Tech doesn’t transform finance. People do 

The FinTech industry is racing ahead… AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital transformation are reshaping everything. But one challenge keeps surfacing in boardrooms, breakout sessions, and coffee chats: the digital skills gap. 

At the Singapore FinTech Festival 2025, industry leaders explored how we’re “Shaping the Next Decade of Growth.” Amid the buzz around tokenisation, quantum computing, and AI, one truth stood out: technology is only as powerful as the people behind it. 

Here are some of the key insights from the event: 

AI and cybersecurity 

AI is revolutionising fraud detection, compliance, and customer experience. Financial institutions are rolling out generative AI to automate, personalise, and protect. But here’s the catch, AI is a double-edged sword. It’s being used by both defenders and attackers. 

Our recent whitepaper: Workforce 2.0: AI Adoption and the Future of Jobs shows that 53% of organisations are just starting to explore AI and the top reason preventing more robust adoption is a lack of specialist skills. Roles like AI Security Analysts, Machine Learning Engineers, and AI Governance Specialists are in demand faster than the talent pipeline can keep up. 

AI isn’t just defending systems, it’s stress-testing them. Companies like ST Engineering showcased platforms that simulate cyberattacks using red and blue team models, enabling financial institutions to identify vulnerabilities before real threats strike. 

At the festival, experts weighed in on whether AI truly augments human capability or risks eroding critical thinking. The consensus? AI can empower, but only if paired with human judgment and governance. 

AI in banking and KYC 

Beyond fraud detection, AI is transforming Know Your Customer (KYC) processes with facial recognition and deepfake prevention, helping banks strengthen identity verification and security. 

At the UOB booth, we saw voice-enabled banking apps in action, AI-driven speech-to-text technology that executes transactions via voice commands. While still in testing, these innovations signal a future of frictionless customer experiences. 

Infrastructure 

AI and cyber may grab headlines, but none of it works without solid infrastructure. From cloud migration to secure networks, financial institutions need systems that are scalable, compliant, and resilient. 

FDM’s IT Operations (Technical Engineering) and Risk, Regulation & Compliance practices deliver just that. Our consultants are trained in cloud platforms, network security, and automation, ready to help clients scale with confidence. 

Blockchain and tokenisation 

The festival spotlighted blockchain as a driver of financial innovation. Singapore’s major banks (OCBC, DBS, UOB) are piloting blockchain projects for wholesale banking, focusing on asset trading. 

Digital Singapore Dollar: Positioned as a strategic enabler, it promises seamless integration of traditional and digital payment systems. By leveraging wholesale Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) as a common settlement asset, this pilot project allows Singapore to develop a blueprint for the future financial market infrastructures.   

Asset Tokenisation: Platforms now allow tokenising everything, from conventional assets to unique items, unlocking new liquidity opportunities. Tokenisation also strengthens data security, masking sensitive information and supporting encryption. 

Closing the skills gap 

At FDM, we don’t just talk about upskilling, we build it into every consultant’s journey. Our Skills Lab blends sprint-based learning, AI fluency, and real-world simulations to prepare talent for hybrid roles that combine tech and business. 

Our whitepaper revealed 54% of organisations now require AI skills for early-career roles, but only 6% report high proficiency. FDM is changing that by embedding AI, cybersecurity, and infrastructure training into every pathway. 

Real-world impact 

A leading multinational bank needed to automate manual document review and reconciliation at its Hong Kong branch while meeting strict governance standards. FDM deployed five AI-trained Python Engineers, accelerating AI adoption and driving digital transformation. 

Read case study 

A leading bank sought to enhance cybersecurity support and reduce overhead costs. FDM delivered a cost-effective solution by deploying custom-trained consultants within three weeks, implementing a 24/7 “follow the sun” support model across the US, UK, and Singapore. 

Read case study

Why FDM? 

With 30+ years of experience, 25,000+ careers launched, and 300+ global clients, we help financial institutions: 

• Scale AI responsibly with consultants trained in ethical AI, governance, and automation. 

• Secure digital ecosystems with AI-powered cybersecurity and infrastructure support. 

• Accelerate transformation with flexible delivery, from individual specialists to full agile pods. 

• Future-proof talent pipelines with continuous upskilling and hybrid role readiness.

The future of fintech is human-led 

The Singapore FinTech Festival made it clear: the next decade of innovation won’t be driven by tech alone, it’ll be powered by the people who build, secure, and scale it. 

FDM is the bridge between ambition and execution. We help clients turn strategy into outcomes, and talent into transformation. 

Ready to close your digital skills gap? 

Book a discovery call with FDM today.