PayNet Launches National Fintech Hub to Accelerate Startups and AI Innovation

Payments Network Malaysia (PayNet) has officially launched the PayNet Fintech Hub, a first of its kind national accelerator designed to centralize and supercharge the country's fragmented startup ecosystem. Announced in Kuala Lumpur, the Hub provides fintechs with direct access to capital, industry mentorship, and essential growth tools to drive financial inclusion. This initiative marks a strategic shift for PayNet as it transitions from a traditional infrastructure provider to an active catalyst for national innovation. The program is built on two distinct pillars known as Community and Catalyst. While the Community track offers foundational support like co-working spaces and over RM600,000 in sponsored advisory services, the Catalyst track targets high growth startups for global expansion. Top participants gain access to a 10 week accelerator in partnership with Imperial College London, including an immersion trip to the United Kingdom to engage with international venture capitalists and faculty experts.

To alleviate the financial burden of early stage growth, PayNet is providing over RM1 million in value-added credits and up to RM3 million in cloud credits through Amazon Web Services (AWS). These resources are specifically curated to help founders preserve cash and refine their go-to-market strategies. By leveraging the new AWS Asia Pacific (Malaysia) Region, startups can scale securely while adhering to local data sovereignty requirements and testing products within a dedicated sandbox.

Since its inception, the Hub has already demonstrated significant momentum by onboarding 50 startups and fostering 50 ecosystem partnerships. Data from early 2026 indicates that the initiative has successfully facilitated seven corporate pilots and multiple fintech-to-fintech collaborations. These milestones suggest that the Hub is effectively bridging the trust gap between innovative startups and risk-averse traditional financial institutions.

Farhan Ahmad, Group CEO of PayNet, emphasized that a thriving fintech industry is vital for Malaysia to keep pace with rapid AI developments and global financial shifts. The Hub represents a decisive response to the call for smarter collaboration and scalable outcomes within the region. Interested startups can find more information and sign up through the official fintech hub portal.