Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

16 December 2025

Estimated Read time

6Mins

FinTech Connect was a crossroads for strategy and execution. Global banks, FinTech challengers, regulators and investors gathered to define 2026 priorities, debate operational challenges and benchmark technology roadmaps.

A Decade of Fintech Innovation

FinTech Connect marked its 10th anniversary at ExCeL London. Drawing 5,000+ industry professionals, 140+ speakers and 100+ exhibitors to explore banking, payments, compliance, digital transformation and blockchain innovation. The co-location with Tokenize: LDN brought deeper coverage of tokenisation and digital-asset infrastructure alongside core FinTech topics.

AI in Fintech: From Vision to Practice

A theme threaded through almost every theatre was AI adoption in financial services. But unlike earlier years’ speculative hype, this edition focused on practical deployment and risk management.

One standout panel, “GenAI That Customers Can Trust: The One Zero Digital Banker Story,” shared how One Zero built responsible generative AI features tailored for banking workflows, emphasising transparency and user trust. Industry leaders underscored that explainability, governance and compliance are no longer optional in enterprise AI.

A direct follow-on session, “How Do We Make AI Responsible in Practice?”, featured Rajeev Chakraborty from the Home Office discussing model governance and ethical safeguards for operational AI—an area rapidly becoming central to CIO and risk officer agendas.

Across both days, panels also explored how AI can reduce backlog in financial institutions, with Santander UK’s Head of AI demonstrating measurable impact on operational efficiency, and tackling tech debt at scale—a perennial challenge heightened by the influx of automation projects.

Key takeaway: AI’s role has shifted from emerging trend to core enterprise infrastructure, but success now hinges on responsible implementation, observable outcomes, and regulatory alignment.

Digital Transformation & Core Banking Strategies

Transforming legacy systems was another anchor topic. The Digital Transformation stage hosted robust discussions around neobanks and challenger strategies, with executives from TSB Bank and HSBC highlighting how incumbents are adopting agile ways of working while balancing risk and customer expectations.

The session “All In on Legacy? Driving Time to Market Without Big-Bang Migrations” resonated with many practitioners: incremental modernisation beats wholesale lift-outs when prioritising stability and customer continuity.

Another practical highlight, “Engineering Productivity Measurement: Traditional Bank to UK’s Largest Fintech,” narrated the journey of building measurable engineering benchmarks to align business goals and product delivery.

Key takeaway: Attendees left with a reinforced understanding that successful transformation blends cultural shift, incremental modernization, and strategic tech investment—not hurried replacement of core systems.

RegTech & Ethical Compliance: Balancing Innovation with Governance

RegTech, Compliance & Security sessions tackled the tension between rapid innovation and tightening regulatory guardrails—a debate central to fintech scaling.

A standout session titled “Ethical AI in Regulatory Technology: Balancing Innovation & Compliance” featured voices from governance, compliance and data-ethics functions. Panelists discussed strategies for embedding fairness, bias mitigation and traceability into machine-assisted workflows—a crucial step for institutions deploying automated decisioning.

Another forward-looking talk, “How Quantum Innovation Will Redefine Regulatory Operations,” examined how future computing paradigms could reshape compliance tooling and data verification—but also stressed the need to prepare today’s infrastructure for tomorrow’s disruptions.

Key takeaway: Compliance isn’t just a cost centre; speakers argued that robust RegTech can be a competitive advantage, reducing risk while enabling faster scaling.

PayTech & eCommerce: Securing the Digital Commerce Era

The PayTech & eCommerce stage delivered insights on securing payment flows and shaping the next wave of commerce innovation.

In “Emerging Global Tech Trends in Payments & Cash Management,” HSBC’s payment leaders unpacked how real-time rails and open APIs are influencing cross-border flows. Fintech Connect 2025

The panel “Transforming Payment Security with AI” brought together payment experts and academics to examine fraud detection innovations—AI-enabled risk scoring, adaptive authentication and cooperative intelligence sharing—as a defence against evolving threats. Fintech Connect 2025

A later session on “Tackling Cyber Threats in a New Era of Digital Payments,” addressed real-time threat detection, third-party risk and securing complex ecosystems, underscoring cybersecurity’s front-and-centre role for digital commerce. Fintech Connect 2025

Key takeaway: Payments remain fertile ground for innovation, but trust and security are foundational determinants of user adoption and ecosystem resilience.

Tokenisation & Blockchain: Institutional Pathways Ahead

The Tokenize: LDN co-located stage brought in robust debate around real-world asset (RWA) tokenization and Web3 infrastructure—not as fringe buzzwords, but as emerging institutional tools.

Panels like “Bridging the RWA Infrastructure Gap” unpacked regulatory friction points and scaling challenges, highlighting custody risk, compliance complexity and standardisation needs—critical prerequisites to institutional adoption.

Another session on “Expanding Investment Opportunities With Fractional Ownership” featured cross-sector thought leaders, including Dr Lisa Cameron (MP & Crypto APPG Chair), exploring how tokenised assets can democratise access to traditionally illiquid markets.

Web3 panels examined trust, privacy and compliance in blockchain ecosystems and navigated the practicalities of smart contracts and decentralised identities—topics that are rapidly gaining traction with enterprise adopters.

A key session, titled Blockchain and CBDCs: At the Heart of Public Transformation? featured NatWest’s Head of Group Payment Strategy Lee McNabb, EY’s Emerging Tech & Innovation Leader Igor Mikhalev and Joy Adams, COO for Digital Assets at Deutsche Bank. A lively debate chaired by CommerzBank’s Poonam Ahuja examined the pros and cons of digital currencies and the rise of stablecoins.

Key takeaway: Tokenisation is still nascent, but panels stressed it’s transitioning into a practical institutional infrastructure conversation, with regulatory clarity and integration tooling cited as catalysts for broader uptake.

Startup Innovation & Demo Highlights

The Innovation & Start Up stage and Start-Up LaunchPad provided rapid-fire exposure to emerging companies pushing the frontier.

Live demos included:

  • DaMoney.ai, showcasing AI-guided compliance workflows;
  • Narrative, an AI-native engagement platform for SMEs;
  • Profylr, offering comprehensive consumer duty landscapes analytics;
  • 3AI, demonstrating self-learning investment intelligence models.

These sessions were among the most interactive parts of the show, with founders directly answering questions on integration, compliance and product-market fit.

Key takeaway: Startups revealed solutions that dovetail with enterprise needs—especially around AML automation, customer engagement and data orchestration—making them compelling partners for larger financial services buyers.

Networking, Community & Celebration

FinTech Connect didn’t just deliver talks; it facilitated dense networking across peer groups, investors, regulators and tech leads. The AI-powered networking app helped attendees pre-book conversations and tailor agendas, turning serendipity into structured discovery.

The 10th anniversary celebration—complete with drinks, a Christmas Market theme and live entertainment—reinforced the community aspect and capped the event on a high note.

Conclusion: A Hard-Working Fintech Forum

FinTech Connect 2025 proved to be more than a conference—it was a strategic inflection point. While technology and vendor showcases were abundant, it was the panel debates and operational talks that delivered the most actionable insight. Attendees departed with:

  • A clearer view of AI adoption roadmaps;
  • Practical frameworks for RegTech and compliance transformation;
  • Nuanced understanding of payments security and real-time rails;
  • Emerging tokenisation playbooks suitable for institutional pilots.

As FinTech leaders prepare 2026 budgets and technology plans, FinTech Connect has reaffirmed itself as a must-attend forum where strategy, innovation and regulation intersect—and where the next decade of financial services will continue to take shape.

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech
  • Blockchain & Crypto
  • Events
  • Host Perspectives
  • InsurTech
  • Neobanking

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

4 September 2025

Estimated Read time

5Mins

The Financial Transformation Summit (FTS), presented by MoneyNext, took place June 18-19 2025 at London’s ExCeL Centre, Royal Victoria Dock. With over 2,000 attendees, 300+ speakers, and 400 roundtables, it stood out as one of the most immersive and interactive events in the financial services calendar.

FinTech Strategy hit the conference floor at the heart of the action delivering insights from experts across Banking, Insurance, Wealth, and Lending at Financial Transformation Summit (FTS).

Financial Transformation Summit attendees from banking, insurance, wealth, lending, fintech, consultancy, and regulatory sectors convened for two days packed with keynotes, panel talks, immersive demos, and networking among 60+ exhibitors and startups.

Co-located streams – Banking, Insurance, Wealth, and Lending part of themed zones – meant that ticket-holders could explore adjacent sectors fluidly across a guiding theme: culture, collaboration, and customer centricity driving tech adoption and transformation.

Programme Highlights

Keynotes & Panels

1. Data Silos & Cross‑Institutional Collaboration

A panel featuring senior leaders from EVLO, Aon, Schroders, and Brit Insurance tackled how institutions – despite collectively spending over $33 billion annually on data – still struggle to collaborate due to privacy concerns and regulation. Innovative solutions included federated learning, anonymised client IDs and consent-backed APIs.

2. Digital Insurance via Wallets

Anna Bojic (Miss Moneypenny Technologies) unveiled a fresh take on insurance – embedding policy and claim data into Apple/Google Wallets. The idea: dynamic customer interaction directly from smartphone wallets, enhancing real‑time engagement and retention.

3. ESG Economics & Market Reality

Marc Kahn (Investec) challenged ESG orthodoxy, urging firms to emphasise human and planetary wellbeing – beyond purely financial returns – to capture stakeholder trust and sustainable growth.

4. People & Psychological Safety

Kirsty Watson (Aberdeen Group) and Vikki Allgood (Fidelity International) underlined that technological investments are futile without organisational design and psychological safety. Allgood cited a McKinsey study revealing only 26% of leaders build teams with a sense of safety – a critical step toward innovation.

5. Human‑Centred AI

Monica Kalia (Planda AI) championed AI that models individual financial contexts – recognising diversity within demographic cohorts and personalizing services accordingly.

Roundtable Experiences at FTS

At the event’s heart were the TableTalk roundtables – 400+ small-group sessions, each led by a subject-matter expert. These were limited to six participants each, enabling deep, peer-led discussions on themes like:

  • AI in risk and compliance
  • Open banking integration
  • ESG data standards
  • Cyber resilience
  • Change management and culture adaptation

Attendees consistently praised their interactive nature – far removed from the stage‑focused “listening” format often critiqued at other conferences.

Demonstrations & Exhibitor Showcase

Over 60 exhibitors presented tech-driven innovations: Generative AI, open‑banking APIs, ESG reporting tools, embedded finance solutions, and more. A few standouts were:

  • CRIF highlighted AI-powered credit scoring with ESG overlays – promising dynamic risk assessments backed by sustainability data
  • Emerging FinTechs demoing AI compliance engines, digital wallet insurance packaging, and data-sharing platforms
  • Hyland demonstrated the intuitive end-user experience of its Hyland Content Innovation Cloud™ and showed how easy it is to configure, tailor and deploy solutions that can empower key stakeholders across any business

The demo zone allowed engaging, hands-on exploration and real-time Q&As; it complemented the content with practical insights.

Standout Themes & Strategic Insights

1. Tech is Not Enough Without Culture

Recurrent messaging emphasised that culture, trust, governance, and psychological safety are foundational – not secondary – to digital initiatives. Technology alone won’t deliver transformation without a people-first mindset.

2. Cross‑Sector Data Collaboration

Despite heavy investment, institutions still operate in silos. Shared, secure infrastructure and regulatory-aligned frameworks are being prototyped, but broad adoption remains a work in progress.

3. AI-as-a-Personalisation Backbone

AI is shifting from automation to empathy. Organisations showcased tools to hyper-personalise offers yet maintain privacy and inclusion – moving beyond outdated demographic frameworks into genuine behavioural understanding.

4. Embedded Finance & Digital Wallets

Insurance via wallet applications and embedded finance models point to seamless customer journeys – less app hopping, more value delivered at the point of need.

5. Rebalancing ESG & Profit Metrics

Speakers emphasised integrating ESG factors into performance metrics – not just for compliance, but as an operative advantage anchored in long-term stability and stakeholder trust.

Who Should Attend FTS Next Year?

Ideal for:

  • Transformation and change leaders
  • CTOs, CIOs, and Heads of Innovation
  • Data and AI strategists
  • Operational and HR leaders focused on culture
  • FinTech innovators and solution providers

If you’re crafting digital transformation strategies, an attuned leader in financial services, or a consultant embedding tech in legacy environments, this summit provides rich, actionable content.

Expect next year’s event to build on this foundation:

  • More AI-specific tracks, possibly Generative AI streams
  • ESG deep-dives with case studies on implementation
  • Expanded regulator involvement around data governance and cross-border compliance

FTS: Final Verdict

Overall, the FTS 2025 delivered on its brand promise:

  • Interactive and inclusive: 400 roundtables empowered voices across levels.
  • Cross‑sector learning: Banking, Insurance, Wealth, and Lending streams offered both breadth and depth.
  • Insightful keynotes: Big ideas on AI, ESG, data-sharing, and culture were well-explored.
  • Real-world relevance: Exhibitor demos connected theory with practice.
  • Networking with purpose: Opportunities to engage, learn, and collaborate were abundant.

The Financial Transformation Summit struck a compelling balance between big-picture vision and granular, execution-level insight. It emphasised that while technology enables; culture, customer centricity and collaboration drive real progress. The format – with its roundtables, demos, and keynotes – offered a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange.

If you attended, chances are you left with practical next steps. If you didn’t, you missed one of the most interactive, future-focused events shaping financial services transformation today.

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech
  • Digital Payments
  • Embedded Finance
  • Events
  • Host Perspectives
  • InsurTech

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

5 June 2025

Estimated Read time

3Mins

The final day at Money20/20 Europe 2025 was packed with more insights on the future of FinTech, from banks to borderless innovation.

Money20/20 Conference Themes & Tracks

Money20/20 Europe 2025 is structured around four thematic content tracks:

  • Digital DNA – Exploring core infrastructure, platform strategies, and foundational technologies.
  • Embedded Intelligence – AI, machine learning, data strategies, and real-time analytics.
  • Beyond Fintech – Partnerships between fintechs and other sectors like retail, health, and climate.
  • Governance 2.0 – Regulation, digital identity, privacy, and ESG compliance.

Day three featured more impactful sessions across all four pillars, offering attendees more valuable insights and strategies for innovation.

Highlights from Key Sessions at Money20/20 Europe:

How to Create and Leverage FinBank Partnerships

The discussion focused on the evolution and success of FinTech partnerships with banks. Key points included the shift from transactional partnerships to more collaborative, value-driven relationships, emphasizing joint KPIs and product creation. 

Alex Johnson, Chief Payments Officer, Nium

“You really have to differentiate. You really have to stand out for a bank to say, ‘Yeah, I like what you offer enough to go through, six months of onboarding.’ Dare I say, maybe more.”

John Power, SVP, Head of JVs & AQaaS, Fiserv

“The legacy system, it’s a fact of life. They’re there. They’re pervasive. They’re going to be here for a long time, and banks historically have made huge investments in those platforms and systems. So I think both the challenge for the for the bank and the opportunity for the FinTech is, how do you at the front end of those legacy systems develop new products that can scale and that you can bring cross border easily and readily.”

Cecilia Tamez, Chief Strategy Officer, Dandelion Payments

 “It really is cutting the line to be able to deliver opportunity for customers and to be able to expand propositions for new customers.”

“The economic development supply chains shifting to low to middle income countries are incredibly important right now, and cross border payment rails have not been good in low middle income countries.”

Where Fintech goes Next: Tapping into Platforms and Verticals 

The discussion centred on the democratisation of financial services through embedded finance. The panel emphasised the importance of data quality, personalisation, and strategic partnerships in delivering seamless financial experiences – ultimately enhancing customer satisfaction and improving business efficiency.

Hiba Chamas, Growth Strategy Consultant – Independent

“Embedded finance is going to be defined by region and use cases.”

Amy Loh, Chief Marketing Officer – Pipe

“Small businesses don’t want to manage their business through a bunch of different tools that are stitched together. They’re looking to platforms to do everything for them and keep high end services.”

Zack Powers, VP Commercial & Operations – Mangopay

“Most platforms or merchants out there trying to diversify revenue, and they will get auxiliary revenue, or maybe get primary revenue through FinTech activity.”

The Neobanks Strike Back

​​In a dynamic exploration of neobanking’s evolution, Ali Niknam revealed bunq’s remarkable journey from a tech-driven startup to a sustainably profitable digital bank. By leveraging AI across every aspect of their operations, bunq has transformed traditional banking, reducing support times to mere seconds and creating a hyper-personalised user experience. Niknam emphasised the power of user-centricity, showing how innovative features like simple stock trading and multi-language support can democratise financial services.

The bank’s strategic approach – focusing on user needs rather than investor expectations – has enabled them to expand thoughtfully, with plans to enter the UK and US markets. By embracing technological change and maintaining a relentless commitment to solving real customer problems, bunq exemplifies the next generation of banking.

Ali Niknam, Founder & CEO, bunq


“Somewhere in the 70s, we let go of the gold standard, and now currencies are basically floating. The only reason why a dollar or a euro is worth what it’s worth is because of trust and perception. Philosophically, it’s very logical that we have found another abstraction layer by introducing stablecoin, which is not much else than a byte number that has a denomination currency as a backing asset that itself doesn’t have anything as a backing asset. A lot of people might ask, ‘Why would you need a stablecoin? We have euros. I go get a coffee, pay with Apple Pay or cash.’ But there are many countries on this planet where the local currency is not stable. If your country has an inflation rate of 30,000% like Zimbabwe, you would really love to use a different currency. The US dollar has been the currency of choice, but as a normal person, you cannot access the US dollar. A US dollar stablecoin that you can access by simply having a mobile phone – that’s going to be transformational for large groups of people.”

Innovating When Regulation Can’t Keep Up: Lessons from NASA 

Lisa Valencia covered an array of topics, from her 35 year career at NASA and Guinness World Record to the rise of private entities like SpaceX, which has launched 180 missions this year, and the increasing role of public-private partnerships in space exploration. The speaker also touched on international collaborations, particularly with the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency, and the potential for space tourism and colonization of the moon.

Lisa Valencia, Programme Manager/Electrical Engineer – Pioneering Space, LC (ex NASA)

“Back in the day, NASA got 4% of the national budget. Now it’s down to just 0.1%, so we’ve had to get creative with private partnerships. SpaceX is the perfect success story. They came to us in 2007 needing money after some rocket mishaps, and look at them now! From my balcony, I see their launches every other day. They’re planning 180 launches this year alone.Talk about a return on investment!” 

“We’re planning to colonise the South Pole on the moon. The idea is to extract water and hydrogen from the regolith—both for living there and for fuel.”

Scaling Internationally in 2025: Funding, Innovating, and Breaking into New Markets

The conversation focused on the growth and strategy of fintech companies, particularly those with a strong presence in Europe and the US. The panel featured Ingo Uytdehaage, CEO and co-founder of Adyen, and Alexandre Prot, CEO of Qonto. Both leaders expressed a preference for organic growth over acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of scaling efficiently before pursuing an IPO.

Ingo Uytdehaage, CEO and co-founder of Adyen

“I think an important part of scaling a company is not just thinking about your product, but also considering the markets you want to address, and how you ensure you become local in each country.”

“We realised over time that if we really want to bring the customers, we need to have the best licenses to operate. A banking license gives you a lot of flexibility.” 

“Being independent from other companies, other financial institutions, that gives you flexibility to build what your customers really want.”

“I think it’s very important, also in Europe, that we continue to be competitive. If you think about regulations and AI, we shouldn’t try to do things completely differently compared to the US.”

Alexandre Prot, CEO of Qonto

“We need to be very strict about tech integration and avoiding legacy which slows us down.”

“We still need to scale a lot before we have a successful IPO. A few team members are working on it and getting the company ready for it. But, the most important thing is just scaling efficiently in the business, and maybe an IPO would be welcome in a couple of years.”

Putting The F in Fintech

The panel discussion focused on the role of women in FinTech based on personal experiences.

Iana Dimitrova, CEO, OpenPayd

“At times, being underestimated is helpful, because if you’re seen as the competition, driving an agenda is becoming more difficult. So what I found, actually, over a period, is that bringing your emotional intelligence, leaving the ego outside of the outside of the room, and just focusing on execution is is incredibly helpful.” 

Megan Cooper, CEO & Founder, Caywood

“The moment we start defining ourselves as like a female leader or a female entrepreneur, you almost kind of put yourself in a bit of a box. And so I think just seeing yourself on an equal playing field and then operating it on an equal playing field and interacting in that way is quite advantageous.”

“We can’t just want diversity and hope it happens. We actually have to be intentional about creating it.”

Valerie Kontor, Founder, Black in Fintech

“Black women make up 1.6% over the FinTech workforce, but when we look at the financial reality of black women by the age of 60, only 53% of black women have enough money in their bank account to retire. We need to start marrying people in FinTech and the people that we need to serve.”

Money20/20 Europe 2025 closed its doors but the next edition of the conference will return to Amsterdam from June 2–4, 2026, promising to continue the tradition of shaping the future of financial services…

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech
  • Blockchain & Crypto
  • Cybersecurity in FinTech
  • Digital Payments
  • Embedded Finance
  • Host Perspectives
  • InsurTech
  • Neobanking

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

4 June 2025

Estimated Read time

4Mins

Day two of Money20/20 Europe 2025 at RAI Amsterdam continued the momentum with a focus on digital assets, stablecoins, and…

Day two of Money20/20 Europe 2025 at RAI Amsterdam continued the momentum with a focus on digital assets, stablecoins, and the evolving regulatory landscape. The event attracts over 8,000 attendees, including FinTech leaders, investors, and policymakers, all eager to explore the future of finance.

Money20/20 Conference Themes & Tracks

Money20/20 Europe 2025 is structured around four thematic content tracks:

  • Digital DNA – Exploring core infrastructure, platform strategies, and foundational technologies.
  • Embedded Intelligence – AI, machine learning, data strategies, and real-time analytics.
  • Beyond Fintech – Partnerships between fintechs and other sectors like retail, health, and climate.
  • Governance 2.0 – Regulation, digital identity, privacy, and ESG compliance.

Day two featured more impactful sessions across all four pillars, offering attendees further valuable insights and strategies for innovation.

Highlights from Key Sessions at Money20/20 Europe:

Digital Wallets and Co-opetition

A standout session featured industry leaders from Fluency, Curve, PayPal, and BLIK discussing the competitive yet collaborative nature of Europe’s digital wallet ecosystem. The panel delved into how traditional financial institutions and FinTech startups are navigating partnerships and competition to enhance user experiences and expand market reach.

Africa’s Fintech Innovation

Another significant discussion spotlighted Africa’s role in global fintech innovation. Representatives from 500 Global, Tech Safari, and Moniepoint highlighted how African startups are leveraging technology to drive financial inclusion and create scalable solutions that could influence global markets.

Digital Assets

A standout session featured Waqar Chaudry, Head of Digital Assets for Financing & Securities Services at Standard Chartered. In a fireside chat titled “The Digital Assets Opportunity: How Banks Can Win at Web3,” Chaudry, alongside Sygnum Bank’s Aliya Das Gupta, delved into the evolving landscape of digital assets.

Chaudry highlighted Standard Chartered’s initiatives in digital asset custody, tokenisation, and the launch of tokenised money market funds. Furthermore, he discussed the development of stablecoin solutions aimed at improving liquidity and settlement times. Chaudry underscored the importance of banks adopting robust digital asset strategies to meet growing client demands and navigate the complex regulatory environment. Drawing from his regulatory background at the Abu Dhabi Global Market, Chaudry provided a unique perspective on balancing innovation with compliance.

WealthTech Evolution

Leaders from Raisin, Upvest, and PensionBee explored the transformation of wealth management through AI and APIs. The panel emphasised the importance of personalised financial services and the integration of technology to meet the evolving needs of consumers.

Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs)

A fireside chat with officials from the European Central Bank and the Bank of England provided insights into the development of the digital euro and pound. The discussion covered technical challenges, regulatory considerations, and the potential impact of CBDCs on the financial ecosystem.

Navigating the Evolving Cyber Threat Landscape

The financial services sector faces an unprecedented convergence of threats with sophisticated cyber attacks and the rise of new technologies… Recorded Future CEO Christopher Ahlberg assessed the evolving threat landscape and strategies for building secure digital ecosytems. He was joined by In Security CEO Jane Frankland and Mastercard EVP Johan Gerber

Networking, Partnerships, and Brand Activations at Money20/20

Notable Announcements:

  • Money20/20 and FXC Intelligence Report: A collaborative report titled “How Will Europe’s Money Move in the Future?” was released, offering insights into the future of European cross-border payments and the impact of emerging technologies.
  • Policy Exchange Roundtables: Money20/20 introduced focused roundtable discussions involving central banks, regulators, and industry leaders to address critical regulatory challenges in the digital financial landscape

Day two of Money20/20 Europe 2025 underscored the dynamic interplay between traditional financial institutions and emerging FinTech innovations. Discussions on digital assets, stablecoins, and regulatory frameworks highlighted the industry’s commitment to embracing change while ensuring stability and compliance. The second day underscored the event’s role as a catalyst for innovation, collaboration, and growth within the fintech industry. As the conference progresses, stakeholders remain focused on shaping a resilient and inclusive financial future.

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech
  • Digital Payments
  • Embedded Finance
  • Host Perspectives
  • Neobanking

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

3 June 2025

Estimated Read time

6Mins

Money20/20 Europe 2025 opened its doors to a full-capacity audience at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam. Bringing together the…

Money20/20 Europe 2025 opened its doors to a full-capacity audience at the RAI Convention Centre in Amsterdam. Bringing together the world’s leading innovators, institutions, investors, and influencers from across the fintech and financial services spectrum. With more than 8,000 delegates from over 2,300 companies in attendance, the opening day set a high-energy, insight-rich tone for the rest of the week.

“Money Morning Live”

The day kicked off with “Money Morning Live”. A signature fast-paced keynote session hosted by Tracey Davies (President of Money20/20), Scarlett Sieber, and Zachary Anderson Pettet. The morning show served as a pulse check for the industry. Combining thought leadership with entertainment to engage both newcomers and veterans.

Rahul Patil, CTO of Stripe, delivered a keynote on AI’s role in payments infrastructure. Highlighting how machine learning is now essential for fraud detection, customer service, and onboarding. He emphasised AI should not merely be viewed as an efficiency tool, but as a strategic pillar to create personalised user experiences. And deliver scalable innovation across markets.

David Sandstrom, CMO at Klarna, reflected on the Swedish FinTech giant’s evolution, particularly its use of generative AI for customer engagement and internal operations. Sandstrom noted Klarna’s AI assistant, which now handles two-thirds of its customer queries globally, has dramatically improved both customer satisfaction and cost efficiency.

Money20/20 Conference Themes & Tracks

Money20/20 Europe 2025 is structured around four thematic content tracks:

  • Digital DNA – Exploring core infrastructure, platform strategies, and foundational technologies.
  • Embedded Intelligence – AI, machine learning, data strategies, and real-time analytics.
  • Beyond Fintech – Partnerships between fintechs and other sectors like retail, health, and climate.
  • Governance 2.0 – Regulation, digital identity, privacy, and ESG compliance.

Day one featured impactful sessions across all four pillars, offering attendees valuable insights and strategic foresight.

Highlights from Key Sessions at Money20/20 Europe:

Open Banking & Payment Rails

“Putting the Bank Back in Open Banking Payments”, saw speakers from Token.io, Santander, and BNP Paribas examine how banks are reclaiming relevance in the open banking conversation. While FinTechs initially led the charge, the panel noted banks now play a crucial role in building trusted, interoperability, and high-volume “pay by bank” solutions. The debate touched on customer adoption hurdles, PSD3’s role in shaping future APIs, and the monetisation challenges still plaguing the open banking model.

Card Issuance at Scale

In a fireside chat led by Thredd’s President Jim McCarthy, representatives from Railsr, Worldpay, Flagship Advisory, and Caxton discussed the complexities of issuing card programs globally. The group addressed fragmentation across regulatory environments. Especially in regions like LATAM and Asia-Pacific. They urged the need for programmatic flexibility, local compliance, and better BIN management. The panel agreed that the future of card issuing lies in seamless orchestration between platforms, banks, and third-party fintechs.

Agentic AI: Ready for Prime Time?

A standout session focused on the concept of Agentic AI — autonomous agents capable of completing financial tasks without manual prompts. Industry leaders from NVIDIA, bunq, and Visa debated how ready the financial services sector truly is for deploying such systems. While the technology is progressing rapidly, concerns around regulatory clarity, model interpretability, and risk frameworks remain.

NVIDIA’s Head of Financia Technology, Jochen Papenbrock, stressed the need to democratise access to compute infrastructure. And bunq’s AI evangelist, Ali El Hassouni, showcased how the challenger bank is testing semi-autonomous agents in customer support workflows. Meanwhile, Visa SVP for Products & Solutions, Mathieu Altwegg, emphasised the importance of embedding guardrails in agentic systems to ensure ethical AI practices. Especially in credit scoring and wealth advisory roles.

Scaling AI Across the Enterprise

A collaborative session featuring leaders from Stripe, Starling Bank, AWS, and Swift delved into the challenges of scaling AI initiatives beyond prototypes. The discussion spotlighted the importance of clean, real-time data pipelines, strong governance structures, and cross-functional collaboration between engineering, data science, and compliance teams.

Networking, Partnerships, and Brand Activations at Money20/20

Notable announcements:

Beyond the conference rooms, the exhibition floors buzzed with product demos, startup pitches, and impromptu huddles among VC firms, banks, and emerging FinTechs. Exhibitors such as Plaid, Adyen, Marqeta, and Fireblocks showcased new tools for embedded finance, real-time treasury management, and blockchain settlement.

  • Wise teased a new enterprise FX tool tailored for SMEs.
  • Checkout.com introduced an AI-enhanced fraud prevention dashboard.
  • Avalanche Foundation launched an initiative to bring blockchain-based micro-insurance products to underserved markets in Eastern Europe.

Stablecoin News: Institutional Interest Accelerates

A particularly significant development emerged around stablecoins, with clear signals that regulated, bank-issued digital currencies are entering a new phase of maturity:

  • U.S. Megabanks Signal Joint Stablecoin Initiative
    Executives from JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Citigroup confirmed that initial groundwork has begun on a joint U.S. dollar-denominated stablecoin, subject to the passage of the pending GENIUS Act (Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins).
    The stablecoin aims to offer faster, cheaper cross-border settlement and programmable liquidity for enterprise clients. Bank leaders emphasized that this would complement, not replace, traditional banking rails.
  • Ripple Expands in the UAE
    In a regional announcement, Zand Bank and fintech firm Mamo revealed a partnership with Ripple, using its blockchain infrastructure to enable real-time, low-cost cross-border remittances. This move, anchored in the UAE’s pro-digital asset stance, aligns with broader ambitions to make the country a hub for regulated digital currencies.
  • Institutional Stablecoin Custody
    Panels featuring speakers from Fireblocks, Anchorage Digital, and Circle addressed the evolving role of stablecoins in treasury operations and FX management. There was widespread agreement that tokenised cash equivalents, including USDC and EURC, are increasingly being used for short-term settlement and yield farming, particularly in Asia and Europe.

These discussions signalled a broader institutional acceptance of stablecoins, with an emphasis on compliance, transparency, and integration into traditional finance rather than bypassing it.

Day one of Money20/20 Europe 2025 delivered on its promise of convening the brightest minds to create the future of finance. From headline-grabbing keynotes and deep-dive panels to global product launches and off-stage networking, the conference created a rich mix of thought leadership, practical innovation, and human connection.

Whether it was the evolution of AI in banking, the future of programmable money, or the balance between innovation and regulation, the discussions revealed a clear consensus: collaboration will define the next chapter of FinTech. Day two at Money20/20 promises even more, with upcoming sessions on decentralised finance, digital identity, and CBDCs.

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech
  • Digital Payments
  • Embedded Finance
  • Host Perspectives
  • Neobanking

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

21 March 2025

Estimated Read time

5Mins

InsurTech Insights Europe 2025: A Transformational Gathering for the Future of Insurance

InsurTech Insights Europe 2025, held on March 19-20 at the InterContinental London – the O2, reaffirmed its status as the premier conference for insurance technology professionals across the continent. Drawing more than 6,000 attendees from over 80 countries, the event brought together C-level executives, startup founders, investors, and tech leaders. They explored the evolving future of insurance powered by innovation and digital transformation.

Key Themes

With seven stages and over 400 speakers, the conference agenda was packed with compelling keynotes, forward-looking panel discussions, fireside chats, and practical workshops.

The overarching theme of the 2025 edition was crystal clear: artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer a futuristic concept, it’s the driving force behind today’s insurance innovation. Topics like automation, generative AI, claims transformation, underwriting analytics, embedded insurance, cyber security, and ESG all reflected a dynamic industry poised for rapid acceleration.

A Focus on Leadership & Diversity

One of the standout sessions was the panel discussion titled “The ROI of Gender Diversity: Breaking the Glass Ceiling for Women in Leadership”, held on the Purple Stage. Featuring high-level voices from Solera, unlock VC, and AXA XL, the panel addressed the often-overlooked yet crucial importance of gender diversity in executive roles. The discussion didn’t stop at raising awareness; it presented measurable business outcomes tied to diverse leadership and called for action to foster inclusivity across all levels of the industry.

Complementing this session was “The Women in Insurance Power Group Meet-up”, a networking event held at the Sky Bar on the 18th floor. Attendees not only connected over lunch but were also invited into an exclusive WhatsApp group, encouraging long-term collaboration and support among female leaders and allies in the space.

The Innovators Hub and the ITI Marquee: Where the Future Was Born

A major addition to this year’s conference was the debut of the ITI Marquee. A vibrant, purpose-built zone dedicated to showcasing bold ideas and startup brilliance. This space housed the Innovators Hub, which included its own dedicated Innovator’s Stage. Here, early-stage ventures and InsurTech pioneers pitched their solutions to panels of VCs, corporate innovation leads, and fellow founders.

This setting offered more than exposure, It cultivated real-time connections between startups and investors, giving many smaller players their first shot at meaningful partnerships or funding opportunities. The diversity of ideas, from AI-powered claims processors to data-driven risk models for climate insurance, reflected the industry’s hunger for next-gen solutions.

Keynote InsurTech Highlights

One of the most talked-about moments of the event came from Daniel Schreiber, CEO and Co-Founder of Lemonade, whose opening keynote explored how AI can dramatically enhance customer experience in insurance. He challenged the audience to rethink not just how insurance is sold or serviced, but why it’s offered. And how technology can transform its social impact.

Another crowd favourite was the session on “The Path to Embedded Insurance”, which unpacked how insurance products are increasingly being bundled into digital ecosystems like ecommerce platforms, mobility apps, and smart home technologies. This wasn’t just a hype piece. Real-world case studies from European neobanks and auto insurers illustrated how embedded models are already driving customer growth and retention.

Among the compelling keynotes on the Main Stage, Sofia Kyriakopoulou, a Fintech Strategy AI Champion and Group Chief Data & Analytics Officer at SCOR, revealed how GenAI innovation at one of the world’s largest reinsurers is transcending the realm of proof of concepts to become fully productive.

InsurTech Deep Dives: AI, Data & Digital Claims

Sessions throughout the week made it clear that AI is at the forefront of virtually every area of insurance operations. Whether it was applied in predictive underwriting, fraud detection, or personalised customer engagement, companies are looking to AI not just for marginal gains but foundational transformation.

A standout workshop on AI in Claims Automation included live demos from startups using computer vision and NLP to automate damage assessment. Meanwhile, a session on Data-Driven Underwriting shared how insurers are replacing traditional risk proxies with real-time data streams, from wearables to smart meters.

Cybersecurity was another hot topic, with insurers discussing how to build resilient cyber products in the face of increasing digital threats and regulatory complexity.

Global Meets Local: The Power of Diversity

Although a European event at heart, the conference had a distinctly global flair. Speakers came from the U.S., Singapore, Brazil, South Africa, and the Middle East. They brought diverse perspectives on shared challenges such as climate change, digital regulation, and consumer trust.

Simultaneously, European startups shone on stage. Companies from the UK, Nordics, DACH, and Benelux presented innovative, often niche solutions for localised market challenges—from parametric crop insurance to real-time mobility coverage.

Trade Exhibition & Brand Visibility

The exhibition floor was a hive of activity, featuring booths from established players like Munich Re, Swiss Re, Guidewire, Duck Creek, and Cognizant, alongside vibrant startup showcases. Product demos, swag giveaways, and live challenges kept engagement high and made it easy for brands to stand out.

The conference proved to be a golden opportunity for brand elevation, allowing companies to position themselves as thought leaders or rising disruptors in front of an incredibly curated audience.

InsurTech Insights Europe: The Verdict

The closing remarks from Kristoffer Lundberg, CEO of InsurTech Insights, captured the spirit of the event:

“It’s a privilege for us to gather together the sharpest minds in the industry to discuss the role of AI in insurance. The direction and impact of these technologies will shape the space for decades to come.”

Indeed, InsurTech Insights Europe 2025 wasn’t just a conference, it was a strategic gathering. A melting pot of ideas and a launchpad for the next generation of insurance products and platforms. Attendees walked away not just with new business cards, but with fresh ideas, collaborative leads, and the motivation to drive innovation within their own organisations.

As the insurance industry continues to evolve amid mounting global challenges and rapidly advancing tech, this event served as a timely and energising reminder… The future is not something to wait for—it’s something to build, together.

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech
  • Host Perspectives
  • InsurTech

Author

Dan Brightmore

Published

17 March 2025

Estimated Read time

6Mins

MoneyLIVE Summit 2025: A stellar combination of thought leadership, cutting-edge technology showcases and unparalleled networking opportunities

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.

  • Artificial Intelligence in FinTech
  • Digital Payments
  • Embedded Finance
  • Host Perspectives