Backed by strong leadership, global partnerships, and investor-friendly policies, Port City Colombo is set to become South Asia’s leading fintech hub, according to the Fintech Association of Sri Lanka (FASL).
FASL Founding President Rajkumar Kanagasingam unveiled a pivotal report titled ‘Enhancing Port City Colombo as a Leading Fintech Hub in South Asia’ at the FinTech World Cup Regional Competition.
The report, developed with input from global advisors including Professor Douglas Arner of the University of Hong Kong, presents a strategic roadmap to make Colombo a regional fintech gateway.
Central to this vision is the proposed Colombo International Financial Centre (CIFC) Fintech Innovation Hub, designed to attract startups and international investment.
Inspired by successful fintech ecosystems like Dubai’s DIFC and Singapore’s innovation landscape, the CIFC hub aims to offer regulatory sandboxes, innovation licenses, and global partnerships.
Unlike India’s fragmented regulatory environment, Colombo’s centralized approach could ease compliance and foster fintech growth across South Asia.
Geographically, Colombo is ideally placed to serve as a fintech bridge between South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
Indian fintechs operating in Dubai may find Port City Colombo an attractive secondary base due to its policy incentives and strategic access to South Asian markets.
