Agentic AI Takes Centre Stage
The most prominent theme at GFF 2026 was the shift from predictive AI to “Agentic AI”. Unlike older AI that simply provides insights, agentic AI is designed to take autonomous action within a governed framework. Think of AI not just as an advisor, but
as a doer. Discussions revolved around AI agents that could manage financial workflows, execute trades, or even assist customers with complex tasks without human intervention. Major players like the State Bank of India announced plans to use agentic AI for hyper-personalising customer services, boosting employee productivity, and proactive risk management. The consensus is that AI is moving from being a dashboard feature to a core operational engine in finance.
Tokenisation and the Future of Assets
Alongside AI, tokenisation was a major pillar of this year's festival. Tokenisation is the process of converting rights to an asset into a digital token on a blockchain. This could make traditionally illiquid assets, like real estate or art, easily tradable and programmable. The conversations at GFF 2026 explored how this technology could unlock new opportunities in capital markets, lending, and insurance. While the technology is still maturing, the focus on creating trusted and connected global systems for digital assets indicates a clear direction for the industry. The goal is to build a financial infrastructure where assets are not just stored digitally but can be transferred and managed with unprecedented efficiency and security.
Beyond Payments: Deeper Financial Inclusion
While India’s UPI has revolutionised payments, GFF 2026 conversations highlighted a push for deeper financial inclusion. The next frontier is not just about making payments easier, but about providing access to credit, insurance, and investment opportunities for everyone. Technologies like the Account Aggregator framework, which allows for consent-based sharing of financial data, are seen as critical enablers. This allows fintechs and banks to use alternative data for credit scoring, helping individuals without a formal credit history access loans. The introduction of the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) aims to do for lending what UPI did for payments, automating underwriting and reducing the reliance on predatory unregulated lenders.
The Rise of Green Fintech
Sustainability was another key undercurrent at the event. The concept of “Green Fintech” — using financial technology to support environmentally friendly projects — is gaining significant traction. Discussions focused on how fintech platforms can channel investments into renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other sustainable initiatives. By leveraging technologies like AI and blockchain, green fintech aims to make ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing more transparent and accessible. This trend is supported by government policies and a growing investor appetite for financial products that deliver both returns and a positive environmental impact, positioning it as a strategic imperative for India's future.
Quantum Computing and Future-Proofing Security
Looking further ahead, GFF 2026 also initiated serious conversations around quantum computing. While still years from widespread use, its potential to break current cryptographic standards poses a long-term threat to financial security. Sessions at the fest examined the need for the financial sector to begin planning its migration to post-quantum cryptography. Beyond the security threat, experts also touched upon the potential advantages of quantum computing for complex tasks like portfolio optimisation and advanced risk modelling. This forward-looking theme underscores the industry's awareness of both emerging opportunities and the critical need to prepare for future technological shifts.
