The MoneyLIVE Summit 2025, held on March 10th-11th at London’s Business Design Centre, once again positioned itself as one of the most significant events in the banking and financial services industry. With over 1,500 attendees, 200+ speakers, and an agenda packed with insights on digital transformation, AI-driven innovation, and payment advancements, the event delivered a comprehensive overview of the future of financial services.

As one of Europe’s most influential FinTech and banking conferences, MoneyLIVE Summit attracted executives from leading institutions, including HSBC, Revolut, Standard Chartered, Barclays, Google, and Mastercard, providing attendees with unparalleled networking opportunities and deep dives into the latest industry developments.

The 2025 edition of MoneyLIVE Summit focused on several key themes within the financial sector, including:

• AI and Automation in Banking
• The Future of Payments and Open Banking
• Sustainability and ESG in Finance
• The Evolution of Embedded Finance
• Cybersecurity and Fraud Prevention
• Modernising Legacy Systems

AI and Automation: The Next Frontier

One of the most anticipated discussions centredd on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation in Financial Services. Keynote speakers such as Taylan Turan (CEO, Retail Banking, HSBC) and Francesca Carlesi (CEO, Revolut UK) highlighted how AI is revolutionising customer interactions, risk assessments, and fraud detection.

A standout panel featured representatives from Google Cloud, Lloyds Banking Group, and Monzo, discussing the ethical implications of AI-driven banking and how institutions can balance efficiency with regulatory compliance. The consensus? AI is no longer a futuristic concept but an operational necessity.

On the opening day we spoke with Tim Mason, Managing Director for Artificial Intelligence at Deutsche Bank, and Publicis Sapient VP Jan-Willem Weggemans, about the rise of Agentic AI. Look out for this feature in the May edition of FinTech Strategy Magazine. Publicis Sapient also hosted an AI Champions Meet Up.

The Future of Payments and Open Banking

With open banking continuing to disrupt traditional financial models, this year’s summit included multiple sessions on its evolution. Speakers from Visa, Mastercard and Stripe explored how real-time payments and digital wallets are reshaping the customer experience.

One of the most engaging sessions was on CBDCs (Central Bank Digital Currencies) and the impact of digital currencies on global trade. Representatives from the Bank of England and the European Central Bank provided valuable insights into regulatory developments and the long-term feasibility of CBDCs in mainstream banking.

Sustainability and ESG in Finance

The financial industry’s role in Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives was another critical theme. With growing investor interest in sustainable finance, executives from Barclays, NatWest, and BlackRock discussed how banks can integrate ESG principles into lending and investment strategies.

A major highlight was a fireside chat with Ana Botín, Executive Chairman of Santander Group, who emphasised the need for banks to take the lead in financing climate action while maintaining profitability. She stressed that FinTech innovation must align with sustainability goals to drive real change.

Notable Speakers & Thought Leadership

MoneyLIVE Summit 2025 featured an impressive lineup of speakers, including CEOs, policymakers, and FinTech pioneers. Notable names included:

• Francesca Carlesi (CEO, Revolut UK) – Discussed the role of challenger banks in redefining customer expectations.
• Taylan Turan (CEO, Retail Banking, HSBC) – Spoke about how traditional banks must adapt to stay competitive in an increasingly digital world.
• Saif Malik (CEO, UK, Standard Chartered Bank) – Shared insights on the rise of embedded finance and its impact on global banking.
• Anne Boden (Founder, Starling Bank) – Highlighted the impact of neobanks on legacy banking institutions.
• Google Cloud & AWS Representatives – Covered AI’s growing role in fraud prevention and customer engagement.
• Lee McNabb (Head of Payment Strategy, NatWest) – Shared views on modernising core payment architecture for the long term.

The diversity of perspectives provided attendees with a well-rounded understanding of the industry’s challenges and opportunities in the coming years.

MoneyLIVE Networking & Attendee Experience

Networking has always been a key highlight of MoneyLIVE Summit, and the 2025 edition did not disappoint. The event provided ample opportunities for professionals to connect, with dedicated networking zones, private meeting areas, and an exclusive VIP lounge for C-level executives.

The FinTech Startup Village was a must-visit area, showcasing some of the most innovative fintech startups in Europe. Several emerging companies, specializing in AI-driven financial advisory, blockchain-based payments, and RegTech solutions, presented their groundbreaking products.

A standout initiative was the Women in Finance Roundtable, which focused on fostering greater gender diversity in leadership roles within the financial industry. Featuring influential female leaders from Citi, JPMorgan, and Monzo, the discussion encouraged actionable steps towards inclusivity and representation. Publicis Sapient also hosted a networking session on Celebrating Women in Finance.

Exhibition & Innovation Showcase

The exhibition hall was bustling with activity, featuring booths from major players like IBM, Microsoft, Accenture, and Salesforce, as well as FinTech disruptors showcasing cutting-edge solutions. Attendees had the opportunity to experience hands-on product demos, including AI-powered chatbots, biometric authentication for secure banking, and blockchain-based smart contract platforms.

One of the most talked-about innovations was Quantum Computing in Financial Services, presented by IBM. Experts explored how quantum computing could enhance complex financial modelling, risk analysis, and fraud detection, potentially transforming the industry in the next decade.

Key Takeaways & Industry Impact

MoneyLIVE Summit reaffirmed its reputation as a forward-thinking, insightful event that brings together the brightest minds in finance and technology. Some of the key takeaways included:

• AI is mainstream – Banks and fintech firms must embrace AI-driven solutions to enhance customer experience and operational efficiency.
• Payments are evolving rapidly – With open banking, digital wallets, and real-time payments on the rise, banks need to innovate or risk being left behind.
• Cybersecurity remains a top priority – With increased digital transactions, fraud prevention and regulatory compliance are more critical than ever.
• Sustainability cannot be ignored – ESG-focused financial strategies are no longer optional but a necessity for long-term growth and investor confidence.
• Embedded Finance is the future – Traditional banks and fintechs must collaborate to integrate financial services seamlessly into everyday life.

MoneyLIVE: The Verdict

MoneyLIVE Summit 2025 lived up to expectations, delivering a stellar combination of thought leadership, cutting-edge technology showcases and unparalleled networking opportunities. For professionals in banking, payments, fintech, or regulatory compliance, this event provided invaluable insights into the industry’s trajectory.

The only potential downside? With so many high-quality sessions running simultaneously, attendees had to make tough choices about which discussions to prioritise. However, the availability of on-demand session recordings meant that all the key insights attendees need were available.

With an impressive lineup of speakers, a strong focus on industry trends, and excellent networking opportunities, MoneyLIVE Summit remains a must-attend event for financial professionals looking to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.