SINGAPORE, July, 3, 2025 — The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), a Singapore-based not-for-profit focused on building resilient and inclusive financial systems, has appointed Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands as Chair of its International Advisory Board (IAB).
The high-profile appointment marks a significant milestone for GFTN as it steps up its efforts to shape global financial innovation with an emphasis on inclusivity and sustainability. Two other leading figures — Mr Agustín Carstens, former General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), and Mr Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman of India’s Bajaj Finserv — also joined the IAB, effective 1 July 2025.
Global Expertise to Drive Inclusive Financial Innovation
Announcing the appointments, Mr Ravi Menon, Chairman of GFTN’s Board of Directors, said, “We warmly welcome Queen Máxima, Mr Agustín Carstens, and Mr Sanjiv Bajaj to the GFTN International Advisory Board. Their visionary leadership, breadth of experience and steadfast commitment to advancing financial innovation and inclusion will be invaluable for GFTN as we build bridges across policy, technology, and finance.”
Queen Máxima currently serves as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate (UNSGSA) for Financial Health, after holding the same role for financial inclusion from 2009 to 2024. During her tenure, she played a critical role in expanding access to financial services for low-income households, women, smallholder farmers and SMEs, contributing to a major increase in account ownership globally — now reaching nearly 80% of adults, according to the World Bank’s Global Findex 2021.
In her current role, she is focused on moving beyond access to promoting financial health — ensuring that individuals can effectively manage daily expenses, protect against economic shocks, and plan for the future. Her work continues to influence global policy through strategic advocacy and cross-sector collaboration.
Influential Voices from Finance and Industry
Joining Queen Máxima on the IAB is Mr Agustín Carstens, one of the most respected voices in global monetary policy. With an extensive track record that includes serving as Mexico’s Secretary of Finance, Governor of Banco de México, and Deputy Managing Director at the IMF, Carstens most recently concluded an eight-year tenure as General Manager of the BIS. There, he championed central bank innovation and strengthened global cooperation on financial stability, public goods, and digital currency initiatives.
Mr Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman and Managing Director of Bajaj Finserv, brings deep industry insight from one of India’s most prominent financial services groups. Under his leadership, Bajaj Finserv has led a digital-first transformation across insurance, lending, and investment services, making financial products more accessible to millions of consumers across India.
Bajaj also served as President of the Confederation of Indian Industry and played a leading role on the Steering Committee for B20 India during the country’s G20 Presidency in 2022–23.
A Singapore-Based Platform with Global Reach
Headquartered in Singapore, the Global Finance & Technology Network operates as a collaborative platform designed to accelerate innovation at the intersection of policy, finance, and emerging technologies. Its mission is to build smarter, more efficient, and more inclusive financial systems by enabling public-private partnerships and guiding financial system transformation across borders.
With its newly constituted International Advisory Board, GFTN is expected to play a more prominent role in shaping thought leadership and fostering action on financial inclusion, digital infrastructure, and sustainable development goals — particularly across Asia and emerging markets.