The Latest Trends at FinovateFall 2025 May Not Be the Ones You Think

The Latest Trends at FinovateFall 2025 May Not Be the Ones You Think

We’ll have 60+ demos on stage at this year’s FinovateFall conference, taking place September 8 through 10 at the Marriott Marquis in New York. As always, the lineup blends first-time startups with established players, with all demos running on a single track. That concentrated view makes it easy to spot the patterns shaping bank roadmaps for the next 12 to 18 months.

To get a pulse on what trends lie ahead, we distilled common threads across this year’s demo companies. Below are the big themes to watch.

Agentic AI moves from pilots to production

If 2024 was about AI leveraging LLMs, 2025 is about agents that actually do the work. At FinovateFall 2025, we can expect live demos of AI agents that triage alerts, auto-draft responses, and fetch context across systems, with guardrails for compliance and trust. Look for Lyzr AI’s autonomous agents, WNSTN’s human-in-the-loop agents, Castellum.AI’s agents that clear L1 AML alerts, LemonadeLXP’s InsightAI for training and knowledge at scale, and Clarista’s productivity push.

Identity, authentication, and scam defense sharpen

Identity verification and step-up authentication continue to improve, especially now that they are paired with real-time scam and dispute tooling. Watch for ID-Pal, which combines identity verification and AML; Keyless, which offers passwordless biometrics replacing legacy OTP MFA; and LexisNexis Risk Solutions that will be showcasing IDVerse. AirKey leverages card rails to secure high-value transactions, while Charm Security and Quavo spotlight dynamic risk profiling and faster, more transparent dispute resolution.

Personalization and customer experience now come with measurable ROI

Technology to improve the customer experience is getting more predictive and robust. Vertice AI translates data into next-best-product recommendations, Mall IQ uses location intent for hyper-personalized engagement, WaveCX brings AI-powered support and documentation flows, and CollaborationRoom.ai re-creates the contact center virtually. Expect demos to quantify the increase in acquisition and retention.

Product launch without rip-and-replace

Banks want speed without having to completely take out their core. FintechOS will show how to create products and modernize experiences without swapping their core, ebankIT focuses on omni-channel orchestration, Chimney aligns data and automation to loan growth and digital engagement, and Appli adds AI-driven approvals and payment estimates.

Small business lending, portfolio growth, and risk ops

Small business lending remains a battleground in today’s post-COVID environment. Kaaj AI helps institutions deeply understand small-business needs and grow portfolios; Abacus unlocks the power of enterprise search to offer lenders valuable time savings and loan asset growth; and Conductiv uses data combined with AI to detect fraud, predict charge-offs, and safely increase approvals without lowering standards.

From wellness to wealth: deposits, planning, and advice

The wealthtech industry has accelerated from PFM technologies into engagement engines that grow not only balances, but also trust. Eko helps banks bring digital investing to everyone, BankingON’s Boucoup funnels parents and teens into new accounts, Gentreo meets families where they are with estate planning, and Zeplyn streamlines advisor workflows to help reduce manual tasks and surface growth opportunities.

What’s missing?

Two once-hot categories feel comparatively quieter on the demo stage this year:

  • Standalone AI as a theme
    Companies are no longer touting AI as a feature. This is not because the technology is absent, but because it’s everywhere. It’s baked into identity, customer experience, lending, operations, and training. This year, it is assumed that most solutions out there use AI. Companies now need to differentiate themselves by how outcomes are measured.
  • Consumer BNPL
    While BNPL is still growing, it is no longer cutting edge. These point-of-sale installments aren’t front-and-center like they were a few years ago.

FinovateFall isn’t just demos, but the demos offer a good preview of the storylines you’ll hear on stage: cybersecurity and financial crime, data-driven personalization, agentic AI in production, faster product launch without core swaps, and practical growth plays in deposits and SMB. We’ll see you in New York!


Photo by Alexandr Borecky

Meet the Headliners at FinovateFall 2025

Meet the Headliners at FinovateFall 2025

As summer winds down, it’s a good time to start looking ahead to FinovateFall. This year’s conference returns to the Marriott Marquis in Times Square, New York, from September 8 through 10 (register early to save!). With the event just over a month away, now is the time to lock in your travel plans and start mapping out your agenda.

Financial services continues to evolve rapidly, and this year’s keynote lineup reflects that urgency. From AI and customer experience to stablecoins and lending, these speakers will offer insights into where the industry is headed and how to stay ahead. Here’s a look at some of the voices you’ll hear on stage.

General session

Beth Haddock, Board Member and Global Policy Lead, Stablecoin Standard

Beth Haddock will take the stage at 4:20 PM on Monday, September 8 to explore how stablecoins are moving from the regulatory fringe to the strategic foundation of modern banking. With the GENIUS Act poised to redefine digital dollar issuance, Haddock will break down the operational, compliance, and competitive pressures facing banks and trust companies. From payments and custody to customer expectations, this session will spotlight what leaders need to know now as stablecoins become embedded in the financial ecosystem.

Jon Lakefish, Founder of the Lakefish Group

On Wednesday, September 10 at 9:45 AM, Jon Lakefish will examine how financial institutions can use AI to build customer trust and loyalty. In a world where technology drives personalization, Lakefish will share how banks can design AI-powered customer experiences that feel authentic and deliver long-term value.

Ben Feller, Partner at the Maslansky Partners

Also on Wednesday at 3:10 PM, Ben Feller, Partner at Maslansky + Partners and former Chief White House Correspondent for the Associated Press, will share his front-row view of presidential leadership and media. Drawing on six years covering Presidents George W. Bush and Barack Obama, Feller will offer a candid, behind-the-scenes look at high-stakes decision-making, communication strategy, and the power of narrative in moments that shaped history.

Industry Stage sessions

Yury Pukha, CEO of Intelligent Edge Consulting

At 10:50 AM on Wednesday, September 10, Yury Pukha will lead the AI industry stage with a deep dive into the current landscape of artificial intelligence in financial services. Drawing on insights from large-scale implementations, Pukha will explore what’s working, what’s not, and the critical lessons financial institutions must understand to scale AI successfully.

Stephanie Miracle, FedNow Client Specialist, Federal Reserve Financial Services

Also at 10:50 AM on Wednesday, September 10, on the Payments stage, Stephanie Miracle will tackle the evolution of real-time payments. As RTP and FedNow gain momentum, Miracle will discuss whether faster is always better and will also consider the challenges institutions face when building products on top of these instant payment rails.

Jason Mikula, Publisher, Fintech Business Weekly

On the Lending industry stage at 10:50 AM on Wednesday, September 10, Jason Mikula will share his perspective on the growing opportunity in small business lending. With demand for capital on the rise, Mikula will outline how financial institutions can effectively tap this market and deliver products that resonate with small business owners.

Nick Fok, Managing Partner, Erez Capital

At 12:05 PM on Wednesday, September 10, on the AI stage, Nick Fok will explore the rise of agentic AI and its potential to reshape financial services. As models become more autonomous and capable of making decisions, Fok will discuss what this shift means for innovation, risk, and the future of financial institutions.

Sarah Welch, Managing Director at Curinos

Also at 12:05 PM on Wednesday, September 10, Sarah Welch will join the Customer Experience industry stage to examine the power of brand distinctiveness. In a crowded marketplace, Welch will highlight how bold, differentiated branding is becoming a key driver of customer growth, and what it takes to stand out.

Ryan Miller, Vice President and Senior Counsel at the American Bankers Association

Rounding off the list, Ryan Miller will speak on the Open Banking stage at 12:05 PM on Wednesday, September 10. Miller will explore how open data could reshape the US banking landscape, what regulatory and strategic shifts are on the horizon, and why early movers stand to benefit the most.

These keynote and industry stage sessions offer timely insights from leaders at the forefront of innovation. Whether you’re focused on AI, payments, customer experience, or regulation, FinovateFall’s agenda is packed with ideas to inform your strategy and spark new thinking. Registration is now open! We look forward to seeing you in New York this September.

Breaking News: First Wave of Demos Announced for FinovateFall 2025

Breaking News: First Wave of Demos Announced for FinovateFall 2025

FinovateFall returns returns to New York this September with a best-in-class demo lineup. 

Over 60 companies will have just 7 minutes to show why they’re industry leaders and disruptors. And then you’ll decide who takes home the coveted Best of Show award. Make sure you’re there to see it!

Curated to reflect fintech’s state of play, this year’s demo lineup hits all the high notes for emerging tech. Here’s why to tune in: 

  • First impressions matter: Delight new customers with a personalized onboarding switch kit
  • Plant seeds early: Supercharge teens’ digital banking experience and deposit growth
  • Break the scam spell: Disrupt high-risk situations with AI trained on human vulnerabilities and exploit techniques 
  • Strike (more) gold: Automate 90% of client interactions to manage (and build) even more wealth
  • Mine your data: Transform scattered data into an intelligent ecosystem with more opportunities for growth and automation 
  • Raise your shields: Combat the rising tide of deepfakes and synthetic identities without customer inconvenience
  • Help them nest: Nurture first-time homebuyers from curiosity to closing with a personalized journey

And here’s who you’ll meet:

Are you a fintech or tech company? Demo applications are still open—if you’re working on something new and groundbreaking in fintech, apply now.

Are you a financial institution, venture capitalist, or another leader in the finserv space? Early-bird delegate passes expire THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 13. Register today!

Rewatch the Top Demos from FinovateSpring 2025

Rewatch the Top Demos from FinovateSpring 2025

Earlier this month, 42 companies took the stage at FinovateSpring in San Diego, showcasing their latest and greatest fintech solutions. Now, it’s your turn to experience the action. The demo videos from the event are live! So, whether you joined us in person or missed the event, you can now watch every presentation on demand, for free.

The best way to dive into the 42 videos, which total nearly five hours of content, is to watch the six Best of Show videos from the conference.


Bits of Stock

Finalytics

Herd Security

Illuma

Penny Finance

Solda.ai

Thanks to all of the demo companies for making this a fantastic event! You won’t want to miss our next event, FinovateFall, which is taking place September 8 through 10 in New York. The earlier you register, the more you save.

Beyond the Demos: Why You Can’t Miss FinovateSpring 2025’s Content Sessions

Beyond the Demos: Why You Can’t Miss FinovateSpring 2025’s Content Sessions

At FinovateSpring 2025, taking place May 7 through 9, the excitement doesn’t end with the live demos on stage during the first two days of the conference. In addition to a star-studded keynote lineup and a full afternoon of topic-specific breakout sessions on Friday, attendees can look forward to a carefully curated selection of engaging panel discussions and executive briefings led by some of the sharpest minds in financial services and fintech.

Tickets for FinovateSpring are available now! Visit our registration page today and take advantage of early-bird savings.

Here’s a preview of what’s in store:

Beyond Financial Inclusion: How Can Banks Capture the Huge Growth Opportunity Offered by This New Customer Base?

In this panel, moderated by Jim Perry, Senior Strategist at Market Insights, the audience will discover how banks can move beyond traditional notions of financial inclusion and tap into the enormous growth potential of underserved markets. This session will explore strategies to authentically connect with and serve new customer segments.

AI-Driven Profitability in Financial Services: How Banks and Fintechs Are Unlocking New Revenue Streams and Cost Efficiencies

In this 90-minute session, which is hosted by VASS Intelegyz and moderated by Julie Muhn, Senior Research Analyst at Finovate, will showcase how AI can transform core financial operations, with real-world strategies for aligning AI with business goals and scaling from pilots to production. Practical, no-nonsense insights await.

Please note that this is an exclusive, invitation-only briefing for banks and financial institutions. If you are in that category and are interested in participating, please email [email protected].

Power Panel: Getting Beyond the Hype: How Can Financial Services Providers Harness AI, GenAI, and Agentic AI to Make or Save Money?

Moderated by Jason Henrichs, CEO at Alloy Labs, this session looks into AI in banking. It is everywhere— but how can banks and fintechs really turn it into profit? The panel will cut through the buzzwords to reveal how financial services providers can capitalize on AI’s real opportunities.

Analyst All Stars: How Financial Services Have Been Changed Forever

The Analyst All Stars Session is always one of the most popular sessions at the event! This year’s session features analysts from Cornerstone Advisors, Curinos, CCG Catalyst Consulting, and Fingerprint. The experts will bring their own, unique insights on the shifts redefining banking technology, digital content strategies, and customer onboarding.

The Coming Storm for Community Banks: How Can They Find a Path to Change and Compete in the New Digital World?

This executive briefing, moderated by Jason Henrichs, CEO at Alloy Labs, tackles how community banks can navigate digital disruption, adapt quickly, and carve out competitive advantages.

Power Panel: As Embedded Finance Expands Beyond Banking, How Can FIs Capture the Opportunity That Could Generate Over $100B in Revenue?

Moderated by Phil Goldfeder, CEO at American Fintech Council (AFC), this panel will explore how embedded finance is reshaping the industry—and what banks need to do now to get ahead of the curve.

Power Panel: As Fraud Threats Continue to Evolve, How Can All Players Collaborate to Safeguard Customer Assets and Company Reputations?

This power panel, which is moderated by Jas Randhawa, Managing Partner at StrategyBRIX, will look at how collaboration is key as fraud threats escalate. This session will explore how technologies like regtech, GenAI, and digital identity can help defend the financial ecosystem.

Power Panel: The CX Revolution: How Financial Services Providers Can Compete in a Hyper-Personalized World

This session, moderated by Tanvi Lal, Investor at Intuit Ventures, will explain how top financial brands are reinventing customer experience (CX) to meet consumers at their point of need—and what lessons they can steal from big tech.

Power Panel: Balancing the Balance Sheet: How Can Banks Win the Battle for Deposits?

Moderated by Mary Miklethun, Senior Vice President at U.S. Bank, this power panel will offer strategies for banks to win (and keep) customer funds in a competitive market in which deposits are under pressure.

Investor All Stars: Are We Going to See a Sustained Fintech Boom?

The Investor All Stars session is notoriously popular with fintechs looking to form and maintain relationships with venture capitalists, as well as banks interested in keeping tabs on funding and valuations. Moderated by Kris Cole, Managing Director at Prosek Partners, this session will offer insight into an investor’s perspective on what’s going on in fintech and banking.


Whether you’re looking to deepen your understanding of AI, explore new growth channels, or get ahead of trends like embedded finance and CX, these sessions offer invaluable opportunities to gain fresh insights and connect with industry leaders.

Secure your spot now and make the most of your FinovateSpring 2025 experience.

FinovateEurope 2025 Kicks Off Tomorrow: Last-Minute Details You Need to Know

FinovateEurope 2025 Kicks Off Tomorrow: Last-Minute Details You Need to Know

We are just hours away from the launch of FinovateEurope 2025. Launching tomorrow and running through February 26, this year’s event is taking place at the Intercontinental O2 in London.

There’s still time to register, so sign up today to secure your spot! If you’re already registered, here are the last-minute details you’ll need to know:

Stay connected:

  • Download the ConnectMe app and create your profile to start networking, set your schedule, and view the agenda.
  • Follow #FinovateEurope on LinkedIn and Twitter for live updates and key takeaways.

Event logistics:

  • The Leaders+ VIP banking session (by invitation only) begins tonight at 6pm.
  • Registration opens at 8:15 am tomorrow morning — grab your badge early to avoid the queue!
  • Enjoy a light breakfast and networking before the general session begins.
  • The general session begins promptly at 9 am, so plan ahead and find your seat early.
  • On Wednesday, February 26, the sessions begin at 9am. Don’t forget your badge.

Key highlights:

  • The Best of Show winners will be announced during the evening cocktail reception, which starts at 5:25 on February 25.
  • The event closes with one of our most popular sessions, the Investor All Stars panel, which begins at 4:15. Be sure to stick around!

Final reminders:

  • Bring your badge each day — you’ll need it for entry!
  • Plan your travel time to the venue, especially if you’re commuting or taking public transport.
  • Dress code: Business casual to business formal. Be comfortable, but ready to make an impression.
  • Need help? Stop by the registration desk or find a Finovate team member for assistance.

We are thrilled to bring you this year’s event, as it’s shaping up to be one of the biggest to-date!

Explore 2025’s Embedded Finance Opportunities at FinovateEurope

Explore 2025’s Embedded Finance Opportunities at FinovateEurope

Its 2025, and while the concept of embedded finance is not new, it continues to evolve, offering fresh opportunities for growth. Embedded finance is making it easier for consumers and businesses to interact with financial services companies by helping to streamline payments, offer in-app credit, and provide insurance offerings within apps. Ultimately, embedded finance is creating convenience and efficiency for both end users and the financial institutions themselves. However, as this sector matures, so too do the complexities surrounding competition, partnerships, and regulatory compliance.

At this year’s FinovateEurope event, taking place February 25 through 26 in London (book now to save!), we’re bringing in experts to discuss a wide range of pressing topics impacting banks and fintechs across the globe. And since embedded finance is still high on the list of hot trends this year, we are featuring two sessions dedicated to exploring opportunities in the space.

In our executive briefing titled, “How financial institutions can capture the huge opportunity of embedded finance & embedded banking in both retail & commercial banking,” the panel will look at opportunities for banks to expand their distribution footprint, the role of non-banks, competition, risk, and more. Panelists include:

  • Rashee Pandey, Associate Director of Membership and Growth at Innovate Finance
  • Sadeque Ahmed, Executive Director of Product Management at J.P. Morgan
  • Vivien Cheung, Head of Financial Partnerships EMEA at Airwallex
  • Andrew Crocombe, Head of Embedded Banking Propositions at ClearBank
  • Jose Luis Navarro, Head of Open Banking Strategy at BBVA
  • Jakob Pethick, Chief Commercial Officer at YouLend

We’ll also host Mbanq Co-Founder Vladimir Lounegov, as he delivers a special address titled, “Want to print money? How embedded finance turns brands into banks.” Lounegov will share how embedded finance empowers non-financial brands to generate new revenue streams, build customer loyalty, and gain a competitive edge by integrating financial services seamlessly into their products or services.

Don’t miss these sessions, and others, at FinovateEurope. Whether you’re a bank, fintech, analyst, or VC, this show will be your opportunity to learn from top thought leaders in the space and shape your 2025 strategy. Register today and be part of the action!


Photo by Anna Tarazevich

Who’s New at FinovateEurope 2025?

Who’s New at FinovateEurope 2025?

In less than a month, FinovateEurope returns to London at the iconic O2 Intercontinental, bringing together the newest and best ideas in fintech for two, action-packed days (get your ticket before prices increase!). With insightful keynote presentations, panel discussions, and lots of networking opportunities, this event consistently brings incredible value to attendees.

Among the most anticipated highlights of the first day are the live demo sessions, where companies take the stage to showcase their latest product or service. Each company gets just seven minutes to demo their technology— no slides, no pre-recorded videos, just live demonstrations of what makes their solution unique.

This year, we’re thrilled that, out of the 30+ companies set to demo on the Finovate stage, 17 have never made an appearance at a Finovate event in the past. These new faces represent a fresh wave of innovation in areas like AI, cybersecurity, regtech, and payments, and others. They are new to us, and will likely be new to you, as well.

Arva AI
Arva AI uses AI to increase the efficiency and strengthen compliance of business verification for banks and fintechs.

b-next
b-next empowers firms to uncover market patterns and correlations, enabling them to make smarter decisions through advanced financial data analysis.

Byne
Grassroots experimentation can enable teams to leverage GenAI flexibly and cheaply. Byne helps to encourage this innovation while mitigating security risks.

CyberUpgrade
CyberUpgrade offers a cybersecurity co-pilot that helps CTOs offload 95% of ICT security and compliance tasks.

EKAI
EKAI uses GenAI to reduce costs associated with data review and analysis, produce tangible insights, and streamline compliance program management to maximize ROI.

Keyless
Keyless replaces traditional multi-factor authentication methods with automated biometric authentication, improving user experience and cutting costs.

Light Frame
Light Frame offers private banks the foundational technology to streamline back-office operations, accelerate innovation, and elevate security and resilience to the modern standard.

Mati Labs
Mati Labs helps financial institutions transform and grow by enabling AI adoption with robust data foundations, ensuring security and compliance, and fostering knowledge-based innovation.

Mifundo
Mifundo offers data technology to unify and passport credit data in Europe, providing banks with a standardized credit risk assessment.

Moonjelly
Moonjelly is a GenAI platform designed for the finance sector, enabling rapid investment research, automated memo generation, and intelligent document management to enhance decision-making and operational efficiency.

PayIP
PayIP recovers money from Visa and Mastercard for banks and optimizes their billing costs going forward.

Plumery
Plumery helps organizations drive growth by accelerating digital modernization, reducing time-to-market, enhancing customer experiences, and enabling continuous innovation by integrating with existing banking systems.

PromoComply
By streamlining compliance for financial promotions, PromoComply cuts down significantly on the time and cost of maintaining compliant marketing, so organizations build trust with consumers and regulators.

R34DY
R34DY helps organizations transform their business by taking the pain out of integrations and making it easy for business owners to create use cases and reduce time-to-market.

Regsearch AI
Regsearch AI empowers organizations to save time, reduce compliance costs, and scale operations by automating regulatory processes with trusted, explainable, and transparent AI Agents.

RE-ViVE
RE-ViVE helps BFSI organizations navigate the challenges of modernization by simplifying complex processes, unlocking actionable insights from vast data, and driving efficient, scalable transformation.

Xaver
Xaver empowers organizations with AI-driven sales technology to enhance omnichannel customer journeys, improve sales efficiency, and expand or refine their financial product offerings.


In addition to the 17 companies above, we’ll also see the following Finovate alums, as well as others, take the stage to demo.

Dimply
Dimply helps banks and credit unions unlock greater value from their data and create beautiful, personalized, insightful, and resonant embedded financial experiences. Dimply recently demoed at FinovateFall 2024.

Doshi App
Doshi App transforms transactional relationships into engaging user experiences that attract GenZ and support cross-sell opportunities. Doshi App demoed at FinovateEurope 2024.

Intrepid Fox
Intrepid Fox automates key components of KYC review, such as document collection, which reduces onboarding time by 10x. Intrepid Fox demoed at FinovateEurope 2024.

PointChain
PointChain is an AI-driven solution that enables real-time transaction monitoring and risk scoring for financial institutions. PointChain demoed at FinovateFall 2024.

Torus
Torus improves financial and operational efficiency by enabling banks and fintechs with data-driven insights from the billing and transactional data they already have. Torus demoed at FinovateEurope 2024.

We’re excited to host all of these companies, as well as our speakers, panelists, and sponsors, on February 25 through 26 in London. Get your ticket soon to save, and we’ll see you there!


Photo by Nick Fewings on Unsplash

Why These are My Top Two Sessions on Day 2 of FinovateEurope

Why These are My Top Two Sessions on Day 2 of FinovateEurope

FinovateEurope is coming to London’s Intercontinental O2 on February 25 and 26 (grab your ticket here). Over the course of the two days, we will have a range of content loaded with fresh insights and new ideas that will help you stay on top of the latest trends.

With such a wealth of content, it is difficult to choose favorites. For me, however, there are two sessions that always stand out, the Investor All Stars and Analyst All Stars panels. These sessions gather some of the most influential minds and voices in financial services, and the group always addresses the most pressing topics in fintech.

Investor All Stars: Where is the smart money investing in fintech?

  • Why this session stands out
    Analysts will address critical questions about the current state of fintech funding, a hot topic given recent market turbulence. The speaker lineup of investors will offer insights on consolidation trends, wealthtech growth, and the potential for profitable fintechs to reshape the funding landscape.
  • Key questions to be answered
    • Which fintech sectors are still attracting strong investment?
    • What lessons can be learned from bubbles that have burst?
    • How can fintech startups navigate high interest rates and prepare for successful exits?
  • Takeaways for attendees
    The Investor All Star session will provide clarity for fintech founders and investors navigating a challenging funding environment. Understanding trends like digital asset adoption and profitability-focused growth through the lens of an investor can help guide your thinking on where to focus your time, efforts, and investment in the coming months.
  • Speakers
    • David Kelnar, Managing Director at Houlihan Lokey
    • Katherine Wilson, Senior Principal at Illuminate Financial
    • Robin Scher, Head of Fintech Investment at Lloyds Banking Group
    • Serhiy Tokarev, CoFounder and General Partner at Roosh

Analyst All Stars: How financial services have been changed forever

  • Why this session stands out
    This session is consistently one of Finovate’s most anticipated, and for good reason. Hearing from four top analysts in the space will help you bring fresh perspectives and actionable insights, no matter where you operate in the fintech and banking space.
  • Key questions to be answered
    • What can European banks learn from fintech innovation in Asia, Africa, and Latin America?
    • Why has open banking struggled in Europe while succeeding elsewhere?
    • What areas of financial wellness, inclusion, and literacy are ripe for innovation?
  • Takeaways for attendees
    Attendees can leverage analysts’ insights to understand global trends and discover opportunities for creating new revenue streams, a better customer experience, cost savings, and more. Both banks and fintechs will also learn from global case studies and benefit from actionable, practical recommendations.
  • Speakers
    • Philip Benton, Principal Analyst at Omdia
    • David Barton-Grimley, Fintech Strategy Director at 11:FS
    • Suraya Randawa, Head of Omnichannel Experience at Curinos

Both of these sessions are unmissable, so be sure to arrange your agenda to accommodate. All-access passes for the event are currently discounted; save by registering before rates increase!

2025 is the Year of Fintech Spring: 5 Trends to Watch at FinovateEurope

2025 is the Year of Fintech Spring: 5 Trends to Watch at FinovateEurope

If you haven’t heard, 2025 is the year of fintech spring. The chill has been taken out of the industry as investors regain confidence, new startups can launch with less risk, and established players are doubling down on new technologies to meet evolving customer demands. From fresh AI applications to the new uses for embedded finance, fintech is experiencing a renewed momentum.

Fortunately, catching up on what’s new and what’s next is as easy as attending FinovateEurope, which is taking place 25 through 26 February in London. The agenda not only features keynote presentations from the region’s top thought leaders, it will also showcase the latest technology available on the market today with live demos from more than 30 fintechs. Register today to get a discount and secure your spot!

To maximize your time spent, each session will highlight some of the newest themes and trends in the industry today. Here are some of the major trends you can expect to see unfolded and explained on stage.

Embedded finance matures

Why it matters:
Embedded finance has been trending upward in fintech over the past few years, and for good reason. It helps organizations add seamless, contextual financial experiences for their customers, but it has also added the potential for banks and financial services companies to add a new revenue stream through Banking-as-a-Service (BaaS). Best of all, it allows both companies and banks to focus on their core competencies while enriching the user experience.

What’s happening:
Embedded finance has proven its utility in the payments and lending worlds, allowing businesses to embed payments tools and lending capabilities into their existing website or mobile app. Now, embedded finance is moving beyond payments and lending into sectors like insurance, healthcare, and logistics.

Where you’ll see it:
Over the course of the two-day FinovateEurope conference, multiple conversations on embedded finance and BaaS will take the stage. Be sure to check out:

  • This executive briefing on embedded finance titled, “How financial institutions can capture the huge opportunity of embedded finance & embedded banking in both retail & commercial banking.” The session will discuss opportunities for banks to expand their distribution footprint at a relatively low cost, consider risks in BaaS, how to find a competitive strategy, and more.
  • This power panel titled, “BaaS powered embedded lending is on the rise and is moving beyond buy now pay later – how can financial institutions capture the opportunity?” The panel will look at the rise of lending integrations, the role of AI in risk assessment, embedded finance regulation, and more.

Organizations navigating the impact of the EU AI Act

Why it matters:
The EU AI Act is set to be one of the most comprehensive AI regulations in any region. The regulation went into force in August of 2024 and is poised to shape how banks and fintechs develop and deploy artificial intelligence. The act focuses on transparency, accountability, and controlling risks, especially when it comes to AI’s applications in areas such as credit scoring and fraud detection.

What’s happening:
Fintechs leveraging AI are finding that they need to adapt (and quickly) in order to comply with the new rules while continuing to create and develop new, AI-centric products. While the new requirements might lead to an increase in operational costs, they also might bring new opportunities for organizations to build trust and differentiate their offerings by incorporating ethical AI practices.

Where you’ll see it:
FinovateEurope is sure to be packed with fresh AI use cases and regulatory guidance. Here are just a few of the sessions that will inform and educate on AI application:

  • This keynote presentation titled, “Artificial intelligence – are we overestimating the short term impact & underestimating the long term impact?.” During the keynote, Tracey Follows will discuss how AI is a long-term trend line and will look at what this means for financial services.
  • This session titled, “What is the state of play for GenAI in financial services? Assessing leading use cases, challenges, barriers to adoption and how to navigate the roadblocks.” Forrester Analyst Aurélie L’Hostis will help organizations break down practical steps to get started in AI.
  • This AI power panel titled, “Strategies for successful AI adoption & digital transformation and why achieving success will go beyond the tech.” The panel will bring insight into how the EU AI Act may guide future thinking on the topic. It will also discuss governance, data privacy, security, compliance, and ethical implications about the application of AI.

The rise of AI-powered personalization

Why it matters:
Fintech has sought to help banks personalize the user experience for over a decade. By applying AI and machine learning, firms can help drive hyper-personalized financial products and services.

What’s happening:
Fintechs and banks are enhancing the user experience to help boost engagement and retention, differentiating themselves in a crowded market.

Where you’ll see it:
Just as personalization permeates various subsectors of fintech, the topic will also be present among multiple sessions at FinovateEurope. There will also be a couple of sessions dedicated exclusively to the topic of personalization, including:

  • This keynote address titled, “Enabling hyper-personalization: fusing functionality, data, and strategic partnerships” that discusses how to deliver hyper-personalized experiences. The conversation will also explore how banks can leverage data, advanced API integrations, and AI-driven insights to offer the right products to the right customers at the right time.
  • This power panel titled, “The CX revolution – how can FIs compete in a hyper personalized world?” in which panelists will talk about how customers view the world, what lessons can be learned from other verticals, and how to keep up with customer expectations.

Payments get faster and smarter

Why it matters:
Payments are not only getting cheaper, but they are also happening faster, which means that fraud is happening at an increasing rate.

What’s happening:
Global trade and personal remittances, along with everyday transactions, are being shaken up by stablecoins and CBDC experiments, which may help create more transparent payment solutions.

Where you’ll see it:
At this year’s FinovateEurope conference, payments will permeate many of the conversations on stage. Here are two particular panels that will address the top concerns:

  • Payments power panel titled, “The payments market is estimated at $2.85 trillion in 2024 and is expected to reach $4.78 trillion by 2029 – how can banks reimagine payments and capture this growth opportunity?” The panelists will consider the opportunity available in payments, as well as regulatory concerns and risk.
  • Keynote address titled, “Authorized push payment fraud losses across Europe may be as high as €2.4 billion, increasing by 20% to 25% annually; how are regulators addressing it?” The presentation will look at payment fraud risk and potential regulatory changes that may address authorized push payment fraud.

Regtech redefined by real-time compliance

Why it matters: Without regtech, banks and fintechs would be on their own to figure out and comply with an ever-changing set of rules. Leveraging a third party regtech provider not only helps organizations reduce compliance costs, it also facilitates faster adherence to new rules.

What’s happening: Regtech solutions can create real-time monitoring tools to keep up with evolving regulations. This is particularly important around crypto and AI regulations as they are very fast-moving fields.

Where you’ll see it:
FinovateEurope will host an entire stage dedicated to discussing banking regulation and risk. Among the presentations taking place are:

  • Keynote Address titled, “A whistlestop tour of EU regulation – what financial services providers need to know about DORA; FiDA; eIDAS, and DMA?” that will brief the audience on these current and future regulations and look at how regulators are cracking down on risk management.
  • Power Panel titled, “Banking risk and resilience: meeting the challenges of new regulations, emerging tech, rising banking fraud and new cyber security threats” that will consider digital identity, risks of using AI and cloud risks, managing third party risks, and more.

Photo by Fer Troulik on Unsplash

FinovateEurope 2025: Exploring the Future of Fintech with Top Futurist Tracey Follows

FinovateEurope 2025: Exploring the Future of Fintech with Top Futurist Tracey Follows

FinovateEurope 2025 takes place in London on February 25 and 26. Register to attend and save up to £400.

Now that 2025 is well underway, we’re starting to get a better picture of what this year’s FinovateEurope event will look like. Taking place in London on 25 and 26 February, the two-day event will feature live demos from 30+ companies, as well as panel discussions on the hottest fintech topics and keynote presentations from major industry thought leaders.

The headliner keynote address, titled Artificial intelligence – are we overestimating the short term impact & underestimating the long term impact?, will be delivered by Professor Tracey Follows. AI was quick to establish itself as a long-term trend line. Will everything in this decade be defined by AI? And what does this mean for financial services?

Follows, who Forbes listed as one of the Top 50 Female Futurists in the World, will address these questions and offer her thoughts into what else the future has in store for banks.

Follows teaches strategic foresight at London Business School to Senior Executive Leadership and Corporate Management programs globally. She is also Visiting Professor in Digital Futures and Identity at Staffordshire University. She writes a regular AI/Innovation column in Forbes and speaks regularly at AI conferences; her expertise is highly regarded. She is also the CEO of futures consultancy Futuremade, working with the world’s biggest global brands and businesses. Recent clients include Coca-Cola, Tesco, PZ Cussons, Snapchat, Google, Diageo, Sky, Lego, Farfetch, Conde Nast, BT, Telefonica, the IAB, Women’s Business Council and Virgin.

In an interview with Thinking Differently, when asked what a futurist does on a day-to-day basis, Follows said that she is always on the lookout for signals of change. She said that she spends a lot of time at the frontiers of technologies, art, and science.

Follows describes herself as an “anxious optimist” because she is optimistic about the future, but she is anxious that situations might not always turn out to meet the optimistic expectations.

For more details about FinovateEurope, visit the homepage, take a look at the demoing companies, and check out the agenda.


Photo by Pixabay

Streamly Snapshot: Leveraging AI for High-Touch Experiences

Streamly Snapshot: Leveraging AI for High-Touch Experiences

Personalizing the customer experience has consistently been a hot topic in fintech and banking over the past decade. This persistence suggests that the financial services industry continues to fall short when it comes to providing a high-quality, tailored user experience.

In the past year, we have seen significant promise from AI tools that can integrate personalization into the customer workflow while still maintaining a high-touch user experience. In today’s Streamly Snapshot, Research Analyst David Penn talks with Craig MacLaughlin, CEO at Finalytics.ai and Baron Conway, CSO at Finalytics.ai about the meaning of personalization, how financial institutions stand to gain from it, the role AI is playing in enhancing personalization, and how firms can embark upon their journey of personalization.

“The ability to deliver the high-touch service– something you were able to do on the phone or in the branch– has really been taken away. So we look at the opportunity to use personalization to get back that experience, but deliver it digitally,” said MacLaughlin. “We’re basically giving community FIs the ability to deliver the same experiences that mega brands are able to do in the digital channel.”

“So to build upon that,” added Conway, “from an institution’s perspective, it enables them, in the digital channel, to build closer relationships, build more loyalty, and– crucially– drive more product sales. Because, if you give someone what they’re looking for, they’re more likely to engage, and purchase, and come back for more.”

Finalytics.ai seeks to help community banks and credit unions compete with larger organizations by helping them personalize the customer journey. The California-based company leverages AI along with real-time data analytics to help drive growth, loyalty, and operational efficiencies.

By blending personalization and innovation, Finalytics.ai helps its financial institution clients meet the evolving needs of their customers in today’s competitive landscape.


Photo by cottonbro studio