Learn all about how Japan’s fintech scene is evolving at #tiatokyo2018

Fintech has steadily been gaining traction, with global deal activity reaching a record of US$5.4 billion in the first quarter of 2018. The fintech market size in Japan has been predicted to reach US$715 million by 2021, more than 15 times compared to US$45 million in 2015.

This September 20 & 21, join us at Tech in Asia Tokyo 2018 as seasoned fintech leaders delve into how the scene in Japan is evolving. If you’re looking to expand your business to Japan or simply interested in the unique market, here are some sessions you should definitely keep an eye out for:

nSession 1: The Revolution is Now: How to Scale a Fintech Companyn

The panel discussion will take place on Day 1, 1.30pm to 2pm.

While startups are focused on achieving product-market fit, acquiring and retaining new customers, few successfully transit to scaleups. This panel brings together leaders of Folio, Transferwise, and MUFG Bank to discuss the challenges fintech startups face when scaling, and best practices companies should emulate.

nShinichiro Kai, CEO, Folionn

Shinichiro Kai

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FOLIO, which was founded in December 2015, raised US$16 million funding in its Series A round in 2017. FOLIO is an investing platform targeting those interested in investing but have never tried or have been intimidated by the complexities of financial products. Before starting the company, Shinichiro was the head of algorithm trading and interest rate option trading at Barclays Capital from 2010 to 2015.

nKazuma Ochi, Country Manager, Transferwise Japannn

Kazuma Ochi

Transferwise uses peer-to-peer technology so users are able to transfer money internationally without any hidden charges.

While banks in Japan take two to five days and charge between two and 10 percent, TransferWise takes one to two days, applies real market exchange rate, and charges around one percent of the transaction. The company claims its platform is eight times cheaper compared to doing it through banks.

nTatsuto Fujii, Head of MUFG Digital Accelerator, MUFG Banknn

Tatsuto Fujii

MUFG Digital Accelerator aims to partner with entrepreneurs and fintech startups to launch innovative businesses. Established in 2015, it was one of the first accelerator programs hosted by Japanese banks. In July this year, they also held a demo day for the third batch of MUFG Digital Accelerator.

nSession 2: How M-DAQ uses Fintech and Forex to Solve the Riddle of Global Expansionn

The session will take place on Day 1, 3pm to 3.30pm.

While international ecommerce sites have made selling goods overseas easier, currency rate fluctuations still persist as one of the most challenging problems companies face. Here’s when M-DAQ helps – they ensure price certainty on ecommerce platforms by enabling customers to buy foreign goods in their local currency, at the same time protecting companies against foreign currency risk.

nRichard Koh, CEO, M-DAQnn

Richard Koh

M-DAQ focuses on making cross-border transactions more efficient and aims to create a world without currency borders. The company is also one of the top-funded players in the financial exchange space.

Just last month, the company partnered SGX to launch the world’s first multi-denomination automated quotation prototype. Richard has over 27 years of industry experience in infocomm, foreign exchange (FX) and ecommerce across the Asia Pacific markets.

nNoboru Takahashi, CTO, M-DAQnn

Noboru Takahashi

Takahashi has over 23 years of Information Technology experience within the banking industry covering end-to-end systems in FX and ecommerce. Throughout his career, he specialized in application development and support, project management, consulting and technology leadership.

nSession 3: Overview of Japanese Fintechn

The session will take place on Day 1, 4.45pm to 5pm.

Though Japan has traditionally been cash-reliant, the Japanese government has been actively pushing the country towards going cashless. Mizuho Financial Group estimated that cashlessness would save banks close to US$9.4 billion a year.

Hear from Natalie Fleming, Representative Director and Co-Founder of Fintech Association of Japan as she shares the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the fintech scene in Japan.

nNatalie Fleming, Representative Director and Co-Founder, Fintech Association of Japannn

Natalie Fleming

Natalie has 10 years of experience in building finance and ecommerce businesses in Asia, and also leads the banking and regulatory aspects of Payoneer in Japan. Natalie Fleming was also recognized as one of the top movers and shakers in the industry, and named in the annual Fintech Asia 100 list in 2016.

Her passion for the growth of fintech in Japan led her to launch a Fintech Meetup in 2014 with her classmate, which blossomed into the Fintech Association of Japan (FAJ). Today, the FAJ represents over 100 fintech companies in Japan, and promotes innovation in the industry by creating networking opportunities for its members.

nLess than 48 hours left to grab your tickets!n

Whether you’re from a startup, investment firm, or simply interested in Japan’s unique tech ecosystem, you’ll definitely walk away from the conference with many takeaways about the fintech landscape in SEA.

In addition to the sessions mentioned above, you’ll also get to learn from industry speakers with jam-packed sessions ranging from AI and product management to medtech and cryptocurrency. You’ll also be have access to check out up-and-coming startups at Startup Factory, network with seasoned Japanese and international entrepreneurs, and more.

T-2 days to go – will we see you in Tokyo this Thursday?

Converted from Japanese Yen. Rate: USD1 = JPY111.99