India Rising: SC Ventures Hails Nation as Global Hub for AI and Fintech Innovation
India is rapidly emerging as a global powerhouse for artificial intelligence (AI) and financial technology (fintech) innovation, according to senior executives from Standard Chartered’s innovation arm, SC Ventures.
Speaking at the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025, Apurv Suri, Head of Client Engagement and Partnership Lead at SC Ventures, and Harald Eltvedt, Operating Member at the firm, described India as one of the most dynamic and transformative technology ecosystems in the world.
“The scale and speed of innovation in India are unmatched globally,” said Suri, calling the country “a gold mine of startups and talent with global ambitions.” He noted that India’s diversity in language, culture, and digital adoption makes it a unique testbed for building AI-driven financial and digital solutions that can scale internationally.
AI as the next big wave
Suri emphasised that artificial intelligence is redefining the future of industries, from banking to retail to healthcare. He believes AI’s impact will go far beyond automating existing systems — it will enable deeper personalisation, better customer experiences, and new business models altogether.
“With AI, you can achieve scale and reach, but most importantly, you can offer hyper-personalisation,” Suri said. “India’s diversity allows for the creation of AI solutions that can adapt to individual needs — a critical advantage for fintech companies.”
He also introduced the concept of “agentic AI”, referring to autonomous AI systems capable of operating independently. According to him, such technologies will fuel a new generation of AI-native startups that could reshape not only fintech but also logistics, healthcare, and education.
“AI will disrupt fintechs, but it will also build them,” he added, noting that the innovation showcased at GFF 2025 is proof of how quickly India’s AI ecosystem is evolving.
Blockchain and beyond
Beyond AI, SC Ventures sees blockchain as another technology with immense potential in India. Suri highlighted that blockchain’s true strength lies not in cryptocurrencies but in utility-driven use cases — such as transparent supply chains, secure identity verification, and cross-border transactions.
“India offers scale, opportunity, and a wide range of real-world problems that blockchain can address,” he said. “As regulations mature, blockchain will likely play a much deeper role in India’s financial systems and governance.”
He also mentioned quantum computing as the next frontier of financial innovation. SC Ventures recently launched a joint venture with Fujitsu in the UK to explore how quantum computing could amplify AI and fintech solutions. According to Suri, India will be central to this collaboration, bringing in exceptional talent and practical use cases.
India: A critical market for SC Ventures
Suri reaffirmed that India remains a key strategic market for Standard Chartered Ventures. The company has already invested in several Indian initiatives, including a B2B SME marketplace and a partnership with Kiya.ai to create immersive digital experiences for users in India and abroad.
“India is not just a market — it’s a launchpad for global innovation,” he said. “We’re exploring more opportunities for partnerships, investments, and joint ventures that leverage Indian talent and creativity.”
Deepening local collaboration
Echoing Suri’s sentiments, Harald Eltvedt, Operating Member at SC Ventures, said India offers an unmatched pool of technology talent.
“India is one of the best places in the world to find tech talent,” Eltvedt said. “We’re not just here to showcase what we do — we’re here to co-create the future of fintech with India’s vibrant startup ecosystem.”
He highlighted that SC Ventures aims to strengthen partnerships with local fintechs, universities, and tech communities to accelerate innovation in digital banking, payments, and sustainable finance.
Driving the future of global fintech
With its booming digital economy, regulatory support for innovation, and rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, India is now seen as a crucial innovation hub for global financial transformation.
From AI-driven customer solutions to blockchain-based infrastructure, SC Ventures believes India will continue to define the next phase of global fintech evolution.
As Suri summed it up:
“India is not just part of the fintech revolution — it’s helping lead it.”
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