Over the past five years, the financial ecosystem across Central and Eastern Europe has undergone a quiet but profound transformation. What began as an urgent push for digitisation has evolved into a deeper reconfiguration of how finance is built, distributed, and experienced, from the unbundling of legacy banking infrastructure and the rise of embedded finance to the convergence of payments, credit, loyalty, and data-driven decision-making.

Insights gathered across previous editions of UNCHAIN Festival and distilled in its sector whitepapers point to a clear direction: finance in CEE is no longer defined by isolated products or institutions, but by ecosystems. Banks are navigating legacy “spaghetti” infrastructures while experimenting with parallel core systems and AI-driven internal automation. Retailers are moving beyond transactions toward experience-first models where payments, lending, and loyalty blend seamlessly into the customer journey. Meanwhile, fintechs are no longer challengers at the edges, but integral players shaping interfaces, expectations, and speed.

Against this backdrop, UNCHAIN Festival returns to Oradea on 17–18 June 2026, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, exclusive industry insights, and strategic connections for over 800 senior leaders and decision-makers from more than 40 countries. This event marks its 5th anniversary and has evolved into a comprehensive platform that connects financial institutions, regulators, technology providers, and industry leaders at a time when alignment has become a strategic necessity.

“During the first four years of the UNCHAIN Festival, we have seen a lot of international cooperation and merchant integration. Technology combines various verticals even more closely. Many non-banks are now entering the financial services market by offering embedded finance options or loyalty/crypto products to their customers. There are many challenges with regulation, but this is exactly why we’re bringing everybody to the same table – so law can keep up with innovation, and vice versa. Technology adoption, as in digital-first and customer-vertically specialized, continues to develop. Neobanks, digital brokers are getting more and more prolific,” says David Pollack, Managing Partner at UNCHAIN.

From Fintech Disruption to Financial Integration

As geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure, and economic fragmentation continue to test Europe’s resilience, UNCHAIN 2026 positions itself at the intersection of these forces, fostering dialogue around regional integration, trust, and execution. The event aligns with the emerging EU Inc. vision and aims to strengthen Europe’s internal economic cohesion, making it a vital platform for stakeholders committed to regional resilience and innovation.

In its fifth year, UNCHAIN reflects the maturity of the ecosystem it serves. Fintech is no longer a vertical; it is embedded across banking, payments, retail, mobility, and public infrastructure. The 2026 agenda will cover critical topics such as programmable capital markets, embedded financial models beyond checkout, hybrid digital–human banking experiences, and the role of AI as an internal efficiency engine rather than a blunt customer-facing tool.

These discussions build directly on patterns observed over time at UNCHAIN: banks seeking clarity over ownership versus partnership, merchants pushing back against outdated loyalty and cashback mechanics, and regulators grappling with frameworks designed for a world that no longer exists.

Industry Voices on Innovation and Regulation

Erik Barna, Co-Founder of FaraGrija.ro, highlights the growing exchange between banking and insurance: “Insurance is the smallest brother of banking. Instead of borrowing from insurance, banking can inspire innovation in insurtech. Directives like PSD2 boosted fintech startups; we need something similar for insurance.”

Similarly, regulators are navigating new challenges at the intersection of data, AI, and innovation. Ivana Jolic, Director at the Croatian National Bank, explains: “Credit risk AI needs vast data, but GDPR restricts usage. We must find a balance for keeping systems safe while fostering innovation.”

Michal Vodrážka of the Czech National Bank adds: “Instant payments should be the norm without over-reliance on law. We focus on improving existing infrastructure while monitoring developments like the digital euro.”

From the merchant perspective, Ciprian Pîrv, Country Managing Director at Payten, observes: “Merchants want seamless payment methods that are stable and error-free. Innovation drives adoption when it delivers direct benefits and competitive advantage.”

Scale, Continuity, and Regional Relevance

What started as a 350-delegate gathering has grown into one of the most influential financial platforms in the region. Across its previous editions, UNCHAIN has brought together well over 2,000 participants, creating a cumulative, cross-border community of decision-makers shaping the future of finance in CEE.

With approximately 75% of attendees from the financial sector, UNCHAIN has become a reference platform for meaningful, outcome-driven conversations that can shape how finance is understood in CEE.

“The fifth anniversary represents more than just a chronological milestone; it marks a fundamental shift in our regional impact.

We are moving beyond the ‘fintech’ label because the challenges of 2026 — liquidity, credit access, and risk management — require a unified ‘Finance’ front. By transitioning from the ‘Fintech Fortress’ to the Finance Fortress, we are inviting the entire spectrum of the financial industry to Oradea to ensure that CEE remains a cohesive, innovative, and resilient economic bloc within the European Union. EU Inc. will definitely be a big topic this year at UNCHAIN“, says David Pollack, Managing Partner at UNCHAIN. 

Reflecting on the momentum behind the 2026 edition, Eliad Saporta, Founder & CEO of Coriunder and long-time UNCHAIN contributor, notes: “What we are seeing across banking and payments is not a race for the next shiny feature, but a recalibration of roles. In 2026, the real competitive advantage will come from institutions that understand context, knowing when to automate, when to intervene, and how to stay visible in the moments that matter most to customers. This is exactly the type of conversation UNCHAIN.”

Mr. Saporta’s contribution at UNCHAIN 2026 will further explore how infrastructure choices, AI governance, and embedded finance models are reshaping short- and medium-term strategies across Europe’s financial institutions.

A Platform for Connection and Execution

Hosted within the historic Oradea Fortress, UNCHAIN 2026 continues to combine strategic content with a highly curated networking environment, offering brands and institutions full exposure to the CEE market in a single setting. The event brings together private-sector leaders alongside central banks, regulators, and global networks such as Visa, reinforcing its role as a bridge between policy, innovation, and real-world execution.

As Central and Eastern Europe moves from catching up to actively shaping Europe’s financial future, UNCHAIN Festival stands as the place where that future is debated, challenged, and built.

Tickets and Registration

Hundreds of finance leaders keep coming back to Unchain each year. This year, they have the chance to access Super Early Bird tickets for UNCHAIN Festival 2026 now available for a limited period of time, offering a 50% discount until January 31st  https://unchainfestival.com/tickets/. After this period, prices will increase.

“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.

Fast forward to today, and things are (thankfully) a lot easier. This shift from complicated, clunky systems to streamlined, user-friendly experiences is driving the future of finance. Exchange platforms like Kriptomat have changed things. Instead of navigating a labyrinth of confusing processes, they’ve made crypto as easy to access as your online banking.

At this year’s edition of the UNCHAIN Festival, we got the chance to talk to Dejan Davidovic, the COO and co-founder of Kriptomat. He shed some light on what makes the Kriptomat different and how they see their trajectory in the market of the future.

Making Crypto Accessible for Everyone

When people think of crypto, they usually picture fancy setups and complex trading platforms – which, to be fair, can be the case. Even I stumbled into some complicated things that left me thinking I could put my money elsewhere. As a beginner, going into crypto can be a challenge. But that’s exactly the problem Kriptomat set out to solve. 

Our goal has always been to bring crypto and this new technology and new opportunities to regular retail customers.

Dejan Davidovic

The platform was designed to help everyday users who find traditional crypto exchanges too intimidating or complicated. Since its founding in 2018, Kriptomat has grown to serve over half a million customers, mostly from Central and Eastern Europe. But Dejan is quick to mention that this growth wasn’t the result of flashy marketing. 

It happened organically, step by step. We always try to put customers first because we are very well aware that without customers, there is no service, and there is no us.

Dejan Davidovic

Building Trust in a Trust-Lacking Industry

One of the biggest problems facing the crypto industry today is trust. Between scams, fraud, and a lack of understanding, it’s no wonder many people are still hesitant to invest their money. 

The only thing our industry actually lacks is trust. We have all these different great solutions, but retail doesn’t trust us because they don’t know us.

Dejan Davidovic

Kriptomat tackles this problem head-on by being fully licensed and regulated.

We are a licensed company out of Estonia, and we are also registered as a crypto asset service provider in Spain, France, Greece, Croatia, and Poland.

Dejan Davidovic

In the near future, Kriptomat expects to operate under the new MiCA (Markets in Crypto-Assets) regulations, bringing even more oversight and credibility to its operations.

The Rise of the Web3 Wallet

Kriptomat’s mission isn’t just about making crypto accessible. It’s also about adapting to what customers want. For instance, the company recently launched its Web3 wallet, a hosted decentralized wallet that lets users access more than 1,000 digital assets.

We still control the wallet keys, but the customers can access whatever other asset is within their Kriptomat account, which makes it really easy for them to skip complicated things.

Dejan Davidovic

However, he’s transparent about the fact that this isn’t a perfect solution: 

Self-custody is one of the main benefits of crypto, but it’s also the biggest threat.

Dejan Davidovic

Kriptomat’s approach is to balance ease of use with security, and they’re continuously evolving this service based on user feedback.

Focusing on Eastern Europe

While many crypto companies aim to scale globally as fast as possible, Kriptomat’s approach is more localized. 

 We want to make the transfer from Fiat to crypto as frictionless as possible.

We are looking into this hyper-localization as much as possible, and we will be doing this in most Eastern European countries.

Dejan Davidovic

For Kriptomat, this means offering services in local languages, supporting local currencies, and working with local banking partners.

Kriptomat’s focus on Central and Eastern Europe sets it apart from competitors, particularly in a region where financial literacy is lower and the barriers to investing are higher. 

People in Eastern Europe lack financial literacy. We will continue to build products that make crypto an interesting investment asset.

Dejan Davidovic

Looking ahead, Kriptomat wants to expand its offerings beyond just crypto. 

There is a possibility that we will be looking into potentially adding also traditional investment assets to our platform, like ETFs.

Dejan Davidovic

This is part of a broader goal to transform Kriptomat from a simple crypto exchange into a more comprehensive wealth management platform.

But at its core, the company’s mission remains the same: to make crypto accessible, safe, and easy to use for everyone, whether you’re a first-time investor or an experienced trader. 

It’s funny how we all have those moments. Those “coincidences” where your phone seems to know you better than you know yourself. Whether it’s Instagram targeting your inner chef or your bank nudging you with a credit card offer right as you plan a weekend trip, it’s like they’ve got you figured out.

My dad would say it’s Big Brother watching. I’d say it’s just real-time event processing in action. So yeah,…same thing. Ok, just kidding. -Ish.

Of course, if you’re in finance, you’re no stranger to this. EVAM, for example, takes this to the next level. They’re not just pushing ads or offers—they’re helping companies take action on customer behavior in the moment it happens. That’s the kind of tech that keeps customers engaged and businesses ahead of the curve.

At this year’s UNCHAIN, we had the pleasure of talking with Valentin Costa, Sales Manager at EVAM. He shed some light on how EVAM is taking over the customer engagement space in banking and telecoms with real-time event processing.

Laser-Focused on Customer Engagement

We’ve been in the market for about eight years. And I think we’ve managed to find the niche where, you know, you could find some similar products doing similar things, but they are part of a bigger solution. So, the focus on developing those products was in another direction. We focused on this direction of customer engagement.

Valentin Costa

And that laser focus? It’s paying off. While other companies are spread thin and trying to be everything to everyone, EVAM sticks to what they do best: getting banks and telcos to communicate better with customers in real time.

Valentin is confident about why they’re the first choice: 

We are really, really, you know, laser-focused on developing a customer engagement tool for banks and telcos. So that will be our, let’s say, a key differentiator.

Valentin Costa

The Pandemic Gave Banks a Much-Needed Kick

Let’s not pretend banks have always been on top of their game when it comes to digital communication.

Banks have been a little late to the table, haven’t they, when it comes to communications? Pandemic helped.

Valentin Costa

The pandemic gave them a shove in the right direction, and now there’s no going back. Banks quickly learned that they needed to reach customers without them setting foot in a branch. Valentin said it best: 

You need to invest in the customer experience because it’s the only element that will make the difference between whether a customer decides to stay with the bank or go to another bank. 

Valentin Costa

When competitors are breathing down your neck, real-time engagement isn’t just a trend anymore—it’s survival.

Don’t Spam. Be Relevant.

We’ve all been on the receiving end of spammy messages and irrelevant offers, and we know how fast that sends us running. That’s why EVAM’s approach is focused on relevance, always. 

We enhance the experience and we base the communication with the client on relevance. We don’t spam the customer with things that are useless or irrelevant.

Valentin Costa

They’ve got data models working on an individual level to figure out what the customer needs, when they need it, and which channel works best to send that offer. Simple, right? But here’s the genius part: 

By automating these tasks, you know, we have a higher chance of adopting that product or service.

Valentin Costa

When customers feel like the offer is meant for them, they’re more likely to engage. And more engagement? That’s loyalty right there.

Easy to Implement, Even Easier to Scale

When all is said and done, the real question banks care about is, “How easy is this to actually use?” Well, according to Valentin, EVAM’s got that covered, too. 

Our typical implementation time is around three months, even for a large bank.

Valentin Costa

They’ve hooked up banks with over 50 data sources in a matter of months, which is no small feat. And when it comes to scaling, it doesn’t matter if you’ve got a million customers or 10 million.

 It depends. I mean, there are banks that, even if they are small, have a wide variety of systems… And some big banks have decided to, you know, go through a digital transformation about three or four years ago where everything is more streamlined.

Valentin Costa

Basically, whether your tech stack is a mess or already modernized, EVAM can get you connected and running.

The Circle of Engagement (and Money)

Valentin described EVAM’s approach to customer engagement as a circle. You start by improving the customer experience, and then the customer will consume more products. The more they consume, the more loyal they are. And the more loyal they are, the less likely they are to jump ship for another bank.

If the communication is based on relevance, then you have a customer who’s happy about the experience, and then he consumes more products from the bank.

Valentin Costa

More consumption equals lower churn risk. It’s a loop that keeps on giving for both banks and their customers. And now, with the Romanian market in the bag, EVAM has its sights set on bigger things. 

Our primary focus now is Central Eastern Europe. We managed to secure Romania’s biggest bank.

Valentin Costa

They’re also eyeing major banks in Poland and the Czech Republic next. Looking further down the line, EVAM has its sights set on bigger things.

Somewhere next year, we will start approaching banks in Western Europe, where the references that we’ve managed to get in Central Eastern Europe would be more useful.

Valentin Costa

They’re ready to take on the Western markets, and with their track record, it looks like they’ve got a solid shot.

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.

But banking wasn’t always like this. We’ve all been there, stuck on hold with customer service or wading through confusing online forms. Nowadays, banking is as simple as a swipe on your phone—a seamless experience that fits right into your daily life. 

This is the world banks like Banca Comercială Română are building. BCR has been contributing to the way we bank for some time, and their hard work hasn’t gone unnoticed. 

At the recent UNCHAIN Festival, BCR took home the title of Digital Bank of the Year, an accolade recognizing their relentless push for digital innovation across Central and Eastern Europe.

Growth and Innovation in The Market

For the past few years, BCR has focused on digitization, which has also brought them growth. They’ve been fine-tuning their mobile and internet platforms to make banking as effortless as scrolling through social media. 

Fast forward to 2024, and BCR is still setting the pace. By March 31, 2024, their net customer loans were up by 7% from last year. They poured RON 3.1 billion into new loans for households and microenterprises, and let’s not forget the RON 2.8 billion in corporate loans, a good chunk of which is pushing new investments.

Mihai Sandu, Head of Digital Sales and Strategic Partnerships at BCR, highlighted the bank’s digital journey at the UNCHAIN Festival.

We started our digital endeavors and our digital journey more than ten years ago. George, our digital banking platform launched in 2015 in Romania, has since transformed how we interact with our customers.

Mihai Sandu

He emphasized that BCR has “digitized almost every type of interaction with our customers” and is now focused on bringing the same level of innovation to business banking.

Their digital platform, George, is more popular than ever, boasting 2.34 million users, with 1.9 million actively using the app—a 13% jump from the previous year. 

They’re not just making loans easier to get –  they’re making them digital-first, pushing towards a future where nearly everything happens online.

Digital Bank of the Year at UNCHAIN

When BCR was named Digital Bank of the Year at the UNCHAIN Festival, Mihai Sandu took the stage excitedly. 

It’s always a pleasure and an honor to receive recognition for our efforts.

Mihai Sandu

Sandu highlighted the collective achievements of his team, saying:

This prize is actually on behalf of my colleagues from the cards division, the retail business division, and our digital laboratories. They’ve done an immense, wonderful job.

Mihai Sandu

VISA’s Cătălin Crețu, who presented the award, spoke passionately about the bank’s innovation, particularly the digital issuance and onboarding for business credit cards.

This is a completely digital process where a small business can get up to a 16,000-euro credit line without ever visiting a bank branch. 

Cătălin Crețu

Cătălin emphasized the revolutionary nature of this service, noting how it simplifies access to finance for small businesses, which he described as “a segment that has been kind of neglected.“

What’s on the Horizon?

As for the future, BCR’s roadmap is ambitious and focused on change. For them, banking shouldn’t be a luxury. That’s why they’re pushing to open doors for people who’ve been shut out—especially in rural areas and among those who don’t usually see a bank as an option.

Then, there’s the digital side. We’re all attached to our phones like they’re lifelines, and BCR is turning that into a strength. They’re doubling down on digitization—making sure you can do everything from your screen, faster and simpler than ever.

Reflecting on the journey and future aspirations, Sandu said:

We’re happy to hold this award, and hopefully, we’ll continue to receive such recognition in the years to come.

Mihai Sandu

BCR is committed to responsible banking, which isn’t just a buzzword to them. It means being honest about lending, being smart about risks, and ensuring that everyone’s playing by the rules.

For the time being, the bank is planning to be a leader not just in size but in ethics and innovation. Only time will tell how that future will play out.

Okay, just kidding – I’m a millennial, so I definitely remember, but it feels like a lifetime ago. And, as someone who’s pretty much reliant on my phone to pay for things, I can confirm that today, we’re all about quick, easy, and secure transactions. 

That being said, one of the biggest companies that makes our shopping experience (and more) a breeze is VISA –  a name practically synonymous with payments at this point. 

They’ve been around since the days of BankAmericard back in 1958, and they’ve made it their mission to keep up with—and even ahead of—the way we pay. 

Whether it’s their name on your credit card or their technology powering your mobile wallet, Visa’s been a big part of making easy payments the norm.

How VISA Stays on Top

VISA has never been one to sit still. From their early days as BankAmericard in 1958, they’ve constantly worked to improve the payment sector. Today, they’re a global leader, and their mission is the same as ever before: connect the world through secure and innovative payment solutions.

Big words, right? Well, VISA actually stands by them. Take their VISA Flexible Credential, for example. It’s an interesting new feature that lets you switch between payment options at checkout with ease. Or their Tap to Everything service, which turns your mobile device into a payment terminal, making transactions more seamless than ever.

But VISA isn’t just about flashy new tech—they’re dominating the market, too. They held a whopping 52.22% of the U.S. credit card purchase volume in the first three quarters of 2022 and processed over 212 billion transactions in 2023. That’s no small feat. 

VisaNet, its vast and secure network, handles credit, debit, and prepaid card transactions globally, cementing its place as a market leader. And there’s no doubt that more is on the horizon.

What’s Next For The Payment Giant?

At the UNCHAIN Festival, Catalin Cretu, General Manager at Visa, highlighted the company’s role in transforming financial services in CEE. Reflecting on Visa’s journey in the region, Catalin spoke of how Visa has shifted from being just a “cards organization” to a broader “money movement organization.” 

We’re in the business of moving money—domestically, cross-border, card-to-account, and even account-to-wallets.

Catalin Cretu

He emphasized how Visa adapts to serve everyone from banking institutions to a growing base of migrant workers without traditional bank cards.

Catalin also recalled Visa’s early days in CEE, when the company pioneered card services and trained future leaders in the region’s banking industry. 

He shared a recent conversation with a senior banking executive who credited Visa’s early training with shaping their career. 

It’s not organizations you talk to…it’s the people who really help you.

Catalin Cretu

He reflected on that statement, stressing that Visa’s success has been built on personal relationships and a commitment to local support.

Impact In Central Eastern Europe

VISA wants to stay ahead – something that is pretty clear when you look at how they’re making moves in different markets. In Central Eastern Europe (CEE), their strategy is about keeping up with the times and adapting to trends that shape the region.

At the UNCHAIN Festival, Martin Bakardzhiev, Senior Manager at VISA Bulgaria, didn’t shy away from talking about the importance of collaboration and the challenges AI is bringing to the fintech world. He made it clear that while AI can be a powerful tool, it also has a dark side when it comes to security.

We work with a lot of data and in the era of AI and Gen AI, this data can be used by fraudsters to create negative consequences for clients.

Martin Bakardzhiev

It’s a reminder that VISA isn’t just focused on adopting the latest technologies—they’re also working hard to protect it from being misused. Martin also talked about the dual nature of AI: yes, it can improve productivity, but it can also introduce new risks.

AI can be used for bad, not only for good.

Martin Bakardzhiev

He added that VISA is working hard to stay “one step ahead” in combating these challenges.  

With AI becoming more prevalent in most ecosystems, the company’s proactive approach means it remains stronger than the threats posed by bad actors. It’s all about keeping their customers safe, and they’re not messing around when it comes to protecting what matters most.

With a laser focus on customer service and a reputation for thinking ahead, Raiffeisen Bank has made banking feel less like a chore and more like, well, something that actually works for you. And that spirit of never letting customers down is still true to this day.

Looking Back

Raiffeisen Bank’s story isn’t just a chapter in some dusty history book. It’s actually a tale about innovation that’s been going strong since the 19th century. 

It all started with Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen in Germany, who had this crazy idea: to bring credit and financial services to rural communities and small businesses. Fast forward to today, and that spirit of innovation hasn’t slowed down one bit.

In the early 2000s, while some of us were still figuring out how to set up our email, Raiffeisen was already in the world of online banking. They made it easy for customers to manage their money from the comfort of their own homes—no more standing in long lines at the branch. 

By the time mobile phones were basically an extra limb for most people in the mid-2010s, Raiffeisen was right there with them, rolling out mobile banking that let customers handle their finances on the go.

Fast Forward to Now

In recent years, Raiffeisen has continued to maintain its position. They went into cryptocurrency by partnering with Bitpanda, and they’ve embraced AI and machine learning, all with the promise of keeping up with the demands of the market. 

In 2023, Raiffeisen navigated a tough economic climate with resilience. Sure, their active customer base took a tiny dip—down by 1% to 2.3 million clients—but with 284 branches, over 27,800 EPOS, and more than 1,100 ATMs (including 544 multifunction machines), they’re still holding strong.

Financially, they managed to keep things stable thanks to lower provision costs. Customers kept up with their payments, and government programs helped keep risks in check.

What’s clear is that Raiffeisen’s journey from a cooperative bank to a banking leader isn’t just about survival – something that is clear in how they approach each ecosystem they enter. 

Digital Transformation In CEE

In Central Eastern Europe, Raiffeisen Bank is clearly focused on innovation, and a big part of that is moving its operations to the cloud. Bogdan Popa, the COO of Raiffeisen Bank’s Romanian branch, shared that the bank is aiming to shift 80% of its infrastructure to the cloud by 2025.

 We have a very clearly defined plan to move to cloud and we have in Romania an ambition to get 80 percent of our infrastructure to cloud by 2025.

Bogdan Popa

But this move isn’t without its problems. Bogdan pointed out that the bank needs to carefully manage important factors. While the cloud is a key focus, some parts of their operations might stay on-premises to make sure everything remains stable and compliant.

 We do not target to move everything to cloud. We have to balance things like resilience, security, regulatory data protection, and so on.

Bogdan Popa

Bogdan also stressed the importance of teamwork. Even though Raiffeisen has doubled its IT team to over 600 engineers, the bank still relies on partnerships with external companies, especially in areas like identity verification and electronic signatures. 

No matter how many people you employ, you cannot do everything in-house. We work with a lot of partners because we cannot do everything in-house.

Bogdan Popa

This approach not only speeds up Raiffeisen’s digital transformation but also lets the bank focus on what it does best while benefiting from the expertise of others. As Raiffeisen Bank continues to grow, its focus on cloud technology and strategic partnerships will be key to its future success in the region. 

Nowadays, there are many contenders on the market, but one company that caught our eye is Forvis Mazars. They’re no different—except they’re making sure all this new technology actually works for their clients.

But it’s not just their size or reach that’s turning heads. It’s how they blend this technology into their everyday operations without losing sight of what really matters.

At this year’s edition of UNCHAIN, we caught up with Zoltan Betyak, Director of Innovation at Forvis Mazars Hungary. Listening to Zoltan, it’s clear that “innovation” isn’t just some fancy word they throw around but the core of their strategy. 

Snapshot – Where Forvis Mazars Stands Today

When Forvis and Mazars merged in 2023, they didn’t just create another big-name firm. They put together a top 10 global network, bringing over 40,000 professionals in more than 100 countries into the fold. They combined their strengths to offer better audit, tax, and advisory services. Which, as it turned out, set the company on a trajectory for growth.

2024 has been a big year for Forvis Mazars. Six of their leaders made it onto Forbes’ list of America’s top CPAs, showing just how much influence the company has. They also took home ClearlyRated’s Best of Accounting Award for Service Excellence.

This kind of recognition is the result of ongoing innovation. Take their TaxCred PRO tool, for example. It’s a practical solution that helps businesses navigate tax credits for clean energy projects. It’s not just technology for technology’s sake – it’s technology that gets things done.

From Concept to Client Impact

Speaking of technology, Zoltan Betyak, who heads the innovation department at the company’s Hungarian unit, has been part of the company’s transformation in the last few years. He’s been with Forvis Mazars Hungary for 15 years and has seen the industry change in big ways, especially with the rise of technology in finance.

Zoltan started as a financial auditor, but it didn’t take long for his IT skills to put him at the front of innovation at Forvis Mazars Hungary.

We needed one guy who understood both the IT aspects of the world and also the business that Mazars does, which is accounting, audit, and so on.

Zoltan Betyak

That’s how the innovation department was born, and it’s been growing ever since.

Today, his team does everything from AI to robotics process automation (RPA). AI, in particular, has been a major focus:

We are basically one, one and a half years in.

Zoltan Betyak

Working with new technology includes moving from analog to digital processes, reducing manual tasks, and increasing automation across the board.

We put into our goals and our focus to, let’s say, innovate or revolutionize the audit profession and all the other services that we do.

Zoltan Betyak

For them, the goal is to find tech that works and then use it to improve their offers.

It’s not us, tech guys, who should tell the business what the use cases are.

Zoltan Betyak

It’s a collaborative effort, and that’s what makes it work.

As they look to the rest of 2024 and beyond, Forvis Mazars is ready to keep pushing forward. They’ve got the global reach, the local expertise, and the right mix of innovation to stay ahead of the curve. And they’re doing it all with a focus on what really matters: delivering value to their clients.