With the partnership of the Azerbaijan FinTech Association (AzFina), the opening ceremony of the “FinTech” Laboratory (FinTech Lab) was held at Azerbaijan Technical University (AzTU).
The ceremony was attended by AzTU Rector Vilayet Valiyev, Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Vusal Khalilov, Head of the Central Bank’s Department for Regulation of Payment Services and Payment Systems Khayaladdin Taghiyev, Chairman of the Board of AzFina Edgar Abdullayev, and representatives of the university.
It was noted that through the “FinTech Lab,” students will gain practical knowledge in the field of financial technologies, prepare qualified specialists currently needed in the financial technology market, implement projects jointly with payment institutions and electronic money organizations operating in the payment services sector, and support the enhancement of financial literacy in the country.
During the event, AzTU Rector Vilayet Valiyev highlighted the significance of the collaboration with AzFina, noting that it will contribute to the development of university-industry cooperation and the training of specialists in line with labor market demands. Deputy Chairman of the Central Bank Vusal Khalilov expressed his pleasure in attending the event as a regulator of the financial technology sector. He shared information on the current situation and innovations in financial technologies in Azerbaijan. Khalilov also emphasized that during the meeting held on February 11 under the chairmanship of President Ilham Aliyev, digitalization and artificial intelligence were identified as priority areas, which are also significant for the financial technology sector. He expressed confidence that the newly opened laboratory will support both specialist training and the expansion of financial literacy, thereby strengthening the sector’s sustainability.
Head of the Central Bank’s Department for Regulation of Payment Services and Payment Systems Khayaladdin Taghiyev provided information on the principles and operational directions of the laboratory, noting that the preparation of specialists in line with the Central Bank’s financial literacy strategy will help reduce the current workforce gap in the financial technology sector.
Chairman of AzFina’s Board Edgar Abdullayev expressed satisfaction with the collaboration with AzTU and emphasized the importance of this laboratory in training students as professional specialists. Three organizations selected by AzFina – “United Payment,” “Global Innovations,” and “BakuPay” – will serve as mentors in information technology at the laboratory. Additionally, the Central Bank and AzFina will provide necessary support in forming potential specialists in the field of economics. Successful participants of the laboratory are expected to be offered employment opportunities by these organizations.
