MAS invites all fintechs to apply for green tech accelerator
Fintechs should aim to solve at least one of the three key challenges proposed by MAS: (i) Mobilising Capital; (ii) Monitoring Commitment; and (iii) Measuring Impact.
The Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) has launched the green tech accelerator program “Harnessing Technology to Power Green Finance”. Fintechs must submit applications by 11 June 2021.
As the name suggests, the competition seeks to unlock the potential of FinTech in accelerating the development of green finance in Singapore and the region.
Sopnendu Mohanty, Chief FinTech Officer of MAS, commented: “Green FinTech can be an important enabler to accelerate Asia’s transition to a low carbon future. It can provide much-needed innovative solutions, and develop the crucial technology stack, which can help promote green financial services, catalyze efficient allocation of green capital, and facilitate trust in the green data value chain. I encourage all innovators to make use of this platform and showcase their Green FinTech solutions to the world.”
Sponsored by Oliver Wyman, the accelerator calls for fintech firms and solution providers around the world to submit innovative solutions to address over 50 problem statements that have been collected from financial institutions and green finance industry players.
The three key challenges for the finance industry from an environmental perspective are: (i) Mobilising Capital; (ii) Monitoring Commitment; and (iii) Measuring Impact.
The 15 finalists will be paired with a Corporate Champion, where they will develop customized prototypes on the API Exchange (APIX), with each finalist receiving a S$20,000 cash stipend and becoming eligible for a fast-tracked application for the MAS Financial Sector Technology and Innovation Scheme Proof-of-Concept Grant of up to S$200,000.
Up to three winners will be selected at the Demo Day held at this year’s Singapore FinTech Festival after pitches from the 15 finalists. Winners will each be awarded S$50,000 in prize money.
ESG has become one of the main topics being addressed by governments, regulators, academia, technology providers, and capital markets.
Industry leaders have been increasingly calling for a global framework for ESG investing as the sector faces a massive uptick of inflows and, at the same time, faces accusations of inconsistency in their approach to sustainable impactful investments.
The dramatic increase of inflows into the sector from both retail and institutional investors has shown how important the issue has become nowadays, with an increased focus on healthy ecosystems and sustainability of supply chains.
As the trend is unlikely to slow down in a post-pandemic world and that recent research points to ESG investments outperforming their counterparts, the regulatory landscape must reflect the situation and catch up to this new trend as there remains a lack of consistency in definitions and data.
A global regulatory framework for ESG investing would provide greater protections for those investors who are looking for profits with purpose and will also help to reduce ‘greenwashing’ – when an investment or company gives an inaccurate impression over its green, socially responsible, or corporate credentials.
