(아래글은 노웨어브릿지 홍동표대표의 링크드인에 게재한 내용입니다)
I was pleased to join the FIN/SUM event in Japan last week in my capacity as Vice Chair of the Asia FinTech Alliance (AFA) and Chair of Global Partnership at the Korea Fintech Industry Association with AFA Chairwoman Jaclyn Tsai and Vice Chairman Wilson Beh 马伟权, Secretary Winston Hsiao 蕭滙宗, Mercy Simorangkir, Byambasuren Myagmartseren.
This visit was especially meaningful as I participated as part of the AFA Delegation Program, thoughtfully organized by the Fintech Association of Japan (FAJ). I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to FAJ Chairman Mr. Takashi OKITA and Vice Chairman Mr. Takafumi Ochiai for their meticulous preparation and warm support, which made this delegation highly valuable and productive.
On the first day, we held an AFA Roundtable Meeting at THE FINTECH CENTER of TOKYO, FINOLAB(フィノラボ), followed by visits to Mizuho Bank(Hirotaka Uematsu) and SMBC(Kotai Gen). These meetings provided an excellent opportunity to better understand the latest developments in Japan’s financial sector and to discuss potential collaboration points between Japan and other Asian markets. In the evening, the Official Reception at the Palace Hotel offered a valuable setting to connect with many distinguished leaders from the international financial community.
On the second day, we visited MUFG (Ryu Hirota, Hiraku Yoshimura) and Japan’s Financial Services Agency (SHIMAZAKI MASAO, Takaya Sugino), which further deepened the dialogue on fintech innovation, policy, and regional cooperation.
This visit clearly strengthened exchanges among Asia FinTech Alliance (AFA) member associations and also created further momentum for closer engagement between Japan’s financial sector and the wider Asian fintech ecosystem.
One of the most memorable moments for me was the opportunity to meet and speak with Mr. Iwata Kazuchika, State Minister of the Cabinet Office, Japan. I was deeply grateful for his kind remarks, his interest in AFA, and his thoughtful views on future areas of collaboration with AFA. His encouragement was both impressive and greatly appreciated.
Once again, I would like to express my sincere thanks to FAJ Chairman Mr. Takashi OKITA, Vice Chairman Mr. Takafumi Ochiai, Kenichi Saito and Hasegawa-san for their generous practical support throughout the program.
As a Global Advisor to Fintech Association of Japan as well, I look forward to continuing to contribute to deeper fintech collaboration between Japan and Korea, as well as between Japan and the broader Asian market.
