Autumn has brought significant changes and exciting events in the fintech sector, marking a transformative period in the industry. From investment milestones to major industry recognitions, the fintech landscape is evolving at a rapid pace. Here’s a look at the most important updates, trends, and upcoming events to watch.
What’s happened lately on the fintech scene?
Fagura secures €250,000 investment
Fintech startup Fagura has received a €250,000 investment from U Ventures, a significant milestone in its journey to revolutionise financial services in Eastern Europe. This funding will help Fagura expand its innovative platform, driving greater accessibility to economic solutions. Read more here.
Romanian startups and RoFintech members excel in tech growth
Romanian innovation continues to shine as Finqware earns recognition in the “Companies to Watch” list of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 for Central Europe. This acknowledgment highlights its significant contributions to the tech landscape. Similarly, SymphoPay stands out in the fintech space, further solidifying Romania’s reputation as a hub for technological advancement and growth. Learn more here.
RoFintech member, Finqware ranks #9 in Sifted’s leaderboard
Finqware has claimed a spot in the Top 10 of Sifted’s Eastern Europe & Baltics Leaderboard, coming in at #9 among the fastest-growing startups in the region. This achievement highlights their relentless push to innovate and lead in open banking solutions.
Pago wins best scale-up growth strategy
At the ZF IT Generation Summit, Pago was honoured with the Best Scale-Up Growth Strategy award. This recognition celebrates their outstanding success in navigating market challenges and driving household payment solutions forward.
Their co-founder Adrian Cighi joined a stellar panel at the summit, discussing strategies for startup growth despite the current “VC winter.” Pago’s continued success reflects its dedication to user-centric innovation and excellence.
Fine Project webinar
The FINE Project hosted on the 21st of October a webinar on the most promising funding paths for fintech startups across Europe. Speakers Robbin Hoogstraten and Esther Baird, seasoned SME and fintech finance pros, shared top-notch tips and eye-opening case studies.
Catch the recording here if you missed it: Watch Now
Blockchain Expo Europe 2024
Focused on innovations in blockchain for enterprises, DeFi, and AI integration, this event explored key topics like MiCA compliance, tokenisation, and blockchain’s impact on supply chain transparency and digital identity.
Key takeaway? Blockchain is extending its influence beyond crypto, reshaping multiple industries with transparent, secure solutions.
Hong Kong Fintech Week 2024
Asia’s top fintech event centred on digital currencies, AI, and smart city tech. Highlights included regulatory discussions on crypto in Asia and the potential of CBDCs to transform regional economies, along with AI-driven customer experience and regtech solutions.
Key takeaway? Asia remains a fintech innovation hub, pushing forward digital currency and AI advancements within a supportive regulatory environment.
Money20/20 Europe 2024
Bringing industry leaders together, this year’s event spotlighted regulatory shifts, particularly MiCA’s influence, and new trends in AI and embedded finance. Numerous product launches and partnerships underscored the sector’s collaborative future.
Key takeaway? Fintech in Europe is evolving through regulatory clarity and collaborative innovation, with AI and compliance leading the way.
What are the trending topics in fintech?
- Regulatory evolution
The regulatory landscape is shifting with the EU’s Markets in Crypto-Assets (MiCA) regulation impacting crypto operations across Europe, and open finance expanding data accessibility. Staying informed is essential as compliance complexities grow.
- The rise of AI
AI remains a core priority as its influence expands in fintech. AI and machine learning are transforming fraud detection, customer support, credit scoring, and personalised advice. Although direct investment may not surge, AI alliances and product enhancements are ramping up, with a particular focus on cybersecurity and regtech.
- Open banking
Open banking is increasingly foundational, allowing financial data sharing with third-party providers via secure APIs. This trend empowers customers, sparks innovation, and drives competitive product offerings from fintech that prioritise user data control.
Upcoming fintech events to watch
- Fintech Connect
Date: December 4-5, 2024
Location: London A must-attend for fintech professionals, Fintech Connect gathers industry leaders to discuss the latest trends and network with top innovators. Register here
- The FINE Project webinar will be a timely discussion on the fintech sector’s green transformation. Join Anton Arts (SET Ventures) and Ian Ormerod (Switch2Zero) as they delve into Green Fintech—the push to integrate sustainability into fintech operations and solutions.
Discover how this trend is reshaping financial services to address environmental challenges. Register here.
