The Global Fintech Awards 2026 — the 5th edition of the awards, organized by IAMAI (Internet and Mobile Association of India) — is the flagship recognition program of the Global Fintech Fest (GFF) 2026, which is organised by the Payments Council of India (PCI) and the Fintech Convergence Council (FCC). The awards celebrate outstanding startups, disruptive technologies, unique business models, and innovative founders across the global fintech landscape.
GFF 2026 takes place from September 8–11, 2026 at the Jio World Centre | Trident BKC, Mumbai, bringing together the world's fintech ecosystem — from central bankers and enterprise leaders to investors and founders. Helo.ai is proud to be an official Silver Partner & Exhibitor of GFF 2026.
Why the Global Fintech Awards Matter for Enterprises
Being shortlisted or winning a Global Fintech Award delivers tangible business value:
- Enhanced Visibility — Showcase your fintech venture to a global audience and position your company as an industry frontrunner.
- Validation of Innovation — A nomination validates your innovation to clients, investors, and stakeholders.
- Strategic Networking — Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and investors.
- Gateway to Opportunities — Winning or being nominated can unlock new business opportunities, partnerships, and investments.
- Global Recognition — Winning significantly enhances your brand's reputation worldwide.
- Increased Credibility — A nomination demonstrates your commitment to excellence and quality.
Official Award Categories for 2026
The Global Fintech Awards 2026 honours excellence across five official award tracks:
Excellence in FinTech — recognising innovative fintech organisations transforming financial services through technology, customer-centric solutions, and measurable industry impact. Sub-categories include: Best Payments Solution, Best Lending Solution, Best Insurance Tech Solution, Best WealthTech Solution, Best RegTech Solution, Best Digital Experience in Finance, Best B2B Payments Platform, Fintech for Good [Champions of ESG], Friends of Fintech, Best Digital Trust & Identity Solution, and Best Digital Public Infrastructure.
Excellence in Banking Tech — recognising banks, financial institutions, and technology providers transforming banking through digital innovation, customer experience, operational excellence, and security. Sub-categories include: Best Digital Banking Platform, Best Digital Transformation Program, Best Green Banking Initiative, Best Cross-Border Solution, Best Digital Banking Security Practices, Best Corporate/Business Correspondent, Best Enterprise Cybersecurity Implementation Bank, Best Enterprise Cybersecurity Implementation FinTech, and Best Enterprise Cybersecurity Implementation Financial Services Company.
Excellence in AI-Powered Financial Innovation — recognising organisations leveraging Artificial Intelligence to transform financial services, including Best Use of AI in Banking, Payments, Lending, Insurance, and Asset & Wealth Management.
Special FinTech Achievements — recognising exceptional individuals and organisations that have made a lasting impact on the fintech ecosystem: Fintech Startup of the Year (open to companies incorporated on or after 1 January 2020), Fintech Person of the Year – Male, and Fintech Person of the Year – Female.
Regional FinTech Excellence — recognising outstanding fintech companies by region or country, including Best Fintech from Nepal.
Quick Category Overview
Track | Example Sub-Categories |
|---|---|
Excellence in FinTech | Best Payments Solution, Best RegTech Solution, Best B2B Payments Platform |
Excellence in Banking Tech | Best Digital Banking Platform, Best Green Banking Initiative, Best Enterprise Cybersecurity Implementation |
Excellence in AI-Powered Financial Innovation | Best Use of AI in Banking, Payments, Lending, Insurance |
Special FinTech Achievements | Fintech Startup of the Year, Fintech Person of the Year – Male / Female |
Regional FinTech Excellence | Best Fintech from Nepal, and other regional honours |
Nomination Timeline (2026 Edition — Now Closed)
Nominations for the Global Fintech Awards 2026 closed on July 31, 2026. The jury completed its evaluation on August 13, and the official shortlist was announced on August 20, 2026 — it is now live on the awards portal. Winners will be revealed at the Awards Night on September 9, 2026.
Official GFA 2026 Timeline
Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
Early Bird deadline | June 12, 2026 (closed) |
Regular deadline | July 15, 2026 (closed) |
Final deadline (late fee applied) | July 31, 2026 (closed) |
Jury evaluation | August 13, 2026 (complete) |
Shortlist announcement | August 20, 2026 — shortlist is now live |
Winners announcement / Awards Night | September 9, 2026, 5:00 PM onwards (winners from 5:30 PM) |
How the Nomination Process Works (For the 2027 Edition)
Planning ahead for the next edition? Here is how the official process works, per the GFA portal:
- Register — Create your account on awards.globalfintechfest.com using the Register tab.
- Log in — Use your registered email ID and password.
- Choose your category — Select the relevant category and sub-category for your entry.
- Complete the entry form — Fill in the details and upload the project/work file or URL. Applications must be in English.
- Save & review — You can edit your entry any number of times before submission using Save & Exit.
- Submit & pay — Complete the payment to officially submit. Once submitted, entries cannot be edited.
Key rules to remember: a single project may be entered in multiple categories; there is no limit on the number of submissions per organisation; fees are per entry and are non-refundable; and entries must be original work that you own or have permission to submit
Jury & Evaluation
Entries are evaluated by an independent jury of global fintech, banking, and technology leaders. Evaluation centres on the pillars of innovation, customer and market impact, regulatory compliance and security, and scalability — with the shortlist and winners determined by the jury's expert assessment. The 2026 jury completed its evaluation on August 13, and the shortlist was announced on August 20, 2026.
Helo.ai at GFF 2026
Helo.ai is an official Silver Partner & Exhibitor of Global Fintech Fest 2026 (Booth 08–011). At the festival, we are showcasing our agentic AI platform for financial services — Helo Voice, Helo Convo, Broadcast, and Clarity — purpose-built for banks, insurers, and fintechs to deliver compliant, AI-first customer engagement at scale.
At the GFA Awards Night on September 9, our team joins nominees, central bankers, and enterprise leaders to celebrate the year's most impactful achievements in financial technology.
The Awards Night at NMACC
The winners of the Global Fintech Awards 2026 will be unveiled at the Awards Night on September 9, 2026, from 5:00 PM onwards (winner announcements from 5:30 PM) at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC), Jio World Centre, BKC, Mumbai. The evening brings together central bankers, enterprise leaders, jury members, and official event partners to celebrate the year's most impactful fintech achievements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are the Global Fintech Awards 2026?
A: The 5th edition of the Global Fintech Awards, organised by IAMAI as part of Global Fintech Fest 2026, recognising outstanding startups, disruptive technologies, unique business models, and innovative founders worldwide.
Q: Where and when is GFF 2026?
A: September 8–11, 2026 at the Jio World Centre | Trident BKC, Mumbai.
Q: When and where is the Awards Night?
A: September 9, 2026, 5:00 PM onwards at NMACC, Jio World Centre, Mumbai. Winners are announced from 5:30 PM.
Q: Are nominations still open?
A: No. Nominations closed on July 31, 2026. The shortlist was announced on August 20, 2026 and is live on the awards portal.
Q: Who could enter?
A: Companies, institutions, and individuals worldwide, for projects active in the marketplace between April 1, 2024 and March 31, 2026.
Q: How many entries can an organisation submit?
A: There is no limit — a single project can be entered in multiple categories, and multiple projects can be entered in one category. Fees apply per entry.
Q: Is Helo.ai a partner of the event?
A: Yes — Helo.ai is an official Silver Partner & Exhibitor of GFF 2026 (Booth 08–011).
