24 September 2026 — Tether, the largest company in the digital asset industry, Pave Bank, a corporate and institutional bank at the intersection of digital assets and traditional finance, and the Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN), a Singapore-headquartered not-for-profit organization, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore launching the Georgia–Singapore Fintech Scholars Program. The new initiative aims to connect Georgia’s top-performing university students with Singapore’s fintech ecosystem.
Under the program, selected STEM undergraduates from Tbilisi State University would spend a semester at Singapore Management University, building the practical skills, networks, and perspectives to support their future careers. By removing financial barriers and opening access to international academic and industry opportunities, the initiative reflects Tether’s commitment to investing in education and in the next generation of leaders who will shape the global digital economy. The goal is to equip high-potential students with the knowledge and experience to drive innovation in Georgia and beyond.
From 2027, scholars will participate in academic programs, industry engagement, mentorship, and a capstone project focused on strengthening the Georgia–Southeast Asia fintech corridor, before presenting their recommendations to senior leaders at GFTN, Pave Bank, and Tbilisi State University. Scholars who complete the program may also be offered internships with program collaborators and access to GFTN’s global Knowledge Circle.
“At Tether, we believe the future of financial innovation will be shaped by the talent we nurture today. To make that happen, we must open up global opportunities that empower young people to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond,” said Paolo Ardoino, CEO of Tether. “Through this MoU with Pave Bank and GFTN, we are excited to give future leaders the resources they need to navigate the digital economy and contribute to a more inclusive financial future, both in their region and globally.”
“At Pave Bank, we believe investing in talent is investing in the future of finance. This program is designed to give exceptional young minds from Georgia the opportunity to gain global experience, build meaningful connections, and return home with the skills and perspective to shape their country’s financial future,” said Salim Dhanani, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Pave Bank. “We have deliberately built it around one principle: aptitude, and nothing else. With private sector funding removing every financial barrier, selection comes down purely to merit; every eligible student has a fair shot.”
“Talent is the foundation of every successful fintech ecosystem. Through the Georgia–Singapore Fintech Scholars Program, GFTN aims to connect Georgia’s top-performing students with Singapore’s financial ecosystem, helping cultivate future leaders who will strengthen innovation and collaboration between our two countries,” said Sopnendu Mohanty, Group Chief Executive Officer of GFTN and former Chief FinTech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. “This reflects GFTN’s broader mission of building global talent corridors that accelerate financial innovation and economic growth.”
