8 futuristic fintech events to attend in 2018

2018 is set to be a booming year for technology in payments and money management. The PSD2 legislation is now in effect in the UK, causing a mad dash of partnerships between traditional banks and payments service providers (PSPs) with tech start-ups and third-party services. In the US, PSPs are also clamoring to be the first to deliver game-changing solutions to market in today’s digital-first economy.

Want to get ahead of the game with a sneak peek at what’s to come? Here’s our list of the top 8 Fintech events and conventions to watch for the biggest reveals and the best insights into the future of money across the globe.

Money 2020 USA
Las Vegas, Nevada US
October 21-24

Overview: An annual heavy-hitter in the States, Money 2020 is where the who’s who of payments, fintech and financial services unite to explore disruptive ways in which consumers move money. It’s the “big stage” for varying sectors within the industry to showcase their latest and greatest offerings to market, and forum for C-level executives, renowned speakers, and innovators and disruptors to discuss factors impacting the industry.

Highlights from last year: This highlight reel of execs from Apple and the like predicting today’s technology last year shows the level of thought leadership in attendance.

Follow along: Catch the highlights in real-time on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Money 2020 Europe
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
June 4-6

Overview: The speakers for 2018 include the CEO of Visa, Europe, a Santander venture partner, and the CEO of Starling Bank. On the itinerary for discussion: digital transformation in banking, payments, entrepreneurship, fraud and security, and alternative lending.

Highlights from last year: Notable events from day one, day two, and day three.
Follow along: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

State of Digital Money
Los Angeles, California USA
May 5

Overview: As the name implies, this conference is a deep-dive conversation about the evolving trends and technologies shaping the digital money landscape. This year’s session agenda titles include The Evolution of Blockchain, The Growth in Innovative Payment Platforms, and a workshop on Initial coin offerings (ICOS) as an emerging digital currency.

Highlights from last year: N/A.
Follow along: Stay up-to-date on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Empire Startups Fintech Conference
Toronto, Canada
June 27

Overview: “Part crystal ball and part rearview mirror,” this conference is where fintech entrepreneurs, investors and service providers meet. Aside from thought-leading keynotes and panel discussions, attendees also get a front seat to a demo show from some of the top fintech startups across the world.

Highlights from last year: A trailer of happenings from 2017.
Follow along: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Innovate Finance Global Summit
London, England
March 19-20

Overview: The speaking line-up for this UK calendar staple include the EVP, Head of Innovation and R&D at Wells Fargo (Bipin Sahni), an Open Banking Implementation Trustee (Imran Gulamhuseinwala), and the Director of Innovation at RBS (Kevin Hanley). Another highlight: The annual Pitch 360 contest. 24 startups get 360 seconds each to pitch an innovation idea to a panel of judges. Winners in the 10 categories get a suite of prizes, including $10K.

Highlights from last year: Key events from 2017.
Follow along: Catch this year’s highlights on Twitter and LinkedIn.

MIT Fintech Conference
Boston, Massachusetts USA
March 10

Overview: Keynotes include Shark Tank’s Kevin O’Leary and panelists include SVP ACH, Mastercard Sandeep Malhotra.

Highlights from last year: N/A.
Follow along: Watch live developments on Twitter.

Empire Startups Fintech Conference New York City
New York, New York USA
April 18

Overview: A similar line-up to the Toronto convention with three more pitch sessions with six start-ups.

Highlights from last year: A trailer of happenings from 2017.
Follow along: Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Payments 2018
San Diego, California USA
April 29-May 2

Overview: Hosted by NACHA, the Electronic Payments Association, Payments is an annual gathering spot for payments players and thought leaders to facilitate the industry dialogue that shapes the future of ACH. At the epicenter is the Faster Payments Experience, a series of sessions and solution demonstrations that focus on real-time, same-day, and other faster payments methods.

Highlights from last year: An overview of last year.
Follow along: Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter.

What fintech conferences are you keeping an eye on this year? Let us know in the comments below.