The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), a Singapore-based not-for-profit, has appointed Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), as Chair of its International Advisory Board (IAB), effective July 1, 2025. Joining her are Agustín Carstens, former General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements, and Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Finserv, marking a significant milestone for GFTN’s mission to foster inclusive financial systems through technology and global collaboration.
Queen Máxima appointed Chair of GFTN’s International Advisory Board.
Agustín Carstens and Sanjiv Bajaj join as IAB members, effective July 1, 2025.
GFTN aims to create efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems.
Queen Máxima leverages her UNSGSA role to promote financial health.
Carstens brings expertise from Banco de México and BIS leadership.
Bajaj drives digital-first financial innovation at Bajaj Finserv.
As UNSGSA since 2009, Queen Máxima has championed accessible financial systems, significantly increasing global payment account access to nearly 80% of adults (Global Findex 2021). Her new role at GFTN will focus on advancing financial health through innovative products and policies that enable better management of daily finances, risk protection, and long-term goals. “We warmly welcome Queen Máxima, Mr Agustín Carstens, and Mr Sanjiv Bajaj to the GFTN International Advisory Board,” said Mr Ravi Menon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, GFTN. “Their visionary leadership, breadth of experience and steadfast commitment to advancing financial innovation and inclusion will be invaluable.”
Agustín Carstens, a renowned economist, brings extensive experience from his roles as Governor of Banco de México and Mexico’s Secretary of Finance, where he implemented strategies to stabilize the economy during the 2008 financial crisis. As General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (2017-2025), he drove modernization in central banking, fostering collaboration and innovation. His expertise will guide GFTN in enhancing global financial system resilience.
Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Finserv, has transformed India’s financial services landscape with a digital-first, consumer-centric approach. Leading one of India’s most diversified financial groups, Bajaj has expanded access to lending, insurance, and investments. His role in the Confederation of Indian Industry and India’s G20 Presidency B20 Steering Committee underscores his influence in shaping inclusive financial policies, aligning with GFTN’s objectives.
GFTN, established by the Monetary Authority of Singapore in 2024, leverages technology to create efficient and inclusive financial ecosystems. The IAB’s new members will strengthen its efforts to bridge policy, technology, and finance, fostering global collaboration. Queen Máxima’s advocacy, combined with Carstens’ and Bajaj’s expertise, positions GFTN to drive impactful innovations for underserved communities worldwide.
The appointments of Queen Máxima, Agustín Carstens, and Sanjiv Bajaj to GFTN’s International Advisory Board signal a powerful commitment to advancing financial inclusion and technological innovation. Their leadership will shape a more resilient and equitable global financial ecosystem, empowering communities through accessible and sustainable financial solutions.
The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore-headquartered organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration. GFTN hosts a worldwide network of forums (including its flagship event, the Singapore FinTech Festival); advises governments and companies on policies and the development of digital ecosystems and innovation within the financial sector; offers digital infrastructure solutions; and plans to invest in financial technology startups through its upcoming venture fund, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability.
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