Ready to hear from inspirational leaders who have successfully navigated process, product and institutional innovation?
#financialinnovation
4th Annual
Financial Innovation Forum
Payments & RegTech
18 SEPTEMBER 2025
Intercontinental Hotel - Mayfair - London, United Kingdom
A PREMIUM GATHERING OF INDUSTRY EXPERTS
A NEW ERA OF CUSTOMER-FOCUSED INNOVATION
“Business opportunities are like buses, there’s always another one coming.”
Richard Branson
We are excited to invite you to an invigorating one-day conference that explores the dynamic interplay between payments and regulatory technology. Set against the backdrop of the iconic city of London, the 4th Financial Innovation Forum will gather industry pioneers, innovators, and regulatory experts to share invaluable insights on the latest trends, challenges, and opportunities shaping the rapidly evolving payments landscape.
Our agenda includes impactful keynote presentations, interactive panel discussions, and engaging workshops aimed at equipping participants with essential knowledge on the latest payment solutions, evolving regulatory frameworks, and effective strategies for navigating compliance in today’s digital economy. Whether you represent a burgeoning fintech, a regulatory authority, or a seasoned financial institution, this forum presents a distinct opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and discover actionable strategies for success in this fast-moving industry.
Don’t miss your chance to network with visionary leaders and engage in meaningful conversations while experiencing the rich vibrancy of London.
Join us for a day of learning, collaboration, and inspiration at the 4th Financial Innovation Forum!
Secure your place today and contribute to the discussions that will shape the future of payments and compliance!
OUR SPONSORS
SUPPORTING PARTNER
OUR SPEAKERS
OUR CONTRIBUTORS
WHAT'S COMING UP
Digital Transformation:
Discover how technology is revolutionizing financial services, with a focus on fintech integrations, blockchain, and the rise of digital currencies.
Regulatory Innovation:
Engage with industry leaders and regulators who are navigating the complex landscape of compliance and regulatory frameworks in an era of rapid change.
Sustainability and Future Finance:
Explore the intersection of finance and sustainability, emphasising responsible investing and the role of financial institutions in fostering a greener economy.
THE AGENDA
18 SEPTEMBER | LONDON | UNITED KINGDOM
18 SEPTEMBER 2025
08:30-09:00
REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE
Participants arrive, register, and enjoy welcome coffee
09:00-09:05
WELCOME ADDRESS
Lilly Pavlou, Executive Director at QUBE Events
09:05-09:10
CHAIRMEN OPENING ADDRESS
Insights into the day's agenda and objectives
Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
Suresh Vaghjiani, CEO at CLOWD9
09:10-09:35
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
Rewriting the Payments Playbook: exploring AI, Smart Data, Quantum Computing, and the Dawn of a New Payments Value Chain
A focus on emerging trends like embedded finance, real-time payments, and the evolving role of central bank digital currencies (CBDCs)
Samantha Emery, Payments Executive and NED
09:35-10:05
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 the UK 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
Moderator: Kene Ezeji-Oyoke, Chief Blockchain Officer at Ubyx
Alex Dunn, Director - Innovation & Strategic Growth Initiatives at Visa
Clare Pearson, Head of Technology Operations & Delivery Management at Fnality International
Cal Evans, Crypto & Digital Asset Lawyer at Gresham International
Teresa Cascino, Digital Asset Risk Management Regulatory Lead at Citi
10:05-10:35
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
AI Innovation: Efficiency Gains vs. Compliance Challenges
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AI's Impact on Compliance Processes: Explore how AI transforms compliance tasks like KYC, policy management, and employee training, resulting in efficiency gains and potential cost savings of 20-50%
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Implementation Challenges: Assess the hurdles of AI integration, including issues of reliability, data privacy, and the necessity for human oversight in critical decision-making
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Strategies for Balanced Integration: Learn to optimise the benefits of AI while mitigating risks, ensuring your organisation can leverage AI-driven efficiency while maintaining transparency and trust
Moderator: Zeina Arnous, Founder & Managing Director at ZExcella LTD
Matt Aspell, Head of Monitoring and KYC Product Compliance and Risk at Wise
Donatien Chedom Fotso, Director of Artificial Intelligence at EPAM Systems
Roman Zilber, Founder at Intrepid Fox
Anu Widyalankara, Director, Payments Strategy & Technology at Ernst & Young LLP
10:35-11:05
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
The Compliance Landscape for Fintechs in the United Kingdom
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Identifying compliance challenges faced by fintechs in the UK
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Sharing successful strategies for maintaining regulatory compliance while fostering innovation
Louise Beaumont, Independent Expert
Willem Wellinghoff, UK Chair & Chief Compliance Officer at Ecommpay at Ecommpay
Steve Whiting, Director of Payments Technology at Soldo
John Gidla, Head of Global Regulatory Research & Analysis at Vixio Regulatory Intelligence
11:05-11:35
NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK
Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions
11:35-12:05
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Innovations in Cross-Border Payments
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Implementing real-time payment tracking and enhanced transparency across borders
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Addressing compliance challenges with multi-jurisdictional regulations
Moderator: Emma Joyce, Chief Revenue Officer at Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC)
Knox Mcilwain, Global Lead Regulatory, Compliance & Licensing Strategy at AIRWALLEX
Kamran Hedjri, Group CEO at PXP
Gary Palmer, President, CEO & Chairman at Payall Payment Systems
Jun Cai, Country Head for UK, Germany, Switzerland, Central and Eastern Europe at Alipay+
Gaurav Sharma, Head of Payments at PagoNxt (a Santander company)
12:05-12:35
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
Latest Payments Trends
Sulabh Agarwal, Global Payments Lead at Accenture
12:30-13:00
KEYNOTE EXPERIENCE
Levels of Connection 4.0
Stephanos Papadopoulos, Founder & CEO at Spatzia.eu
13:00-14:00
NETWORKING LUNCH
Attendees network over lunch, fostering connections and discussions
14:00-14:30
PANEL SESSION + Q&A
The Future of Payments and Banking: Embracing Digital Transformation and Financial Inclusion
This panel discussion will explore the transformative trends shaping the payments and banking sector, focusing on the importance of digital innovation, customer-centric solutions, and efforts to promote financial inclusion.
Key areas of discussion will include:
The rise of digital currencies
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The rise of digital currencies
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The role of artificial intelligence in enhancing customer experiences
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Regulatory evolution, and strategies to build a more inclusive financial ecosystem for underserved populations
Moderator: Sarah Ghosh, FCMA, CGMA, Senior Finance Professional at UK Civil Service
Susana Esteban, Managing Director at FTI Consulting
Nithya Sridharan, Director, Digital Assets at TPICAP
Jürg Baltensperger, Managing Director at JayBee Ltd
Chris Aruliah, Chief Commercial Officer at Agant
14:30-14:55
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
The Evolution of Instant Payments
Róbert Kiszely, Director of Professional Services at Capsys
14:55-15:25
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
AI Agents in FinCrime: Trends, Challenges, and Real-Life Examples
Tim Khamzin, CEO at Vivox.AI
15:25-15:55
NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK
Take a moment to connect with fellow attendees and discuss key insights
15:55-16:25
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
MP: Merchant of Record; Unlocking Global Payments Success
Moderator: Melissa Pottenger, VP, Payment Ops at Reach
16:25-16:55
ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION + Q&A
Building a Sustainable and Inclusive Fintech Ecosystem
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Exploring the role of fintech in promoting financial inclusion, particularly for underserved populations
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Discussing strategies for fostering innovation and collaboration within the fintech ecosystem
Moderator: Parul Kaul-Green, CFA, Founder & CEO at Eudaimon Consulting
Rishi Raithatha, Director, Data & Insights - Mobile Money, GSMA
16:55-17:25
KEYNOTE EXPERIENCE
Putting your Best People Forward
Peter-Jan Grech, Founder and CEO at BRND WGN
17:25-17:55
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
The Next Wave of the Consumer Payment Experience
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Focusing on purpose-driven and predictive customer experiences in payments
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Analysing changes in consumer expectations and behaviour within the UK context
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Modernising the consumer payment
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Exploring the future of digital wallets: integration with loyalty programs and banking services
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Real-world examples
Moderator: Eva Taleva-Borislavova, CEO at Remitly Europe Limited
Rich Wagner, CEO at Zempler Bank
Manish Kumar, Head of Payment Acceptance at Starling Bank
Anton Globus, Group Director: Finance and Innovation at Paysend
17:55-18:00
CHAIRMAN CLOSING COMMENTS
Summarising the key takeaways from the conference and addressing final questions from attendees
Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
Suresh Vaghjiani, CEO at CLOWD9
18:00-19:30
NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION
A closing networking reception to foster connections among attendees and speakers
MEDIA PARTNERS
KEY BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING
Interactive Platform
Our Expos enable you to come face-to-face with decision-makers, attend qualified meetings and provide
exceptional formal and informal networking opportunities
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
International locations and access to global networks enable you to connect with your target clients both locally and globally
New Prospects
Engage with new prospects and support existing relationships thus helping to drive leads into your sales funnel
Competitive Benchmarking
Gain insights into the competitive landscape and gain knowledge of new trends and players in the
market
BECOME A SPONSOR
Sponsoring the 4th Financial Innovation Forum - Payments & RegTech provides you with the perfect opportunity to showcase your solutions and interact with your target audience in a purposeful way.
You can expect to secure new direct connections with key decision-makers and industry influencers.
Our Sponsorship packages take on a holistic approach and are tailored to accommodate your specific business objectives.
Packages can include:
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20-30 minute keynote presentation or inclusion on an industry-expert panel discussion
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Access to The Meeting Point which includes 5 pre-qualified meetings
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An integrated international marketing & branding campaign strategy
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International social media campaigns
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Dedicated booths and promotional areas
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Prestigious PR opportunities & interviews with international media
