Several international regulatory agencies have created the "Global Financial Innovation Network" ("GFIN") to collaborate on regulatory issues related to emerging technologies and FinTech development. There are 11 regulatory agencies in the new network including the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the UK's Financial Conduct Authority.
In a draft consultation document, the agencies explained three major functions of the initiative: (i) information- and knowledge-sharing among regulators, (ii) collaboration in exploring major policy questions and (iii) "cross-border trials" instituted to aid companies as they deal with multi-jurisdictional regulatory challenges. The network is intended to serve as a resource for FinTech companies navigating the complicated web of international regulation. The regulators anticipate that GFIN will increase the speed at which innovative products are able to reach international markets. They also argue that the GFIN will promote transparency and investor protection.
The GFIN proposed the following as its organizational mission statement:
"The GFIN is a collaborative policy and knowledge-sharing initiative aimed at advancing areas including financial integrity, consumer wellbeing and protection, financial inclusion, competition and financial stability through innovation in financial services, by sharing experiences, working jointly on emerging policy issues and facilitating responsible cross-border experimentation of new ideas."
The GFIN is requesting feedback on its proposed objectives, functions and structure. Comments must be submitted by October 14, 2018.
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