India Rising: SC Ventures Hails Nation as Global Hub for AI and Fintech Innovation
<p>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, <strong>SC Ventures</strong>.</p><p>Speaking at the <strong>Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2025</strong>, <strong>Apurv Suri</strong>, Head of Client Engagement and Partnership Lead at SC Ventures, and <strong>Harald Eltvedt</strong>, Operating Member at the firm, described India as one of the most dynamic and transformative technology ecosystems in the world.</p><p>“The <strong>scale and speed of innovation in India</strong> are unmatched globally,” said Suri, calling the country <i>“a gold mine of startups and talent with global ambitions.”</i> He noted that India’s diversity in language, culture, and digital adoption makes it a unique testbed for building <strong>AI-driven financial and digital solutions</strong> that can scale internationally.</p><h4><strong>AI as the next big wave</strong></h4><p>Suri emphasised that <strong>artificial intelligence is redefining the future</strong> 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.</p><p>“With AI, you can achieve scale and reach, but most importantly, you can offer <strong>hyper-personalisation</strong>,” Suri said. “India’s diversity allows for the creation of AI solutions that can adapt to individual needs — a critical advantage for fintech companies.”</p><p>He also introduced the concept of <strong>“agentic AI”</strong>, referring to autonomous AI systems capable of operating independently. According to him, such technologies will fuel a <strong>new generation of AI-native startups</strong> that could reshape not only fintech but also logistics, healthcare, and education.</p><p>“AI will disrupt fintechs, but it will also build them,” he added, noting that the <strong>innovation showcased at GFF 2025</strong> is proof of how quickly India’s AI ecosystem is evolving.</p><h4><strong>Blockchain and beyond</strong></h4><p>Beyond AI, SC Ventures sees <strong>blockchain</strong> as another technology with immense potential in India. Suri highlighted that blockchain’s true strength lies not in cryptocurrencies but in <strong>utility-driven use cases</strong> — such as transparent supply chains, secure identity verification, and cross-border transactions.</p><p>“India offers <strong>scale, opportunity, and a wide range of real-world problems</strong> that blockchain can address,” he said. “As regulations mature, blockchain will likely play a much deeper role in India’s financial systems and governance.”</p><p>He also mentioned <strong>quantum computing</strong> as the next frontier of financial innovation. SC Ventures recently launched a <strong>joint venture with Fujitsu in the UK</strong> to explore how quantum computing could amplify AI and fintech solutions. According to Suri, <strong>India will be central</strong> to this collaboration, bringing in exceptional talent and practical use cases.</p><h4><strong>India: A critical market for SC Ventures</strong></h4><p>Suri reaffirmed that India remains a <strong>key strategic market</strong> for Standard Chartered Ventures. The company has already invested in several Indian initiatives, including a <strong>B2B SME marketplace</strong> and a partnership with <strong>Kiya.ai</strong> to create immersive digital experiences for users in India and abroad.</p><p>“India is not just a market — it’s a <strong>launchpad for global innovation</strong>,” he said. “We’re exploring more opportunities for partnerships, investments, and joint ventures that leverage Indian talent and creativity.”</p><h4><strong>Deepening local collaboration</strong></h4><p>Echoing Suri’s sentiments, <strong>Harald Eltvedt</strong>, Operating Member at SC Ventures, said India offers an unmatched pool of technology talent.</p><p>“India is <strong>one of the best places in the world to find tech talent</strong>,” Eltvedt said. “We’re not just here to showcase what we do — we’re here to <strong>co-create</strong> the future of fintech with India’s vibrant startup ecosystem.”</p><p>He highlighted that SC Ventures aims to <strong>strengthen partnerships</strong> with local fintechs, universities, and tech communities to accelerate innovation in digital banking, payments, and sustainable finance.</p><h4><strong>Driving the future of global fintech</strong></h4><p>With its booming digital economy, regulatory support for innovation, and rapidly expanding startup ecosystem, India is now seen as a <strong>crucial innovation hub</strong> for global financial transformation.</p><p>From AI-driven customer solutions to blockchain-based infrastructure, SC Ventures believes India will continue to <strong>define the next phase of global fintech evolution</strong>.</p><p>As Suri summed it up:</p><blockquote><p>“India is not just part of the fintech revolution — it’s helping lead it.”</p></blockquote>