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21st NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum
JOIN INTERNATIONAL PAYMENTS & REGTECH EXPERTS
LET’S CONNECT
“Change is the only constant in life.”
Heraclitus
The 21st NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum is recognised as one of the best Payments, RegTech and compliance events in Greece, connecting banking, compliance, and financial technology leaders from around the world. Taking place on 22 October 2025 at the Marriott Hotel in Athens, this top RegTech conference in Greece offers an unrivalled platform for industry networking and strategic insights. Positioned as a key banking technology conference in Greece and a premier payments industry event in Athens, the forum will explore compliance trends, emerging regulations, and cutting-edge payment solutions.
The 21st NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum Athens 2025 is a must-attend event for professionals in payments, banking technology, and compliance. Ranked among the top financial services regulatory conferences in Greece, it provides valuable opportunities to connect with senior decision-makers.
OUR SPEAKERS
Our speaker line-up brings together leading voices from the global payments industry, EU compliance sector, and top banking technology innovators. They will deliver high-value insights on driving innovation, meeting regulatory demands, and navigating the rapidly evolving payments landscape.

OUR CONTRIBUTORS






















WHAT'S COMING UP
Navigating the Evolving Regulatory Landscape:
Understanding and adapting to the dynamic changes in payments regulations across Europe and globally.
Driving Innovation through Technology:
Leveraging AI, blockchain, and other technologies to enhance security, efficiency, and compliance in payment systems.
Building a Secure and Inclusive Future of Payments:
Fostering collaboration, consumer trust, and financial inclusion through innovative solutions and responsible practices.
THE AGENDA
22 OCTOBER | ATHENS, GREECE
The 21st NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum will bring together leading experts to explore the future of payments, banking, and compliance in Europe. The agenda highlights AI, digital transformation, cryptocurrency, cross-border payments, instant payments, and AI-driven financial crime prevention, offering insights into the KEY challenges, solutions, and trends shaping 2025.
22 OCTOBER 2025
08:30-09:00
REGISTRATION AND WELCOME COFFEE
Participants arrive, register, and enjoy welcome coffee
09:00-09:10
WELCOME ADDRESS
Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events
09:10-09:20
CHAIRMEN WELCOME ADDRESS
Welcome from the Chairmen: Setting the stage for the day's discussions
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Overview of key challenges and opportunities in the payments and RegTech space
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Introduction of the event's goals and expected outcomes for attendees
Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert
Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
09:20-09:45
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
The Future of Payments and Banking: Embracing Digital Transformation
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Exploring transformative trends, digital innovation, customer-centric solutions, regulatory evolution, and strategies for an inclusive financial ecosystem
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Discuss the impact of digital currencies and emerging payment technologies
Konstantinos Maragkakis, EEA CEO at Paysafe Payment Solutions Ltd
Tasos Michas, Product Manager, Payments at Novibet
Constantinos Frydakis, Managing Partner at ConFryd Business Consultants
Lefteris Economides, Product Director at Plum Fintech
09:45-10:15
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Cryptocurrency and Payments: Navigating the Evolving Landscape
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Regulatory Frameworks in Europe: Exploring the varying regulatory approaches across European nations regarding cryptocurrency usage, focusing on compliance, taxation, and consumer protection
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Impact of CBDCs on Traditional Payments: Analysing how the introduction of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) is reshaping existing payment systems, potentially improving efficiency and security in transactions
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Integration of Crypto Payments: Discussing the growing acceptance of cryptocurrencies as payment methods and the challenges and opportunities this poses for merchants and financial institutions in adapting to consumer preferences
Alessio Alfonsi, Account Manager | South East Europe at Swift
10:15-10:45
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Mastering Regulatory Changes in the EU: How Businesses Can Prepare
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Overview of the latest EU regulatory landscape impacting payments, including the current EU regulatory framework, which comprises PSD2 and AMLD6, and the proposed updates to PSD3 and AMLR. Anticipating future regulations, consumer rights, data protection, and anti-money laundering measures
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Provide practical insights on how to prepare for and comply with evolving regulatory requirements
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Highlight the implications of non-compliance and the importance of proactive risk management
Moderator: George Mintzas, Head of FC AML, ABC, Tax and Functions, Europe at HSBC
Peri Katana, Head of Compliance & Regulatory at COSMOTE Payments
Hartwig Gerhartinger, Global Lead Compliance Regulatory Enterprise Risk Government Affairs at Paysafe Payment Solutions Ltd
Eleni Panagiotopoulou, Head of AML at SOFTSWISS
Elena Niki Karletidi, Director and General Secretary at ENAH Services Ltd and Cyprus Compliance Association
Michael Diamantoulis, Chief Compliance Officer & MLRO at Euronet Merchant Services
10:45-11:15
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Building a Future-Ready Finance Function for Payment Operations
This panel explores how CFOs overseeing payment functions are adapting to the rapidly evolving payments ecosystem to ensure financial stability and foster innovation.
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Developing agile budgeting and forecasting processes to manage the uncertainties of payment flows and transaction volumes
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Evaluating and prioritizing investments in new payment technologies and infrastructure
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Managing liquidity, capital, and risk effectively in a fast-paced, digital payments environment
Marianna Polykrati, Group Treasurer of Avramar Group
11:15-11:45
NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS
Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions
11:45-12:15
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Driving Innovation in Cross-Border Payments:
Enhancing Efficiency, Security, and Compliance
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Exploring new technologies and partnerships to streamline cross-border payment processes, including blockchain solutions, fintech collaborations, and AI for fraud detection and compliance
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Examine the role of blockchain technology in reducing costs and increasing transparency in cross-border payments
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Discuss strategies for mitigating fraud and ensuring compliance in international transactions
Dimitris Poutouris, Cloud Transformation Lead at VeraCloud
Athanasios Zoidis, Chief Information Officer at DirectPay - Payment Institution
12:15-12:45
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
How to do Money Laundering and Sanctions Evasion in 2025
Yiannis Pettemerides, Forensic Investigations, Sanctions Compliance, Anti Money Laundering Compliance
12:45-13:15
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Next-Gen Financial Crime Defense:
AI, Real-Time Data, and Collaborative Intelligence
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Unlocking AI and machine learning for proactive fraud detection, transaction monitoring, and automated risk management
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Establishing real-time data-sharing ecosystems to accelerate threat detection and response across institutions
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Overcoming data privacy challenges to create a unified, collaborative front against sophisticated financial crime
13:15-14:15
NETWORKING LUNCH
Attendees network over lunch, fostering connections and discussions
14:15-14:45
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Beyond PSD2:
Navigating the EU's Proposed Financial Data Access (FIDA) Framework
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Deciphering the key elements of the FIDA proposal and its implications for data sharing across various financial sectors
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Discussing how businesses can prepare for and leverage the opportunities presented by the FIDA framework
14:45-15:15
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Driving Competition with Open Finance - How Can this Be Achieved Whilst Still Maintainting Security
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Looking at the benefits of an even playing field, and how we can ensure a fair ecosystem
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The future: Is AI needed for Open Finance to succeed?
Dimitris Petrilis, Sales Director Central Eastern Europe at Backbase
15:15-15:45
NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS
Take a moment to connect with fellow attendees and discuss key insights
15:45-16:15
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Navigating Risk and Compliance Challenges:
A Strategic View for Finance Departments
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Integrating risk management into core financial processes
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Utilising data analytics and AI to enhance fraud detection and prevention
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Collaborating with compliance teams to ensure adherence to regulations
Moderator: Theo Skagias, CEO at TH.C. SKAGIAS S.A.
16:15-16:45
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Artificial Intelligence in Payments: Enhancements and Opportunities
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Utilising AI for risk assessment and fraud detection in the payments sector
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Innovations in payment systems driven by machine learning technologies
Yannis Larios, Former Vice Chairman/ Executive Board Member and VP for Strategy at Viva Payments and Viva Bank (Viva.com)
16:45-17:15
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
The Current Payments Landscape:
The Surge of Instant Payments, Integration with A2A Transactions, and Their Impact on Industry Dynamics
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Instant Payments Standardisation: By 2025, instant payments are now the norm, enhancing real-time transactions and transforming consumer experiences
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Explore the shift towards instant payments and its impact on consumer behavior
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Analyse the growing synergy between A2A payments and traditional payment methods
Daniel Jonas, Head of Research & Insight at PayUK.com
17:15-17:45
EXPERIENCE SESSION – Founders Feature
Spotlight on innovative startups
17:45-18:00
CHAIRMEN CLOSING COMMENTS
Summarising the key takeaways from the conference and addressing final questions from attendees
Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert
Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
18:00-19:30
NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION
A closing networking reception to foster connections among attendees and speakers,
featuring local drinks & snacks

KEY BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING
Build Thought Leadership
Showcase expertise and establish yourself as an industry thought leader
Generate Leads
It is the most cost-effective way to generate qualified leads of key B2B decision makers
Targeted Audience
Meet & engage with your target group
Global Reach
Hybrid events enable you to connect with your target audiences both locally and globally
New Prospects
Engage with new prospects and support existing relationships thus helping to drive leads into your sales funnel

PAST EVENT VIDEO

MEANINGFUL NETWORKING
Finally we are back with in-person events! The time to connect with our colleagues and peers in the Payments and RegTech sector is here! Our aim with the 21st NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum is to facilitate key discussions and create a platform for meaningful networking. No spamming, no irrelevant conversations, just quality conversations that promote business growth.
BECOME A SPONSOR
Sponsoring an event like The 21st NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum provides you with a perfect opportunity to secure new clients, showcase your products & solutions, interact directly with your target audience and grow your international business network.
You can expect to build new partnerships and expand your network with key decision-makers and industry influencers.
Our Sponsorship package takes on a holistic approach and includes:
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An integrated international marketing & branding campaign strategy
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20 minute keynote presentation
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Inclusion on an industry-expert panel discussion
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Access to The Meeting Point (5 pre-qualified meeting package)
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Various dedicated social media campaigns