Queen Máxima Named Chair Of GFTN International Advisory Board
KUALA LUMPUR, July 3 (Bernama) -- The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) has announced the appointment of Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), as Chair of its International Advisory Board (IAB).
Accompanying her are two newly appointed board members, which are Agustín Carstens, Bank for International Settlements (BIS) former General Manager, and Sanjiv Bajaj, Bajaj Finserv Chairman and Managing Director. All appointments took effect on July 1.
The appointments mark a key landmark for GFTN, a Singapore-based non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering inclusive, resilient, and technology-driven financial systems through global collaboration, according to a statement.
“We warmly welcome Queen Máxima, Agustín, and Sanjiv to the GFTN International Advisory Board.
“Their visionary leadership, breadth of experience and steadfast commitment to advancing financial innovation and inclusion will be invaluable for GFTN as we build bridges across policy, technology, and finance to foster a more purposeful financial ecosystem worldwide,” said GFTN Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ravi Menon.
Queen Máxima brings over 15 years of experience as a global advocate for financial health. She served as the UNSGSA for financial inclusion for development from 2009 to 2024, championing efforts to expand access to essential financial services for underserved populations, including women, smallholder farmers, and low-income households.
In her current UNSGSA role, she promotes policies and products that enhance individuals’ financial health—emphasising day-to-day money management, protection against financial shocks, and long-term financial planning.
Meanwhile, Carstens, a respected figure in global finance, has held several key leadership roles, including Governor of Banco de México and the International Monetary Fund Deputy Managing Director. Most recently, he concluded his tenure at the BIS, where he led initiatives to modernise central banking and enhance financial system resilience through innovation and cross-border collaboration.
Bajaj, a prominent Indian business leader, has overseen the rapid transformation of Bajaj Finserv into one of India’s most diversified and innovative financial services groups. Known for advocating digital-first and consumer-centric financial solutions, Bajaj has played a critical role in expanding access to financial services in India.
-- BERNAMA