As the financial world continues to evolve, staying ahead means paying attention to key industry events—and few are more telling than Finovate Europe. Packed with fresh perspectives and forward-thinking solutions, Finovate Europe trends offer a revealing snapshot of where fintech is headed. The 2023 edition was no exception, spotlighting current innovations, emerging technologies, and the strategic conversations shaping the future of financial services.
So, what stood out the most? A drive toward real-time innovation, a push for greater inclusivity, and a sharpened focus on meaningful, purpose-driven disruption. Let’s break it down.
Live Demos: Innovation on Display
One of the defining features of Finovate Europe is its no-nonsense approach to product showcases. Instead of slide decks and pre-recorded videos, participants have seven minutes to demo their products live on stage—no exceptions. This format, while daunting, forces presenters to focus on function and impact rather than flash and hype.
The variety of companies taking the stage this year underscored how broad the fintech spectrum has become. From long-established firms founded in the 1980s to startups born just months ago, the demo lineup reflected a dynamic industry. Core themes included compliance, risk management, small business solutions, and user experience design—each a crucial pillar in today’s financial ecosystem.
This year, demo coaches worked closely with presenters to refine their storytelling, helping them cut through technical complexity and connect directly with the audience. It’s a reminder that even the most cutting-edge tools need compelling narratives to resonate.
Putting Inclusion on the Main Stage
Diversity was more than a buzzword at this year’s event—it was a visible and intentional priority. Organizers worked to ensure a 50/50 gender balance among speakers, an effort that didn’t go unnoticed. One standout moment was a women-only venture capital panel that wasn’t framed as a “diversity panel” but as a powerful, content-rich conversation on investing trends.
That shift in framing matters. Instead of spotlighting women solely to discuss representation, the event positioned female leaders as experts in their domains. They were there to talk business—not just balance.
The message was clear: true inclusivity means elevating voices for their insights, not just their identities. And the audience responded—sessions featuring diverse speakers scored highly on attendee feedback and were often standing-room only.
Giving First-Timers a Stage
Finovate Europe also launched a scholarship initiative this year. These scholarships provided free demo slots for startups working in environmental sustainability, social impact, and female-founded fintech.
This initiative doesn’t just help startups—it enriches the entire ecosystem. By lowering barriers to entry and encouraging early-stage innovators, the event helps ensure that new ideas keep flowing. Fresh perspectives are essential in a world where customer needs shift faster than ever.
These scholarship winners didn’t just show up—they stood out. By tackling problems from novel angles and often coming from underserved sectors, they gave the audience a glimpse into the future of inclusive innovation.
Sustainability: Beyond the Buzz
Sustainability is often talked about in abstract terms at tech events. But Finovate Europe took meaningful steps to walk the talk. The conference eliminated printed materials in favor of digital guides. Sponsors were asked to avoid handing out promotional merchandise, reducing waste and encouraging mindful engagement.
But sustainability wasn’t just environmental. The organizers emphasized the importance of sustaining the fintech industry itself. That meant investing in younger startups, supporting early-stage founders, and creating spaces for honest discussion about where the industry is heading.
The event also introduced its “Startup Booster” program, giving newer firms access to demo coaching, investor connections, and exposure to industry leaders. These support systems play a critical role in building a fintech ecosystem that can adapt, thrive, and regenerate.
Networking That Works
Anyone who’s attended a major industry event knows the value of hallway conversations. But structured networking can often feel forced. To counter that, Finovate Europe introduced playful, low-pressure ways to get people talking—including a “Hot or Not” debate game show, where panelists had to argue whether specific fintech trends were still relevant.
Fun and informal, this format broke down barriers and sparked genuine discussion. When people laugh together, they’re more likely to listen to each other—and collaboration often starts with a shared sense of curiosity.
Key Themes to Watch
Several strong themes emerged from the demos and discussions:
- Compliance and risk management are top of mind, as regulatory scrutiny and cybersecurity threats continue to grow.
- Small business support tools are getting more sophisticated, recognizing that these companies form the economic backbone of many regions but remain underserved by traditional banks.
- User experience (UX) remains a persistent challenge. Whether customers are using mobile apps or visiting branches, expectations for intuitive, frictionless service continue to rise.
- Sustainability and social responsibility are no longer fringe concerns—they’re becoming central business drivers, especially for younger consumers and investors.
A Mirror for the Industry
Events like Finovate Europe serve a unique purpose—they reflect the state of the industry back to itself. That mirror includes the technologies we celebrate, the people we choose to elevate, and the issues we’re willing to discuss.
By putting innovation, inclusion, and sustainability at the heart of the event, this year’s Finovate Europe sent a clear message: the future of fintech is not just about code. It’s about people, purpose, and progress.
The event reminded us that tech is a tool, not an end in itself. What matters most is how we use it—to solve real problems, amplify unheard voices, and build systems that serve everyone.
