The European financial services scene is continuously evolving thanks to the pulse of innovation, technological shifts, and advances in consumer expectations. As we stand on the cusp of next month’s FinovateEurope conference, it’s not merely the agenda that awaits, but deep-diving discussions surrounding the pressing issues and new developments waiting to change the continent’s trajectory.
Here, I’m taking a look beyond the conference halls and delving into five agenda items to consider why the topics matter in 2024, how they fit into the landscape, and why I’m excited about them.
Will AI Be More Profound Than The Invention Of The Internet? What Do Financial Institutions Really Need To Understand About Generative AI?
It’s not difficult to understand why Generative AI (Gen AI) is on the top of the agenda for FinovateEurope this year. The topic spiked in conversations following the release of Chat GPT in late 2022 and hasn’t receded since. Gen AI has applications across every financial services sub-sector (and beyond) and holds the potential for major cost savings opportunities. I’m eager to hear what the speaker, Nina Schick, has to say about applications of the technology within financial services and the relatively new threat of deepfakes.
Keynote Address: From Crypto Ice Age To Crypto Winter To Crypto Spring?
For those who still feel like we are in the middle of crypto winter (the downturn in the crypto space) it may seem irrelevant to bring up the topic to a roomful of bankers. However, we started to see a rise in activity surrounding decentralized finance (DeFi) late last year. This session’s speaker, Jillian Godsil, is an award winning journalist, author and broadcaster at Coin Telegraph. She’ll be offering her take on risks and opportunities in the space; what it will take to build a new, internet-native financial system; and how regulators are feeling about crypto. DeFi holds immense potential for financial services and I’m excited to hear Godsil’s inside view.
From Competition To Collaboration & Co-Creation – Why Financial institutions Need More Than Ever To Build Strategic Partnerships.
Whether you’re a bank or a fintech, you don’t need me to explain to you the importance of partnerships. The fintech industry has shifted its mentality from coopetition to collaboration and today, the financial services realm is completely reliant on partnerships. New to the discussion– and much of why I am interested in this age-old topic– is the threat that increased regulatory scrutiny may pose. Moderating this panel discussion is Rashee Pandey, Associate Director of Membership at Innovate Finance.
Digital Payments Are Eating The World – How Will New Competitors & New Business Models Shape The Future?
Regardless of your location, income, or social status, payments are– and always will be– relevant. And with the entire globe as your potential user base, getting into the payments game can be lucrative if done correctly. With new technologies and fresh consumer expectations, however, the payments landscape is changing. I am eagerly anticipating the discussion, led by Andrew Steele, Partner at Activant Capital, around new competitors and business models.
Transforming Lending In The Cost Of Living Crisis
Europe’s cost of living crisis is no secret. The cost of housing, combined with the cost of basic necessities such as groceries and medications, have caused both end consumers and large corporations alike to adjust their habits. Lending has always been an integral element to consumers’ lives, and today’s high interest rate environment, combined with consumers’ increased use of credit, complicates this scene. I’m looking forward to hearing from Jack Spiers, U.K, Banking and Lending Sales Director at Tink, on how traditional affordability models are cutting consumers short and how data can repair the issues.
Now that you have a sneak peek at the FinovateEurope agenda, consider this your formal invitation to join us at the conference, taking place 27 and 28 February at the Intercontinental O2 in London. Register today to save.