Agenda

The Japan FinTech Festival aims to bring together Japanese and global communities to engage, connect, and collaborate on technology-led innovation in financial services. Policymakers, technologists, business leaders, and investors will participate in comprehensive dialogues on various aspects of the future growth of financial services.

Join us, let's Rise Together!

In his Plenary Address, Ravi Menon, former Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore, will identify the major trends that dominated FinTech in 2023 and lay out the opportunities and challenges that will emerge in 2024. He will specifically focus on the implications of AI and Quantum Technology for the future of FinTech.

Join us for a thought-provoking keynote, as we delve into the challenges and opportunities this transformative technology presents. Gain an insider's perspective on Japan's pioneering approach to regulating AI, including its focus on explainability, data privacy, and responsible innovation. Explore how Japan is navigating the global debate on AI in finance, forging a path that balances cutting-edge tech with robust safeguards. This is your chance to understand the future of financial regulation through the lens of a leading nation, gaining critical insights for navigating the AI revolution in your own markets.

Join Mr Akio Isowa for a dynamic exploration of 5 crucial areas shaping Japan & ASEAN's FinTech landscape in 2024:

Shared Prosperity: Deepen economic ties & financial inclusion through collaborative FinTech initiatives.

Open Ecosystem: Foster innovation through partnerships between incumbents, startups & academia.

Workforce Transformation: Upskill & reskill talent for the evolving digital future.

Data for Good: Leverage data ethically for financial inclusion, social impact & sustainability.

Shaping the Future Together: Build a future-proof financial system through collective action.

Don't miss this insightful exploration of opportunities & challenges in Japan & ASEAN's FinTech journey!

The financial playing field is reshuffling, with tech as the dealer and innovation as the new high-impact card. In this panel, titans of global banking join local banking leaders to dissect the future of finance in Japan and beyond. Witness a comprehensive breadth of perspectives as CTOs / Digital / Transformation Heads grapple with the seismic shift of AI, blockchain, and the rise of digital assets. Will Japan's tech prowess and agile startups rewrite the financial rules, or will established global giants control the new game? Join us for a front-row seat to this high-stakes debate on how technology will reshape the financial landscape, with Japan squarely at the center of the action.

Japan's position in international financial center rankings has been challenged in recent years. Also, recently, entrepreneurs and tech leaders are increasingly looking to establish businesses or work overseas in search of a better environment. Against this backdrop, the national and local governments are deploying various policies to revive Japan's position as an international financial hub. And considering other fundamental downtrends, e.g., declining population, even with an optimistic outlook, there is not much time left.

On this session, considering Japan's resources, technology, and geopolitical position, panelists will discuss the direction and role that Japan's financial industry should aim for in the next decade, as well as what Japan should strategically avoid. This discussion would extend to scenarios for the revitalisation of the Japanese economy with finance at its core.

Join this panel to explore:

- The leadership required from regulatory authorities and the industry to drive dynamic/disruptive transformation and long-term development in the financial sector.

- The expected role of Japan in leading regulatory harmonization and industry development across multiple nations within the global financial ecosystem.

- How regulators can significantly enhance their technological capabilities.

- How should we go about sourcing and deploying resources, including free cashflow and talent, to scale up the FinTech ecosystem over the decades?

This session brings together key thought leaders and innovators to explore the crucial role of technology in advancing sustainable development across the region. We'll delve into the technological needs from a multiple perspective to accurately measure and report on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, the strategies to combat greenwashing, and the mechanisms to foster widespread adoption of these technologies among various ecosystem players.

The conversation will also cover the challenges that could hinder the successful implementation and prevalence of such technologies in Asia, alongside the potential for technology to drive comparability, consistency, and transparency in environmental data. From Terraformation's unique approach to fostering the green transition through reforestation to the broader implications of investing in sustainable technologies versus immediate action like purchasing offsets, our panelists will provide diverse insights into how we can effectively contribute to a greener economy today and into the future.

Discover the innovative solutions at the forefront of Asia's fight against climate change, the importance of trees as an asset class in the green transition, and the critical balance between investing in the future and making impactful changes now. This discussion is designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and perspectives needed to navigate the complexities of sustainable development, highlighting the technologies and collaborations essential for a greener future in Japan and Asia.

Tokenisation of financial and real economy assets is estimated to accelerate the pace of digitalisation and impact the broader economy beyond financial services. Despite good progress in asset tokenisation experimentations and pilots, the lack of Financial Market Infrastructure (FMI) compliant digital infrastructure which financial institutions can use to execute digital asset transactions prevents financial institutions’ ability to deploy digital assets at scale.

This roundtable discusses the importance for foundational digital infrastructure to support the development of open and interoperable networks.

The global financial edifice creaks beneath the weight of change. We need to go beyond the band-aids. Can we rebuild it better? Join leading policymakers and visionary think tanks at this roundtable as they dissect the urgent need for a financial system re-architecture. Dive deep into challenges like outdated infrastructures, climate risks, and evolving market dynamics. Uncover potential solutions from AI-powered regulations to decentralized systems and data-driven inclusivity. This interactive discussion paves the way for a future where finance fosters sustainable growth, empowering citizens and businesses alike.

For all tech companies and users, cross-border data transfer is crucial. Currently, regions adopt different data policies, necessitating a new global consensus for harmonization.

Japan terms this global agenda "Data Free Flow with Trust" (DFFT), and at the G7 Hiroshima in 2023, the establishment of the Institutional Arrangement for Partnership was approved, marking a transition from the conceptual phase of DFFT to its operationalization.

In forming agreements on global data policies, cross-border data transfer in financial transactions is a key case for examination. This session, involving Fintech experts, discusses the ideal direction for shaping global data policies.

Japan aims to further develop itself as an international financial center by not only incorporating Fintech but also financial institutions, including asset management.
In this session, FSA will set up a support desk, offering practical information and consultations on topics such as finance and Fintech regulations, as well as guidance for setting up financial institution branches in Japan.

Robust, actionable data is needed to support decarbonisation efforts and transition financing. For this to happen, technology needs to be better harnessed to streamline the collection and access of high quality data to all stakeholders.

On these broad principles, we are agreed. But how do we enable coherent and consistent flows of data across borders, in the face of the endemic fragmentation and quality inconsistencies we face today? Does the answer lie in enhancing existing private platforms, or collaborating with the public sector to birth new initiatives? What are the prospects of regional or even global platforms for all parties to access data? And, going back to first principles – is the data worth the effort, or are efforts better spent elsewhere? Powered by gprnt.hub

Sustainability has become a key consideration for businesses to access the proliferation of green supply chains, business, and financing opportunities. MNCs, large businesses and financial institutions are investing deeply to build inhouse expertise. In comparison, many of the SMEs that make up larger firms’ supply chains have yet to commence their sustainability journeys, citing challenges in navigating the complex standards and reporting landscape, coupled with high costs of technological solutions and training/advisory services.

Generative AI has the potential to democratise sustainability by greatly reducing barriers to entry and empowering smaller players to efficiently navigate this complex realm. Will GenAI be instrumental in galvanising the wider business community to push past the inertia that SMEs face today? Or is it just another catchphrase in the sea of sustainability buzzwords? We discuss. Powered by gprnt.hub

Globalisation's swift march and technological progress have spurred the need for streamlined, transparent, and inclusive cross-border payment systems, with multilateral platforms emerging as a promising remedy. One example is Project Nexus, led by the BIS Innovation Hub, which is a model for connecting multiple national payment systems into a cross-border network that could enable international payments to happen in seconds. Nexus provides a blueprint for cross-border payments which could be significantly improved by linking up domestic instant payment systems (IPSs) in multiple countries.

This discussion will explore future steps towards expanding this transformative network for enhanced global connectivity.

Is the fight against financial crime inadvertently closing doors on the underserved? Join a critical roundtable with policymakers and thought leaders as they confront the unintended consequences of stricter AML and sanctions policies. Explore how these measures, while vital, can disproportionately exclude marginalized communities and stifle financial inclusion. Dive deep into solutions like data-driven KYC, proportional risk analysis, and innovative partnerships to overcome these barriers. This interactive discussion paves the way for a future where financial security, powered by technology and compassion, is accessible to all.

Despite significant advances in digital technology, trade finance remains to this day a largely paper-based and manual process. Lack of common standards for trade documents across economies pose a major challenge, as it hinders the use of technologies to digitalize and automate on an end-to-end basis the various processes involved. Lack of inter-operability of legal frameworks surrounding digital documents across jurisdictions also pose another important challenge. While various digitalization projects have emerged, such platforms still need to become inter-operable in order to avoid a proliferation of “digital fortresses” that would raise new costs, new barriers and new risks. Enabling inter-operable digitalization of trade finance will require addressing key policy and technical barriers, especially the inconsistent and unclear legal treatment of digital documents and the lack of standards for documents across jurisdictions. The end-to-end digitalization of trade finance is particularly important for small businesses, whose participation in global supply chains is important for them to benefit from and contribute to the region’s economic integration.

Dive into the future of technology and finance with an unmissable panel on 'AI and Web3 Leadership.'

Join the powerhouse trio featuring a former global big bank CIO turned FinTech entrepreneur, a globally recognised fintech policymaker, and the President of a leading technology institute who is a venture capitalist, entrepreneur, writer and scholar focusing on the ethics and governance of technology.

Explore ground-breaking insights on navigating the intersections of AI and Web3, as these influential leaders discuss the strategies, challenges, and innovations shaping the next era. Don't miss this rare convergence of senior practitioners.

Join us for a workshop hosted by JETRO, dedicated to catalyzing the entry of overseas tech innovators into the Japanese market. Discover invaluable insights, expert guidance, and prime opportunities for navigating Japan's distinct business landscape.

As the linchpin for promoting inward foreign direct investment in Japan, JETRO offers comprehensive services tailored for foreign companies establishing a presence in Japan or expanding existing operations for foreign-affiliated firms.

To date, JETRO has championed over 22,000 projects for foreign companies investing in Japan, resulting in the successful realization of investment and business expansion endeavors by over 2,200 foreign entities.

Furthermore, JETRO actively fosters collaboration and synergy between Japanese enterprises and overseas counterparts leveraging digital technologies, thereby nurturing a culture of international open innovation.

This session will deep-dive on the opportunities of Generative AI for the financial services sector - from enhancing service operations to improving the overall customer experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain valuable insights into best practices for ensuring data privacy and security when implementing generative AI solutions in their organisations. Drawing from real-world use cases, discover the challenges and opportunities for implementing Generative AI in the financial sector.

Beyond the neon lights and ancient temples, a financial revolution is brewing. Join our industry titan as they unlock the secrets of Japan's untapped fintech and finance potential. Hear why this tech-savvy nation, with its deep financial heritage and vibrant innovation ecosystem, is poised to become a global fintech and finance powerhouse. Get insider insights from one of Japan's most esteemed business leaders, and discover why your next game-changing investment likely awaits in the Land of the Rising Sun.

In the fast-evolving ESG data landscape, a paradox exists and is often overlooked by the community: while a significant part of the material ESG dataset such as scope 3 emissions and financial inclusion measures originate from the private, small-and-medium enterprises (“SMEs”), this pool of companies is currently un- or underserved by existing service providers to help make such granular data points available for sustainability decision-making purposes. Without robust data origination at the SMEs level, there is no basis for comparability analysis and benchmarking – often a key input to the sustainability target setting exercise.
Gprnt offers an innovative response to this paradox, by availing streamlined ESG disclosure to all businesses, large and small, to report, track and compare their ESG footprints conveniently through our user-friendly platform. Supported by data sources integration, generative AI and Intelligent Document Processing, Gprnt’s automated ESG disclosure flow reduces administrative burden, minimises the need for manual data entries, and enhances verifiability and credibility of the data output for downstream analytics uses.

This workshop will feature Gprnt ESG data platform’s capabilities and showcase the collaborative ecosystem it is part of, working with like-minded partners such as the United Nations Development Programme (“UNDP”), the Global Legal Entity Identifier Foundation (“GLEIF”) and Ant International, in supporting world changing inclusive efforts.

The Japan FinTech Festival aims to bring together Japanese and global communities to engage, connect, and collaborate on technology-led innovation in financial services. Policymakers, technologists, business leaders, and investors will participate in comprehensive dialogues on various aspects of the future growth of financial services.

Join us, let's Rise Together!

As the digital sun rises over Japan, a new era of transformation unfolds. Join Japan's visionary Digital Minister, as they chart the course for the nation's digital future. Witness a firsthand account of Japan's ambitious plans to leverage cutting-edge technologies – from AI to robotics to the metaverse – to revitalize industries, empower citizens, and solidify Japan's position as a global innovation leader. Dive deep into how digitalisation will unlock new opportunities for business, education, healthcare, and sustainability, creating a society that thrives on both efficiency and human connection. This keynote is your window into the bold vision shaping Japan's tomorrow, offering crucial insights for anyone ready to embrace the transformative power of the digital age.

The convergence of sustainability and financial technology is pivotal for Europe’s future. The European Green Deal, with its focus on environmental goals, intersects with digital sustainable finance. This synergy presents immense opportunities for innovative solutions, especially in the FinTech sector. Notably, Lithuania, a European high value-added FinTech hub, plays a leadership role in driving this transformation. Its 2023-2028 FinTech Strategy emphasizes qualitative growth, risk management, and global recognition, positioning Lithuania as a leader of European FinTech. Also, in its ambitious Green Finance Action Plan for 2023-2026, which focuses on developing competences related to green finance, with initiatives such as the Green Finance Institute, and promoting sustainable finance to private and public sector, Lithuania aspires to become a regional leader of sustainable finance.

Embracing entrepreneurship, tolerance for failure, developing capacity, growing venture capital firms, role of supportive govt grants, facilitating collaboration. A thought-provoking keynote where we'll delve into the critical role young, innovative ventures will play in shaping a thriving future for Japan. Hear inside perspectives on concrete policies and initiatives designed to fuel the startup engine, unlock Japan's entrepreneurial spirit, and create a fertile ecosystem where daring ideas blossom into billion-dollar dreams. This isn't just about startups; it's about redefining what it means to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Forget the familiar narratives of Silicon Valley dominance. Witness the meteoric rise of a region where a tech-savvy generation leapfrogs traditional players, armed with AI, fintech, and cutting-edge solutions. Dive deep into how ASEAN's digital mastery reshapes industries, empowers citizens, and tackles global challenges, from bridging the digital divide to forging sustainable ecosystems. This keynote is your portal to a future where ASEAN sits at the forefront of innovation, disrupting markets, redefining collaboration, and rewriting the rules of the digital game. Leave inspired by the audacity and vision of ASEAN's digital pioneers, and discover how you might participate in a story that will redefine the global landscape.

The scale of AI adoption and application is changing. While the financial industry has been an early stage adopter of AI, broader access to AI tools and recent developments in regulation are re-focusing debate on the role, risks and appropriate policy responses to AI developments. The intersection of AI with social and political issues in fraud, consumer protection, data markets and security and jobs create a complicated landscape. Smaller and developing markets may face significant trade-offs between different policy objectives. Meanwhile, industry adoption and deployment of AI continues to grow and diversify, not least in faster growing markets in Asia.

This session will provide a sharp introduction to the practical policy concerns of central banks and financial services regulators.

This session is designed to provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the most impactful trends in the digital assets space in 2024. Throughout the session, attendees will gain valuable insights into the forces driving the digital assets industry forward and the implications for businesses, investors, and regulators alike. Join us as we unpack the future of finance in just 30 minutes, and discover the trends that will define the digital assets landscape in 2024 and beyond.

Dive into the rise of Asian fintech giants with this energising fireside chat: A unicorn fintech founder from India, backed by a leading Japanese VC, shares their visionary perspective on scaling innovation across borders. Explore how Japan can adapt and leverage unique approaches from India's burgeoning fintech scene, from talent acquisition to customer engagement. Discover untapped opportunities for cross-border collaborations, navigating cultural nuances and regulatory landscapes. This intimate conversation offers invaluable insights for Japanese fintech players looking to capitalize on the vibrant Asian ecosystem and accelerate their own path to global success.

Post COVID, Japan's PM Kishida, announced his commitment to an Economic Policy which advocates a "New Form of Capitalism". As a country known for its democratic values, track record of stability and rule of law, Japan holds a lot of promise in today's era of geopolitical uncertainty and de-globalisation. Join a dynamic panel of industry leaders as they dissect the challenges and opportunities in Asset Management in this proposed new form of capitalism. This interactive discussion equips you with actionable insights to unlock Japan's financial future build strategic partnerships, and secure a front-row seat in this rapidly evolving market.

Sustainability has evolved from aspirational goals to business-critical imperatives. Transparency and accountability are driving the need for real corporate action. Financial institutions and businesses, especially those dealing with complex supply chains, struggle with originating and utilising actionable insights to drive their ESG agenda against the backdrop of regulatory misalignment, data challenges, and greenwashing risk.

However, every challenge presents an opportunity, one where collaboration and technology help to unlock the solution. This roundtable brings together industry leaders from the region to explore the interplay between technology, data and finance in enhancing supply chain sustainability, with a cross-jurisdictional, bottoms-up lens:

- The need for and pain points in simplifying, consolidating and harmonising material sustainability data from participating SMEs in complex, regional supply chains.
- What role can and should technology play in tackling sustainability data challenges for both corporates and financiers;
- Identifying barriers and exploring solutions to implementing and scaling effective data management for supply chain stakeholders;
- Leveraging quick wins through collaborative action and collective efforts to address supply chain anchors and banks’ real operational needs.

In the rapidly evolving FinTech arena, collaboration between industry and academia is essential for driving innovation and addressing the AI talent shortage. This roundtable will delve into strategies and best practices for forming strategic partnerships among FinTech startups, industry leaders, and academic institutions to propel innovation and nurture a proficient workforce in artificial intelligence.

Despite the promise of their potential, various digital asset projects are still in pilot and experiment phases. The unclear path to commercialisation and institutional adoption results mainly from regulatory uncertainty, lack of standardised frameworks and issues with scalability and interoperability.

In this roundtable discussion, global leaders will explore innovative strategies that will enable digital asset projects to achieve widespread commercialisation and ensure a seamless institutional adoption and integration.

Technology is at the forefront of nearly every facet of banking and financial services. Most functions, including FX, have enjoyed lower transaction costs and increased market access, while reaping the benefits of automation and AI. At the same time, technological innovation has also given rise to new instruments and increased automation. As technology evolves and the industry converges towards real-time payments, the race is on for market players to meet market realities and maintain a competitive edge. Find out what is in store for the banking and finance industry, and the FX market, in 2024.

How the financial services industry is navigating recent disruptions and challenges such as the transition to T+1 settlement.
How digital transformation strategies are incorporating new instruments and innovations to address liquidity fragmentation and reduce overall costs within the financial services market.
Anticipating future trends that could influence liquidity dynamics and the broader financial services market.

Join us for an insightful fireside chat featuring policymakers from the Financial Services Authority of Japan and the Monetary Authority of Singapore, as they provide reflections and observations on the FinTech landscape. Gain valuable insights into the evolving trends and priorities shaping their FinTech journey, along with a glimpse into the focus areas and key initiatives set for 2024. Hear firsthand from these leaders about the future direction of FinTech regulation and innovation.

East Asia's fintech scene is surging, with Japan's tech giants and Korea's digital prowess, and Taiwan’s chips capabilities, creating a wave of innovation. Join a distinguished panel of fintech leaders and policymakers from across the region as they explore the evolving landscape. Dive deep into groundbreaking solutions in AI, blockchain, and digital payments, reshaping the financial future. Unravel regulatory hurdles, cultural differences, and global ambitions driving this dynamic ecosystem. This interactive discussion equips you with insights to navigate the East Asian fintech landscape, forge strategic partnerships, and capitalize on the region's unstoppable march towards a redefined financial future.

Join this panel discussion to explore innovative pension solutions addressing the challenges of Japan's aging population. Experts will discuss strategies to build a more equitable and sustainable pension system, ensuring financial security for all in an era of increased longevity.

How can technology empower financial authorities to move beyond spreadsheets and human-intensive processes? Join a pivotal roundtable with leading policymakers and think tanks as they explore the revolutionary potential of computational supervision, the future of financial oversight powered by AI and automation. Witness the end of burdensome regulatory reporting as we know it, replaced by real-time data analysis and intelligent risk assessment. Dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of this paradigm shift, from ethical considerations to industry readiness. This interactive discussion equips you to navigate the frontiers of SupTech, paving the way for a smarter, more agile, and efficient global financial system.

Join industry leaders, policymakers, think tanks, and fintech innovators in this pivotal roundtable as they examine the path to reshaping Japan's financial landscape. Dive deep into crucial strategies like Open Banking, attracting global investors, and fostering a dynamic offshore ecosystem. Unravel challenges and opportunities surrounding regulatory frameworks, talent acquisition, and cultural considerations. Witness the blueprint for reinvigorating Japan's financial prominence, igniting a fintech hub that illuminates the global stage. This interactive discussion equips you with actionable insights to navigate the future of Japanese finance and contribute to a brighter, more interconnected financial landscape.

Join industry leaders and fintech innovators at this critical roundtable as they dissect the potential and challenges of Account-to-Account (A2A) payments in Japan. Dive deep into the transformative possibilities of Open API Banking, exploring innovations in faster transactions, frictionless data sharing, and enhanced financial inclusion. Unravel regulatory hurdles, consumer adoption issues, and competitive dynamics influencing the A2A landscape. This interactive discussion equips you with insights to navigate the path towards a frictionless financial future in Japan, where seamless A2A payments empower businesses and consumers alike.

This workshop is an invitation to learn about the transformative role of technology and sustainability in shaping the future of global supply chains.

A critical challenge in achieving sustainable supply chains is the involvement of small suppliers. They are often the missing link in large corporation’s efforts to ethnical sourcing, as tracking and ensuring sustainability across vast supply chains is difficult. This gap not only hinders the sustainability efforts of large corporations, but also risks small suppliers being left behind in the shift towards sustainable business practices.

Bringing together the digital and physical worlds through verifiable on-chain transactions and an extensive on-the-ground network opens up possibilities for sustainable sourcing and transparency in the agri-food and commodities supply chain. MUFG and Musim Mas launched a POC that aims to establish a verified deforestation-free agri-food and commodities credentials, particularly adhering to the EU Deforestation-free Regulation (EUDR), involving independent smallholder farmers to help large corporates meet the growing demand for transparency and traceability in their supply chain.

By utilizing blockchain and incorporating real-world verification, we'll showcase a concept beyond digital ledgers, utilizing on-chain data and off-chain validation with inputs like satellite imagery, IoT devices and fair-trade certifications. Furthermore, embedded smart contracts will automatically execute payments to small holder farmers once pre-defined Sustainability Performance Targets (SPT) or KPIs are met. This concept not only enhances trust and streamlines processes, it also lowers the cost of business and enables farmers to gain entry into environmentally conscious markets and tap into a growing pool of sustainable finance instruments.

In today's digital financial landscape, fragmentation is our foe, harmonization our friend. Join industry leaders as they dissect the critical role of global infrastructure in unlocking the full potential of modern finance. Dive deep into the need for harmonized open finance frameworks, universal protocols, interoperable chips, and consistent rules and standards across borders. Unravel the challenges of regulations, legacy systems, and disparate data. Unmask the opportunities – from seamless cross-market transactions to innovative financial products – that await in a harmonized future.

Private markets have emerged as a vital component of wealth management strategies, offering investors access to a diverse array of investment opportunities beyond traditional public markets. As we navigate the complexities of today's financial landscape, understanding the importance of private markets and the trends driving their growth in 2024 is paramount. This fireside chat with iCapital, a pioneering FinTech at the forefront of private market solutions, will explore 1) the importance of private markets: trends & insights, 2) the technological innovations driving the industry forward and 3) the regulatory landscape: facilitating access to private markets.

The recent approval of the Bitcoin ETF in the U.S. has bolstered sentiment in the crypto industry globally, and shows that traditional financial institutions are viewing crypto as a legitimate long-term investment. While ETFs provide an additional regulated and accessible platform to support increased adoption of cryptocurrency, this is just the beginning of the convergence of TradFi and DeFi. In an insightful fireside chat, Crypto.com’s CEO Kris Marszalek will give a Crypto insiders' perspective on where collaborations between traditional financial models and the digital assets space will lead and what else is in store for the industry in 2024.

Join us for a first look at the Cambridge Regulatory Genome Project’s CRG Regulatory Policy Analytics Tool, a solution designed in collaboration with regulators to provide actionable insights derived from analysis of regulatory policies across jurisdictions, including regulatory benchmarking with peers and international standards.

The Regulatory Genome Project is a public-private initiative based at the University of Cambridge building an open regulatory information structure and a global repository of aggregated, structured regulatory data. The session will be led by Robert Wardrop, Professor of Finance at the Cambridge Judge Business School, who will delve into the concept and functionality of the CRG Regulatory Policy Analytics Tool in relation to regulatory policy development and supervision and explain how the RGP team has been collaborating with the regulator community in its development.

More information about the Cambridge Regulatory Genome Project can be found at https://www.jbs.cam.ac.uk/faculty-research/centres/regulatory-genome-project/

Embrace the fusion of nature and cityscape as you join fellow attendees in this rooftop soirée. Hosted at the SKY LAB nestled among skyscrapers, this floating garden offers a stunning panorama of the lush Marunouchi-Nakadori Street and the Imperial Palace, creating a unique backdrop for fostering professional connections.

Address: 9F, Otemachi Building Roof Top (1-6-1 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004)

Calling all founders, investors and aspiring founders: The Founders Day will include inspiring keynotes from founders sharing their past failures & successes and practical advice in the form of panels & power roundtables. Walk away with actionable insights, valuable connections and a renewed entrepreneurial spirit. Don’t miss the Founders ROCK networking event at the end of the Day!

Designed in collaboration with MAS & JFSA, the Digital Assets Summit will explore the pathway – and the roadblocks – towards deploying digital assets at scale. From interoperability and the importance of foundational digital infrastructure, to the tokenisation of real world assets, join this Summit to hear global regulators & industry experts chart a path forwards.

Embracing entrepreneurship, tolerance for failure, developing capacity, growing venture capital firms, role of supportive govt grants, facilitating collaboration. A thought-provoking keynote where we'll delve into the critical role young, innovative ventures will play in shaping a thriving future for Japan. Hear inside perspectives on concrete policies and initiatives designed to fuel the startup engine, unlock Japan's entrepreneurial spirit, and create a fertile ecosystem where daring ideas blossom into billion-dollar dreams. This isn't just about startups; it's about redefining what it means to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Opening Keynote

Boom or Bust for Startups? Unraveling the Global & Japanese Landscape. Join experts, startup ecosystem gurus, as they dissect the crystal ball for 2024. Prepare for insights that sizzle: funding flows, hot sectors, valuation realities, and liquidity whispers across the globe. Zoom in for an expert deep dive on Japan - will the Land of the Rising Sun see a startup supernova or a chilly winter? Brace for actionable advice on navigating funding uncertainties, equity strategies, and building resilient startups that thrive, not just survive, in the coming year. This isn't fortune-telling, it's foresight - don't miss your chance to be prepared and prosper in 2024's startup rollercoaster.

The rise of digital assets like tokenised securities, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), and stablecoins, is reshaping the financial landscape. This panel will delve into how these innovations can connect previously fragmented markets, fostering smoother access to global liquidity for investors and businesses alike.

Boom or Bust for Startups? Unraveling the Global & Japanese Landscape. Join experts, startup ecosystem gurus, as they dissect the crystal ball for 2024. Prepare for insights that sizzle: funding flows, hot sectors, valuation realities, and liquidity whispers across the globe. Zoom in for an expert deep dive on Japan - will the Land of the Rising Sun see a startup supernova or a chilly winter? Brace for actionable advice on navigating funding uncertainties, equity strategies, and building resilient startups that thrive, not just survive, in the coming year. This isn't fortune-telling, it's foresight - don't miss your chance to be prepared and prosper in 2024's startup rollercoaster.

The Founders Peak Stage is that TRULY UNIQUE stage where start-up Founders invest 20-40 hours preparing for their talk. YES, you read that right. You ask why? Well, because it just takes that much time to distill a full start-up journey of years into 10 HIGH-VALUE minutes. A lifetime of start-up learnings in just 10 minutes. And it's ADDICTIVE. Some call it the 'Instagram of start-up wisdom', because you can come in any time you like, but you can NEVER LEAVE. For entrepreneurs, it feels just like home. If you are aspiring to be a founder and carrying a million dreams that are keeping you awake, come in and join the game-changers.

Digital asset and tokenisation have the potential to transform capital markets, allowing for new value capture. The road for the tokenisation of real world assets (e.g. tokenised securities, natively issued structured products) to become mainstream will require strong business fundamentals and wide participation by market participants. From tokenised securities to natively issued structured products, this panel explores the development in capital markets and the pivotal role that tokenisation plays in reshaping financial landscapes.

Japan's vibrant start-up scene beckons, but can it entice foreign founders? This panel tackles the challenges and opportunities, from language barriers and visa hurdles to unique cultural dynamics and untapped market potential.

Hear from experiences foreign founders, and investors, as they dissect the landscape, and chart a course for inclusive growth. Join us for insights, inspiration, and actionable strategies to make Japan a global start-up destination.

This fireside chat discusses the transformative potential and challenges of digital money, including central bank digital currencies (CBDCs) and tokenised deposits. The speakers will unpack the implications of digital money on the digital economy and support for public sector objectives.

Digital money is lauded for its programmable nature to unlock new value as a medium of exchange. The key to its implementation is programming the conditions without programming the underlying stablecoin, tokenised bank liability or central bank digital currencies. Hear from the incumbents and new FinTech players on the commercial use cases for programmable digital money, the infrastructure that would be required to support it and how digital money usage can drive towards commercial adoption.

Elevandi supports UNHCR's economic inclusion programmes, including MADE51, a global initiative to empower refugee artisans and connect them with international markets.

MADE51 provides training, resources, and market linkages to refugee artisans, enabling them to showcase their skills and craftsmanship while generating sustainable income for those forced to flee their homes.

Market leaders unravel the dynamic shifts in investment theses. Drawing from personal stories and their combined decades of experience, explore the challenges and opportunities in redefining investment strategies, learn how global trends will impact investment decisions, and discover their approach for navigating the risks and returns in an ever-changing global economy.

This panel presents an exclusive opportunity to delve into the most recent developments in the digital asset market. Join us to gain insights on their firsthand observations and in-depth understanding of the latest trends shaping the future of the crypto market.

Investing in the health of every founder is investing in the health, sustainability and performance of their venture. So, how do we best recognise the emotional needs arising from the stress founders put themselves under. Creating a movement advocating for founders, improving access to support for founder well-being. Be an agent for change for healthier, more fruitful start-up ecosystem. The Zen Entrepreneur. Finding Calm and Clarity Amidst the Chaos of Building a Start-up

The Founders Peak Stage is that TRULY UNIQUE stage where start-up Founders invest 20-40 hours preparing for their talk. YES, you read that right. You ask why? Well ... because it just takes that much time to distill a full start-up journey of years into 10 HIGH-VALUE Mins. A lifetime of start-up learnings in just 10 mins.

And it's ADDICTIVE. Some are calling it the Instagram of Start-up Wisdom', because you can come in any time you like, but you can NEVER LEAVE. For entrepreneurs, it feels just like home. If you are aspiring to be a founder and carrying a million dreams that are keeping you awake, come in and join the game-changers.

Challenge: Japan's burgeoning startup scene is hampered by a critical tech talent gap. We need creative solutions to build and retain a world-class workforce, fuel innovation and global competitiveness.

Why it matters:
• Unlocking economic growth: A thriving tech hub attracts world-class talent and investment, driving economic vibrancy and job creation.
• Boosting startup success: Local tech talent empowers startups to build products and services tailored t o the Japanese market and beyond.
• Innovation acceleration: Diverse perspectives and skillsets fuel rapid development a n d groundbreaking solutions across sectors.
• Brainstorming actionable strategies: Identify innovative approaches to attract, develop, and retain tech talent in Japan. And bridge the skills gap.

Where will investors spend their dry powder in 2024? 2023 too has been a frugal year, similar to 2022. This has clearly impacted many start-ups and so this begs the question, how are investors looking at the LOCAL JAPANESE FinTech sector now and where are they deploying their dry powder and why? Which verticals or new segments or funding instruments are they doubling down on and which are they weary of? Join us as we bring together leading experts to share their insights that you can use and strategise, whether you are a start-up, scale-up or feeling like you might even go down fighting.

This panel will explore the challenges & opportunities for fostering a thriving ecosystem for female entrepreneurship in Japan.

Challenges: Identifying key barriers faced by female entrepreneurs, including access to funding, mentorship, and supportive networks.
Solutions: Such a s targeted funding programs, female-focused mentorship networks, and policy changes. Success Stories: Sharing inspiring examples of female entrepreneurs. Collective Action: Formulating concrete steps that all stakeholders can take to create a more enabling environment for women in the startup ecosystem.