Inaugural industry-backed fintech awards launched to showcase excellence

The fintech industry and the NSW Government-backed Jobs for NSW have come together to launch new awards to celebrate the world-class achievements of Australias financial technology pioneers.Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW, Skills and Small Business, John Barilaro, said Jobs for NSW will provide $80,000 for a two-year sponsorship of the Finnie Awards.Fintech is without doubt the rising star of todays technology sector - its innovative, drives business and jobs growth and provides new services and will play a vital role in driving businesses and the jobs of the future, Mr Barilaro said.Supporting the Finnies will be a chance to showcase the best of this exciting industry.With Australias fintech sector forecast to grow at 76 per cent a year to reach $A4.2 billion by 2020 there will be great opportunities for industry growth in NSW.A total of 29 award categories will be on offer for the 2017 Finnies, across the fields of People, Culture and Talent, Growth Mindset and Global Perspective and Excellence in Business.Among the 29 categories include FinTech Leader of the Year, Global FinTech Leader of the Year and FinTech Organisation of the Year. There are also awards for Best Workplace Diversity and Excellence in Industry Collaboration and Partnerships.FinTech Australia President Simon Cant said: These are the first fintech industry-backed awards to be held in Australia and will help us showcase our best industry trail-blazers as well as the most exciting emerging ventures and talent."The Finnies are being hosted by FinTech Australia, as the industrys national association, and are an important sign that the fintech community is continuing to mature and strengthen.Were delighted that the NSW Governments Jobs for NSW has come on board, to help us open applications for the inaugural Finnies awards. Entries are open until 16 April 2017.Importantly, the Finnies award categories have been designed to put the limelight on fintech community members who areleading the way addressing the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this tech sector."These challenges and opportunities which were highlighted in last years FinTech Australia & EY Census, include increasing diversity, leveraging partnership opportunities with incumbents and having a global growth mindset.Some of our award categories are specifically designed to recognise people who are meeting and solving these issues head-on. By doing this, we hope to encourage and empower others to follow the same path and drive change across the entire innovation eco-system.Jobs for NSW CEO Karen Borg said she was thrilled to partner with FinTech Australia to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding achievements of the fintech community.We know that fintech companies are one of the primary drivers of innovation in NSW, and importantly, we recognise the vital opportunities they provide in terms of sustainable high-value jobs growth, Ms Borg said.Were so proud to be to a supporter of the Finnie Awards, which like us, share a vision to support startups and SMEs to successfully launch and grow into the powerhouses of tomorrow.In January 2017, Jobs for NSW announced it was providing a loan guarantee of $2 million to enable fintech startup accelerator H2 Ventures create up to 40 new start-up fintech companies and 400 new jobs across NSW.Entries for the 2017 Finnies are now open and will close on Sunday, 16 April 2017, with the gala awards night to be held in Sydney on 24 May.Other 2017 Finnies important Information

• Judging will take place 17-30 April 2017.
• Finnie finalists will be notified on 1 May 2017.
• It is free for financial members of FinTech Australia to enter or to nominate someone. Non-members will be charged per entry.
• All companies, individuals and projects must have been for work from 14 April 2016 to 15 April 2017 (inclusive).

For details on the Finnie Awards or to enter, please visit the FinTech Australia website: fintechaustralia.org.au/About FinTech AustraliaFinTech Australia is a national association for the Australian FinTech Startup community. Our vision is to make Australia the leading market for FinTech Innovation and Investment by working with both sides of Government, Industry and the Australian FinTech community to create a supportive environment and partner ecosystem in Australia and abroad.About Jobs for NSWJobs for NSW is a private sector-led, government backed organisation whose number one focus is to create 1 million new jobs in this State. We will do this by investing $190M in entrepreneurial businesses and ideas, and by nurturing the growth industries of the future acting as a concierge to smooth pathways where needed. With our support, NSW will capture more of the lucrative export market, transform regional communities and make our metropolitan cities world leaders in entrepreneurial activity the growth engine of new jobs.Media contactMark SkelseyHead of PR and CommsFinTech AustraliaPh: 0403 197 523Email: mark@fintechaustralia.org.au