FinTech's Global Playbook: Breaking Barriers and Borders | Global Conference 2026

Why It Matters

Open‑finance platforms, AI‑driven fintech, and stablecoin networks are accelerating global financial inclusion, forcing traditional banks to adapt or lose market share.

Key Takeaways

• Brazil's Pix and Open Finance drove 52M banked, 38M via New Bank
• Mexico's redesign aims to boost banked population beyond 55% baseline
• QED invested $4B, backing 31 unicorns across 30 countries
• Stablecoins let anyone with a phone hold US dollars instantly
• Stellar enables zero‑fee, one‑second cross‑border payments for African creators

Summary

The panel at Global Conference 2026 explored FinTech's global playbook, focusing on financial inclusion, payment infrastructure, and emerging crypto stablecoin ecosystems across Latin America, Africa, and beyond.

Speakers highlighted Brazil's Pix and Open Finance initiatives, which banked 52 million people, with New Bank accounting for 38 million. Mexico is redesigning its payment system to surpass its 55% banked rate, while Colombia adapts Pix‑like rails. QED’s $4 billion portfolio spans 31 unicorns in 30 markets, emphasizing AI and stablecoin adoption. Remittance innovators like Remitly and Felix Pago leverage stablecoins for low‑cost, real‑time transfers.

Nigel Morris reflected on Capital One’s evolution into a global fintech investor, noting AI and stablecoins as transformative forces. Danell Dixon of Stellar described how blockchain provides African creators with virtual USD accounts and sub‑penny cross‑border payments, equalizing access to capital. Dragonfly VC’s $650 million fund underscores the cultural shift stablecoins bring, enabling anyone with a mobile phone to own dollars.

The discussion signals that open‑finance infrastructures and crypto‑native rails are reshaping how emerging markets achieve inclusion, reduce remittance costs, and foster new business models. For incumbents, the trend demands partnership or rapid digital transformation to stay relevant in a borderless financial ecosystem.

Original Description

Watch all 2026 Global Conference session replays: https://milkeninstitute.org/events/global-conference-2026/program

As technology and financial services chart new paths of transformation around the world, each region has its own story to tell about growth, access, and innovation. From Sao Paulo to Singapore, FinTech is rewriting how money moves across borders, how people access credit, and how institutions engage globally. Drawing on the global reach and experiences of FinTechs around the world, we’ll shine a light on the road travelled, the rails built, and the people and institutions impacted by this digital revolution.

Nicole Valentine

Senior Director, Fintech, Milken Institute

Roberto Campos Neto

Vice Chairman and Global Head, Public Policy, Nubank

Denelle Dixon

CEO and Executive Director, Stellar Development Foundation

Nigel Morris

Managing Partner, QED Investors LLC

Haseeb Qureshi

Managing Partner, Dragonfly

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Barry Silbert

Founder and CEO, DCG; Founder and Chairman, Grayscale