FinTech Australia may work with some of the world’s hottest digital businesses but it relies on in-person meetings to foster opportunities for its members, says general manager Rehan D’Almeida.
Fintech is one of the world’s fastest-growing sectors, with the worldwide market tipped to reach US$1.5 trillion by 2030. But with innovation comes a maze of regulation – and that’s just one of the challenges for startups trying to get off the ground.
“FinTech Australia is here to help fintech companies grow locally and internationally,” says general manager Rehan D’Almeida of the members’ association, which represents almost 400 businesses, including international fintech companies when they set up shop in Australia. “The local fintech industry has created world-leading startups. Companies such as Airwallex were born in Australia. We punch far above our weight.”
Going global is an important step to success and the association supports its members on Austrade-led programs overseas, meaning D’Almeida and his team travel a lot. “Yes, we work in a digital industry but we have to be on the ground to build connections for the export market and attend the numerous fintech conferences and festivals around the world.”
As a not-for-profit organisation funded by members, FinTech Australia keeps a close eye on costs, explains D’Almeida, finding smarter ways to fund pivotal business trips and supercharge its impact.
“It’s crucial that we maximise the value of our spend on any travel”
“We build programs for fintechs to learn more about international markets. To make the most of each trip, we time them to match key events. With recent events in New York, Amsterdam and London only a few weeks apart, it made sense to stay for the duration. Our head of community and global engagement, Stuart Keen, made the trip, supporting a few different delegations over six weeks.
Booking through our Qantas Business Rewards Account ensures we access flight discounts and allows us to book and manage multiple trips for multiple travellers in one place, which is incredibly useful for an ever-changing, fast-moving itinerary. It saves us time and lets us focus on the outcomes.”
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“More than ever, people are hungry for face-to-face interaction”
“We regularly fly up and down the eastern seaboard from our Melbourne headquarters. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane all have vibrant fintech communities. Throughout the year we arrange regular meet-ups to hear our members’ challenges, whether it’s access to capital or talent.
In Canberra we organise roundtables with government ministers and regulators. FinTech Australia has a small team so we arrange our travel individually. We find flights that suit our schedules and book through the association’s Qantas Business Rewards Account, which gives us excellent flight savings. The points we earn on flights are used to reduce our spend on other essentials, such as hotels. It helps our budget go further.”
Tip: Your travellers earn an exclusive bonus of 250 Qantas Points per booking†, when they fly for work, on top of the points and Status Credits they already earn.#
“Everyone wants to explore prospective new markets in person”
“There are many fintech conferences and a lot of activity in the South-East Asian market. It’s vital to see what other markets are doing and to meet with international fintechs that are exploring coming Down Under. Our stable political and regulatory environment means international companies see Australia as a great launchpad for growth.
With so much essential travel, our team is tuned into smart ways to earn more points through Qantas Business Rewards. Every time we fly, book a hotel or hire a car, we earn points for the association, as well as for ourselves as Frequent Flyer members. These points are then used to fund future trips.”
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Important Information
* A business must be a Qantas Business Rewards Member to earn Qantas Points for the business. A one-off joining fee of $89.50 applies, is inclusive of any applicable GST and may be varied by Qantas from time to time, without notice, in its absolute discretion. Membership and Qantas Points for business are offered under the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions and earning thresholds apply.
# You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer member to earn Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and Qantas Points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program Terms and Conditions. Qantas Points and Status Credits (where applicable) are earned on eligible flights with a Qantas or applicable oneworld® Alliance Airline or Airline Partner flight number on your ticket. Qantas Points and Status Credits may not be earned on some fare types and booking classes. See terms and conditions and the Airline Earning Tables for details on the conditions for the applicable airline.
~ Savings are available exclusively to Qantas Business Rewards Members on the base fare of selected fares only and do not apply to taxes, fees and carrier charges. Availability is limited. Member Deals are subject to the Qantas Business Rewards Terms and Conditions.
† You must be a Qantas Frequent Flyer to earn Qantas Points. A joining fee may apply. Membership and points are subject to the Qantas Frequent Flyer program terms and conditions. Qantas Frequent Flyers will earn 250 Qantas Points per eligible flight booking where a Qantas Business Rewards Member's ABN and the traveller's Qantas Frequent Flyer membership number are quoted at the time of booking. An eligible booking must include a domestic or international flight with a Qantas 'QF' flight number on the ticket that is purchased in Australia; has a ticket number commencing with '081'; and is booked and travelled for business on or after the date the business registers for Qantas Business Rewards. Points will be credited to the Frequent Flyers account within 6 weeks from the date of travel. Points cannot be withdrawn from members' account once credited if the booking is changed or cancelled. No retrospective claims can be made for this offer.
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