Finoverse: Leading Sustainability in FinTech Events

How Finoverse is Paving the Way for Sustainability in the FinTech Event Industry: A Case Snapshot

About Finoverse: A Case Study in FinTech and Sustainable Development

Finoverse stands at the forefront of fostering FinTech development, with expertise in building FinTech communities that connect startups, established financial institutions, and pioneers in the areas of Web3, FinTech, Green FinTech, InsurTech, and regulators. Founded on the principles of collaboration and knowledge sharing, with core pillars focused on people, impact, and experiences, Finoverse aims to drive the adoption of decentralized technologies across the financial sector. Today, the company is also increasingly interconnecting sustainability and financial objectives, with sustainability serving as a value-driver for the financial services sector.

Based in Hong Kong, Finoverse is dedicated to elevating the city's position on the global FinTech stage, bringing international opportunities back home while fostering global partnerships. For nearly a decade, Finoverse has shaped the future of finance through over 80 impactful events and initiatives across more than 13 cities.

Hong Kong FinTech Week: A Recap

Finoverse has been the trusted event organizer by the Hong Kong government and regulators for Hong Kong FinTech Week (HKFTW), the city’s largest and most influential gathering of international leaders in finance and technology.  This event, aligned with Finoverse’s core values of people, impact, and experience, aims to move beyond passive attendance and inspire active participation and genuine engagement with the latest FinTech trends.

Since its inception, HKFTW has grown significantly, bringing together more than 37,000 global leaders, 800 distinguished speakers, and over 700 sponsors and exhibitors from more than 100 economies to explore the latest trends in financial technology. The forum showcases future-proof FinTech solutions and facilitates knowledge-sharing to drive the future of FinTech in Asia Pacific and beyond.

Finoverse leverages HKFTW’s scale and influence to emphasize the importance of Green FinTech, setting an industry standard for integrating ESG principles into event practices.  By creating a space for diverse stakeholders to discuss and collaborate, the event ignites new ideas and establishes actionable pathways for advancing sustainability in both the FinTech and event industries.

In this case study snapshot, Schneider Electric’s Sustainability Business APAC team sat down with the Finoverse founders Anthony Sar & Vila Wong to explore how they drive sustainability initiatives at HKFTW, helping their events address sustainability within the FinTech and the events industry – and several key takeaways.

Key Insights from the HKFTW Event: Sustainability and Financial Objectives are Increasingly Connected

Last year's HKFTW , co-organized by Finoverse along with the Hong Kong government and regulators, highlighted several core trends and achievements in sustainable finance and technology. A significant shift was observed in the movement from awareness to action, with the financial sector moving beyond discussing sustainability to implementing more concrete solutions for its end customers.

The inaugural Green FinTech and Impact Forum at HKFTW also underscored the industry's growing focus on sustainable finance. The forum served as a vital platform for bringing together diverse stakeholders to discuss and drive solutions that prioritize environmental and social impact in financial innovation.

A notable highlight was the success of the Global Fast Track Competition, aimed at supporting FinTech companies in their expansion and growth across Asia. Among the standout solutions identified from over 500 global applicants was an innovative ESG data analytics software that integrates satellite imagery networks, predictive AI models, and decision support systems. 

Such entrepreneurial initiatives exemplify how the financial services sector increasingly serves as a space to pave the way for sustainable innovation; providing a platform for cutting-edge solutions and supporting adoption across the global financial sector.

Sustainability Initiatives Highlighted at HKFTW

To address both the environmental and social aspects of sustainability, Finoverse adopted a holistic approach at HKFTW. The program’s ESG initiatives serve as a model for the FinTech event industry, emphasizing actionable practices that reduce environmental impact and promote social equity. Key measures include:

• Food and Beverage Donation System: Partnering with local charities to reduce waste.

• Eco-Friendly Materials: Using sustainable materials, such as badges made from elephant dung and tote bags made by local recycling company Vcycle, crafted from fully recycled materials.

• Recycling Partnerships: Collaborating with local recyclers to ensure waste is responsibly managed.

• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiatives: Increasing female speaker representation from 24% in 2018 to 35% in 2023, compared to an industry average of 15–25%.¹
• Community Engagement: Hosting the Web3x3 Basketball Tournament, featuring diverse teams, and raising funds for underprivileged youth through merchandise sales.

• Educational Partnerships: Partnering with Room to Read to promote literacy for young girls in developing countries.

• Community Spaces: Facilitating over 23 hours of discussions on topics such as sustainability, equality, and digital inclusion.

Additionally, the event is taking steps to measure its environmental impact by developing a framework for comprehensive carbon assessments going forward. This will allow the event to track and reduce its environmental footprint over time.

The Future of the FinTech Event Industry: A Pivotal Point in the Sustainability Journey

The FinTech event industry is at a pivotal moment in its sustainability journey. Challenges such as inconsistent practices among stakeholders, including vendors and contractors, and the lack of robust recycling systems for event waste highlight the need for greater standardization, awareness-building, and education within the industry.

Finoverse is addressing these challenges by raising awareness and implementing practical ESG measures, setting an example for the industry through premier fintech events like HKFTW. By facilitating sustainability-focused conversations, activities, and onsite practices, Finoverse aims to establish a consistent framework for ESG practices across all FinTech events, ensuring that sustainability becomes a cornerstone of event planning and execution.

By prioritizing education, collaboration, and innovation, Finoverse aims to transform the FinTech event industry, ensuring that its organized events contribute meaningfully to global sustainability efforts.

Conclusion

As the integration of ESG principles accelerates across the FinTech sector, event organizers like Finoverse play a crucial role in driving sustainable transformation by fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders—banks, investors, government officials, and innovators.

Initiatives such as the Green FinTech and Impact Forum and comprehensive ESG practices onsite showcase the organizer’s commitment to sustainability. As the industry transitions from awareness to action, this premier FinTech event continues to set an example, paving the way for a future where sustainability is at the heart of every FinTech event.

Hong Kong FinTech Week and StartmeupHK Festival unite for a 10th-anniversary edition in 2025, creating a bigger, bolder platform for innovation, investment, and growth this year. Registration is now open – secure your early bird offer here. 

In the face of climate change, financial institutions must adeptly navigate the complexities of climate risk and accurately assess their financed emissions.  At Schneider Electric, we believe that integrating sustainability into financial decision-making is crucial for a resilient future. Let’s take a look at the important climate and sustainability trends that will influence 2025. Discover the insights and strategies from our Schneider Electric experts that can help your organization succeed in this changing environment. Continue reading the full article here.

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References:

[1] EY. (2023, April 17). How to champion equality for women in fintech. https://www.ey.com/en_uk/insights/banking-capital-markets/how-to-champion-equality-for-women-in-fintech