Singapore, 13 November 2025 – The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), in partnership with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), proudly announced the three winners of the Global Impact Champions Awards for Financial Health 2025 at the Singapore FinTech Festival.
Out of 130 applications spanning 39 countries, with 50% of them venture-backed FinTechs, 15 finalists were shortlisted, with a chance to secure an investment pool of US $1 million. After rigorous evaluation, three innovators were selected for their measurable contributions to improving financial health: Syfe, Universal Pensions, and Quipu. The initiative was supported by investment partners, ThinKuvate and Tenity.
Championing Financial Health
The Global Impact Champions Awards were launched to identify and celebrate fintech startups improving people’s day-to-day financial management, resilience in times of crisis, and confidence in planning for the future. The Awards spotlight innovations that strengthen financial well-being.
GFTN created this initiative to accelerate a new generation of mission-driven FinTechs tackling financial-health challenges. With its global network of financial institutions, investors, and policymakers, and a platform that convenes diverse stakeholders across regions, GFTN is uniquely positioned to bridge capital, innovation and impact at scale.
Winners’ Profiles
Syfe (Singapore)
Syfe is a leading saving and investment platform, empowering people to build wealth for a better future. The company combines access, advice, and affordability to meet a range of wealth needs through proprietary portfolios, cash management, and brokerage. With a focus on financial literacy and data-driven design, the platform makes investing simpler, more inclusive, and within reach for everyday investors.
Universal Pensions (Singapore/India)
Universal Pensions, formerly known as pinBox Solutions, builds inclusive digital pension systems for low-income and informal workers in emerging economies. Its “gift-a-pension” model and partnerships with governments enable millions to start saving for retirement, enhancing resilience against financial shocks and reducing old-age poverty. By giving underserved workers access to secure, portable pension accounts, Universal Pensions strengthens long-term financial confidence and empowers individuals to take charge of their financial futures.
Quipu (Colombia)
Quipu leverages AI and alternative data to help micro and small entrepreneurs in the informal economy access credit and financial tools. By turning non-traditional data, such as transaction patterns and social interactions, into meaningful financial insights, Quipu enables better cash-flow stability, resilience to business disruptions, and empowerment of underserved communities. Its innovative approach allows thousands of entrepreneurs to build credit histories and integrate into formal financial systems, driving economic inclusion from the ground up.
Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands
United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health, Chair of the GFTN International Advisory Board:
“As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Singapore FinTech Festival, it is inspiring to see how innovation continues to improve the financial lives of millions. The Global Impact Champions Awards for Financial Health highlight the fintech solutions that truly make a difference — those that help people manage their money, build resilience, and plan for the future. I commend the Global Finance & Technology Network and its partners for this initiative in advancing a vision of innovation that serves financial health worldwide.”
Neil Parekh, Deputy Chairman, Board of Directors, GFTN:
“Today, 1.4 billion adults around the world remain unbanked, and half of adults in low- and middle-income economies cannot meet unexpected financial needs from their own resources. These are the gaps traditional financial systems have yet to bridge. But startups are showing us what’s possible. They are the building blocks of a financially healthy world, using technology with agility, empathy, and purpose.”
Looking Ahead
The three winners will gain access to GFTN high-impact global events, investment opportunity by investment partners, and more. The Awards aim to catalyse scalable models that align financial innovation with the UNSGSA’s vision of a financially healthy and inclusive world, and to inspire more founders to build with purpose.
See Also:
Singapore FinTech Festival Celebrates its 10th Anniversary | Disruption Banking
