Anthony Roberts
Minister for Industry, Resources and Energy
MEDIA RELEASE
Tuesday, 25 August 2015
FINTECH HUB TO MAKE NSW A GLOBAL PLAYER
NSW is set to strengthen its position as a leader in financial technology (fintech)
services and associated sectors thanks to the opening of Stone & Chalk, a fintech
hub in Sydney’s CBD, Minister for Industry Anthony Roberts said today.
Mr Roberts said the Financial Services Knowledge Hub, supported by the NSW
Government and led by the Committee for Sydney, last year identified the need for a
fintech hub, which was a catalyst for the creation of Stone & Chalk.
“Stone and Chalk is an independent, not-for-profit entity created to help foster and
accelerate the development of world-class Australian fintech start-ups.” Mr Roberts
said.
“The NSW Government supported the establishment of Stone & Chalk through our
Knowledge Hubs initiative which encourages collaboration between government,
regulators, business leaders and key researchers.
Mr Roberts said that Stone & Chalk had the potential to grow the State’s status as a
global fintech hotspot and would boost the NSW finance and insurance sector, which
already employs about 177,000 people.
“It will also grow our vitally important start-up community by bringing these smaller
operators alongside business leaders, financiers and regulators to drive new
opportunities and solutions,” he said.
Mr Roberts said Stone & Chalk’s highly anticipated launch has generated significant
interest across the world about Sydney’s role as a fintech player.
“The initiative is expected to attract some of the world’s best and brightest fintech
talent to Sydney as well developing our local skills and expertise. It will also cement
NSW as the nation’s leader in the field,” he said.
Mr Roberts congratulated the corporate partners who raised $2 million to help make
the facility a reality.