In second and third place, respectively, are FinOps and banking platform Swipey and financial-planning app Cashku.

The startups will next collaborate with GXBank to further develop their concepts. Viable and commercial solutions could eventually be incorporated into GxBank’s offerings for customers.

The winners were selected after a multi-stage evaluation process to identify and nurture the most impactful fintech solutions. Five startups were shortlisted out of almost 60 applicants for mentoring sessions with senior leaders from GXBank and Grab.

Key events during the six-month programme included a business pitch session and a masterclass on operations, data protection, cybersecurity and market strategy.

“TeXnovasi is a testament to our shared belief with Grab in the power of collaboration and knowledge sharing to drive our nation forward,” said GXBank chief technology officer Fadrizul Hasani.

“Seeing startups like Finory.tech, Swipey and Cashku develop such impactful solutions validates our belief in the power of homegrown innovation.”

The conclusion of TeXnovasi comes at a pivotal moment for Malaysia’s digital economy. Significant portions of the population, including gig workers, B40 households and micro-entrepreneurs, remain financially underserved, as traditional financial products often lack the flexibility and accessibility required to meet their needs.

Programmes like TeXnovasi are therefore crucial, so fintech startups can be nurtured to create lasting solutions to better serve Malaysians with essential, accessible and affordable financial services.