this event dives into market entry, compliance, FX risk management, and cross-border team building.

In Wellington, Global Growth Playbook: Strategies from NZ Tech Leaders (Thursday 23 May) features:

• Alliv Samson (Co-founder, Kami)
• Alex Black (CEO, ADInstruments)
• Regan Whitehead (Co-founder, Projectworks)
• Matt Hayter (Founder, Tapi)

This panel, hosted by NZTE, offers unfiltered stories and strategic insights from founders who’ve successfully launched and grown tech ventures worldwide, and an opportunity for you to engage with these leaders in facilitated breakout sessions. 

The Future of Finance Is Here

Fintech is no longer on the fringe—it’s at the heart of how we do business, access credit, manage investments, and build companies. Whether you’re inside the industry or intersecting with it, Techweek25’s fintech programme provides a timely window into what’s next.

👉 Explore the full Techweek25 programme here

Engage with the people, tools, and ideas shaping the financial future of Aotearoa—and the world.