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Kanoo chairman promotes Bahamian fintech solutions at FiX 24

Speaking on the critical role of financial technology (fintech) in the Caribbean’s emerging markets, Nick Rees, chairman and co-founder of Kanoo Pays – one of the nation’s leading digital payment solutions providers – said it is essential these new innovations connect people and industries throughout the region.

Rees was speaking ahead of an address he made at the much-anticipated Fintech Islands conference (FiX 24), held at Sam Lord’s Castle, Barbados yesterday.

“The Caribbean’s financial technology sector is now a prominent part of our economy, and as such, it’s essential that multiple venues and opportunities exist where people from across the region can make connections and share lessons learned,” he said.

“It’s always a special moment representing The Bahamas on any international stage, primarily to share with the world the fantastic technological advances that The Bahamas has been leading. Fintech Islands has provided an arena for us to meet with other thought leaders in the Caribbean, share insights, and has enabled our international expansion opportunities, to some degree.”

Covering several topics including artificial intelligence, climate fintech, and digital assets, the FiX 24 conference saw more than 700 stakeholders of the financial services industry gather to discuss and foster innovation and collaboration in the financial technology sector.

Rees, a two-time Olympian, delivered a feature address that explored the parallels between athletic achievement and professional success in business.

“The topic of our conversation is also deeply personal to me, delving as it does into the links between high-level sport and entrepreneurship, two areas that have defined my life’s journey. I look forward to sharing stories and insights with my fellow Olympian, Mikel Thomas,” he said.

“Kanoo is also planning a major announcement at this year’s conference, and we think this is something the financial industry will be excited about. The future ahead looks promising for our industry on a global scale.”

The Bahamas was also represented by former elite swimmer N’Nhyn O’Cof of Prospuh, the first digital investment platform in the Caribbean, which allows users from The Bahamas to purchase and invest in the international stock market.