Wellington-based startup Banqer, the online platform that facilitates the teaching of financial education in the classroom by creating a virtual ‘classroom currency’, took out the Best Innovation in Show Award at the recent Afiniation FinTech Showcase in Sydney.
Over 30 of Australia and New Zealand’s top financial technology innovators presented at the Showcase, to an audience of potential investors, partners and clients in the financial services industry.
Afiniation co-founder and head judge Marc Evans explained, “Banqer helps children who have their own bank accounts get a rich understanding of what it means to be in charge of your own personal finances.”
“As a result the judges felt that Banqer was the most innovative and interesting presenter at the Showcase as they showed that society and FinTech can work together.”
Banqer co-founder Kendall Flutey (pictured above) remarked, “The Afiniation Showcase was our first introduction to the Australian fintech community and we couldn’t have asked for a better entry point.”
“This initiative was the perfect platform for Banqer as it enabled conversations with the right people, people that we may otherwise not have been able to meet.
“The calibre of the demonstrators at the Showcase was extremely high, so it’s a real honour for Banqer to be named best in show. A huge thanks to the organisers of the Afiniation Showcase for fostering this community, and we look forward to future involvements.”
Who else won at the Afiniation FinTech Showcase?
The two other Wellington businesses presenting at the Showcase were also recognised in the awards.
Runner up for Best in Show went to Eight Wire, who showed an automated solution to the migration of data between systems, a problem encountered by many companies at the Showcase and generally regarded as the highest risk part of any fintech project.
Sharesight won the Technology Award, which recognises the best advances in technology that will influence fintech in the future. Sharesight offers a way to manage online investments in one place, whilst consolidating positions across a number of platforms.
Tan Huynh, Sector Development Manager ICT and Digital at Grow Wellington, part of the Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency, said the Afiniation Showcase was an ideal environment for Wellington companies to show their clever technologies and to grow their business in the fintech sector.
“Wellington is a hub of innovative tech businesses. These awards recognise that companies like Banqer, Eight Wire and Sharesight are developing solutions of global relevance.”
Marc Evans said the Afiniation Showcase was an unparalleled success.
“The sold out event brought together the crème de la crème of fintech innovators and investors all keenly intent on driving fintech in Australia and New Zealand forward.”
What you need to know about Afiniation
Like all industries, financial services has been affected by the digital disruption and has been left with no option but to embrace the opportunities technology provides. New, technology-based solutions unburdened by legacy systems are changing the world of finance. Yet it is established organisations that have the resources, and desire, to make new ideas work.
That’s where Afiniation comes in.
Afiniation is here to be the champion of the Australasian fintech community, a virtual network to support the development and growth of fintech in our region – the catalyst for investment, innovation and international expansion.
They do this through:
- facilitating a connected community through an online portal that connects innovators, investors, partners, finance industry professionals and supporters
- cultivating opportunities for startups and established firms through their regular Afiniation Spotlight events and annual Afiniation Showcase event
- raising awareness through their regular Afiniation Newsletter and media service for the fintech Community
- giving fintech a voice, through building an active membership base that provides the foundation for the fintech community to champion causes and as an advocate for development of the social, economic and regulatory framework in which their members operate
Check out highlights from the recent Afiniation Showcase
