10x1000 Launches “Flex” Fintech Program with Partners Worldwide to Bridge Global Digital Skills Gap and Drive Financial Inclusion

SHANGHAI--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fintech training platform 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion announced that it will deepen its collaborations with partners worldwide, working with leading global organizations, tech investors, and industry organizations to offer a program that enables aspiring practitioners to learn from global experts at their own pace.

Available from October through grants to over 1,000 learners, the Fintech Foundation Program Flex is a fully online certificate program providing practitioners with the mindset, knowledge and skills to become drivers of digital economic growth, according to 10x1000, a global and philanthropic fintech training initiative launched jointly by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and Alipay in 2018.

Flex learners will be recruited through partners such as the IFC (including the SME Finance Forum), United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Dubai International Financial Centre, Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation, KPMG and fintech associations from Hong Kong, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Singapore. (See table for a full list of 10X1000 partners)

“We are delighted to join hands with global partners to bring the 10x1000 training platform to learners worldwide, as we seek innovative approaches to meeting a common goal of bridging the digital skills gap, particularly in communities that need it the most,” said Eric Jing, Chairman and CEO of Ant Group, owner and operator of digital payments platform Alipay. “I am excited that learners from 10x1000’s new Flex program will gain the fintech knowledge they need to support their communities, and help bring us closer to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”

“IFC has been a steadfast supporter of digital innovations that foster financial inclusion. As nations emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, the world is in need of more visionary fintech leaders to drive such innovation and expand financial access,” said Qamar Saleem, Regional Manager for Advisory Services, Financial Institutions Group, Asia and Pacific, IFC. “We believe 10x1000’s Flex program will bring distinct value to complement existing educational resources with a flexible curriculum that draws on practical experience of leading fintech practitioners across regions.”

Through eight recorded video lectures, attendees of the new Flex program will hear directly from tech entrepreneurs, senior leaders at Ant and other fintech firms as well as distinguished scholars, sharing their first-hand knowledge on topics ranging from ‘the tech behind fintech’ and best practices in leveraging technology to solve real business problems.

Training content provided by 10x1000 is being guided by a Curriculum Steering Committee (CSC), an advisory body responsible for ensuring the quality and effectiveness of the curriculum. The current committee is composed of global experts from industry, academia, and international financial institutions.

Going forward, 10x1000 will also work with partners and alumni to cultivate a global fintech community, creating a vibrant platform that provides opportunities for willing organizations and individuals to contribute to global financial inclusion.

About 10x1000

10x1000 Tech for Inclusion is an open and global fintech training platform that enables learners to become drivers of digital economic growth. Its mission is to train 1,000 emerging talents and tech leaders each year for the next ten years. 10x1000 is a philanthropic initiative launched jointly by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, and Alipay in 2018.

** 10x1000 Tech for Inclusion Partners List **

Founding Partners
1. Alipay (Alipay)
2. IFC (International Finance Corporation)

Global Organizations
1. UNECA (United Nations Economic Commission for Africa)
2. UNWFP (United Nations World Food Programme)
3. SME Finance Forum (SME Finance Forum, Managed by the IFC)

Regional-Country Industry Organizations
1. Africa’s Business Heroes (ABH)
2. DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)
3. FTAHK (FinTech Association of Hong Kong)
4. FAOM (FinTech Association of Malaysia)
5. Fintech Alliance PH Inc (Fintech Alliance.ph)
6. MDEC (Malaysia Digital Economy Corporation)
7. MFTA (MENA Fintech Association)
8. SFA (Singapore FinTech Association)
9. SLT (She Loves Tech)
10. TFA (Thai Fintech Association)

Professional Services/Investors
1. BAce Capital (BAce Capital)
2. Gobi Partners (Gobi Partners)
3. KPMG (KPMG)
4. 917Ventures (917Ventures)

** 10x1000 Curriculum Steering Committee Members (2021) **

Nafez Dakkak
Executive Chairman, Edraak.org

Pooma Kimis
Director, Bernstein Autonomous

Qamar Saleem
Regional Industry Manager Asia & Pacific, Financial Institutions Group at International Finance Corporation (IFC)

Daniel Suen
Head of Strategy, International Education, General Manager, China Education, Wiley