The festival’s mission is clear: to interconnect the region’s finance leaders, foster authentic exchange, and turn conversations into action. With its unique blend of purpose and personality, UNCHAIN has become the most relevant fintech gathering in the CEE—and will be coming back in 2026 with even more practical insights, new partnerships, and the same spirit: authentic, connected, and ready for what’s next.

THE FUTURE OF FINANCE, IN FULL FLOW

The key topics at UNCHAIN were as dynamic as the people in the room—over 60 sessions packed with fresh ideas, future-thinking strategies, and real-world solutions. From game-changing tech to bold regulatory conversations, the agenda left no stone unturned.

As Andrew Samu, Editor at Disruption Banking and Host of UNCHAIN put it:
“Key trends like artificial intelligence and instant payments were high on the agenda, but speakers were not shy to discuss topics like how long a digital euro might take to be released, or the current stable coin and wider crypto discussion. It’s important to note that Central Eastern Europe is evolving differently to other regions around the world—instant payments are already in place in many countries. The challenge the banking and fintech sectors face is about what the next iteration of fintech solutions might look like.”

Catalin Cretu, General Manager for Romania, Croatia, Slovenia and Bulgaria at Visa added: “Visa was pleased to join industry leaders and partners at UNCHAIN Festival, a premier event shaping the future of finance in Central and Eastern Europe. UNCHAIN once again demonstrated its strength as a powerful platform for shaping the future of finance, facilitating meaningful dialogue with clients, partners, regulators, and digital innovators. This year’s discussions—ranging from AI in banking and neobanking to embedded finance and cross-sector transformation—highlighted the dynamic evolution of our industry.

As a committed strategic partner since the festival’s inception, Visa supports UNCHAIN’s vision of fostering regional resilience, bridging traditional and emerging financial sectors, and accelerating market growth. We look forward to continued collaboration as we build a more connected and innovative financial ecosystem across the region”

NEXT-GEN PAYMENTS ADVANCING & OPENING-UP OPPORTUNITIES

UNCHAIN’s payments track burst with energy and innovation, reflecting the CEE region’s bold momentum in instant payments and financial infrastructure development. From real-time rails to orchestration platforms, the conversation was rooted in how to build a seamless, scalable future across fragmented markets—and how collaboration is the key to unlocking it.

One of the major highlights was BLIK’s expansion into Romania—a proven Polish success story now taking its real-time mobile payment solution across borders. With BLIK already widely adopted in Poland, its move into Romania showcased in a panel together with PayU and the National Bank of Romania, how homegrown innovation can scale regionally. By enabling users to pay instantly via mobile, even without a physical card, BLIK is delivering convenience, security, and a highly localized digital experience tailored to the needs of modern consumers and merchants. It’s a big step forward in interconnecting the region’s payment ecosystems and bringing practical, proven solutions to new markets.

Visa Direct also took the spotlight, demonstrating how push payment capabilities are modernizing the way money moves—between people, across platforms, and even across borders. As a key enabler of real-time transactions, Visa Direct is helping fintechs and financial institutions in CEE tap into faster, more transparent money movement, unlocking new business models and customer experiences along the way.

Meanwhile, Payten, Worldline Financial Services, and SIBS Romania—three of the region’s most impactful infrastructure and processing players—brought forward tangible, future-ready solutions in payment orchestration, embedded finance, and acquiring. SIBS Romania mentioned its advanced POS-sharing model, a smart solution designed to reduce hardware duplication and operational friction for merchants—especially relevant in multi-brand retail environments. This innovation not only improves the customer checkout experience but also supports a more efficient and sustainable payment infrastructure across markets.

Worldline Financial Services shared its forward-looking vision for the future of payments in CEE, centered around building open, secure, and interoperable systems that adapt to the region’s unique needs. From enabling next-gen digital wallets to offering flexible acquiring models, Worldline Financial Services emphasized its role in shaping a future where innovation is not limited by borders, and every transaction becomes smarter, faster, and more human-centered.

Payten, meanwhile, showcased the success of its collaboration with Auchan, delivering streamlined and robust orchestration of in-store and online payments. This partnership demonstrated how integrated solutions can drive both efficiency and customer satisfaction at scale, creating a seamless ecosystem from checkout to settlement.

Together, these partners are not just keeping up with change—they’re driving it. Their presence at UNCHAIN highlighted a shared commitment to building a unified, agile, and interoperable payments landscape that supports innovation across industries, markets, and regulatory frameworks throughout the CEE. From seamless consumer journeys to scalable infrastructure and game-changing partnerships, the payments sessions at UNCHAIN proved one thing above all: in CEE, the future of money is already in motion—and only gaining speed.

CRACKING THE NUT OF LENDING TECH

Lending at UNCHAIN was anything but traditional. Across sessions, speakers explored how lending is being reimagined through embedded finance, BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) models, and smarter credit decisioning powered by open data and AI. A key theme was how POS systems and online marketplaces are no longer just transaction points—they’re fast becoming distribution channels for financial products. From microloans to merchant financing, these platforms now act as both service touchpoints and lead generators, creating a bridge between new-age fintech and established banking institutions.

Big announcements reinforced this shift—most notably the launch of a cooperative partnership between Global Payments Europe, Lendox and Visa designed to streamline access to SME lending. It represents a powerful move to digitize credit distribution and support business growth at scale, particularly in underserved markets across CEE.

“By combining the power of Lendox’s credit intelligence engine, the cards and  payments infrastructure of Global Payments Europe, and the global reach of Visa’s rails, a new horizon is emerging, one where supply chains are unlocked through an  innovative, invisible, Embedded SME lending. This is not just about AI and technology—it’s about inclusion at scale. The strategic partnership stands as proof of how fintech and large financial institutions can collaborate in order to solve  the huge problem of SMEs financial inclusions“. states Cosmin Curticapean, CEO of Lendox.

The spirit of innovation also shone through in the UNCHAIN Startup Tournament, where Mifundo took the top prize. Their cross-border lending platform addresses a key regional challenge: serving individuals with multi-country lives. As Mifundo’s CEO shared on stage, millions of Eastern Europeans working abroad struggle to access fair credit when they return home due to fragmented credit histories. By integrating data from over 70% of Europe’s credit bureaus, Mifundo enables local banks to make responsible, inclusive lending decisions and offer returning citizens the same conditions as domestic clients. It’s a win-win for financial inclusion and bank growth.

“There has been notable progress in the modernization and digitalization of financial services in recent years. However, there is still room for innovation, and cross-border lending remains a key area of opportunity. We estimate that around 45 million Europeans will apply for a loan in a country different from the one where they’ve built their credit history. Keep in mind that, according to Eurostat, 1.5 million Europeans move to a different EU country each year.” states Alex Blay, Head of Strategic Partnerships at Mifundo.

At UNCHAIN, lending wasn’t just about capital—it was about access, identity, and creating seamless pathways for financial empowerment in a fast-moving, mobile world.

FROM LEGACY TO LIGHTNING-SPEED: CLOUD, AI & THE DIGITAL BANKING LEAP

 This was where the sparks really flew. The Digital Transformation track at UNCHAIN wasn’t just about buzzwords—it spotlighted how institutions across CEE are trading old systems for fast, flexible, and future-ready infrastructure. From cloud-native platforms and AI-powered services to digital identity and EUDI wallets, the sessions brought together some of the sharpest minds reshaping finance’s digital backbone.

Leading the way, Raiffeisen Bank shared its bold leap into the cloud with Amazon Web Services (AWS), illustrating how major institutions can unlock agility, scalability, and innovation when they leave legacy behind. Garanti Bank introduced us to GIA, its AI-powered virtual advisor, which delivers 24/7 personalized assistance and exemplifies the growing role of conversational AI in modern banking. And Banca Transilvania showcased together with Finshape how BT GO is setting new standards for mobile banking—offering speed, simplicity, and smart services for millions of users. Their trailblazing progress was rightly honored during the event with the CEE Digital Bank of the Year Award 2025, powered by Visa—a well-earned recognition for Banca Transilvania’s leadership in redefining what a full-service digital bank of the future looks like.

A remarkable spirit of innovation was echoed in a panel featuring BRD Groupe Société Générale, Payten, Visa, Symphopay, and Transfond, which explored how real-time technologies and smarter liquidity tools are transforming corporate payments. The session underscored the growing importance of agile infrastructure and digital-first cash management in helping businesses stay efficient, competitive, and connected across channels.

A standout panel featuring IBM and IT Smart Systems zoomed in on the data-driven foundations of transformation—covering data governance, lineage, trust, and AI transparency. Experts emphasized that robust architecture and clear data ownership are now just as crucial as the front-end experiences. Building trust in data—from source to decision-making—emerged as a critical factor in accelerating innovation responsibly. It was a clear reminder: behind every great digital leap is a rock-solid data strategy.

The push toward neobanks and superapps was also in full focus. Agile players like Natech and Snappi demonstrated what’s possible when you build banking experiences from the ground up—lean, mobile-first, and deeply user-centric. As AI becomes increasingly embedded into core services, the conversation moved from automation to prediction, from customer service to customer intuition.

Resilience, of course, remained a central theme. Cybersecurity leaders like FORT emphasized the urgent need for fortified, real-time security frameworks, especially as digital ecosystems become more interconnected and data-heavy. Meanwhile, Namirial emerged as a key transformational player in the adoption of EUDI wallets, helping translate the EU’s vision for cross-border digital identity into practical, scalable solutions. Their efforts are paving the way for a more secure and user-empowered future in digital onboarding and authentication.

In short, the message was clear: digital transformation isn’t about catching up—it’s about staying ahead. And for those who embrace it fully, the future of finance is already here.

FINTERSECTIONS: WHERE FINANCE MEETS THE REAL ECONOMY

New to UNCHAIN this year, Fintersections explored one of the most exciting trends shaping finance today—the growing convergence of financial services, technology, and traditional industries. As banks, fintechs, and insuretechs aim to move closer to the end user, they’re embedding financial solutions directly into the platforms, journeys, and ecosystems that define daily life and commerce. Whether it’s agriculture, fleet & fuel, or retail, the message is the same: the future of finance isn’t just digital—it’s deeply contextual.

In the Fleet & Fuel vertical, the momentum was unmistakable. From Eurowag and E100 to Petrol Pay, Token, and Global Payments Europe, industry leaders discussed how financial services—payments, tolling, insurance, and credit—are being woven directly into the driver’s journey. Embedded finance is no longer a perk; it’s a competitive necessity, unlocking new revenue streams and operational efficiency for platforms like Autonom, Cargo Track, and Westaco. The panel explored how data, integration, and experience design are aligning to make fleet services smarter, faster, and more user-centric than ever.

Over in Retail, BNPL remained a strong theme. Platforms like Twisto and Klarna continue to refine how consumers shop online, but it was eMAG that made headlines by stepping fully into the fintech space with the launch of HeyBlu. Meanwhile, retailers like Auchan showcased how financial partnerships—especially through payment orchestration and credit options—can transform both checkout experience and customer lifetime value. And Pluxee turned heads with its innovative employee benefit programs, proving that smart incentives can drive real-world retail traffic while deepening the financial relationship with users.

In Agriculture, conversations focused on personalization, precision, and unlocking capital. Agricover presented a comprehensive vision for improving the financial lifecycle of farmers, from tailored lending to embedded insurance. NHR Agro Partners emphasized how precision farming isn’t just about tech—it’s about efficiency, sustainability, and profitability, making the need for intelligent financing even more urgent. That’s where players like Lande come in, offering new funding models and platforms that are finally addressing the capital access gap for SMEs in the agro sector.

At the core of Fintersections was a unifying insight: finance works best when it works where people work. Across industries, integrated financial tools are no longer just nice to have—they’re the engine of growth, trust, and transformation. UNCHAIN didn’t just talk about the future of finance—it showed where.

RISK, REWRITTEN: HOW INSURANCE GOT ITS GROOVE BACK AT UNCHAIN

At UNCHAIN 2025, insurance didn’t just show up—it transformed. Once seen as a slow-moving sector, it emerged as one of the most actively reimagined industries at the event. Across firesides and panels, the message was clear: in Central and Eastern Europe, insurance isn’t catching up—it’s leapfrogging.

The shift started with a deep dive into insurtech innovation across CEE. Leaders from FlowX.AI, InsurWiz, and Eazy Asigurări explored how tech is finally making digital insurance operationally viable at scale. While legacy challenges persist, the mood was optimistic—especially around startups and incumbents learning to co-create.

The regulatory landscape is changing, too. With the EU’s FiDA proposal back on the table, the idea of open insurance is gaining traction. As Andres Lehtmets highlighted, access to customer-permissioned data could redefine both competition and collaboration in insurance ecosystems.

A standout moment came during the AI in Insurance fireside, where panelists from RebelDot, Campion Broker, Hellas Direct and Marsh shared how AI is already powering claims automation, personalization, and fraud detection. The message: this isn’t hype—it’s already happening.

Insurance distribution, often overlooked, had its spotlight too. Founders revealed what it takes to go from pilot to scale—and as Erik Barna, UNCHAIN InsurTech industry expert noted, “we’re witnessing a rapid leap from pilot projects to fully scaled digital distribution models, especially in underserved markets like Romania, Bulgaria, and the Western Balkans.” This mix of local ingenuity and global ambition is fueling embedded insurance models in sectors like mobility and e-commerce, reporting conversion rates as high as 15–18% when integrated directly into partner ecosystems.

But insurance isn’t just being sold differently—it’s being redesigned. On-demand, modular, and behavior-based models are no longer theoretical. Panelists debated how far personalization can go within the limits of regulatory frameworks and operational complexity.

The most forward-looking discussion asked: how do we insure the uninsured? Embedded niche products—like pet insurance or micro-health coverage—are quietly expanding protection to people who’ve never bought insurance before. When integrated into everyday life, insurance shifts from product to service experience.

By the end of UNCHAIN, the takeaway was unmistakable: insurance in CEE is becoming a testbed for reinvention, driven not just by risk management, but by technology, empathy, and bold ideas.

REGULATION & INVESTMENT: STEERING THE FUTURE OF FINANCE IN CEE

At the heart of UNCHAIN’s dialogue was a shared understanding: innovation cannot thrive without regulation that’s both forward-looking and pragmatic. Across the region, central banks are taking the lead, not just as overseers but as active architects shaping the financial landscape.

Representatives from the National Banks of Romania, Croatia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic painted a vivid picture of this evolving role. They are driving the rollout of low-cost, instant payment systems—a critical infrastructure aimed at making transactions faster and more accessible for everyone. But beyond speed, their mission is to build a system that is safe, resilient, and inclusive. As Claudiu Negrea of Romania’s central bank emphasized, this is about opening markets in a way that balances innovation with stability, ensuring trust in a rapidly changing ecosystem.

This regulatory momentum is mirrored in the transformation of capital markets, where blockchain technologies are moving beyond hype into practical application. Leaders from Binance, Billon Group, and Pekao Bank shared how blockchain is increasingly embedded into compliance and finance operations, a shift powered by clear frameworks like the upcoming MiCA regulation. These advancements are not just technical—they represent a new phase where regulators and innovators collaborate to unlock real value, fostering ecosystems where fintechs and traditional institutions thrive side by side.

Investment, too, is being reshaped by these changes. The panel of asset managers and fintech CEOs explored how the modern investor demands simplicity, speed, and digital empowerment. Platforms leverage AI, tokenization, and social features to meet diverse needs—from novice to expert investors. But all agreed that regulatory clarity remains essential to build confidence and unlock cross-border opportunities, creating a level playing field where innovation can scale without compromising safety.

Together, these conversations tell a powerful story: CEE is not waiting for the future of finance—it is defining it. Central banks are proving that thoughtful regulation can be a catalyst, not a constraint, while startups and institutions collaborate to build seamless, secure financial experiences.

What became unmistakably clear at UNCHAIN is that success in this region lies in integration—not just of technologies, but of voices. By bringing together regulators, financial institutions, entrepreneurs, and innovators from across CEE, UNCHAIN fosters the kind of cross-border dialogue that builds trust, dismantles silos, and lays the foundation for long-term growth. Only through genuine friendship and deep cooperation can we lower barriers, unlock capital, and lift the entire region onto the global stage. From regulators enabling open markets to startups embedding finance into everyday experiences, progress will come from working together—not in parallel, but in sync.

As Rik Coeckelbergs, author of The New Ethos in Banking, beautifully summed up,  “Everyone says their event is relaxed and relevant. UNCHAIN actually delivers that rare mix of serious ideas and genuine connections.” 

AWARD WINNERS

Digital Bank of the Year 2025: Banca Transilvania Sets the Standard

A major highlight at UNCHAIN 2025 was the “CEE Digital Bank of the Year Award,” powered by UNCHAIN x Visa, awarded to Banca Transilvania. The recognition reflects the bank’s groundbreaking strides toward becoming a truly full-service digital bank.

With its evolving BT GO and BT Pay platform, Banca Transilvania is delivering fast, intuitive, and AI-enhanced banking to millions—raising the bar for what modern banking can be. From seamless onboarding to always-on digital services, Banca Transilvania has blended innovation with usability in a way that’s both bold and customer-centric.

In a region accelerating toward digital maturity, BT stands out not just for its technology, but for its clear vision and execution—offering a blueprint for the future of banking in CEE and beyond. 

Startup Tournament: Mifundo Takes the Win at UNCHAIN 2025

The UNCHAIN Startup Tournament competition crowned Mifundo as its 2025 winner—recognizing the fintech’s bold mission to make cross-border lending as seamless as local credit.

By enabling banks to serve customers across the EU without borders, Mifundo is tackling one of the region’s most persistent pain points. Their tech-driven approach to portability and regulatory alignment struck a chord with judges and investors alike.

A well-earned victory that signals not just promise, but real momentum toward a more open and inclusive European credit market.

Looking forward to 2026!

*** 

About UNCHAIN Fintech Festival

UNCHAIN Festival is a premier event that brings together the financial and tech sectors from across Central and Eastern Europe, acting as a regional platform for cross-industry collaboration and innovation. Set in the historic Oradea Fortress, the festival connects markets, communities, and ideas, creating the space where emerging trends turn into actionable conversations and strategic partnerships. Since 2022, UNCHAIN serves as a regional launchpad, pushing innovation forward and bridging the gap between traditional industries and the future of finance. 

All of this is possible thanks to the foundational involvement of regional fintech innovators such as Visa, the event’s Main Partner, together with Raiffeisen Bank Romania, BRD Groupe Société Générale, Banca Transilvania as Banking Partners, Global Payments Europe, BLIK Romania, Payten Romania as Gold Partners, Hellas Direct,  RebelDot, Campion Broker as InsurTech Partners. Event sponsors that support innovation throughout the CEE region are Garanti BBVA,  SIBS Romania, Worldline Financial Services, Digital Systems, IT Smart Systems, Noda, Finshape, Amazon Web Services, NOTA, Namirial, FORT, Imobiliare.ro Finance, Austria Card, BTCBNK, Finqware, CMS Cameron McKenna and VeritaHR.

Hosting partnerships further strengthen the event’s regional ties, with support from Visit Oradea and Make IT in Oradea — a collaboration reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation — alongside LOT Airlines, Oradea Airport, Autonom, Izvorul Minunilor, Digi, Duval Furniture, Darabont Winnery, Aerotravel and ADDJBH.

“The future of finance is no longer siloed. As economies recalibrate and fintech adoption surges, integrating digital financial solutions into traditional industries is becoming a critical driver of growth. UNCHAIN gives a voice to those advocating that cross-sector collaboration is no longer an option, but an essential path forward”, says Alexandra Pollack, Founder & CEO of UNCHAIN.

UNCHAIN Fintech Festival has grown to become a catalyst for cross-sector collaboration, market expansion, and regional resilience in the Central and Eastern part of Europe. With Ukraine’s fintech community standing strong amid conflict and fintech associations from across CEE joining forces, this fourth edition of UNCHAIN will bring forward new ideas aiming to shape the future of finance across CEE:  

• Fintersections by UNCHAIN, a new debate concept breaking down how fintech is embedding into industries like retail, agriculture, and fleet management, and its potential to open new frontiers for business, retain customers and drive revenue. 
• Market-moving announcements and regional expansions are set to be unveiled on site, reconfirming UNCHAIN role as connector and business launchpad for the CEE fintech community.
• Book announcements – Enriching the festival’s conversations on innovation and transformation, internationally recognized author Rik Coeckelbergh will present “The New Ethos in Banking” at the festival, challenging traditional financial paradigms and inviting dialogue on the human side of innovation.

More than 50+ leading CEE commercial banks, 10+ national banks and financial authorities, and 200+ fintechs & tech innovators will fuel discussions in front of a vibrant community of 700 people hungry for innovation, ideas and strong connections. 

Agenda 

For two days, UNCHAIN will set the stage for high-level discussions on regional market integration, regulatory challenges, scaling fintech innovation, emerging technologies like blockchain and AI, sustainable finance, and startup-driven disruption across the Central and Eastern European ecosystem.

Across June 17 – 18^th, UNCHAIN Festival’s Fintersections track will explore how embedded finance is transforming traditional industries. From revolutionizing fleet management with integrated payments and insurance, to turning retailers into fintech hubs through loyalty programs, BNPL, and crypto, and unlocking new financing models for agriculture — the sessions will highlight how financial innovation is reshaping core sectors, creating new revenue streams, and redefining customer relationships.

Unifying the region 

As part of its mission to strengthen regional collaboration, UNCHAIN is working closely with national fintech associations across Central and Eastern Europe — as event hosts, and also as true ambassadors of their ecosystems. Through the ongoing Unchain CEE Fintech Tour, these associations play a vital role in deepening cross-border relationships and identifying key industry voices. Together, these teams are co-creating national delegations and bringing stakeholders to the table to connect and to collaborate.

“This year’s UNCHAIN Festival is gathering the ambassadors of our yearly tour as a result of months of regional dialogue and alignment,” says David Pollack, Head of Growth & International Development at UNCHAIN. “Our community is growing stronger through this ‘finsupport’ network where knowledge, trust, and joint presence define how we move forward together.”

Strong network of strategic partners

UNCHAIN Festival 2025 is proudly backed by a strong network of strategic partners. Visa continues its position as the main partner, reinforcing the critical role of cross-industry collaboration in driving fintech innovation. The festival is also supported by key players from the banking sector such as Raiffeisen Bank Romania, BRD Groupe Société Générale, Banca Transilvania, Garanti BBVA, payments & technology innovators such as BLIK, Payten, Digital Systems,  SIBS Romania, Worldline, Global Payments, Noda.live technology and cybersecurity such as Amazon Web Services and FORT, insurance such as RebelDot and Hellas Direct, and financial services specialists such as Imobiliare.ro Finance, CMS Cameron McKenna and VeritaHR, with others joining in their support.

Hosting partnerships further strengthen the event’s regional ties, with support from Visit Oradea and Make IT in Oradea — a collaboration reflecting the city’s ongoing commitment to fostering innovation — alongside LOT Airlines, Oradea Airport, Autonom, Izvorul Minunilor, RCS-RDS, and Mobexpert.

Early Bird registrations are open until May 15^th at unchainfestival.com.

Living in the 21st century has its perks, especially when it comes to paying for stuff. Remember when you had to carry cash or, heaven forbid, a checkbook? Thankfully, those are becoming distant memories. Today, we’re living the good life.

But the thing is, all this seamless convenience doesn’t happen by accident. Behind every effortless tap and swipe, there’s somebody who, at some point, had a brilliant idea, and then a bunch of talented people went ahead and implemented it. 

Lucky for us (and you), we peeked behind the curtain and chatted with one company that’s making payment processing faster than a teenager swiping on TikTok.

At this year’s edition of UNCHAIN, we had the pleasure of talking with Ciprian Pirv, Country Managing Director at Payten Romania. We’ve found out more about Payten’s impact on the CEE ecosystem and how it contributes to the world of digital transactions. 

Because if there’s one thing we can all appreciate, it’s a payment process that just gets out of the way and lets us live our lives.

The Dual Demands of Banks and Merchants

In fintech, one size does not fit all. Payten understands this better than most, balancing the often competing needs of their two main customer segments: banks and merchants. Ciprian shared some candid insights on how the company navigates deals with it:

For the banks, they are usually looking for solutions that can provide them with an efficient way to deal with their merchants and with their end customers in a reliable, user-friendly, and secure manner.

Ciprian Pirv

To keep things running smoothly, Payten is collaborating with big hardware vendors like Diebold Nixdorf for ATMs and Ingenico, Sunmi, and Newland for POS systems. This means that banks have access to reliable technology that meets stringent security standards, such as PCI DSS compliance and GDPR regulations.

Merchants, on the other hand, have a different set of priorities.

Merchants are more focused on cost, reliability, and efficiency.

Ciprian Pirv

And who can blame them? Merchants are on the front lines, dealing with us, impatient customers who just want to pay and go. But the company’s got their back. 

By giving them more control over their payment setups, they’re not just streamlining processes—they’re giving merchants the power to connect with multiple banks and even switch up transactions if one bank’s having a bad day. More options mean fewer headaches, and who doesn’t want that?

This flexibility is important, especially for merchants in regions like Romania and Croatia, where owning their payment infrastructure rather than relying entirely on banks is becoming a trend.

So, while most companies are still trying to figure out which side to play for, Payten’s catering to both banks and merchants without breaking a sweat. 

Even though banks are our main customers, the merchant space is the new growth engine.

Ciprian Pirv

The Future of Payments – More Options, Greater Flexibility

As the payments industry evolves, Payten’s strategy evolves, too. With new payment methods popping up left and right, the company is giving people more ways to pay.

We are preoccupied with increasing the accessibility of payments, giving users as many options as possible to exercise their rights to buy products in any channel and environment.

Ciprian Pirv

This approach includes methods like instant payments and account-to-account transfers, which are gaining traction across Europe.

At the European level, there is more interest towards instant payment and account-to-account payment. We are seeing this being implemented in Romania, but not only.

Ciprian Pirv

Pirv also hinted that Payten is already ahead of the curve, setting up to be the first to bring these options to the merchant POS systems in their markets.

When it comes to AI (a favorite trend among fintech companies), Payten’s not biting—at least, not yet. 

AI is a hot topic, but we are more testing and understanding where AI can fit in our payments ecosystem.

Ciprian Pirv

They’re cautious, and rightfully so—new tech can be exciting, but you don’t want to rush into anything unproven. Instead, Payten’s sticking to what they know best—solid, reliable, and efficient technology that works.

When it comes to the future, Payten does more than just react to changes in the payment landscape.

We are ready from a technological point of view to accept whatever the customer is inclined to pay with, to make purchases in any channel as open and as accessible as possible.

Ciprian Pirv

They’re not waiting for the next big thing—they’re ready for it, whatever it may be. And in a world where payment preferences can change faster than the weather, that’s exactly the kind of flexibility that keeps them ahead..

And banks? Well, most of them are trying to keep up. I guess that’s how my dad felt when I tried to get him into the Meta Quest VR set I got last week. 

But hey, not all dads are technophobes – just like not all banks are lagging behind. One great example is Banca Transilvania, a leader in the Romanian banking scene. 

What started as a mission to help local businesses has turned into a story of growth powered by technology – that same technology that other banks are struggling to adopt. 

From Local Bank to Market Leader

Banca Transilvania has come a long way since its founding in 1993. What started as a small local bank has grown into Romania’s largest bank by assets, thanks to smart acquisitions and a focus on technology. 

2023 was a big year, with the bank rolling out more features on its BT Pay app. They brought AI into customer service and even introduced instant Euro payments. The numbers speak for themselves—net income hit RON 2,984.5 million, and assets soared to RON 169.2 billion.

Naturally, innovation didn’t stop there. The bank also launched new products like the BT Kiddo card and acquired OTP Bank Romania to solidify its market position. With over 3.7 million customers using its digital services, they are clearly interested in keeping their market position.

Innovating at Every Turn

Locally, everybody knows Banca Transilvania is pretty much Romania’s biggest name in banking, but it’s not just about the size. It’s about growth that’s consistent and smart. 

In just the first quarter of 2024, they added nearly 50,000 new clients, pushing their customer base to over 4.3 million. A lot of that comes down to digital, with 35% of new retail clients opening accounts online through BT Pay.

During a recent chat at UNCHAIN, Aurel Bernat, the Executive Director of Investor Relations, shared how fintechs have nudged banks into being more agile.

 A few years back, banks were struggling to keep up with technology. Now, banks like Banca Transilvania are acting much more like fintechs, adopting new technologies faster.

Aurel Bernat

This shift isn’t just about keeping up with trends. It’s about fundamentally changing how the bank operates. Customers today expect a mix of the traditional and digital.

 We must be there within the community with our local branches, and at the same time, be state of the art from a digital point of view.

Aurel Bernat

This strategy is paying off. With 92% of their customers using digital apps and 200,000 new users joining BT Pay in just three months, Banca Transilvania is clearly hitting the right notes. 

Aurel is pretty optimistic about the future, especially when it comes to investment services. He believes that as Romanians become more financially savvy, there will be a growing focus on investments through funds and intermediaries. 

There is a trend, a vibe related to investments. The well-being of Romanians will lead to more attention towards investments.

Aurel Bernat

Driving Digitalization Forward

At this year’s UNCHAIN, SME Banking also had the chance to sit down with Raul Risnita, the Head of Digitization at Banca Transilvania. He went right into the rapid changes happening in the SME market, driven by technological and geopolitical shifts. 

Things are changing rapidly and we’re mostly focused on digitalizing processes because we emphasize offering better experiences to our customers.

Raul Risnita

With that in mind, Raul talked about ETGO, an app they launched about a year ago for SME customers. It’s a mix of a banking platform and an e-invoice tool, and it’s taken off way faster than anyone expected.

We weren’t expecting this rate of adoption in this short period of time.

Raul Risnita

Having said that, Raul was clearly proud that nearly 100,000 customers had jumped on board in just 11 months.

He also talked about the Raul chatbot—yep, named after him. It’s a cool tool that interacts with customers via WhatsApp, handling over a million messages each year.

It’s a more handsome digital version of me.

Raul Risnita

Raul joked, but there’s some serious innovation behind it. They’re now looking into generative AI tech to make it even smarter. 

We are going to try use cases, of course. But I think it’s going to probably again be something very innovative.

Raul Risnita

With such a strong focus on digitalization, Banca Transilvania isn’t just holding onto its top spot—it’s setting the pace in an ecosystem that’s getting more competitive by the day. Their strategy and focus on customer-centric services have them perfectly positioned to keep growing in the market.

A Festival Like No Other

Imagine a place where the financial industry’s brightest minds and leading technology providers converge. That’s UNCHAIN for you. With four content stages, three interaction areas, and more than three parties and private events, we’re setting the stage for a festival that’s as informative as it is enjoyable.

Hot Topics on the Agenda

This year’s discussions will cut to the core some of fintech’s best topics:

Payments 3.0

The next evolution in payment systems is here. Payments 3.0 represents a leap towards more seamless, instant, and interoperable payment methods, integrating technologies like blockchain and real-time payments. We will explore the innovations driving this change, from digital wallets to cryptocurrencies, and how they’re reshaping how we transact.

AI in Finance

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is transforming the financial sector, offering unprecedented opportunities for personalization, risk assessment, and automation. Discussions will go into how AI and machine learning algorithms are being used to predict market trends, enhance customer service through chatbots, and streamline operations in everything from banking to insurance.

Open Finance

Building on the principles of open banking, Open Finance extends the concept to a wider range of financial services, promoting greater data sharing and connectivity between banks, fintech, and other financial institutions. This session will cover the potential for innovation and competition that open finance brings, along with the challenges and opportunities in creating a more inclusive financial ecosystem.

Digital Transformation

This topic will address the ongoing shift within the financial services industry towards digital-first strategies. It encompasses the adoption of digital technologies to modernize operations, improve customer experiences, and create new business models. Expect insights into cloud computing, blockchain, and the role of digital platforms in enabling this transformation.

Regulation

As the fintech landscape evolves, so too does the regulatory framework that governs it. This discussion will focus on the latest developments in fintech regulation, including the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring consumer protection, compliance challenges, and the impact of regulations like GDPR and PSD2 on the industry.

Insurtech

At its core, insurtech is about leveraging the latest technologies to solve longstanding challenges in the insurance sector. From streamlining operations and enhancing data analytics to creating more personalized customer experiences, Insurtech is paving the way for a more efficient, accessible, and customer-centric insurance industry.

Digital Banking

Digital banking is not just about moving traditional banking services online – it’s about reimagining banking for the digital age. This session will explore the evolution of neobanks, the integration of financial services into non-financial platforms, and how technologies like AI and blockchain are enabling banks to offer more personalized, efficient, and secure services.

Who You’ll Meet

At this year’s editions, we’re setting the stage for an unparalleled gathering of minds from across the globe. With over 50 international speakers from more than 30 countries and 40+ sessions, the festival promises rich insights and perspectives that span the entire spectrum of financial technology and innovation.

Our speakers hail from the highest structures of central banks, leading fintech firms, and technology companies. They bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience, ready to go into the most pressing issues and exciting opportunities facing the financial sector today. From the nuances of open banking to the applications of AI in finance, attendees will gain access to a brand of expertise rarely found in one place.

Joining the dialogue will be 500+ business delegates representing 250+ unique companies, making UNCHAIN not just an event but a nexus for networking and collaboration. The festival boasts an impressive 70% representation from the banking and financial industry, including CEOs, upper management, and key decision-makers.

Ecosystem Players & Innovators

From the fintech ecosystem growth network to the most disruptive CEE fintech startups, UNCHAIN is a melting pot of innovation. Financial institutions, technology providers, and commercial banks will all be there, discussing and demonstrating the future of finance.

Attendees will have the chance to engage with:

• Banking and Financial Institutions: A gathering of the sector’s most influential players in the region, ready to explore new avenues for growth and innovation.
• Fintech Innovators: The brightest minds from fintech startups and established companies, showcasing disruptive technologies and fresh business models.
• Technology Providers: The architects behind the digital infrastructure of tomorrow, offering insights into the tools and platforms driving financial services forward.
• Professional Services Firms: Experts in navigating the complex landscape of regulation, strategy, and digital transformation, providing the knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving market.

Why You Can’t Afford to Miss It

UNCHAIN Fintech Festival isn’t just another conference. It’s a unique opportunity to go into the heart of financial innovation, surrounded by the old walls of Oradea Fortress. It’s where casual conversations turn into innovative ideas and where the future of fintech is not just discussed but shaped.

Join The Discussion

Ready to be part of the future of finance? Tickets are flying off the shelf. Secure your spot at the UNCHAIN Fintech Festival 2024 and be where the world of finance meets the future. Visit our website for more information.

Missed out last year? Catch a glimpse of the magic in our aftermovie and see why UNCHAIN is the can’t-miss event of the year for anyone serious about fintech. 

About UNCHAIN Fintech Festival

UNCHAIN Fintech Festival unites the growth market of Europe and a global center of tech development, providing a nexus for the financial industry and technology providers. Set in the sociable and enjoyable environment of Oradea’s fortress, UNCHAIN fosters meaningful connections and pushes the boundaries of financial innovation.