Switzerland’s fintech ecosystem has experienced significant growth over the past years. With over 400 fintech companies, Switzerland is home to 10% of all European fintechs, and Zurich hosts 46% of these, data from recruitment consultancy Michael Page show. The sector’s total investment reached CHF 191 million in H1 2023, making up 16% of the CHF 1,196 million raised by Swiss tech startups secured during the period, according to the Swiss Venture Capital Report 2023 Update.

As Switzerland maintains its position as one of the leading players in the global fintech landscape, an array of noteworthy events are being scheduled each year to capture the essence of this dynamic sector. These gatherings serve as critical platforms for networking and knowledge exchange, providing participants with the opportunity to connect with their peers and discuss the future of finance.

In this list, we present the top ten fintech events slated for 2024 in Switzerland, offering a selection of must-attend conferences that are poised to bring together some of the industry’s biggest innovators and influential industry stakeholders.

Vision Bank – Vision Swiss Financial Center #21 Build on Stability

February 01, 2024

SIX Convention Point, ConventionPoint, Zurich

On February 1, 2024, Finanz und Wirtschaft will be hosting the “Vision Bank – Vision Swiss Financial Center #21 Build on Stability” event, a gathering aimed at addressing the numerous challenges currently facing the Swiss financial center, including war, inflation, the interest rate environment, and pervasive uncertainties that are testing its resilience and adaptability.

The event will seek to underscore the importance of stability and security in navigating the turbulent financial landscape. Participants will explore how to guarantee these advantages amidst a backdrop of change and innovation, ensuring stable framework conditions and planning security during times of crisis. The role of a diversified banking landscape for success will be examined, along with an exploration of the motivations and needs of the customer of the future, and the readiness of financial providers to meet those demands. Additionally, the event will analyze the strategic roles of foreign banks currently operating aggressively.

Confirmed speakers for the event include:

• Marc Pictet, Pictet;
• wan Deplazes, AMAS and Zürcher Kantonalbank;
• Patrick Frost, Swiss Life;
• Hansruedi Köng, PostFinance;
• Zeno Staub, Vontobel;
• Roman Studer, Swiss Bankers Association;
• Laurent Gagnebin, Rothschild and Co Bank AG;
• Dr. Mara Harvey, VP Bank (Switzerland) AG;
• Enna Pariset, BNP Paribas (Suisse) SA;
• Marc Steinkat, Commerzbank Switzerland; and
• Moderation: Reto Jauch, Schulthess Zimmermann and Jauch.

SIC Instant Payments: A Catalyst for Competitive Advantage

February 08, 2024

Webinar

Instant payments are the most positive development for the Swiss financial sector in years due to their proven role as a catalyst for change within that system. Whilst Instant payments are mainly used for domestic purposes, rather than cross-border, they hold the promise of providing Switzerland with a competitive and innovative marketplace where citizens and SMEs can leverage the speed for improved liquidity and enriched data for transparency.

The implementation of SIC IP is not only about coping with a processing time of 10 seconds; it also has ramifications across the whole ecosystem, with many areas such as end-user experience, non-stop availability, sanctions screening, balance check, reporting, storage, and flow orchestration being impacted. Therefore, this whole integration needs to be carefully planned and implemented.

Join Bottomline, SIX, t’charta AG and other experts as they highlight the best strategy for digital payments transformation in Switzerland and how to ensure you stay one step ahead of your competition:

• New banking trends and initiatives for 2024 & beyond and why they matter (SIC 5, SIC Instant, SSFN, SEPA Inst, ISO 20022, Pre-validation)
• Use cases for banks to develop new offerings for cross-border & domestic payments
• Deep Dive: Getting ready for SIC Instant Payments in 2026
• Overcoming issues of legacy infrastructure and building the business case for transitioning to SaaS

Speakers:

• Bruno Kudermann, Senior Product Manager, SIX
• Dennis Flad, Partner, t’charta
• Frédéric Viard, Head of Commercial Product Management – Financial Messaging, Bottomline, Bottomline
• Zhenya Winter, Head of Marketing – Financial Messaging, Bottomline

Register Here: https://bit.ly/41TtAvS

17th NextGen Payments and Regtech Forum

Mar 07 – 08, 2024

Marriott Hotel, Zurich

On March 07 and 8, 2024, the Marriott Hotel in Zurich will host the 17th NextGen Payments and Regtech Forum, an event focusing on the continuous evolution of the payments industry, propelled by technological advancements, enhanced security measures, and evolving customer preferences that contribute to the efficiency and convenience of modern financial systems.

The forum aims to explore how organizations are optimizing their operations with a growing emphasis on adopting the latest technologies that are reshaping the payments and regtech industry. It will bring together global key influencers, innovators, strategists, and thought-leaders in the payments and regulatory space for discussions on market trends, digitalization, regulations, innovation, and technology.

Key topics to be covered include the evolving payments technology landscape, with insights from industry experts on global trends such as augmented reality (AR), contactless payments, digital wallets, embedded payments, variations of buy now, pay later (BNPL), the rise of digital currencies, and more. Data privacy, ethics, and cybersecurity will also be addressed, exploring themes like connecting cybersecurity with risk and fraud management and the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI).

Regtech and compliance innovation will be a focal point, showcasing how these technologies go beyond simplifying compliance and cutting costs, providing a verifiable competitive advantage.

With over 40 keynote speakers and more than 400 industry leaders participating from over 100 companies, the event promises to deliver tailored content for senior executives, offering a comprehensive exploration of the latest developments and insights in the dynamic landscape of payments and regtech.

Blockchain in Financial Services 2024

March 21, 2024

Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute, Ruschlikon

On March 21, 2024, Finanz und Wirtschaft will host the Blockchain in Financial Services 2024 conference, providing a platform to explore the dynamic landscape of blockchain in the financial sector.

Amidst the current volatility in financial markets, the conference aims to delve into the strategic potential of blockchain, marking the foundation for “Blockchain 4.0”, the advent of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and emerging trends in decentralized finance (DeFi) and smart contracts.

The conference will specifically address the challenges and opportunities surrounding privacy in blockchain technology, examining its significance for trust in the blockchain. Regulatory developments affecting digital assets and the progress made in the field will also be discussed. Opinion leaders from both the traditional financial industry and the crypto industry will come together to share insights on shaping the future of a decentralized financial economy.

The forum targets decision-makers in the banking and insurance industry, regulatory authorities, startups, visionary thinkers, and interested individuals from science and politics. Attendees are invited to network and exchange experiences with experts in a trusting and exclusive setting.

Confirmed speakers for the event include:

• Mark Dambacher, InCore Bank;
• Marianne Wildi, Kreditarbank Lenzburg AG;
• Dr. Stephan A. Zwahlen, Maerki Baumann and Co. AG;
• Pascale Bruderer, Swiss Stablecoin AG and TX Group;
• Stefan Schwitter, Crypto Finance (Asset Management) AG;
• Dr. Alexander Thoma, PostFinance;
• Simon Kuehne, Sygnum;
• Marc Bürki, Swissquote;
• Mathias Imbach, Sygnum;
• Deputy State Secretary Christoph König, Swiss State Secretariat for International Financial Affairs (SIF) Federal Department of Finance (EFD);
• Daniel Fischmann, L1D;
• Olaf Hannemann, CV VC; and
• Dr. Attilio Zanetti, Swiss National Bank.

Finanz ’24

April 24 – 25, 2024

Halle 550, Zurich

On April 24 and 25, 2024, the 25th edition of Finanz, Switzerland’s largest financial fair, will be held at Halle 550 in Zurich. This event, exclusively designed for professional investors, including asset managers, private bankers, family offices, insurers, pension funds, and more, will offer a comprehensive platform for networking, discussions, and exploration of the latest trends in the financial industry.

The event will encompass a range of activities, including roundtables, keynote speeches, specialist panels, training seminars, and exhibitor presentations. Attendees will have the chance to participate in various discussions covering topics such as central bank preparedness for the next crisis, the dynamics of globalization versus re-nationalization, and the future of energy strategy.

Roundtables will bring together experts from various fields for high-profile discussions on current issues, specialist panels will be organized to delve into specific financial topics, offering in-depth insights, and training seminars, organized by specialist financial associations, will provide additional educational opportunities.

Exhibitors will have the chance to give presentations in various areas, offering visitors detailed product and specialist information, and the Open Forum Crypto will provide a platform to discuss topics related to crypto, blockchain, fintech, and banking.

Finance 2.0 – Crypto Assets 24

March 21, 2024

Kaufleuten Zurich, Zurich

Finance 2.0, one of the leading digital finance conferences in Switzerland, will take place this year on March 21 at Kaufleuten Zurich. This event aims to serve as a crucial platform for understanding the future of finance, particularly as Swiss banks progressively venture into the realm of crypto assets.

This year’s conference will delve into the opportunities and challenges that await in 2024, shedding light on the initiatives of leading asset managers who oversee a staggering US$16 trillion and are influencing the Bitcoin market through recent exchange-traded fund (ETF) applications, a pivotal development for the crypto market.

Participants will have the opportunity to gain insights into the crypto journey’s trajectory, understand the considerations professional investors must bear in mind, and evaluate the balance between opportunities and risks in the crypto space. The 2024 Bitcoin halving will be a focal point of celebration, with discussions on its profound impact on the crypto landscape.

Finance 2.0 – Crypto Assets 24 stands as a flagship conference and represents one of the most significant and influential digital finance venues in Switzerland. It serves as a meeting ground for the industry’s innovators and leaders, where discussions and collaborations shape the future of digital finance.

2024 Crypto Valley Conference

June 06 – 07, 2024

Hochschule Luzern, Risch-Rotkreuz

The 5th edition of the Crypto Valley Conference is set to take place on June 06 and 07, 2024, at Hochschule Luzern in Risch-Rotkreuz. Hosted by the Lucerne University and the Crypto Valley Association, this conference stands as a pivotal gathering for in-depth discussions on the current state and future prospects of blockchain technology.

The conference will cover a wide array of topics through more than 60 speakers representing the industry. Some of the key topics include decentralized exchange (DEX) development, staking, yield generation, blockchain venture capital (VC), compliance, on-chain data analytics, regulation, cybersecurity, sustainability, SSI (self-sovereign identity), gamefi, play-to-earn, metaverse, tokenization, stablecoins, CBDCs (central bank digital currencies), managing the blockchain “trilemma”, and infrastructure/interoperability/protocols.

The Crypto Valley Conference 2024 promises to be a dynamic and comprehensive forum for industry professionals, researchers, and enthusiasts to gain insights, share knowledge, and explore the latest advancements in blockchain technology.

Key highlights of the event include:

• Master classes conducted by top industry leaders, offering profound insights, best practices, and technical solutions;
• Over 40 presentations by global industry leaders covering a spectrum of topics on technology, economy and finance, and legal and regulation;
• Attendees from diverse backgrounds including start-ups, corporate entities, academia, and government representatives;
• Companies showcasing their latest products and services in the blockchain space;
• Panel discussions challenging opinions live on stage, fostering engaging discourse; and
• A legendary boat cruise party on Lake Zug to conclude the conference.

The event will feature a distinguished lineup of speakers, including:

• Pascal Gauthier from Ledger
• Teana Baker-Taylor from Circle
• Frederik Gregaard from Cardano Foundation
• Dominic Williams from Dfinity
• Samia Bayou from Kraken
• Dirk Klee from Bitcoin Suisse
• Dan Held, Bitcoin Educator
• Payal Shah from CME Group
• Guillaume Chatain from Coinbase
• Ilya Volkov from YouHodler
• Demelza Hays from Cointelegraph
• Alfonso Gomez from BBVA Switzerland

Fintech and SFAN 2024

June 11, 2024

Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute, Ruschlikon

On June 11, 2024, the Fintech and SFAN 2024 conference will take place at the Gottlieb Duttweiler Institute. The conference promises a diverse program featuring inspiring input, workshops, and entertaining networking opportunities for all participants.

Although the detailed conference program is yet to be unveiled, attendees can expect:

• Interesting lectures and panel discussions led by industry experts;
• Workshops covering both scientific and practical aspects, including concrete use cases designed to enhance knowledge and skills; and
• Networking opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals within the fintech community;
• The live conference program will be revealed in the coming weeks, offering a glimpse into the engaging content and activities planned for the event.

Point Zero Forum

July 01 – 03 2024

Zurich, Switzerland

From July 01 to 03, 2024, Zurich, Switzerland, will host the third edition of the Point Zero Forum, an international fintech conference. Jointly organized by Switzerland and Singapore, the annual event aims to foster a policy and technology dialogue in the Financial Services industry.

This year’s forum will bring together central bankers, regulators, policymakers, and industry leaders to delve into the latest developments in financial technology and discuss the future of finance. The program includes leadership dialogues, public-private roundtables, deep-dive workshops, and networking events. The forum’s overarching goals are to instill confidence, promote adoption, and facilitate the growth of transformative technology. Additionally, it aims to assess and endorse appropriate governance and risk frameworks.

The 2023 edition of Point Zero Forum witnessed the participation of representatives from over 50 countries, engaging in dialogues in Zurich. The event hosted more than 1,300 high-ranking financial leaders from regulatory and financial authorities, central banks, financial organizations, investor circles, startups, and academia. Against the backdrop of ongoing turmoil in the financial services sector, representatives exchanged views on the potential of new technologies, including artificial intelligence in financial services and sustainable finance, to strengthen the financial industry.

Swiss Fintech and AI Investor Day 2024 – SD133

October 03, 2024

TX Group, Zurich

On October 03, 2024, the Swiss Fintech and AI Investor Day 2024, labeled SD133, will take place at TX Group in Zurich. This hybrid event, organized by the Swiss ICT Investor Club (SICTIC).

This event is primarily intended for angel investors, including novices. Family offices, fund managers, and VCs looking to invest in Swiss startups are also welcome to attend.