Sector
AI × Financial Services
AI and deep technologies with applications across financial services.
Digital
Finance
Scaler
Where frontier technology becomes institution-ready
The Digital Finance Scaler is a specialised programme designed to accelerate promising AI and FinTech companies addressing the financial sector’s hardest current and future challenges.
In collaboration with GFTN
About
Bridging emerging technologies and financial services.
The AIDF Digital Finance Scaler (DFS) is a specialised venture programme developed by the Asian Institute of Digital Finance (AIDF), in collaboration with the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN).
Designed for growth-oriented AI and deep technology ventures with established products and early market validation, the Scaler provides personalised support through research-informed technical expertise, financial-institution readiness and commercial connectivity. By connecting ventures with relevant industry stakeholders and opportunities, the programme aims to accelerate institutional adoption and commercial growth.
Our Focus
Stage
Early Growth Stage
Growth-oriented ventures with working products and early evidence of market validation.
Geography
Global
Open to companies worldwide seeking opportunities within the financial-services ecosystem.
Our Approach
One coordinated scaling platform.
Financial Institution Readiness
Guidance on enterprise requirements, procurement processes, governance, vendor onboarding and institutional expectations.
Technology Risk Management Readiness
Support in understanding relevant MAS TRM guidance and FI technology-risk expectations, identifying gaps and preparing supporting documentation.
Research & Technical Advisory
Access to relevant NUS/AIDF expertise for research-informed technical discussions, architecture reviews and emerging technology considerations.
Commercial & FI Connectivity
Curated introductions to relevant FI decision-makers, business owners and industry stakeholders based on solution fit.
Pilot Support
Assistance with use-case refinement, PoC scoping, success metrics and commercial engagement preparation.
Growth & Scale
Access to curated investors, relevant GFTN industry platforms, ecosystem partners and selected international opportunities.
Engagements
Specialised expertise. Curated connections.
Access to a curated mix of expert-led masterclasses, practical workshops and industry engagements designed to address the evolving priorities of participating companies.
Business & Venture Growth
Fundraising, investment readiness, go-to-market strategies, market expansion, enterprise sales, leadership and organisational scaling.
Technology & Product
FI and TRM readiness, AI governance, cybersecurity, product strategy, technology scalability and enterprise integration.
Industry & Investor Engagements
Curated networking sessions, investor-founder connections, FI solution showcases and industry roundtables that bring participating companies into the same room as investors, FI decision-makers and strategic partners.
Featured Partners
Team
The team driving innovation and venture growth.
Edmas Neo
Program Lead
Edmas brings over 20 years of experience in startup acceleration, corporate innovation, digital transformation and ecosystem development. He has held leadership roles at ACE.SG, SGInnovate and Mandai Wildlife Group, leading initiatives across the startup, corporate and public-sector ecosystems.
His work focuses on connecting innovators, businesses and industry partners to foster collaboration, accelerate innovation and unlock growth opportunities.
Nicholas Seah
Program Manager
Nicholas brings experience in venture capital, venture building and business development, having held roles at Temasek, GDA Capital and Blockchain Founders Fund. A former entrepreneur, he founded Omni3, a Web3 venture subsequently acquired by GDA Capital.
At AIDF, he focuses on supporting ventures through strategic partnerships, investor engagement and ecosystem development, driving innovation at the intersection of AI and financial services.
FAQs
Who can apply?
The Scaler welcomes AI and deep technology ventures with applications in financial services, particularly those at the early growth stage (typically Pre-Series A to Post-Series A).
At this stage, companies are generally expected to have a working product and some evidence of initial market validation, positioning them to pursue pilots, commercial partnerships and broader institutional adoption.
However, promising ventures at earlier stages may also be considered based on their technology maturity, commercial potential and alignment with the programme’s objectives. Applications are open to both Singapore-based and international companies.
How is the programme structured, and where is it conducted?
The Scaler operates two intakes annually, each comprising a 16-week programme of personalised support, curated workshops, masterclasses and industry engagements.
Rather than following a rigid, one-size-fits-all curriculum, activities are tailored to each company’s stage, priorities and needs. While certain core sessions may be expected, participation in other activities is curated based on relevance.
The programme is based in Singapore, with most activities conducted in person to encourage meaningful engagement with industry stakeholders, mentors and fellow participants. Hybrid arrangements may be considered on a case-by-case basis, particularly for international companies.
Upon completion of the 16-week programme, participating companies will transition into the Digital Finance Scaler Alumni network, where they can continue to access relevant industry engagements, networking opportunities and ecosystem connections through a lighter-touch, needs-driven support model.
What support will I receive?
The Scaler brings together complementary capabilities to help companies strengthen institutional readiness, pursue commercial opportunities and accelerate growth.
Key areas of support include:
- FI & TRM Readiness: Guidance on financial-institution requirements, technology-risk expectations, enterprise procurement and institutional due diligence.
- Research & Technical Advisory: Access to relevant technical expertise and research-informed perspectives to strengthen technology propositions.
- Commercial Connectivity & Pilot Support: Curated introductions to financial institutions, solution showcases, use-case refinement and preparation for potential PoCs or pilots.
- Investor & Ecosystem Connectivity: Opportunities to engage relevant investors, industry partners and selected GFTN global events.
- Technology & Cloud Credits: Access to cloud credits, technology tools and other partner benefits, subject to provider eligibility and availability.
Support is personalised according to each company’s maturity, priorities and commercial objectives.
Does the programme provide funding or take equity?
Access to capital is a complementary benefit rather than the programme’s primary focus. Participating companies may be introduced to the Scaler’s investor network for potential investment consideration, subject to the respective investors’ mandates, due diligence and internal approvals.
AIDF does not take equity as part of the standard programme arrangement. Any potential investment by an investor partner would be negotiated independently under separate terms. Funding is not guaranteed, and companies do not need to be actively fundraising to participate.
How much does it cost to participate?
The programme fee is a highly subsidised S$5,000 per company, covering core programme activities, personalised support and access to relevant ecosystem engagements.
Certain specialist advisory services, bespoke engagements or third-party activities may incur additional costs, which will be communicated separately where applicable.
Will the programme help me secure PoCs, pilots or commercial contracts with financial institutions?
One of the Scaler’s core objectives is to help participating companies progress towards real-world adoption within financial institutions.
Through its network of financial institutions and industry partners, the programme facilitates curated introductions, solution showcases and targeted commercial engagements. Companies may also receive support in refining use cases, preparing for institutional evaluations and structuring potential Proofs of Concept (PoCs), pilots and production-level commercial deployments.
The Scaler aims to help companies navigate institutional requirements and shorten the path from initial engagement to potential commercial adoption. Specific opportunities and outcomes will depend on each company’s solution readiness, alignment with FI needs and the respective institutions’ independent evaluation and procurement processes.