10×1000 Launches “Flex” Fintech Program with Partners Worldwide to Bridge Global Digital Skills Gap and Drive Financial Inclusion

FinTech training platform 10×1000 Tech for Inclusion announced that it will deepen its collaborations with partners worldwide. 10×1000 will work with leading global organisations, tech investors, and industry organisations to offer a programme that enables aspiring practitioners to learn from global experts at their own pace.

The FinTech Foundation Programme Flex will be available from October to over 1,000 learners who will receive grants to complete the certification online. The programme will provide practitioners with the mindset, knowledge and skills to become drivers of digital economic growth, according to 10×1000, a global and philanthropic FinTech training initiative launched jointly by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and Alipay in 2018.

Flex learners will be recruited through partners such as the IFC (including the SME Finance Forum), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, KPMG and FinTech associations from Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand and Singapore.  

“We are delighted to join hands with global partners to bring the 10×1000 training platform to learners worldwide, as we seek innovative approaches to meeting a common goal of bridging the digital skills gap, particularly in communities that need it the most,” said Eric Jing, Chairman and CEO of Ant Group, owner and operator of digital payments platform Alipay. “I am excited that learners from 10×1000’s new Flex programme will gain the FinTech knowledge they need to support their communities, and help bring us closer to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

Arif Amiri, CEO of DIFC Authority, said: “Partnering with the International Finance Corporation and Alipay on the 10×1000 Flex FinTech Foundation programme reflects DIFC’s commitment to further differentiate our reputation as the leading FinTech and Innovation hub in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. We hope this programme will inspire participants to play a greater contribution to the rapidly growing global FinTech sector and align with our vision to shape the future of finance.”

“IFC has been a steadfast supporter of digital innovations that foster financial inclusion. As nations emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the world is in need of more visionary FinTech leaders to drive such innovation and expand financial access,” said Qamar Saleem, Regional Manager for Advisory Services, Financial Institutions Group, Asia and Pacific, IFC. “We believe 10×1000’s Flex programme will bring distinct value to complement existing educational resources with a flexible curriculum that draws on practical experience of leading FinTech practitioners across regions.”  

Through eight recorded video lectures, attendees of the new Flex programme will hear directly from tech entrepreneurs, senior leaders at Ant and other FinTech firms as well as distinguished scholars, sharing their first-hand knowledge on topics ranging from ‘the tech behind FinTech’ and best practices in leveraging technology to solve real business problems.

Training content provided by 10×1000 is being guided by a Curriculum Steering Committee (CSC), an advisory body responsible for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum. The current committee is composed of global experts from industry, academia, and international financial institutions.

Going forward, 10×1000 will also work with partners and alumni to cultivate a global FinTech community, creating a vibrant platform that provides opportunities for willing organisations and individuals to contribute to global financial inclusion.