The fintech event circuit is as diverse as the industry itself. Some conferences feel like a whirlwind of deals and big-stage announcements, while others create intimate spaces for blossoming partnerships.
If you’re stepping into the fintech world for the first time, a smaller, curated event might be your best entry point. But if you’re looking to make waves, raise capital, or meet the right people at scale, a large-scale fintech expo could be your golden ticket.
In a nutshell…
In North America, fintech conferences tend to prioritise venture capital, disruption and high-speed networking, whereas European events often weave regulation, financial institutions and cross-border collaboration into the mix. Where you go, and how you prepare, depends on your company’s stage, its goals and ability to navigate different networking styles.
But not all events are equal. Some are structured for high-volume, rapid-fire meetings, where AI-powered apps match attendees before the event even starts. Others are built for deep, policy-shaping discussions, where regulators, banks and fintechs hash out the future of financial services often behind closed doors.
So, whether you’re a startup looking for funding, a bank exploring partnerships or a policymaker preparing for the next wave of fintech innovation, choosing the right event (and networking style) is key.
First question: What do you need?
Fintech events aren’t just about listening to keynotes or visiting booths. They’re places where partnerships form, regulations get shaped and billion-dollar deals begin, that’s if you know how to navigate them (both pre-game and physically, in-person events = a lot of steps!).
So, the first question is really what do YOU want to get out of it? I’ve put together some thoughts with the following specific audiences in mind and while I can’t guarantee that every scenario will work here’s some general advice depending on your business stage and need.
The early-stage fintech founder
You need: Funding, exposure, early partnerships
Ideal networking style: Fast-paced investor matchmaking, pitch competitions, startup-focused tracks
Best events:
Finovate (London and California)
Live demo-driven networking. If you have a working product, this event gets you directly on a main stage in front of banks and investors looking for fintech innovation.
Fintech Talents North America (New York)
Back for 2025 this event brings together banks, credit unions and technology companies in a smaller setting. It also features as part of Future Identify Finance, FTT Embedded Finance & Superapps and Customer Alpha so if you can only make it round one event you can get your money’s worth here.
Sifted Summit (London)
Rubbing shoulders with big names in a small environment. This event has the Financial Times name behind it to draw in the CEOs from some of fintech’s biggest companies. The fan clubs are real but so is the space for founders to network and say hello.
Networking reality check
Speed is everything. These events are highly structured, meaning if you don’t pre-book meetings, you’ll be left behind.
Forget casual networking. You’ll be in back-to-back meetings, making it ideal for founders who want efficiency.
Go with a pitch-ready mindset. Unlike relaxed industry discussions, these events are deal-driven meaning you have minutes, not hours, to impress investors.
The scaling fintech looking for global growth
You need: Strategic partnerships , regulatory insights, international contacts
Ideal networking style: Mix of structured 1:1 meetings and informal networking lounges
Best events:
The U.S. Fintech Symposium (Illinois)
With an aim to reshape the financial landscape. A different format that prioritises peer-to-peer discussions and strategic conversations.
Paris Fintech Forum (Paris)
High-level, private networking. If you’re expanding into Europe, this event is where you’ll meet key banking decision-makers and European regulators in an intimate setting.
MoneyLIVE Summit (London)
Where decision makers discuss industry growth. An interesting place to hear how partnerships have been created with the potential to do more on-site.
Networking reality check
Balance your time. Unlike startup-focused events, these mix structured meetings with open networking so you need both a tight schedule and ideally a private room close to the show floor for spontaneous conversations.
Pre-arrange key meetings. Banking executives don’t wander expo floors, use event networking apps to lock in high-value conversations.
Side events matter. Some of the best partnerships form over private dinners, closed-door roundtables and offsite events.
The established fintech leader, bank executive or regulator
You need: High-level discussions, industry insights, global regulatory engagement
Ideal networking style: Private roundtables, policy-driven summits, invite-only forums
Best events:
World Economic Forum (Davos)
The ultimate policy-power network. While not fintech-exclusive, Davos is where financial leaders, central bankers and regulators shape global policy discussions — a must for fintechs navigating regulatory landscapes.
Sibos (Frankfurt)
Bankers unite. A must-attend for those who need direct access to EU regulators and banking executives shaping Europe’s fintech future. Ensure to have meetings set up with the key players before you arrive on-site.
Money20/20 (Las Vegas & Amsterdam)
The power player’s fintech hub. This massive event draws CEOs, policymakers and tech giants, with private VIP networking for those at the top of their game.
Networking reality check
Forget the expo floor. If you’re at this level, your best conversations happen in invite-only roundtables and private C-suite lounges.
Regulators play a key role. Many fintechs underestimate how much regulatory conversations shape dealmaking at these events.
VIP networking tech is key. At large-scale summits executives rely on concierge services and AI-powered matchmaking to ensure they meet the right people.
The corporate innovator or legacy bank looking to partner with fintechs
You need: Early access to innovation, digital transformation strategies, fintech partnerships
Ideal networking style: Live fintech showcases, curated fintech-to-bank introductions
Best events:
Pay360 (London)
Payments focused innovation. See banks interact with fintechs in a natural setting thanks to the incorporated Fintech Fringe element.
Fintech Meetup (Las Vegas)
Focusing heavily on pre-arranged meetings. Unlike traditional expos, this event is built entirely around AI-powered matchmaking. Expect back-to-back meetings instead of wandering through booths.
HumanX (Las Vegas)
Where brands meet AI. A new event that leverages the current drive around AI to bring together financial players, brands and technology companies. Watch this space to find out more.
Networking reality check
Forget passive networking. These events are built for structured fintech-bank matchmaking so make sure you come with clear objectives.
Apps and AI-driven intros are crucial. The best connections happen before the event starts thanks to networking platforms that pair banks with fintechs.
Be prepared to move fast. Unlike casual networking events, these are high-efficiency deal-making spaces and if there’s interest, expect fast follow-ups.
Final thoughts: where should you start?
If you’re a fintech startup looking for funding or early partnerships, go where the investors are from Vegas to London or dedicated events with startup tracks that will connect you with VCs and banking partners ready to invest. Perhaps look for a community programme or one with mentors available that can help you understand where to start.
If you’re scaling and want to break into North America, head to the larger events just to make sure you understand who the key players are in such a vast area. Aim for events bring together banks, lenders and fintech firms actively seeking partnerships.
If you’re expanding into Europe, events that offer the best mix of high-level regulatory insights and business connections with European financial institutions are good places to put your money.
There are of course wider events such as New York Fintech Week and SXSW London that bring other topics under one roof across multiple venues, if that’s your bag – go get it!
Expanding globally? Let event tech work for you
No matter your growth stage, fintech events are no longer just about showing up, they’re about leveraging AI-driven networking tools to connect with the right people before you even arrive. See my previous article on how to decipher your event personality to make the most out of your time.
So, if global expansion is on your roadmap, start where the best apps are and if size really does matter start with an event that offers targeted, mid-sized networking. These are often a great alternative to massive expos, with structured but less overwhelming networking for growth-stage fintechs.
Most of all, pack your sneakers, hydrate and get networking. If I’ve missed a fintech-based event where you feel your business gained value from attending please let me know, I’d love to hear your feedback.
Happy eventing!
The post Spending Your Events Budget: From Europe to North America appeared first on The Fintech Times.
