Tether signs MoU with Pave Bank and GFTN for fintech scholars program

Tether: Tether is the largest company in the digital asset industry. It has partnered with Pave Bank and the Global Finance & Technology Network via a new MoU to create the Georgia–Singapore Fintech Scholars Program, underscoring its focus on education initiatives that prepare young talent for roles in the global digital economy. Pave Bank: Pave Bank operates as a corporate and institutional bank bridging digital assets and traditional finance. It is a co-signatory of the MoU for the Georgia–Singapore Fintech Scholars Program and emphasizes merit-based access to international opportunities for Georgian students through private sector support. Paolo Ardoino: Paolo Ardoino serves as CEO of Tether. He highlighted the MoU’s role in empowering young leaders through global educational access to shape the future of financial innovation and inclusive digital economies. Salim Dhanani: Salim Dhanani is Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Pave Bank. He described the scholars program as a merit-focused initiative that removes financial barriers so talented Georgian students can gain international experience and contribute to their country’s financial future. Sopnendu Mohanty: Sopnendu Mohanty is Group Chief Executive Officer of the Global Finance & Technology Network and former Chief FinTech Officer at the Monetary Authority of Singapore. He positioned the program as a means to cultivate future fintech leaders and strengthen innovation ties between Georgia and Singapore. Global Finance & Technology Network: The Global Finance & Technology Network is a Singapore-headquartered not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing financial innovation and economic growth. It co-leads the Georgia–Singapore Fintech Scholars Program to build talent corridors linking Georgian university students with Singapore’s fintech ecosystem and broader Southeast Asia opportunities. Talent Focus: The initiative prioritizes aptitude-based selection with private funding to eliminate financial barriers, offering participants academic programs, industry mentorship, capstone projects, and potential internships with the partner organizations. Education Partnership: The Georgia–Singapore Fintech Scholars Program will enable selected STEM undergraduates from Tbilisi State University to complete a semester at Singapore Management University beginning in 2027.