Wednesday, August 5, 2026

Innovation in Motion: Fintech, AI, and the Future of Georgia

As summer begins to wind down, the pace across Georgia’s technology community certainly isn’t slowing.

August is one of my favorite months at TAG because it brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, investors, corporate leaders, and policymakers from across the fintech ecosystem for one of our signature events – Fintech South.

Georgia has earned its reputation as “Transaction Alley,” with the majority of U.S. card transactions touching our state. But our leadership extends far beyond payments. From digital banking and embedded finance to fraud prevention, AI, and financial infrastructure, Georgia continues to be one of the world’s leading centers for financial technology innovation.

Fintech South reflects that leadership. It’s where conversations become partnerships, ideas become opportunities, and the connections made in a single day can shape the future of our industry. Whether you’re joining us for the first time or returning as a longtime attendee, I look forward to seeing you there.

August is just the beginning of a strong fall for TAG.

In September, we’ll launch //SHIFT, our newest technology summit. While this year’s theme is AI, //SHIFT is designed to explore the technologies, trends, and ideas shaping the future of business and innovation. We’ll bring together the organizations building artificial intelligence, the enterprises putting it to work, and the leaders navigating its impact on workforce, public policy, and economic growth.

Then, on November 18, we’ll come together once again for the TAG Chairs’ Gala, an evening dedicated to celebrating the leaders, companies, and innovators who are helping shape Georgia’s technology community. It’s one of my favorite traditions each year and a fitting way to recognize the people whose leadership continues to move our industry—and our state—forward.

None of this would be possible without the engagement of our members, volunteers, sponsors, speakers, and partners. Every event, every introduction, and every collaboration strengthens our community and reinforces Georgia’s position as a global hub of innovation.

Thank you for being part of TAG. I hope to see many of you at Fintech South, at //SHIFT in September, and at the TAG Chairs’ Gala in November as we continue building what’s next—together.

Larry K. Williams

Author:

Larry K. Williams

TAG President & CEO

Larry Williams serves as President & CEO of the Technology Association of Georgia (TAG), one of the largest statewide technology associations in the U.S., representing more than 30,000 members. Now in its 25th year, TAG is focused on driving innovation, talent development, and forward-looking policy to keep Georgia competitive in the global tech economy.

With nearly a decade at the helm, Williams brings deep experience in both the public and private sectors. He has led international business and innovation efforts in Atlanta, Seattle, and Raleigh—cities recognized for their thriving tech ecosystems. His leadership is grounded in cross-sector collaboration, economic development, and scalable impact.

As Georgia continues its trajectory toward 450,000 full-time tech jobs by 2033, Williams is a key voice in strengthening the state’s talent pipeline, supporting entrepreneurship, and ensuring Georgia remains a hub for transformative technologies like AI and cybersecurity.

In addition to his role at TAG, Williams serves as Executive Director of the National Technology Security Coalition (NTSC), connecting CISOs with federal policymakers to shape national cybersecurity policy.

“Innovation is my greatest passion,” Williams says. “Our job is to ensure technology drives inclusive, sustainable growth—locally, nationally, and globally.”

 

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