Money20/20, the world’s leading fintech show, has wrapped up after three hectic days of panel sessions from 350 plus speakers and attendees spanning global banks, fintechs, payments and blockchain solution providers, start-ups and tech companies amongst others. The place to pick up fintech gossip and a must for anyone in payments, Money20/20 is a chance for investors to pitch in front of a global audience and the place for early insights into changes underway in the industry – alongside other conference perks like delicious coffee, waffles and Heineken.
Treasury Today highlights included Pav Gill, the Wirecard whistleblower discussing his new start-up Confide, corporate security and whistleblower protection on the main stage. Gill’s uncovering of suspicious financial practices and shady behaviour of key personnel highlighted regulatory gaps in the fintech industry and the balance between governance and risk-taking within a fintech.
“Unveiling one of finance’s largest deceptions wasn’t just about exposing truths; it was about sparking change,” he said.
“At Confide, we’re building the future of business integrity, using technology to ensure that the lessons learned from Wirecard and the many other scandals pave the way for a more accountable and transparent industry. I look forward to sharing this mission and inspiring action towards a culture where ethics and technology intersect to create safer business environments for all.”
François Hollande spoke about France’s position in the global fintech universe, and his commitment to French unicorns. A nod to a wider conference theme on the importance of government support for innovation. As venture capital money remains scarce, governments have an increasingly important role to support innovation, and most EU nations had a conference booth.
Once again, the show was packed with top payment industry players like Mastercard, Visa and American Express, Stripe, Swift and Volt.io. Panel sessions reflected on how tech and regulations have combined to support digital, instant and cheaper globalised payment networks. Now innovation is turning to support FX transactions on top.
This year’s conference was confirmation, if any is needed, that AI will impact on all facets of life and business. Highlights included executives from Nvidia and AWS’ deep dive into AI; CEOs of AI firms including Mistral AI, Datasnipper and Deeploy and executives from the world of cryptocurrency including Kraken and Fireblocks. The true winners will be companies that integrate the “human element” into their AI solutions.
A particular Treasury Today favourite was conversations around DEI in fintech, picked up via the MoneyPot, the podcast studio installed in the middle of the conference centre. Conversations focused on financial inclusion, and the risk that AI will increase financial exclusion and marginalisation. A theme also picked up by François Hollande who warned of the risks of digital exclusion leading to financial exclusion.
Conference sessions also explored the enduring role of fintech driving climate action through green bonds and sustainable investment funds, and the collaboration between banks and green fintechs in achieving sustainability goals.
