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Agustín Carstens, Former General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements, and Sanjiv Bajaj Chairman of Bajaj Finserv, Also Join the Board
SINGAPORE, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) announced today the appointment of Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), as Chair of the International Advisory Board (IAB). The other new members of the IAB are Mr Agustín Carstens and Mr Sanjiv Bajaj, effective 1 July, 2025.
The appointment of these globally respected leaders to its IAB marks a key landmark for GFTN, a Singapore-headquartered not-for-profit organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration.
"We warmly welcome Queen Máxima, Mr Agustín Carstens, and Mr Sanjiv Bajaj to the GFTN International Advisory Board," said Mr Ravi Menon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, GFTN. "Their visionary leadership, breadth of experience and steadfast commitment to advancing financial innovation and inclusion will be invaluable for GFTN as we build bridges across policy, technology, and finance to foster a more purposeful financial ecosystem worldwide."
Queen Máxima, UNSGSA, is a distinguished advocate for global financial health. She has leveraged her professional background in finance to champion accessible and resilient financial systems worldwide. From 2009-2024 she served as the UNSGSA for financial inclusion for development to improve worldwide access to financial services, especially for the underserved such as low-income households, women, smallholder farmers and SMEs. Nearly 80% of adults now have access to a payment account (Global Findex 2021), but access alone is not enough. As the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health, Queen Máxima will focus on financial products, services and policies that prioritise the financial well-being of people by enabling people to manage their day-to-day finance, protect themselves against financial risks with savings and insurance, allow them to invest in short and long-term goals and create confidence in their financial future. Through strategic and sustained advocacy, Queen Máxima encourages cooperation and commitment among political leaders, regulators, global standard-setting bodies, civil society, and the private sector, to meet the needs of financially underserved groups. Queen Máxima's work continue to shape policies that empower individuals and communities to achieve greater economic well-being and financial health.
Mr Agustín Carstens is a globally recognised economist and central banker who has played a key role in both national and international finance. As governor of Banco de México and Mexico's Secretary of Finance, he led the country through challenging economic times, notably implementing innovative strategies during the 2008 global financial crisis that safeguarded Mexico's macroeconomic stability. On the global stage, Mr Carstens was Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund and has served as the General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements from 2017-2025. At the BIS, he promoted modernisation and innovation in central banking, launching initiatives to enhance the functioning of the global financial system by developing public goods and fostering collaboration amongst central banks.
Mr Sanjiv Bajaj is one of India's most influential financial leaders. Under his leadership, Bajaj Finserv has grown into one of India's most diversified and innovative financial services groups, offering solutions across lending, insurance, and investments. Mr Bajaj has championed a digital-first, consumer-centric approach, transforming how millions of Indians access financial products. He has also served as President of the Confederation of Indian Industry and was a member of the Steering Committee appointed by the Government of India for B20 as part of India's G20 Presidency for FY 2022-23.
About GFTN
The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore-headquartered organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration. GFTN hosts a worldwide network of forums (including its flagship event, the Singapore FinTech Festival); advises governments and companies on policies and the development of digital ecosystems and innovation within the financial sector; offers digital infrastructure solutions; and plans to invest in financial technology startups through its upcoming venture fund, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability.
Agustín Carstens, Former General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements, and Sanjiv Bajaj Chairman of Bajaj Finserv, Also Join the Board
SINGAPORE, July 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) announced today the appointment of Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, the United Nations Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health (UNSGSA), as Chair of the International Advisory Board (IAB). The other new members of the IAB are Mr Agustín Carstens and Mr Sanjiv Bajaj, effective 1 July, 2025.
The appointment of these globally respected leaders to its IAB marks a key landmark for GFTN, a Singapore-headquartered not-for-profit organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration.
"We warmly welcome Queen Máxima, Mr Agustín Carstens, and Mr Sanjiv Bajaj to the GFTN International Advisory Board," said Mr Ravi Menon, Chairman of the Board of Directors, GFTN. "Their visionary leadership, breadth of experience and steadfast commitment to advancing financial innovation and inclusion will be invaluable for GFTN as we build bridges across policy, technology, and finance to foster a more purposeful financial ecosystem worldwide."
Queen Máxima, UNSGSA, is a distinguished advocate for global financial health. She has leveraged her professional background in finance to champion accessible and resilient financial systems worldwide. From 2009-2024 she served as the UNSGSA for financial inclusion for development to improve worldwide access to financial services, especially for the underserved such as low-income households, women, smallholder farmers and SMEs. Nearly 80% of adults now have access to a payment account (Global Findex 2021), but access alone is not enough. As the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Financial Health, Queen Máxima will focus on financial products, services and policies that prioritise the financial well-being of people by enabling people to manage their day-to-day finance, protect themselves against financial risks with savings and insurance, allow them to invest in short and long-term goals and create confidence in their financial future. Through strategic and sustained advocacy, Queen Máxima encourages cooperation and commitment among political leaders, regulators, global standard-setting bodies, civil society, and the private sector, to meet the needs of financially underserved groups. Queen Máxima's work continue to shape policies that empower individuals and communities to achieve greater economic well-being and financial health.
Mr Agustín Carstens is a globally recognised economist and central banker who has played a key role in both national and international finance. As governor of Banco de México and Mexico's Secretary of Finance, he led the country through challenging economic times, notably implementing innovative strategies during the 2008 global financial crisis that safeguarded Mexico's macroeconomic stability. On the global stage, Mr Carstens was Deputy Managing Director at the International Monetary Fund and has served as the General Manager of the Bank for International Settlements from 2017-2025. At the BIS, he promoted modernisation and innovation in central banking, launching initiatives to enhance the functioning of the global financial system by developing public goods and fostering collaboration amongst central banks.
Mr Sanjiv Bajaj is one of India's most influential financial leaders. Under his leadership, Bajaj Finserv has grown into one of India's most diversified and innovative financial services groups, offering solutions across lending, insurance, and investments. Mr Bajaj has championed a digital-first, consumer-centric approach, transforming how millions of Indians access financial products. He has also served as President of the Confederation of Indian Industry and was a member of the Steering Committee appointed by the Government of India for B20 as part of India's G20 Presidency for FY 2022-23.
About GFTN
The Global Finance & Technology Network (GFTN) is a Singapore-headquartered organisation that leverages technology and innovation to create more efficient, resilient, and inclusive financial systems through global collaboration. GFTN hosts a worldwide network of forums (including its flagship event, the Singapore FinTech Festival); advises governments and companies on policies and the development of digital ecosystems and innovation within the financial sector; offers digital infrastructure solutions; and plans to invest in financial technology startups through its upcoming venture fund, with a focus on inclusion and sustainability.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Queen Máxima of the Netherlands Appointed Chair of Global Finance & Technology Network's International Advisory Board
- CATL opens Middle East's first NING SERVICE Experience Center in Riyadh —currently the largest new energy aftermarket facility outside China.
- The facility offers comprehensive full-lifecycle after-sales support, cultivates local technical talent and accelerates the deployment of advanced electrification and energy storage solutions.
- It also functions as a regional ecosystem hub linking diverse stakeholders and resources to drive industrial synergy and sustainable growth.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 10, 2026, CATL opened the Middle East's first and currently the largest new energy aftermarket facility outside China—the NING SERVICE Experience Center in Riyadh—strengthening its after-sales presence in the Middle East and supporting the region's shift toward cleaner energy systems.
The opening comes as Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East advance ambitious electrification and decarbonization goals under Vision 2030 and similar national initiatives. Taking Saudi Arabia as an example, The Kingdom has set a goal to transition 30% of all vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030, as part of a larger strategy to reduce emissions in the capital city by 50%. Sustainability policies are also driving the shift to electric equipment, such as promoting the use of electric forklifts, while encouraging the use of green energy on farms under the Saudi Green Initiative. However, progress is tempered by persistent challenges, including longstanding oil dependency, surging electricity demand, extreme climatic conditions, and limited charging and service infrastructure.
Strategically designed to overcome these obstacles, the Riyadh facility offers comprehensive full-lifecycle after-sales support, cultivates local technical talent and accelerates the deployment of advanced electrification and energy storage solutions.
Covering more than 7,000 square meters, the Riyadh center combines exhibition areas, diagnostics and maintenance zones, refurbishment facilities, training spaces, and a customer lounge. It is designed to serve not only as a localized service hub for the region and a showcase of CATL's system-level capabilities across electric mobility, energy storage, and intelligent electrification, but also as a platform that links diverse resources, fostering industrial synergy across the ecosystem.
A full-lifecycle approach to new energy services
Relying on CATL's deep R&D and extreme manufacturing capabilities, NING SERVICE Experience Center provides customers with full-lifecycle services that encompass battery diagnostics, repair, maintenance, rework, training, recycling, aftermarket logistics and warehousing. Its services span over seven major product categories—from passenger and commercial vehicles to energy storage systems—along with diverse repair scenarios, setting a new benchmark for new energy service delivery in the region.
Leveraging CATL's advanced diagnostics and repair expertise, along with established service processes, the center's comprehensive after-sales services
helps enterprise customers reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and extend asset life, providing greater certainty around long-term performance and residual value while reducing long-term ownership costs and delivering more cost-effective and reliable services for end users.
Advancing localized operations and capability building
The Riyadh center serves as a key platform for CATL's localized operations in the Middle East, supporting talent development and long-term local value creation. Through dedicated training facilities, CATL builds after-sales and technical expertise in the new energy sector, contributing to skilled employment and knowledge transfer across the Middle East. Globally, NING SERVICE operates 10 training centers, totalling 2,300 square meters, and has certified more than 9,700 new energy after-sales professionals through partnerships with vocational institutions.
Beyond talent development, CATL is deepening its localization strategy by reinforcing local infrastructure and building ecosystem partnerships. CATL is in discussion with top-tier local industry players—including fuel network operators to rapidly provide green electricity to gas stations and major infrastructure companies to electrify their truck fleets, as well as energy companies to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions.
These initiatives not only bolster CATL's local service capabilities and market confidence, but also by enabling key partners, jointly drive the scaled adoption of comprehensive new energy solutions across the Middle East.
"As a leading energy company in Saudi Arabia, we see tremendous opportunities in energy transformation. For instance, we plan to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions at our gas stations and electrify forklifts to reduce reliance on oil. We look forward to collaborating with top players like CATL to drive this transition forward," said Ahmed Ibrahim，Assistant General Manager For Procurement of Al Drees, a leading provider of petroleum and logistics services in Saudi Arabia.
"The launch of CATL's Riyadh aftermarket flagship underscores our shared commitment to driving the global energy transition. This milestone not only reflects the growing demand for sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia but also embodies our collective vision for a cleaner, electrified future. As the investor behind the experience centre, we are confident that this partnership will accelerate electrification and strengthen the region's role in advancing the energy transition." said Lin Chaofan, CEO of F4S.
Part of a global network
The Saudi Arabia opening builds on CATL's global service footprint, which includes more than 1,200 professional service stations across 76 countries and 73 spare-parts warehouses worldwide. CATL ranks No. 1 globally in spare parts inventory stocked with 100% genuine parts, with a total warehouse area of more than 370,000 square meters. To date, NING SERVICE has supported more than six million electric vehicles, providing professional after-sales services for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage customers.
A long-term commitment to the Middle East
Bruce Li, President of Quality System, Aftermarket Business, Battery Management System Department at CATL, said the Riyadh center reflects a strategic, long-term view of the region.
"Our decision to establish this center in Riyadh is not only a commercial choice, but a long-term commitment," Li said. "As the first NING SERVICE Experience Center in the Middle East, it is more than a service facility. It is a new energy aftermarket ecosystem hub that brings together advanced technology, professional training, and industry collaboration—effectively connecting diverse stakeholders and resources to foster deeper synergy and sustainable growth across the region. Starting from here, CATL will continue to expand its after-sales service network across the Middle East, align closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and support the region's energy transition through a reliable, end-to-end service system."
As the Middle East accelerates its shift toward electrification and energy storage adoption, CATL's expanded NING SERVICE presence is poised to deliver the technical reliability and sustained partnerships essential for this transformation.
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Jan. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On January 10, 2026, CATL opened the Middle East's first and currently the largest new energy aftermarket facility outside China—the NING SERVICE Experience Center in Riyadh—strengthening its after-sales presence in the Middle East and supporting the region's shift toward cleaner energy systems.
The opening comes as Saudi Arabia and the wider Middle East advance ambitious electrification and decarbonization goals under Vision 2030 and similar national initiatives. Taking Saudi Arabia as an example, The Kingdom has set a goal to transition 30% of all vehicles in Riyadh to electric by 2030, as part of a larger strategy to reduce emissions in the capital city by 50%. Sustainability policies are also driving the shift to electric equipment, such as promoting the use of electric forklifts, while encouraging the use of green energy on farms under the Saudi Green Initiative. However, progress is tempered by persistent challenges, including longstanding oil dependency, surging electricity demand, extreme climatic conditions, and limited charging and service infrastructure.
Strategically designed to overcome these obstacles, the Riyadh facility offers comprehensive full-lifecycle after-sales support, cultivates local technical talent and accelerates the deployment of advanced electrification and energy storage solutions.
Covering more than 7,000 square meters, the Riyadh center combines exhibition areas, diagnostics and maintenance zones, refurbishment facilities, training spaces, and a customer lounge. It is designed to serve not only as a localized service hub for the region and a showcase of CATL's system-level capabilities across electric mobility, energy storage, and intelligent electrification, but also as a platform that links diverse resources, fostering industrial synergy across the ecosystem.
A full-lifecycle approach to new energy services
Relying on CATL's deep R&D and extreme manufacturing capabilities, NING SERVICE Experience Center provides customers with full-lifecycle services that encompass battery diagnostics, repair, maintenance, rework, training, recycling, aftermarket logistics and warehousing. Its services span over seven major product categories—from passenger and commercial vehicles to energy storage systems—along with diverse repair scenarios, setting a new benchmark for new energy service delivery in the region.
Leveraging CATL's advanced diagnostics and repair expertise, along with established service processes, the center's comprehensive after-sales services
helps enterprise customers reduce downtime, lower maintenance costs, and extend asset life, providing greater certainty around long-term performance and residual value while reducing long-term ownership costs and delivering more cost-effective and reliable services for end users.
Advancing localized operations and capability building
The Riyadh center serves as a key platform for CATL's localized operations in the Middle East, supporting talent development and long-term local value creation. Through dedicated training facilities, CATL builds after-sales and technical expertise in the new energy sector, contributing to skilled employment and knowledge transfer across the Middle East. Globally, NING SERVICE operates 10 training centers, totalling 2,300 square meters, and has certified more than 9,700 new energy after-sales professionals through partnerships with vocational institutions.
Beyond talent development, CATL is deepening its localization strategy by reinforcing local infrastructure and building ecosystem partnerships. CATL is in discussion with top-tier local industry players—including fuel network operators to rapidly provide green electricity to gas stations and major infrastructure companies to electrify their truck fleets, as well as energy companies to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions.
These initiatives not only bolster CATL's local service capabilities and market confidence, but also by enabling key partners, jointly drive the scaled adoption of comprehensive new energy solutions across the Middle East.
"As a leading energy company in Saudi Arabia, we see tremendous opportunities in energy transformation. For instance, we plan to deploy solar-plus-storage solutions at our gas stations and electrify forklifts to reduce reliance on oil. We look forward to collaborating with top players like CATL to drive this transition forward," said Ahmed Ibrahim，Assistant General Manager For Procurement of Al Drees, a leading provider of petroleum and logistics services in Saudi Arabia.
"The launch of CATL's Riyadh aftermarket flagship underscores our shared commitment to driving the global energy transition. This milestone not only reflects the growing demand for sustainable solutions in Saudi Arabia but also embodies our collective vision for a cleaner, electrified future. As the investor behind the experience centre, we are confident that this partnership will accelerate electrification and strengthen the region's role in advancing the energy transition." said Lin Chaofan, CEO of F4S.
Part of a global network
The Saudi Arabia opening builds on CATL's global service footprint, which includes more than 1,200 professional service stations across 76 countries and 73 spare-parts warehouses worldwide. CATL ranks No. 1 globally in spare parts inventory stocked with 100% genuine parts, with a total warehouse area of more than 370,000 square meters. To date, NING SERVICE has supported more than six million electric vehicles, providing professional after-sales services for passenger vehicles, commercial vehicles, and energy storage customers.
A long-term commitment to the Middle East
Bruce Li, President of Quality System, Aftermarket Business, Battery Management System Department at CATL, said the Riyadh center reflects a strategic, long-term view of the region.
"Our decision to establish this center in Riyadh is not only a commercial choice, but a long-term commitment," Li said. "As the first NING SERVICE Experience Center in the Middle East, it is more than a service facility. It is a new energy aftermarket ecosystem hub that brings together advanced technology, professional training, and industry collaboration—effectively connecting diverse stakeholders and resources to foster deeper synergy and sustainable growth across the region. Starting from here, CATL will continue to expand its after-sales service network across the Middle East, align closely with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, and support the region's energy transition through a reliable, end-to-end service system."
As the Middle East accelerates its shift toward electrification and energy storage adoption, CATL's expanded NING SERVICE presence is poised to deliver the technical reliability and sustained partnerships essential for this transformation.
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
CATL Opens Middle East's Largest New Energy Aftermarket Facility in Riyadh
CATL Opens Middle East's Largest New Energy Aftermarket Facility in Riyadh
CATL Opens Middle East's Largest New Energy Aftermarket Facility in Riyadh
