Image: Attendees at Intersekt 2023, held at the Grand Hyatt in Melbourne. 

Intersekt has become the premier event for Australia’s fintech industry. Taking place annually in Melbourne, the event attracts more than 1,200 delegates across the country and around the world. 

Now in its eighth year, Intersekt continues to play a crucial role in Victoria’s startup ecosystem, showcasing the latest trends and advancements in fintech.  

Supported through the Victorian Government's Digital Innovation Futures (DIF) Initiative, the event highlights Australia’s status as a global leader in fintech innovation and reinforces Melbourne’s importance as the home of some of the country’s most successful fintech companies, including Airwallex and Judo Bank.  

This year, Intersekt will focus on key themes such as green fintech, policy-driven innovation, and sector evolution. 

Image: Rehan Mark D'Almeida, CEO of Fintech Australia.

We spoke with Rehan Mark D'Almeida, the CEO of Fintech Australia, to explore the event’s role in advancing Melbourne’s fintech landscape and reinforcing its global reputation. 

What makes Melbourne an ideal location for hosting Intersekt and supporting a thriving fintech ecosystem?  

Melbourne is a focal point for the country’s vibrant financial services sector. It's a natural home for a lot of fintech companies and a part of Australia that drives a significant amount of fintech innovation. 

How has Melbourne's fintech scene developed over time, and how has Intersekt influenced that growth? 

Perhaps the most fundamental change we’ve seen over the past decade or so is the decentralisation of Australia’s fintech ecosystem. Whereas once it was really concentrated in Melbourne and Sydney, we’re now seeing fintechs emerge across the country. This has largely been helped by the remote working trend.

How does Intersekt enhance Melbourne's reputation as a global fintech hub?

Intersekt draws a reasonable amount of global press coverage , with reporters overseas often keen to cover what’s been said at the conference from afar. This also amplifies the impact of the event and Melbourne as a host city.

Image: An audience at Intersekt 2023, awaiting the introduction of a panel. 

What attracts international fintech companies and investors to Melbourne during Intersekt?

Most of our international guests come to the festival to meet with leaders in Australia’s fintech ecosystem and contribute to our national discussion on the issues affecting the sector. That’s, at least, the initial reason. But while they are here, many remark about Melbourne’s vibrant food and wine scene. Intersekt also aims to celebrate that aspect of Melbourne, hosting several diverse dinners across some of the city's most celebrated restaurants.

How does the collaboration between government, financial institutions, and fintech startups in Melbourne strengthen the city’s fintech landscape?

As we keep saying every year, we can’t hold Intersekt without the support of both the Victorian Government and our corporate partners. The support they provide for this event, and for other initiatives we run throughout the year, helps galvanise Melbourne's fintech ecosystem and ensures it has everything needed to grow.

On that note, be sure to mark your calendars for Intersekt 2024, taking place on 18-19 September 2024.

Festival highlights include the Fintech 50 Pitch Extravaganza, where 50 industry pitches are delivered in just one hour, and the Global Pitch Night and International Mixer, offering a unique chance to pitch your startup to a global audience and win prizes.

Visit the Intersekt website for the full program and tickets.