The Singapore FinTech Festival 2024
The Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) is a global event where experts in policy, finance, and technology come together to share ideas and nurture innovation. It is organized by MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore), GFTN, and Constellar in collaboration with ABS.
SFF boosts meaningful connections and dialogue on innovative financial solutions, regulatory advancements, and the technologies shaping the future of the global economy. SFF provides a platform for discovery and dialogue with immersive sessions, roundtables, workshops, and exhibitions. In 2024, it welcomed over 65,000 participants from 134 countries and regions.
For Mitt Arv, SFF 2024 was a journey of innovation and dedication, showcasing its mission to redefine and make legacy planning accessible for all.
Mitt Arv’s Path to SFF
Competing at SFF meant stepping on a stage where the best ideas in fintech align. For Mitt Arv, a company pioneering death-tech and legacy-tech, the journey was both challenging and rewarding.
As a finalist in the Hackcelerator competition, Mitt Arv faced the challenging task of addressing one of the festival’s most innovative problem statements: legacy planning. Organized by Elevandi in partnership with the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), the 9th Global FinTech Hackcelerator seeks market-ready solutions leveraging technologies like AI, machine learning, and blockchain to improve financial health.
With up to 20 finalists pitching their ideas on 6th November 2024, the competition resulted in the crowning of the Grand Champion at the FinTech Awards Dinner the following day. This required the team to think out of the box, introducing solutions that educate, empower, and inspire families to take charge of their financial legacies.
From a budding idea to a standout name in the world of financial technology, Mitt Arv’s remarkable journey to securing 6th place out of 300 competitors at the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2024 Hackcelerator was a proud moment for all of us. This achievement is the result of strong determination, great leadership, and a constant drive to bring about waves in the fintech industry.
Leadership and Vision: The Driving Forces
Behind Mitt Arv’s impactful presence at SFF are its visionary leaders:
- Vishal Mehta
- Ashwin V. Jain
- Nitesh Yadav
- Divyank Jain
- Snigdha Nanduri
These individuals brought not just expertise but also enthusiasm that inspired the team to push boundaries.
Teamwork That Made the Dream Work
At the heart of Mitt Arv’s success is its exceptional team, a group of highly talented and dedicated individuals who brought their expertise and passion to the forefront. The Mitt Arv contingent included contributors such as Shreyans Joshi, Ajay Reddy, Althea D’Silva, Antara Tare, Muskaan Singh, Kashika Gupta, Rohit Ranjan, Nikil Jonnada, Tanishq Agarwal, Siddharth Addy, and Sreejita Saha.
Mitt Arv’s team showcased a strong sense of shared responsibility and an impressive performance at the event.
Tireless Preparation: Setting the Stage for Success
The first three days of SFF—designated as demo days—were crucial. Months of preparation resulted in three intense demo days leading up to the main event. Our team members Snigdha Nanduri, Ajay Reddy, and Shreyans Joshi arrived early on October 28th to ensure every detail was polished. From crafting an impactful pitch to perfecting presentation designs, every moment was dedicated to showcasing Mitt Arv’s vision.
The team worked daily from 9 AM to 6 PM, leaving no stone unturned. For Mitt Arv, the journey to SFF wasn’t just about coming up with creative solutions but rather about changing the way we think about legacy planning and financial education.
Despite the hustle, the team made time to bond with each other. An entire day—November 4th—was dedicated to fun, including a refreshing beach walk that covered 10–12 kilometers and dinner thrown by Vishal, highlighting the importance of stress-buster activities in high-stakes scenarios.
Reaching the Grand Stage
“Payments” is often the buzzword at SFF. But Mitt Arv broke the mold by introducing the concepts of death-tech and legacy-tech, captivating the audience and redefining the narrative at the festival.
For the first time, SFF hosted legacy planning as a critical theme, and Mitt Arv was at the forefront. Not just noticed, our presence left a strong impact which sparked curiosity, started conversations, and inspired action.
Our booth, located at Booth F42, Hall 4, turned heads with bold messaging like “death-tech.” With 95% of visitors stopping and 70% engaging, our team was able to transform curiosity into meaningful conversations about financial literacy and legacy planning.
The team’s desire to maintain a strong presence at the booth while networking across the event was evident. They struck a balance between hosting at their stall and forming valuable connections with other participants and leaders in the fintech space.
Innovation That Speaks to All Generations
Mitt Arv’s innovations were designed to educate and empower audiences of all ages. These include the Financial Literacy Box for Kids, My Legacy Book, Asset Vault, Emotional Will, and F.I.R.E Stickers. Each product is a reflection of our commitment to financial literacy and legacy planning.
- Financial Literacy Box for Kids: Traditional games like Snakes & Ladders, Ludo, and Uno are reimagined with a financial literacy twist, teaching children essential money management skills.
- My Legacy Book: A personal tool for individuals to write their legacies, collecting memories and wishes for future generations.
- Asset Vault and Emotional Will: Tech-based solutions with a personal touch for simplifying legacy planning. These innovative solutions make the process much easier and more personal.
- F.I.R.E Stickers: Fun, meaningful reminders of financial independence and early retirement.
The Financial Literacy Box for Kids was particularly impactful. It was presented to dignitaries like Her Majesty Queen Maxima of the Netherlands, a champion of financial inclusion, and Dr. Shashi Tharoor, whose support strengthened Mitt Arv’s mission.
Overcoming Challenges and Embracing Growth
Mitt Arv’s SFF experience was not without its challenges. The mixed reactions to their bold messaging tested the team’s ability to adapt and improvise. These moments only strengthened their determination. Every question and hesitant glance was a chance to teach, connect, and inspire.
Experience Mitt Arv’s journey at SFF through the heartfelt voices of the attendees –
“When we started Mitt Arv, we were almost alone. There were some here and there. Back then, the concept of “Legacy-tech” or “death-tech” was barely a whisper. But now, at SFF 2024, we made heads turn and eyes light up, recognizing the value of what we bring to the table. The ultimate validation was in our faces when Her Majesty Queen Maxima championed the Hackcelerator for issues she cared for, and problem statement 5 around Legacy planning was exactly what we addressed. It felt surreal to see our work resonate at such a high level, addressing a need that had long been overlooked.”
– Vishal Mehta (CEO & CPO)
“SFF 2024 was truly inspiring, showcasing how collaboration and innovation are shaping finance’s future. It was a privilege to connect with brilliant minds and exchange transformative ideas.”
– Nikil Jonnada (FTE, Software Engineer Team)
“Attending the Singapore FinTech Festival was an incredible experience, connecting with diverse industry leaders, sharing our company’s vision, and receiving valuable feedback. Grateful for this first international exposure early in my career.”
– Rohit Ranjan (FTE, Software Engineer Team)
“ It was a fantastic experience to come to SFF. I learnt so much! Also met some of the biggest industry leaders and networked a lot! It was honestly a fan moment when I saw Vishal on the global stage pitching Mitt Arv. It felt like the thing you have been working on for years came to life. I loved all the validations received.”
– Siddharth Addy (PTE, General Counsel)
“My first international trip to SFF was unforgettable! Engaging conversations about legacy and death-tech, innovative ideas, and a three-day adventure I’ll cherish forever (plus some fun goodies 😅).”
– Muskan Singh (FTE, Team Operations. [HR & Business Development])
“The trip to Singapore and SFF was transformative, introducing me to global cultures and innovative ideas. I’m deeply grateful for the chance to experience this alongside the Mitt Arv team.”
– Tanishq Agarwal (FTE, Software Engineer Team)
“Attending this event was an incredible learning experience. I learned to engage with strangers, initiate conversations, market effectively, and handle challenging questions. I’ve gained insights and lessons that will stay with me forever. ☺️”
– Antara Tare (FTE, Design Team)
From Hackcelerator Finalists to Industry Pioneers
Securing a top spot at SFF Hackcelerator wasn’t just about winning a competition; it was about highlighting a vision. Our focus on legacy planning and financial literacy connected with judges, industry leaders, and visitors alike. Mitt Arv’s goal is to normalize conversations about planning for the inevitable while empowering families to make informed financial decisions.
The Path Ahead: Building on Momentum
SFF 2024 is just the beginning. Mitt Arv’s mission is to normalize conversations about death, legacy, and financial literacy. The Financial Literacy Box for Kids will soon be available on Amazon India, bringing this innovative tool to families across the country.
As Mitt Arv continues to break barriers and innovate, the team remains committed to empowering families to plan for their futures with confidence, empathy, and clarity. Mitt Arv does so with a singular mission: to make legacy planning and financial literacy accessible, relatable, and desirable for all. Here’s to many more milestones, meaningful conversations, and a future where every family is empowered to leave a legacy that truly matters.
Redefining What It Means to Leave a Legacy!
Mitt Arv’s journey at the Singapore FinTech Festival resulted in lots of learning, unbound curiosity, incredible teamwork and enlightening conversations. From gifting our products to global dignitaries to engaging thousands at our booth, every moment reminded us of why we started this journey—to empower families, create accessible products, and redefine what legacy planning means in today’s world.
As Mitt Arv looks to the future, their message is clear: planning for tomorrow starts today, and every family deserves the tools to leave a meaningful legacy.
