Page 12 - CMA Journal (July-August 2025)

Exclusive Interview

ICMA: What lessons from Singapore’s fintech ecosystem
I am also proud that 5 out of the could benefit Pakistan and the wider region?
Holly Fang: One of the key lessons from Singapore’s
11 members of my Executive fintech journey is the importance of collaboration
between fintechs, regulators, industry players, and
Committee are women, government agencies. Strong partnerships are essential
for building a resilient ecosystem. Singapore’s experience
reflecting our commitment to demonstrates that a forward-looking regulatory
approach, accessible digital infrastructure, and a skilled
gender diversity in leadership talent pool together create the right conditions for
growth. FinTech associations like SFA further strengthen
across the fintech ecosystem this by connecting stakeholders and supporting
companies at every stage, helping them navigate both
opportunities and challenges in the market.
ICMA: How does SFA work with regulators to create a
ICMA: What is your vision for Singapore’s fintech
supportive environment for fintech growth?
industry over the next five years?
Holly Fang: SFA works closely with various teams within Holly Fang: Over the next five years, my vision for
the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to bridge Singapore’s fintech industry is to reinforce its position as
policymakers and the fintech community, sharing a leading global hub, while driving home-grown
insights through white papers, partnerships, closed-door innovation and entrepreneurship. We want Singapore to
engagements, roundtables, and working groups. These remain at the forefront of technology innovation and
efforts help MAS design more effective programs while adoption, supported by continuous investment in a
ensuring fintechs stay informed on new initiatives and
regulations.
ICMA: What initiatives does SFA have to promote
diversity and inclusion within the fintech community? We also co-founded the Asia
Holly Fang: SFA champions diversity and inclusion FinTech Alliance with 14 other
through initiatives such as the Women in FinTech
subcommittee, a collective of 10 female industry leaders. fintech associations across the
The subcommittee drives inclusive growth by
supporting, empowering, and elevating women in region, giving our members a
fintech, curating programs that advance professional
development and foster representation at all levels. I am powerful platform to access
also proud that 5 out of the 11 members of my Executive
Committee are women, reflecting our commitment to new markets, build
gender diversity in leadership across the fintech
ecosystem. partnerships, and scale

ICMA: How does SFA assist members in expanding
their businesses beyond Singapore? internationally
Holly Fang: SFA actively supports our members in
expanding beyond Singapore by equipping them with future-ready talent pool. At the same time, fostering
practical insights on market nuances, regulatory deeper collaboration between regulators, government
landscapes, and effective go-to-market strategies, agencies, corporates, and fintechs will be key to ensuring
drawing on knowledge built from years of business Singapore stays a vibrant and attractive hub for global
missions and strong regional networks. We also businesses to set up and scale.
co-founded the Asia FinTech Alliance with 14 other
fintech associations across the region, giving our The Editorial Board thanks Ms. Holly Fang, President, Singapore
members a powerful platform to access new markets, FinTech Association for sparing her precious time to give an
build partnerships, and scale internationally. exclusive interview for Chartered Management Accountant Journal.

10 ICMA’s Chartered Management Accountant, Jul-Aug 2025