TRADETECH SHOWCASE 2019

In collaboration with Global Trade Review (GTR), GTR Ventures is honoured to bring you the latest #tradetechs from around the world as these firms solve problem statements in the world of trade and supply chain. This year, we have broadened our shortlisting criteria to include innovative firms who address the perennial pain points in cash flow and working capital gaps for SMEs. 

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There is no better place to start looking at global innovation in these verticals than from the vantage point of Singapore. APAC treasurers and decision makers for global corporates and trading firms sit here, striking supply chain deals for the region and inking contracts for commodities. As Asia’s leading financial centre, over 1000 financial institutions provide some US$700tn of trade and supply chain finance annually. Besides the 400 plus community of corporates and traders tapping into trade finance liquidities structured out of Singapore – the SME suppliers to these corporates also benefit. 

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Where liquidity meets innovation Singapore is also a global hub for innovation in financial services and insurance. Most recently, the Bank for International Settlements, dubbed the central bank for the world’s central banks, set up shop in Singapore; while the Monetary Authority of Singapore announced the issuance of five digital banking licenses. The annual Singapore Fintech Festival is the largest gathering of fintech players in the world, having attracted 45,000 participants and US$12bn of capital for Southeast Asia-based firms. 

 

Meanwhile, investment interest in fintech ventures in the APAC region continues to rise. Singapore is ranked third after China and India. Funding for fintech deals in Singapore expanded four-fold to US$453mn in the first half of 2019, up from US$118mn last year.

 

What this means for the future of trade and SMEs Against this backdrop, today’s showcase is where the world’s largest trade and treasury community gather and see how they can partner or invest into new technology firms to improve their margins and enhance productivity. 

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Whether it is about improving financial inclusion for SMEs or enabling lending to be more sustainable, impactful and efficient, these innovators in trade and SME finance offer an opportunity to see how your own organisation can adapt to changing trends in an increasingly digital world.