News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know News India Times (April 4, 2026 - April 10, 2026) April 10, 2026 18 Community International Investment And Digital Finance Fair April 17-18, 2026 In Washington, DC T he First International Investment and Digital Finance Fair 2026 host- ed by In Search of Root Foundation (USA), a South Asian organization based inWashington, D.C., expects to convene senior policymakers, central bank governors, regulators, financial institutions, fintech innovators, investors, SMEs, development partners, and Diaspo- ra leaders at the Embassy Suites by Hilton, Washington DC Convention Center. The two-day high-level forum aims to spotlight AI in banking, digital payments, SME finance, and cross-border invest- ments. Over two days, the Fair plans to provide a platform to shape the future of digital finance, through high-level dialogues, thematic sessions, and networking oppor- tunities. Participants will explore practical pathways to build more efficient, inclu- sive, and resilient financial and invest- ment ecosystems. Participants – The conference will be attended by central bank governors and financial regulators, Ministries of Finance and key government agencies, commer- cial and digital banks, non-bank financial institutions, fintech companies and pay- ment service providers, investment firms, private equity and venture capital funds, and development finance institutions. It will also be attended by SME own- ers, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and chambers of commerce, multilateral organizations, development partners, policy think tanks, and academic experts and Diaspora business leaders and com- munity representatives Program – The Fair will open on Friday, April 17, 2026, with a high-level Roundta- ble on Financial Policy, Payments Reform & Cost Efficiency. This public–private dialogue will focus on modernizing international payment systems, enhancing digital payment infra- structure and interoperability, and reduc- ing transaction costs through technology and coordinated policy frameworks. The roundtable will also examine how regulatory innovation and public–private partnerships can drive financial inclusion and expand access to affordable payment solutions. On Saturday, April 18, 2026, the pro- gram will begin with a closed-door Break- fast Meeting with South Asian Central Bank Governors and central bank leader- ship, and senior executives from leading money transfer and payment companies. Discussions will center on strengthen- ing US–South Asia remittance corridors, reducing remittance costs through digital channels, addressing regulatory and compliance challenges, and enhancing transparency, security, and consumer trust in cross-border payment services. Another notable feature of the same day will be a session on the “Future of Intelligent Banking: AI, Risk and Innova- tion in 2026”. The session will explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the banking and financial services industry. Discussion topics will include AI-powered operations and automation, intelligent risk assessment and fraud detection, AI- driven compliance and RegTech, cyber security and data privacy, and the ethical use of AI in financial services. The session will also examine innova- tion in digital and open banking, embed- ded finance, and the evolving dynamics of human–AI collaboration in financial institutions. Another special session the same day on Small Business Financing and Enter- prise Growth Opportunities will focus on strengthening access to finance for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Participants will discuss innovative SME financing instruments, the role of banks and development finance institu- tions, public–private programs for enter- prise development, and policies to scale small businesses and promote inclusive, job-rich growth. The Fair will also feature a seminar on Strengthening Investment Flows in the U.S. and South Asia: Challenges andWay Forward, highlighting sectoral invest- ment opportunities, macroeconomic and regulatory challenges, foreign direct investment (FDI) trends, investment cli- mate reforms, and strategies for attracting sustainable, long-term investment. Discussions will emphasize risk man- agement, investor protection, public–pri- vate partnerships, and innovative financ- ing models that can catalyze resilient and inclusive economic growth. Awards and Cultural Showcase – The Fair will also hold an Excellence Awards cer- emony to recognize outstanding institu- tions, companies, and leaders driving innovation, digital transformation, and investment growth across the financial ecosystem. Award categories will include excel- lence in formal remittance services, fin- tech innovation, cross-border investment leadership, SME finance and enterprise growth, financial inclusion, emerging digital finance leadership, and Diaspora investment impact. The conference will end with a cultural showcase celebrating the contributions of South Asians in the US. By a StaffWriter FIA-Chicago (1980) Elects And Appoints Officebearers For 2026-2027 T he Federation of Indian Associations (FIA-Chi- cago), an organization established 1980), and is considered one of the largest umbrella organiza- tions of Indian Americans in the Midwest, held its annual General Council meeting, followed by elec- tions and appointments, March 29, 2026. President Hemant Patel welcomed attendees and briefly explained FIA’s mission. Election Chair Dr. Bharat Barai and committee mem- ber Bhailal Patel, oversaw the procedures involved in the elections. The third member, Kanti S. Patel, was absent due to health reasons. FIA Trustees, Ex-Officio, Executives, Directors, and delegates were invited on stage one by one. Hemant Pa- tel highlighted 22 events from the past 11 months, many of which were new initiatives. Treasurer Amar Upadhyay presented the financial report, showing impressive results—lower expenses and increased savings despite organizing 22 events, a press release from FIA said. Dr. Barai was unanimously re-elected as Trustee-Direc- tor for the 2026–27 term by the Board of Directors, active trustees, Ex-Officio, Executives, Directors, delegates, and association representatives. Hemant Patel was re-elected as President along with the following panel: • Hemant Patel – President • Anil Singh – Executive Vice President • Rohit Joshi – Vice President • Joy Shah – Vice President • Bhavesh Patel – Vice President • Arvind Ankleshwaria – Secretary • Amar Upadhyay – Treasurer • Yashaswini Desai – Joint Treasurer • Vira Adimulam – Joint Secretary Election Chair and Trustee Director Dr. Barai adminis- tered the oath to the newly elected executives. The new Executives appointed Directors and Dele- gates from various organizations. President Hemant Patel presented Amendment 4.0 for discussion. It was passed unanimously with two corrections. Community leaders also proposed several initiatives, including a health fair, OCI visa camp, health clinic, and an updated FIA webpage. By a staffWriter PHOTOS:FIA 1980 Executives of FIA Chicago 1980, conducting elections and making announcements at general meeting Mrch 29, 2026.