Queen Maáxima of the Netherlands Takes Up Position as Chair of International Advisory Board for Global Finance and Technology Network
The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), a Singapore-based not-for-profit organisation, has announced the appointment of three esteemed leaders to its International Advisory Board (IAB), effective July 1, 2025. The new members include Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, Mr. Agustín Carstens, and Mr. Sanjiv Bajaj.
Queen Máxima, who serves as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), will assume the role of Chair of the IAB. Her high-profile role emphasizes financial inclusion and health worldwide, bringing visionary leadership to GFTN’s mission of creating more resilient and inclusive financial systems through technology and innovation. Queen Máxima has been the UNSGSA for financial inclusion for development since 2009, working tirelessly to improve worldwide access to financial services.
Mr. Agustín Carstens, the former General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), brings deep expertise in international finance and central banking to the IAB. During his tenure at the BIS, Carstens promoted modernisation and innovation in central banking, and his leadership was instrumental in guiding economies through challenging times, notably during the 2008 global financial crisis.
Mr. Sanjiv Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Finserv, a major financial services company in India, will also join the IAB. Under Bajaj's leadership, Bajaj Finserv has grown into one of India's most diversified and innovative financial services groups. Bajaj has championed a digital-first, consumer-centric approach, transforming how millions of Indians access financial products.
Ravi Menon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, GFTN, welcomed the new members to the IAB, stating that their collective visionary leadership and broad experience will be invaluable in advancing GFTN’s goal of fostering a more purposeful and inclusive financial ecosystem worldwide.
The appointments mark a significant milestone for GFTN, which aims to build bridges across policy, technology, and finance globally. The organisation leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration.
Notably, nearly 80% of adults now have access to a payment account, according to the Global Findex 2021, due in part to Queen Máxima's work. This statistic underscores the impact of her efforts in promoting financial inclusion worldwide.
As the new members take their seats on the IAB, they bring a wealth of knowledge and experience that will undoubtedly contribute to GFTN's mission of creating a more equitable and resilient financial ecosystem for all.
Queen Máxima, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), will leverage her expertise in financial inclusion to guide the International Advisory Board (IAB) of The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) as its Chair, emphasizing the integration of technology and innovation to create more resilient and inclusive financial systems.
Mr. Agustín Carstens, the former General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), joins the IAB with extensive knowledge in international finance and central banking. His experience in modernizing and innovating central banking, particularly during the 2008 global financial crisis, will amplify GFTN’s efforts to collaborate globally and foster a more purposeful and inclusive financial ecosystem.
