FinTech Australia unveils Intersekt 2026 programme

FinTech Australia has released the programme for Intersekt 2026, with a focus on access to capital, artificial intelligence and policy reform in fintech.

The two-day conference will centre on four themes: capital access, AI impact, regulation and reform, and changes in money movement. Speakers include executives from Xero, Revolut, Tyro Payments, Adyen, PEXA and Cover Genius, alongside representatives from the Reserve Bank of Australia, Treasury and federal politics.

Rehan D'Almeida, Chief Executive Officer of FinTech Australia, said the programme was built around what the sector sees as its most pressing issues. Day one will focus on payments, banking and regulation, while day two will turn to capital access and AI.

"This year is an existential moment for fintech as it is poised to become a $37 billion industry in the next 10 years provided we get the policy settings right today," D'Almeida said.

"This is why we've set the stage with industry leaders, policy makers and investors to debate the key policy changes affecting our industry. Day 1 will see robust discussions on payments and banking, alongside insights into the industry-wide regulatory reset, while day 2 will interrogate controversial policy areas including access to capital and AI," he said.

Policy focus

The policy strand brings together government and opposition figures as well as regulators. Among those named are Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Daniel Mulino, Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson, Shadow Minister for Industry and Sovereign Capability Andrew Hastie, and Brad Jones, Assistant Governor for Financial Systems at the Reserve Bank of Australia.

The line-up positions regulation and market structure near the centre of the discussion. Topics will include capital gains tax, research and development settings, and the broader economic backdrop facing fintech businesses and investors.

Investors, debt funders and founders are also due to discuss the funding environment, including the role of new international investors entering Australia. A reverse pitch session will flip the usual format by giving investors the chance to present to founders.

Industry line-up

Senior executives from major financial technology and payments groups are set to take part. The programme names Sukhinder Singh Cassidy, Chief Executive Officer of Xero; Matt Baxby, Chief Executive Officer of Revolut Bank Australia; Nigel Lee, Chief Executive Officer of Tyro Payments; and Lynn Kraus, Chief Executive Officer of AP+.

Other participants include Samantha Horton, Chief Operating Officer of Syfe, the parent of Selfwealth; Jon Adams, Executive Enterprise Payments at NAB; Naomi Gaskell, Country Lead for Australia and New Zealand, Wallet & Payments Partnership, Google; Hayley Fisher, Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand at Adyen; Kate Camilleri, General Manager, Strategy and Delivery, at PEXA; and Angus McDonald, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cover Genius.

The conference will also revive Fintech50, in which 50 businesses each deliver a 30-second pitch within an hour. Organisers said the session is aimed at potential investors, partners and other industry participants.

Sponsor backing

Cuscal and Bolt are supporting the event as gold sponsors, while the Victorian Government is backing it as presenting partner through the Department of Jobs, Skills and Regions.

Freya Smith, Chief Client Officer at Cuscal, said: "Intersekt brings together the people and organisations driving innovation across Australia's fintech and financial services sectors. As a Gold Sponsor of Intersekt 2026, Cuscal is proud to support the conversations and connections shaping the future of financial services."

James Woodward, Chief Executive Officer of Bolt Group, is set to lead a panel on what the programme calls the Great Payments Rebalance. Bolt linked the discussion to regulatory change and to its addition of Beem.

"Bolt Group is proud to return as Gold Sponsor of Intersekt 2026. With major regulatory and policy reforms reshaping the sector, collaboration across the fintech ecosystem has never been more important.

"Payments is undergoing a great rebalancing, moving beyond reducing transaction costs to creating customer value. We look forward to sharing how we are seeing this in action with the addition of Beem to the Bolt Group and how it is unlocking new opportunities for consumers, businesses and industry partners," Woodward said.

A Victorian Government spokesperson said the event supports the state's fintech ambitions. "The Victorian Government is proud to continue supporting Intersekt because hosting events like this showcase the talent and ambition that make Victoria a leading destination for fintech innovation. As a fintech powerhouse, Victoria looks forward to welcoming innovators, investors and industry leaders to Melbourne for this great event."

FinTech Australia represents more than 400 fintech companies and startups across the country, giving the conference a role as a forum for both policy debate and commercial networking. The 2026 edition will be held at Crown Promenade Melbourne.