Where Cyprus and Europe Converge to Shape the Future of Payments & RegTech
#npf
26th NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum
3 DECEMBER 2026
Four Seasons Hotel - Limassol, Cyprus
JOIN PAYMENTS, COMPLIANCE & REGTECH LEADERS FROM CYPRUS, EUROPE & BEYOND
LET’S CONNECT
“Well begun is half done”
Aristotle
Welcome to the NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum – Cyprus 2026!
Join us at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol for an energising one-day forum at the crossroads of payments, compliance, RegTech and AI. Building on the success of the 2025 Forum in Cyprus – which brought together leading banks, EMIs, PSPs, fintechs, legal firms, regulators and service providers from across Cyprus, Greece and the wider region – the 2026 edition will go even deeper into the technologies, regulations and strategies reshaping the European payments ecosystem.
Across a full day of keynote sessions, strategic panels and practical case studies, you will explore how instant and real-time payments, A2A transactions, digital wallets, open banking, crypto, stablecoins, the Digital Euro and embedded finance are transforming customer journeys and business models. You will also gain clarity on the evolving EU regulatory landscape – from PSD3/PSR and the Instant Payments Regulation to the EU AML package, MiCA, DORA, NIS2 and new expectations from supervisors – and what all this means for institutions operating out of Cyprus as an EU-regulated hub.
A special focus will be placed on AI and agentic AI in payments and RegTech – building on sessions such as The Age of AI is Now, Agentic AI in RegTech and The AI Shift: Reinventing Payments, Regulation and Compliance – examining how intelligent, goal-driven systems can orchestrate workflows, enhance fraud and financial crime detection, and support compliance teams while keeping governance, explainability and human oversight firmly in place.
Whether you represent a bank, EMI, PSP, forex or trading firm, crypto company, merchant, RegTech provider, consultancy, law firm or regulatory body, the Forum is designed to deliver concrete, actionable insights and open the door to high-value partnerships across Cyprus, Europe and neighbouring regions.
Reserve your place in Limassol and help shape the future of payments, compliance and RegTech from the heart of the Eastern Mediterranean.
OUR SPONSORS
PAST SPEAKERS
Our speaker line-up brings together leading voices from the global payments industry, the 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
Cyprus as a Strategic Payments & Fintech Hub
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Instant, A2A & Open Finance in Practice – How instant payments, A2A schemes and open finance APIs are changing consumer and merchant experiences, settlement, and liquidity management for firms operating from Cyprus into the EU and beyond
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Cross-Border, FX, iGaming & Digital Commerce – Leveraging Cyprus’ position as a regional hub to power high-volume cross-border flows, FX, iGaming and e-commerce – while keeping customer experience, pricing and risk in balance
Regulatory Change, AML & Supervisory Expectations
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From PSD2 to PSD3, PSR, MiCA & the EU AML Package – What the new wave of EU regulation means in practice for Cyprus-based institutions: licensing, safeguarding, transparency, AML/CTF, sanctions and consumer protection
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DORA, NIS2 & Operational Resilience by Design – Translating requirements on ICT risk and cyber resilience into robust, scalable operating models that satisfy regulators while enabling innovation and growth
AI & Agentic AI in Payments & RegTech
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From Rules-Based to Risk-Based – and Now Agentic – Moving beyond traditional rules and static models towards risk-based monitoring and agentic AI systems that can coordinate tasks, triage alerts and support real-time decisioning in onboarding, fraud and AML
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Governance, Explainability & Human-in-the-Loop – Designing AI and agentic AI with the right guardrails: model governance, documentation, bias and fairness controls, and human oversight that regulators, boards and customers can trust
Financial Crime, Fraud, Crypto & the New Payments Infrastructure
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Next-Generation Fraud & AML Defences – Using AI, advanced analytics and collaborative intelligence to combat scams, mule accounts, APP fraud, cyber-enabled crime and cross-border money laundering, building on real examples from banks, EMIs and PSPs in Cyprus and Europe
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Crypto, Stablecoins, CBDCs & the Digital Euro – What MiCA, CBDCs and the Digital Euro mean for payments, trading and treasury: integration of crypto payments, evolving regulatory expectations and how to prepare infrastructure, controls and customer journeys for the next phase
THE AGENDA
6 NOVEMBER | LIMASSOL | CYPRUS
The 22nd NextGen Payments & RegTech Forum will bring together senior leaders to explore the future of payments, compliance, and financial innovation in Cyprus and Europe. The agenda highlights AI and blockchain in compliance, cryptocurrency and CBDCs, instant and account-to-account payments, cross-border innovation, and financial crime prevention, offering insights into the opportunities and challenges shaping 2025.
6 NOVEMBER 2025
08:30-09:00
REGISTRATION & WELCOME COFFEE
Participants arrive, register, and enjoy welcome coffee
Sponsored by Copla & ComplyRadar
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
Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert
Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
09:10-09:35
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
The Age of AI is Now
Demetris Skourides, Chief Scientist for Research, Innovation, and Technology of the Republic of Cyprus
09:35-10:05
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Leveraging Technology for Enhanced Compliance
The integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and blockchain, is transforming compliance practices by enabling more effective fraud detection, transaction monitoring, and risk management.
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How AI and machine learning improve the accuracy and efficiency of compliance processes
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Real-world case studies showcasing successful technology implementation in compliance
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The future of blockchain and its role in enhancing transparency and traceability in financial transactions
Moderator: Nassos Paltayian, Director - Head of Compliance at Abacus Limited
Thibaud Catry, Group Chief Compliance Officer at Payhawk
David Garland, Business Development Manager at Veracloud
Matthew Muscat, Senior Solution Lead at ComplyRadar
Christos Makedonas, Partner | Digital Risk at Grant Thornton
10:05-10:35
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Agentic AI in Regtech: Trends, Challenges, and Real-Life Examples
Moderator: Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert
Tim Khamzin, CEO & Founder at Vivox.AI
Andre Kuzminykh, Chief AI Product Tech Officer at Unlimit
Antonia Michail, Head of Compliance and AMLCO at Nuvei Limited
Evan Kelepeniotis, Group Compliance Director at Ebury
Joanna Frendo, Chief Compliance Officer at Deriv
10:35-11:00
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 EU context
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Modernising the consumer payment experience - real-world examples
Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta
Consulting Ltd
George Flouros, General Manager of Vpayments - Member of GAP Vassilopoulos Group
Constantinos Tsissios, Managing Director at OneVault
11:00-11:30
NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS
Opportunity for attendees to connect and discuss insights from the morning sessions
Sponsored by ADACOM & Payall Payment Systems
11:30-12:00
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Latest Developments:
The Evolving Regulatory Frameworks
An analysis of the latest developments in global and regional regulations related to anti-money laundering (AML), counter-terrorism financing (CTF), and financial crime compliance, including the impact of legislation like MiFID II and AMLD6
Moderator: Costas Mavrides, Manager at C Compliance (Strategic Partner Infocredit Group)
Dorina Mastora, Deputy Compliance Officer at Elias Neocleous & Co LLC
Anna Stylianou, CEO at AML Cube
Antonis Hadjicostas, Director at ENAH Services Ltd | Vice Chair at Cyprus Compliance Association
Elina Mantrali, Counsel at Harneys
12:00-12:30
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
Shaping the Future of AML: From Rules Based to Risk Based Monitoring
George Apostolides, Deputy CCO/AMLCO at Eurobank Ltd
12:30-13:00
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
Fortifying FinTech:
DORA, NIS2, and the Future of Cybersecurity Compliance
Aurimas Bakas, CEO & Co-Founder at Copla
13:00-14:00
NETWORKING LUNCH
Attendees network over lunch, fostering connections and discussions
Sponsored by Mastercard & InfoCredit Group
14:00-14:30
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Driving Innovation in Cross-Border Payments: Enhancing Efficiency, Security, and Compliance
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Exploring new technologies and partnerships that streamline cross-border payment processes while maintaining security and compliance, fostering a more efficient global payment infrastructure
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Emergence of Blockchain Solutions: Leveraging blockchain technology to facilitate faster, more secure cross-border transactions while reducing costs associated with intermediaries
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Collaboration with Fintech Startups: Forming strategic partnerships with innovative fintech companies to develop agile payment solutions that can swiftly adapt to regulatory changes and consumer demands
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Integration of AI and Machine Learning: Utilising AI-driven analytics to improve fraud detection, streamline compliance processes, and enhance the overall security of cross-border payment systems
Moderator: Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert
Jovana Dadić Babović, VP Strategic Initiatives and Growth at Payall Payment Systems
Chrysovalantis Koutsoumpos, Chief Technology Officer at xMoney
Evan Kelepeniotis, Group Compliance Director at Ebury
14:30-15:00
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
Securing Trust - Insights From the Frontlines of Fraud
Theodoros Hadjistyllis, Account Director at Mastercard
15:00-15:30
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
The 2026 Payments Landscape: Instant + A2A, Powered by Open Finance
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Ubiquity & UX: Instant payments become standardised and near-universal by 2026, enabling real-time consumer and merchant experiences and faster settlement across rails
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Convergence & Cost: A2A and instant rails converge via Open Finance APIs - streamlining transfers, reducing costs, removing intermediaries, and accelerating embedded-payments use cases
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Ecosystem & Compliance: Industry dynamics shift as banks, PSPs, and fintechs co-innovate on third-party integrations while governing data sharing, consent, and liability to stay compliant
Moderator: Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at FlottaConsulting Ltd
Koumis Poyiadjis, Executive Director/COO at Revsto
Sophocles Ioannou, Regional Director, New Business Development at OpenWay
Isidoros Mezopoulos, Chief Commercial Officer at DiPocket Group
Stalo Parmaxi, Vice President Operations at Pay.com
15:30-16:00
NETWORKING COFFEE BREAK + ONE-TO-ONE MEETINGS
Take a moment to connect with fellow attendees and discuss key insights
Sponsored by VIVOX & VERACLOUD
16:00-16:25
KEYNOTE SESSION + Q&A
From EMI License to Launch: Building a Neobank in Europe Differentiation, Cyprus EMI Licensing, and What’s Next?
Igor Ustinov, CEO at HAPIC
16:25-16:50
KEYNOTE DISCUSSION + Q&A
The AI Shift: Reinventing Payments, Regulation, and Compliance
Panayiotis Theodosiou, Chief Operating Officer at Moneygate Solutions
16:50-17:20
PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
Cryptocurrency and Payments:
Charting the Future of Digital Transactions
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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
Moderator: Mateo Jarrin Cuvi, Global Manager for Partners & Media at The Association of Governance, Risk & Compliance, UK
Viktorija Poluektova, Global Chief Risk & Compliance Officer at a European Crypto Processing Company and Founder of Regu Learn
Dmitrii Zakharov, COO at Tria.Finance
Stanislav Bublik, Chief Product Officer at Finyard
17:20-17:30
CHAIRMEN CLOSING COMMENTS
Summarising the key takeaways of the conference and addressing final questions from attendees
Robert Courtneidge, Payment Industry Expert
Andrew Doukanaris, Chief Executive Officer at Flotta Consulting Ltd
17:30-19:00
NETWORKING DRINKS RECEPTION
A closing networking reception to foster connections among attendees and speakers,
featuring local drinks & canapes
Sponsored by Payhawk
19:30-22:00
TRADITIONAL TAVERN DINNER
Join us for a Traditional Tavern Dinner at Taverna Agios Epiktitos for an evening of authentic cuisine and warm connections, fostering networking in a relaxed and culturally rich atmosphere
MEDIA PARTNERS
KEY BENEFITS FOR PARTICIPATING
Interactive Hybrid Platform
Hybrid events enable you to put a virtual face to your organisation or come actually face-to-face by speaking to your viewers, attending meetings and networking
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
BECOME A SPONSOR
Sponsoring an event like The 26th 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
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 26th 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.
