Grand Award
Cross-Border Fintech Unicorn Potential — the flagship recognition for the company best positioned to scale across Asia's markets.
Inaugural Edition · 2026
Celebrating Asia's FinTech Champions
The AFA Awards 2026 recognise the boldest fintech innovators across 16 member economies — companies redefining finance for the region and the world.
- 16
- Member economies
- 5
- Award categories
- 3
- Evaluation phases
One alliance, one standard of excellence
Convened by the Asia FinTech Alliance, the AFA Awards bring together member associations from across Asia to nominate and celebrate the companies shaping the future of financial services. Each nomination is championed by a national association and evaluated through a rigorous, independent, multi-phase process.
Award categories
Five categories recognising distinct kinds of impact. Each nomination may enter up to two categories.
Financial Infrastructure Award
Innovation in the rails, platforms, and connectivity that power financial services across the region.
Regulatory Excellence Award
Excellence in regulatory technology, compliance, and trusted, transparent operations.
Market Expansion Award
Outstanding go-to-market innovation and successful expansion into new markets and segments.
Fastest Growth Award
The company demonstrating the most remarkable, sustainable growth over the award period.
How the awards work
A transparent, three-phase journey from nomination to winners.
- 1
Phase 1 · Screening & Technical Review
A preliminary evaluation is conducted based on eligibility requirements, submission completeness, quantitative metrics, and standardized evaluation criteria.
- 2
Phase 2 · Top 10 Finalists Selection
An independent panel of judges, nominated by AFA Member Associations and appointed by the AFA Executive Committee, evaluates the Top 30 companies and selects the Top 10 finalists.
- 3
Phase 3 · Final Pitch & Winner Selection
The Top 10 finalists present their solutions during the Final Pitch on 1 September 2026. Following the presentations, the judging panel selects the Top 5 winners, who are announced at the AFA Awards Ceremony.