Financial services and fintech
Australia is currently seeking global innovators and experts to help grow its thriving financial services and fintech sector. Priority fields include innovations in application programming, blockchain engineering, cloud technologies, fintech, cyber and data security, financial data science and analysis, AI and quantum, and software engineering.
Application programming innovations
AI and quantum
Blockchain engineering
Cloud technologies
Cyber and data security
Software engineering
The future of financial services and fintech in Australia
Australia’s fintech sector has experienced large scale growth, expanding from a $250 million industry in 2015 to a US$4.5 billion market in 2025. With around 900 fintech companies across the nation, the industry is a driving force behind technological innovation in finance. This growth has been driven primarily by areas like payments, middle and back-office systems, neobanks, blockchain and RegTech.
This growth is backed by an advanced $10 trillion financial services sector, making Australia one of the most dynamic and exciting fintech ecosystems globally.
Investment and funding opportunities
Investment in Australian fintech has grown rapidly, reaching US$2.1 billion in 2024, encouraging innovation through benefits like:
- Ongoing reforms in payments, digital assets, and open data regulations.
- A fast-growing local fintech ecosystem with strong links to venture capital.
- Prime location for regional headquarters, with established links to Asian markets.
The Australian Government is investing in accelerating innovation.
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A$1.6 billion economic accelerator program
The Australian Government is investing $1.6 billion through the Economic Accelerator program to fund commercialisation in priority areas.
Empowering research and startups
The Australian Government administers a suite of business innovation grants and initiatives to support research, entrepreneurship and commercialisation.
A$15 billion National Reconstruction Fund
The $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, with $1 billion dedicated to AI, robotics, and quantum technologies.
A$1.6 billion economic accelerator program
The Australian Government is investing $1.6 billion through the Economic Accelerator program to fund commercialisation in priority areas.
Empowering research and startups
The Australian Government administers a suite of business innovation grants and initiatives to support research, entrepreneurship and commercialisation.
A$15 billion National Reconstruction Fund
The $15 billion National Reconstruction Fund, with $1 billion dedicated to AI, robotics, and quantum technologies.
Research and development
Australia’s fintech success is powered by a tech-savvy population - with almost two-thirds of digitally active adults using fintech products - and world-class research institutions driving innovation in critical technologies.
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ASIC regulatory sandbox
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission administers a ‘regulatory sandbox’ for Australian fintech start-ups, which enables them to test their innovative financial products or services in a safe environment before going to market. This sandbox environment provides consumers with confidence while boosting innovation.
Backing Australian fintech
ASIC’s regulatory sandbox complements technology-neutral regulations and guidelines on technologies such as blockchain engineering, data strategies, cyber-security, and robo-advice.
Simplifying IP collaboration
Australia’s Intellectual Property Framework provides standardised terms, clauses and agreements for collaboration on IP licensing, options and assignment, driving collaboration by universities and uptake of research outputs by Australian industry.
ASIC regulatory sandbox
The Australian Securities and Investment Commission administers a ‘regulatory sandbox’ for Australian fintech start-ups, which enables them to test their innovative financial products or services in a safe environment before going to market. This sandbox environment provides consumers with confidence while boosting innovation.
Backing Australian fintech
ASIC’s regulatory sandbox complements technology-neutral regulations and guidelines on technologies such as blockchain engineering, data strategies, cyber-security, and robo-advice.
Simplifying IP collaboration
Australia’s Intellectual Property Framework provides standardised terms, clauses and agreements for collaboration on IP licensing, options and assignment, driving collaboration by universities and uptake of research outputs by Australian industry.
Global partnerships
Australia’s strategic proximity to Asia makes it a launchpad for fintech innovation in the region and beyond. The government has established key international agreements, including the Australia-Singapore FinTech Bridge and 2018 UK-Australia FinTech Bridge.
These partnerships create opportunities for joint innovation projects and deeper cooperation between governments, businesses, and regulatory bodies.
Free trade agreements such as the Australia-UK Free Trade Agreement (A-UKFTA) and the Australia-European Union Free Trade Agreement, provide opportunities for a strategic innovation dialogue to deepen the exchange of fintech knowledge, expertise and best-practices between Australia and world-leading businesses, universities and research agencies.
Join us through the National Innovation visa and be part of Australia’s bright future in financial services and fintech.
Entrepreneurialism and commercial growth
The Australian Government’s policies and regulations are designed to help start-ups innovate – turning ideas into commercial opportunities. This allows fintech start-ups to develop, test and launch their products and services to greater success.
Investing in the future workforce
The Australian Government plans to create 1.2 million tech jobs by 2030. Key initiatives aim to address skill shortages and grow the fintech sector. Furthermore, the government is committed to boosting STEM education and preparing the workforce for the demands of a growing digital economy.
Further reading
Explore the below links to learn more about Australia’s unique position and opportunities within the financial services and fintech sector.
Your expertise, your future.
Make the smart move to Australia
Express your interest through the National Innovation Visa and be part of Australia’s bright future in financial services and fintech.
What I like most about Australia is that you can fulfil your passion. You can pursue your goals and be what you want to be. I’m discovering myself every day.
Preet Sharma came to Australia to complete her Master of Information Technology and now works as a cybersecurity incident analyst. She has found the tech sector here offers limitless avenues to progress her career – providing women, in particular, with many opportunities.
Before deciding to move to Australia, Preet compared other countries with similar migration pathways. She considered things like being able to bring family, working rights, language barriers – even the weather conditions – and found Australia was a perfect fit.
Preet said the process of moving countries has helped her learn more about herself and given her confidence and a newfound independence. “If I compare myself from 10 years ago, I’m far more confident today. I gained that confidence after coming here.”
Preet Sharma from India
Common Questions
Where is the best place to live in Australia for professionals in financial services and fintech?
Australia is one of the world’s fastest-growing FinTech markets, offering vibrant ecosystems for professionals in digital payments, blockchain, RegTech, InsurTech, and financial innovation. Top locations include:
- Sydney (NSW) – The financial capital of Australia and home to the country’s largest concentration of banks, investment firms, and FinTech startups. Barangaroo and the CBD host major players and innovation hubs, with strong links to regulators and global markets.
- Melbourne (VIC) – A major centre for superannuation, wealth management, and financial services innovation. Melbourne’s FinTech scene is supported by a strong talent pool, universities, and accelerators like Stone & Chalk .
- Brisbane (QLD) – Rapidly growing in digital banking, payments, and blockchain, with government support and a collaborative startup ecosystem.
- Canberra (ACT) – Ideal for professionals in financial regulation, policy, and cybersecurity, with proximity to federal agencies and institutions.
- Adelaide (SA) – Emerging as a FinTech hub with a focus on RegTech, digital identity, and financial inclusion, supported by innovation precincts and state initiatives.
Key regional hubs include:
- Newcastle (NSW) – Developing a strong FinTech and digital services sector, with support from local universities and business incubators.
- Geelong (VIC) – Growing in financial services outsourcing and digital transformation, with a focus on regional innovation.
- Gold Coast (QLD) – Attracting FinTech startups and digital nomads with a lifestyle-friendly environment and growing tech infrastructure.
- Hobart and Launceston (TAS) – Offering opportunities in digital banking and financial services delivery, with a focus on regional inclusion and affordability.
Choice may depend on your specialisation, lifestyle preferences, or visa pathway.
Is Australia a good place to innovate?
Australia has a rich culture of innovation and creativity, and as a result we have produced some of the world’s most trailblazing inventions. From Google maps to bionic ears, WiFi to pacemakers, polymer bank notes to spray-on skin, many technologies relied on by millions of people around the world were discovered or designed by Australians.
Meet the people behind some of our greatest inventions and innovations by exploring the Aussie inventors showcase.
How do Australian cities compare with other countries for liveability?
Melbourne, Sydney and Adelaide rank as the 4th, 6th and 9th most liveable cities in the world, according to the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2025.
Will I have to pay if I visit a hospital?
Eligible visa holders with access to Medicare can visits public hospital emergency departments for free. You may be charged a fee if you go to an emergency department in a private hospital. Hospital emergency departments in Australia will never turn away people with serious or life-threatening illness or injuries and they will never ask you to pay in advance. People living in Australia have basic healthcare rights. Services Australia provides access to a wide range of support services including Medicare. If you are visiting Australia and don't have access to Medicare, you should consider purchasing a travel insurance policy that covers medical emergencies.
