The city of Atlanta is getting a new financial technology task force as it bids to become a hub for the fast-growing fintech industry and attract investment and jobs.
Launched by the Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) and the American Transaction Processors Coalition (ATPC), the task force will develop a strategy to attract and grow companies in the fintech industry, develop a skilled workforce, and promote innovation.
The operation will be headed up by Tony Catalfano, president and CEO of WorldPay US, which last year committed $10 million to relocate its headquarters and 617 employees to Atlanta and boost its workforce.
Promoting Atlanta's fintech credentials, the partners say that 85 billion transactions, or more than 70% of the more than $4 trillion in US credit card swipes, debit card payments and gift card purchases go through Georgia-based companies.
H West Richards, executive director, ATPC, says: "Georgia’s Transaction Alley is the fintech capital of the world and we need to work hard to keep it that way. A focused plan to invest in people and generate investment in innovation will spur Transaction Alley’s growth and protect this vital Georgia industry.
"I believe one day we make look back on this initiative as the spark that helped to shape Georgia’s future as the next financial industry powerhouse to arrive on the world stage."