The next era of financial technology is unfolding—and Georgia has the opportunity to lead it. Georgia is already a national leader in technology. The Peach State already processes the majority of the nation’s electronic payments and is home to more than 200 fintech companies that are leading innovation across the globe.

But just because we have leaders today does not ensure we will be leaders tomorrow. To remain at the forefront, Georgia must actively embrace emerging innovation and emerging technologies such as blockchain, Web3, and digital currencies—or risk being surpassed by others.

Throughout my career, I have worked with Fortune 100 companies, mid-tier firms, and startups in Silicon Valley while making Georgia my home. Today, as Principal Consultant at Skyrocket Financial Solutions and doing business development for several blockchain companies in Georgia, I see firsthand how quickly these technologies are transforming industries. Blockchain is securing financial transactions and supply chains, artificial intelligence is detecting fraud in real time, and advanced analytics are tailoring services to consumers. Georgia has the talent, institutions, and infrastructure to lead in these areas—but only if we create the right environment for innovation.

That environment requires deliberate action. We need modern regulatory frameworks in our state that provide clarity without stifling growth. We need public–private collaboration to responsibly test and scale new ideas. And we need investments in workforce development to ensure Georgians are prepared for the high-value jobs these technologies will create. Atlanta has the foundation to remain a global fintech hub, but success will require businesses, educators, and policymakers across the state to move forward together.

This is the mission of FutureTech Georgia. Our organization works to connect Georgians with opportunities in emerging technology and to promote innovation across the state around these critical technologies of the future. There are many well established use cases which provide the building blocks for sustainable growth, and Georgia is well-positioned to lead if we act decisively. There are also many use cases yet to be discovered.

That commitment will be on display at the FutureTech Forum in Atlanta on October 17. The Forum will convene leaders in technology, finance, and policy for keynotes and panel discussions on the future of Web3, blockchain, and fintech. More importantly, it will provide innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, and decision-makers the chance to connect, collaborate, and form partnerships that will strengthen Georgia’s leadership for decades to come.

Georgia has the resources and track record to lead. What we need now is the shared determination not to fall behind. The future of fintech and digital innovation will be built somewhere—our goal is to ensure it is built here. The FutureTech Forum is an important step in that direction, and I am confident in what we can achieve together.

Tony Erwin

Principal Consultant, Skyrocket Financial Solutions and Georgia’s state representative for the North American Blockchain Association and US Blockchain Coalition. President - www.FutureTechGA.org