SINGAPORE, November 13, 2025 — The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), in collaboration with the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (UNSGSA), has announced the three winners of the Global Impact Champions Awards for Financial Health 2025, recognising fintech innovators advancing financial resilience and well-being.
Selected from 130 applications across 39 countries, including a strong cohort of venture-backed fintechs, the shortlist of 15 finalists competed for access to a US$1 million investment pool. After a rigorous evaluation process, Syfe, Universal Pensions, and Quipu emerged as this year’s award winners. The initiative was supported by investment partners ThinKuvate and Tenity.
Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the UN’s Special Advocate for Financial Health and Chair of GFTN’s International Advisory Board, commended the initiative: “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 Awards highlight fintech solutions that truly make a difference — those that help people manage their money, build resilience, and plan for the future.”
Spotlighting Solutions for Financial Well-Being
Launched to identify and scale mission-driven fintechs, the Global Impact Champions Awards celebrate startups dedicated to improving people’s day-to-day financial management, crisis resilience, and long-term confidence.
GFTN’s objective is to catalyse financial-health innovations globally by leveraging its network of financial institutions, investors, and policymakers. Through its convening power and access to capital, the organisation aims to accelerate solutions that strengthen financial inclusion and empower underserved communities.
The 2025 Winners:
Syfe (Singapore)
Syfe has established itself as a leading savings and investment platform making wealth-building more accessible for everyday users. Combining advisory tools, proprietary portfolios, cash management, and brokerage, Syfe uses data-driven design to boost financial literacy and enable users to take informed, confident steps toward long-term wealth creation.
Universal Pensions (Singapore/India)
Formerly pinBox Solutions, Universal Pensions builds inclusive digital pension frameworks for low-income and informal workers in emerging markets. Its innovative “gift-a-pension” model and partnerships with governments have enabled millions to begin saving consistently, strengthening their resilience to financial shocks and reducing vulnerability in old age.
Quipu (Latin America)
Quipu applies AI and alternative data to provide micro and small entrepreneurs with access to credit and essential financial tools. By converting non-traditional data—such as transaction behaviour and community interactions—into credit insights, Quipu helps underserved entrepreneurs improve cash-flow stability, build credit histories, and integrate into formal financial systems.
GFTN’s Deputy Chairman Neil Parekh underscored the urgency of the challenge: “Today, 1.4 billion adults remain unbanked, and half of adults in low- and middle-income economies cannot meet unexpected financial needs from their own resources… Startups are showing us what’s possible. They are the building blocks of a financially healthy world.”
As part of their win, the three startups will gain access to GFTN’s global platforms, investment prospects, and strategic mentorship. The Awards aim to nurture scalable, high-impact models aligned with the UNSGSA’s vision of a financially healthy and inclusive global economy.
By recognising these innovators at the Singapore FinTech Festival — one of the world’s leading platforms for financial-technology dialogue — GFTN hopes to inspire more founders to build with purpose and shape meaningful financial outcomes for communities worldwide.
Photo Credit: Singapore Fintech Festival