The European fintech industry witnessed a considerable pullback in 2023, with fintech investment declining by a significant 70% year-on-year in the first half of 2023 to reach a mere EUR 4.6 billion, according to a report by Finch Capital.

This drop was due to fewer large investment rounds, reduced participation from American investors, and a return to basic investment principles. The report highlighted a 48% decrease in the number of deals, with the top 20 funding rounds making up a larger share of the total volume, signaling a preference for more established fintech companies.

But despite the funding downturn, fintech in Europe continued to develop in 2023, especially in segments including business-to-business (B2B) fintech, regtech and artificial intelligence (AI), the report notes. Additionally, the key focus on building profitable businesses with sustainable valuations is expected to generate economic value for all stakeholders in the upcoming phase of fintech development.

In the fast-paced world of fintech, key events are being organized across the continent to offer industry stakeholders with the opportunity to witness, engage, and stay abreast of the latest trends. Today we look at the top twenty fintech events taking place in Europe in the first half of 2024, focusing on large-scale gatherings that are set to bring together some of the industry’s biggest innovators and decision-makers.

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.

Swiss WealthTech Live 2024

February 06, 2024

SIX ConventionPoint, Zurich

Organized by The Wealth Mosaic, Swiss WealthTech Live 2024 will take place on February 06 at the SIX ConventionPoint in Zurich. The event aims to provide valuable insights into wealthtech and fintech within the Swiss and international wealth management sectors.

The conference will cover the most pressing topics of the moment, while engaging market participants from private banks, cantonal banks, external asset managers, family offices, technology vendors, consultants, and more, to express their views, experiences and vision for the future.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to engage in presentations, panels, interviews, pitches, and networking sessions. The mixture of these formats aims to facilitate an enriching experience for participants, allowing them to gain insights, share knowledge, and discuss the current state and future trajectory of the wealth management sector.

Access to the event is limited and operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to secure their tickets promptly. The event is free for wealth manager employees, while vendors can refer to specific ticketing options and pricing for attendance.

Frankfurt Digital Finance

February 07 – 08, 2024

Gesellschaftshaus Palmengarten, Frankfurt, Germany

The Frankfurt Digital Finance conference, scheduled for February 07 and 08, 2024, will take place at Gesellschaftshaus Palmengarten in Frankfurt.

The event, spanning two days, will feature a diverse range of activities. On day one, top executives, entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and policy makers will convene to discuss pivotal topics that are shaping the future of the financial industry.

Day two will be dedicated to the Frankfurt Digital Finance’s inaugural European Fintech Day. The event will assemble best-in class fintechs across different verticals representing Europe’s top digital finance hubs and connect them directly with potential clients, co-innovation partners and venture capital (VC) investors.

The conference will cover a spectrum of essential topics transforming the industry, including the environmental, social and governance (ESG) transformation in European finance, fintech funding and investment, regulation and supervision, cryptocurrency, decentralized finance (DeFi) and tokenization, payments, the digital euro, open banking and open finance, and generative artificial intelligence (AI).

Participants will get to broaden their connections, share ideas, and establish potential business partnerships. Attendees can expect two days filled with high-quality content, including keynotes, panels, and interactive workshops.

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.

FintechWorld24

March 13 – 14, 2024

Motorwerk Berlin, Berlin, Germany

FintechWorld24, scheduled for March 13 – 14, 2024, will take place at Motorwerk Berlin in Germany. Positioned as the largest finance tech event in the German, Austrian and Swiss (DACH) region, the event aims to bring together professionals from the banking and financial services industry for idea exchange and networking.

Building on the success of FintechWorld23, where 550 individuals from the banking and financial services sector convened, the upcoming event promises even more participation from fintech companies, banks, investors, and expanded networking opportunities.

Over 120 expert speakers will deliver forward-looking lectures on the main stage, covering 13 key themes:

• Financing: Crowdfunding, loans and credit scoring, and factoring;
• Investment: Trading, robo-advisory, and asset management services;
• Payment: Mobile payment, e-payments, e-wallets;
• Personal finance management: Digital tools for personal money, budget, and account management;
• Proptech: Digitalization of the real estate industry;
• Insurtech: All digital services related to insurance;
• Crypto: Tools for cryptocurrency trading, initial coin offerings (ICOs), and asset tokenization;
• Sustainability: Tools and technologies related to green investments, sustainable finance, ESG, and more;
• Regtech: New technologies for managing regulations and compliance;
• Accounting: Tools relating to accounting and human resources (HR) management;
• Open banking: Open application programming interfaces (APIs) between banks and third-party providers;
• Services and tools: Other solutions to make financial services more effective; and
• Corporate banking: Everything from the world of classic corporate banking.
• This year’s event is expected to bring together more than 1,000 participants and 150+ exhibitors/partners.

Pay360

March 19 – 20, 2024

ExCeL, London, UK

Pay360, scheduled for March 19 and 20, 2024, will take place this year at ExCel in London. The award-winning event is heralded as the largest gathering of the entire payments ecosystem under one roof, drawing in professionals, innovators, and industry leaders.

This year’s Pay360 edition promises an impressive lineup of 120+ speakers, 4,000+ attendees, and 100+ exhibitors. The two-day conference aims to provide a platform for attendees to have their views heard on the industry’s most pressing topics, shaping future policies, and staying abreast of upcoming technologies.

Pay360 will feature C-suite keynotes, debates, and consultation briefings, a Startup Pavilion to explore upcoming technologies, a 1-2-1 meeting service to connect with key stakeholders, working groups to problem-solve with peers, and the Disruption Theatre with bite-sized sessions focusing on industry trends.

Key features and reasons to attend Pay360 include networking opportunities with payment professionals, interaction with top payment innovators showcasing cutting-edge solutions, and access to expert speakers on free-to-attend disruption and innovation theaters.

Reinvest Forum Vienna

March 20 – 21, 2024

Albert Hall, Vienna, Austria

The Reinvest Forum Vienna, scheduled for March 20 – 21, 2024, will take place at the Albert Hall, promising an exclusive platform for industry stakeholders to shape the future of financial services.

Key highlights of the event include the SME Banking Summit 2024, which will provide a deep dive into the challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the dynamic landscape of retail financial services; the SME Banking Awards 2024, which will recognize and honor the best in banking and SME banking; and the Community Meetup, which will allow participants to exchange insights on sustainability resilience.

Attendees can also expect to gain valuable insights from global leaders and industry experts, discover how to embrace artificial intelligence and contribute to the digital banking revolution through engaging sessions with expert speakers.

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.

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.

Paris Blockchain Week 2024

April 09 – 11, 2024

Le Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France

The Paris Blockchain Week 2024, set to take place from April 09 to 11 at Le Carrousel du Louvre in Paris, France, is announced as the leading blockchain and Web 3.0 event in Europe. The 5th edition of the event promises cutting-edge industry content, renowned keynote speakers, and extensive networking opportunities with various blockchain and Web 3.0 communities.

Paris Blockchain Week 2024 will feature various pivotal topics in the blockchain and Web 3.0 arena, such as open finance, artificial intelligence (AI), regulations, central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), corporate Web 3.0, and payments.

In addition to the main conference, Paris Blockchain Week 2024 will encompass a week-long series of events. The Paris Blockchain Week Hackathon will allow talented coders to explore new horizons for blockchain innovation. The Talent Fair will bridge key recruiters from leading crypto, Web 3.0, and digital assets companies with top students, candidates, and professionals.

Investors and Founders Day will bring together investors interested in Web 3.0, blockchain, non-fungible tokens (NFTs), and the metaverse, providing valuable market insights and industry leader feedback. The event will also feature a unique VIP experience, including a private viewing of the Louvre museum and a dinner set under the famous pyramid.

The dedicated Corporate Programme, highlighted by the Corporate Breakfast, will emphasize the significance of corporates in the blockchain space, attracting traditional finance and corporates from various industries seeking to leverage blockchain and related enabling technologies.

Following the immense success of Paris Blockchain Week 2023, which saw over 8,500 participants from over 75 countries, the 2024 edition of the event is expected to draw over 10,000 attendees, feature more than 500 speakers, host 400 journalists, and collaborate with 300 partners.

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.

FIBE

April 24 – 25, 2024

City Cube Messe Berlin, Germany

Scheduled for April 24 and 25, 2024, at the City Cube Messe Berlin, Fintech Berlin (FIBE) will unite traditional banking with the disruptive fintech industry, bringing together industry experts, fintech visionaries, and finance enthusiasts to explore the newest trends and developments for the industry.

FIBE will delve into the dynamic nature of the fintech ecosystem, where traditional banking converges with disruptive innovations. The festival will adopt a holistic approach by presenting the latest trends and developments in the industry, not only through a congress format but also in an expo setup.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with all relevant players and experts, participate in deep discussions, partake in workshops, and explore curated mini-events that promise inspiration. Participants can anticipate valuable insights and real networking opportunities, contributing to the festival’s goal of creating a vibrant and interconnected fintech community.

Crypto and Digital Assets Summit

May 08 – 09, 2024

etc.venues, London, UK

The Crypto and Digital Assets Summit is retuning in 2024 for its third edition on May 08 and 09 at etc.venues in London. This two-day summit will feature a series of keynote interviews, networking opportunities and debates as industry leaders share how they will navigate the growing interest and adoption of tokenization by institutions, and the use cases for blockchain technology beyond cryptocurrencies.

Discussions at the summit will explore real-world applications of blockchain technology in financial markets, the potential of Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs), the role of stablecoins beyond currency, the geopolitical implications of crypto, and the pathway to achieving full industry regulation and compliance.

Key themes will include digital assets, geopolitics and regulation, risk management and compliance, currencies, tokens, and payments, trading and investing, and the emergence of Asia as a crypto and digital assets hub.

Confirmed speakers include:

• Michael Sonnenshein, CEO, Grayscale Investments;
• Bim Afolami, Economic Secretary to the Treasury and City Minister, UK Government;
• Lucy Wong, Advisor, Bank for International Settlements Innovation Hub;
• Lucy Gazmararian, Founder and Managing Partner, Token Bay Capital; and
• J. Christopher Giancarlo, Former Chairman, US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, Digital Dollar Project.

Viva Technology

May 22 – 25, 2024

Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Paris, France

Scheduled from May 22 to 25, 2024, at the Paris Expo Porte de Versailles, Viva Technology stands as one of Europe’s largest technology and startup events, bringing together disruptive tech topics, innovative entrepreneurs, and groundbreaking technological advancements, to foster collaboration, inspiration and networking.

The event promises four exciting days in Paris, exploring disruptive tech topics through world-premiere demos, launches, and conferences within a collaborative ecosystem where business meets innovation.

In 2023, Viva Technology welcomed a record 150,000 international visitors, solidifying its status as an international showcase for technology and startups. Visitors from 174 countries explored hundreds of world-exclusive innovations and listened to prominent speakers like Elon Musk and Marc Benioff.

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 Week London 2024

June 10 – 14, 2024

London, UK

Fintech Week London 2024 will take place this year from June 10 to 14, offering a comprehensive series of events showcasing the city’s dynamic fintech landscape, providing global insights, and fostering collaboration among diverse players in the financial industry.

The flagship conference, set for Thursday, June 13, at ExCeL London, will be the focal point of Fintech Week London 2024, attracting over 1,000 senior decision-makers from leading fintechs, banks, investment firms, regulatory bodies, media companies, and service providers.

Key topics explored during the event will include embedded finance, insurtech, artificial intelligence (AI), payments, venture and fundraising, Web 3.0 and metaverse, crypto, inclusive ESG, and fintech for good. The event promises a fast-paced and dynamic exchange of ideas, featuring keynote presentations, interactive panel debates, workshops, roundtables, and ample networking opportunities.

Fintech Week London stands as a unique opportunity to connect with London’s key influencers, decision-makers, and innovators. This week-long event, nestled in one of the world’s foremost financial districts, facilitates collaboration between traditional financial institutions and emerging fintech players.

Perks of Fintech Week London 2024 include an enhanced conference experience at ExCeL London, boasting an expanded capacity of up to 1,200 attendees, two concurrent session stages, and a 1,500-square-meter expo area. The event also offers orchestrated and curated speed networking sessions, facilitating connections with key players in the fintech industry.

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.

MoneyNext 2024

June 19 – 20, 2024

ExCel, London, UK

MoneyNext is a leading digital transformation event for the financial services sector, encompassing four co-located industry-leading summits: Banking Transformation, Wealth Management Transformation, Insurance Transformation, and Lending Transformation.

The event, scheduled for June 19 and 20 at ExCeL in London, will serve as a convergence point for 2,500 financial services technology professionals committed to advancing digital innovation and progressing in their transformation endeavors.

With a distinguished lineup of 200 industry-leading speakers, MoneyNext will offer a platform for these experts to share their stories, visions, and innovative insights, promising an unparalleled opportunity for attendees to learn, connect, and stay abreast of the latest trends and advancements in financial services transformation.

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.