Wellington-based Banqer Wins Best FinTech Innovation Award at Afiniation Showcase
Wellington-based startup Banqer, the online platform that facilitates the teaching of financial education in the
classroom by creating a virtual ‘classroom currency’, took out the Best Innovation in Show Award at the recent
Afiniation FinTech Showcase in Sydney.
Over 30 of Australia and New Zealand’s top financial technology innovators presented at the Showcase, to an audience of
potential investors, partners and clients in the financial services industry.
Afiniation co-founder and head judge Marc Evans explained, “Banqer helps children who have their own bank accounts get a
rich understanding of what it means to be in charge of your own personal finances. As a result the judges felt that
Banqer was the most innovative and interesting presenter at the Showcase as they showed that society and FinTech can
work together.”
Banqer co-founder Kendall Flutey said, “The Afiniation Showcase was our first introduction to the Australian FinTech
community and we couldn't have asked for a better entry point. This initiative was the perfect platform for Banqer as it
enabled conversations with the right people, people that we may otherwise not have been able to meet. The calibre of the
demonstrators at the Showcase was extremely high, so it's a real honour for Banqer to be named best in show. A huge
thanks to the organisers of the Afiniation Showcase for fostering this community, and we look forward to future
involvements."
The two other Wellington businesses presenting at the Showcase were also recognised in the awards. Runner up for Best in
Show went to Eight Wire, who showed an automated solution to the migration of data between systems, a problem
encountered by many companies at the Showcase and generally regarded as the highest risk part of any FinTech project.
Sharesight won the Technology Award, which recognises the best advances in technology that will influence FinTech in the
future. Sharesight offers a way to manage online investments in one place, whilst consolidating positions across a
number of platforms.
Tan Huynh, Sector Development Manager ICT and Digital at Grow Wellington, part of the Wellington Regional Economic
Development Agency, said the Afiniation Showcase was an ideal environment for Wellington companies to show their clever
technologies and to grow their business in the FinTech sector.
“Wellington is a hub of innovative tech businesses. These awards recognise that companies like Banqer, Eight Wire and
Sharesight are developing solutions of global relevance.”
Marc Evans said the Afiniation Showcase was an unparalleled success.
“The sold out event brought together the crème de la crème of FinTech innovators and investors all keenly intent on
driving FinTech in Australia and New Zealand forward.”
The Afiniation panel comprised Afiniation director and co-founder Marc Evans, AustralianSuper’s Shawn Blackmore,
Industrie IT’s Con Zeritis, and The Fold Legal’s Claire Wivell Plater.
To view highlights from the recent Afiniation Showcase go to: http://afiniation.com/afiniation-showcase-video
For more information on Afiniation and their Showcases go to: http://afiniation.com
ENDS