The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a not-for-profit organisation established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) in 2024 to harness technology and foster innovation for more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial ecosystems through global partnerships. GFTN organises convening forums, offers advisory services on innovation ecosystems, provides access to transformative digital platforms, and invests in technology startups with the potential for growth and positive social impact through its venture fund.
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Managing Director, Head of Digital Assets, Global Markets, OCBC
Dr. Steven Hu is the Managing Director and Head of Digital Assets, Global Markets at OCBC, where he leads the bank’s digital assets strategy across cryptocurrencies, real-world asset tokenisation, stablecoins, and central bank digital currencies. He spearheaded industry initiatives including Asset-Backed Security Token issuance under Project Guardian with the Monetary Authority of Singapore, and the use of DeFi tools for SME financing in Project Dynamo with the BIS Innovation Hub and Hong Kong Monetary Authority.
Previously, Steven was Global Head of Digital Assets, Trade and Working Capital at Standard Chartered, and Global Blockchain Lead for Liquidity and Cash Management at HSBC.
Beyond his executive roles, Steven serves as Co-Chair of the Digital Currency Sub-Committee at the Blockchain Association of Singapore, Professional Council Member at the Global Fintech Institute, Founding Member of the Digital Assets Association, and Advisory Council Member at Global Digital Finance. He is also Guest Editor of the Annual Review of Fintech (World Scientific) and has been a Panel Evaluator for MAS’s FinTech Sector Technology Innovation Scheme since 2016.
His contributions have been widely recognised: The Asset named him “Innovation Leader of the Year” in 2024, and in 2025 the Global Fintech Institute awarded him the title of Chartered FinTech Fellow.
Steven holds a Ph.D. from the National University of Singapore, multiple fintech and technology patents, and has published extensively in journals, conferences, and books. A frequent international speaker—including at the Singapore FinTech Festival, Point Zero Forum, and Hong Kong FinTech Week—he recently contributed a book chapter on “Central Bank Digital Currencies: Opportunities and Challenges in the Post-pandemic.
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