For the past three years, Oradea has emerged as the epicentre of financial services in Central and Eastern Europe, attracting over 500 delegates from around the globe each year. The two-day event features the hottest topics in finance, business networking, startup pitches, roundtables, interviews with key voices in the CEE, parties, and more. It brought together representatives from 6 central banks, over 170 commercial banks and financial institutions, more than 200 fintech and technology providers, and 80+ ecosystem players, academia, and media.

The “hot” agenda of UNCHAIN

The festival provided a comprehensive platform for exploring cutting-edge developments in regulation, digital banking transformation, AI in finance, open banking, neobanking, payments 3.0, digital assets, insurtech, regtech, sustainability in finance, and many other pivotal topics. Over the course of two days, more than 70 esteemed speakers from around the globe shared their invaluable insights and expertise, contributing to a rich tapestry of knowledge and innovation.

One of the standout themes was payment innovation, which sparked engaging discussions and revealed groundbreaking advancements set to redefine the industry. The transformative role of AI in finance also took centre stage, with experts delving into how artificial intelligence is revolutionising financial services. Regulation was another critical topic, with sessions dedicated to understanding the evolving regulatory landscape and its implications for the fintech sector.

Chris Skinner, keynote speech and book signing

Renowned author and fintech expert Chris Skinner captivated attendees with a special keynote and an exclusive book signing session for his latest book, Intelligent Money. Skinner, known for his influential works on the future of banking and finance, engaged with festival participants, offering insights and autographed copies of his new book. This session provided a unique opportunity for fintech enthusiasts to interact with one of the industry’s leading thought leaders.

MOU signing between Romanian and Polish Fintech Association

A significant milestone was achieved with the signing of an MOU between the Romanian Fintech Association and the Polish Fintech Association. This strategic partnership aims to foster collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint initiatives between the fintech ecosystems of both countries. The agreement signifies a commitment to driving innovation and growth within the Central and Eastern European (CEE) fintech landscape.

Banca Comerciala Romana named the best CEE Digital Bank

Banca Comerciala Romana (BCR) was honoured with the prestigious CEE Digital Bank of the Year Award, presented by VISA. This nomination recognizes BCR’s exceptional digital transformation efforts, innovative banking solutions, and customer-centric approach. The bank’s commitment to leveraging technology to enhance the banking experience has set a benchmark for the industry.

“Digital Bank of the Year is, first and foremost, about industry recognition. It is also about our continuous efforts to provide customers with a smart, simple, fast, and secure banking experience. And that says it all about George, BCR’s digital banking platform, which is currently a complete tool for managing personal financial life as well as business, supporting partnerships with technology and service companies. With George, we have managed to achieve the most digital firsts in the Romanian banking market, with more than 300 features introduced since its launch, and we will continue to use technology to develop the ecosystem of solutions for smart financial choices,” said Mihai Sandu, Head of Digital Sales & Strategic Partnerships, Banca Comerciala Romana.

PastPay wins the UNCHAIN Startups Tournament

PastPay (pastpay.com) emerged victorious, receiving the much sought-after Oscar of CEE Fintech. This award highlights the startup’s innovative solutions and its potential to make a significant impact in the fintech sector. The recognition provides a platform for emerging fintech companies to showcase their ideas and gain acknowledgment from industry leaders and investors.

“We are extremely proud that the jury at Unchain honoured our B2B BNPL solution with the first prize. The entire event surpassed all our expectations with top quality speakers and participants. Looking forward to next year!”, stated Benjamin Berényi, CEO & Co-founder at PastPay.

PastPay revolutionises business transactions by offering merchants instant revenue and enabling them to offer flexible payment terms to their business customers. With features like automated risk management, seamless integration and APIs, and multi-currency support for international transactions, PastPay enhances cash flow, boosts sales, and improves the overall payment experience. Currently, over 170 B2B merchants offer their customers PastPay as a payment method.

Supported by regional financial innovators

The success of the event was made possible with the support of numerous partners: Visa, the event’s Main Partner; banking partners, including Banca Comerciala Romana, Raiffeisen Bank Romania, and Banca Transilvania; regtech partners such as Forvis Mazars and Evrotrust;  technology partners represented by Google Cloud, InfoCert, and Payten and sponsors such as CitiBank, Garanti BBVA, CMS Cameron McKenna, SIBS, Amazon Web Services, Global Payments, Finshape, Transfond, Evam, Kriptomat, and Verita HR.

Hosted by Visit Oradea and Make IT in Oradea, and supported by logistic partners such as Nazzuro, Autonom, Alchemico, Ford Carbenta Com, Mobexpert, Darabont Family Winery, and Digi, UNCHAIN provided a unique opportunity to be part of a transformative community.

Blind bird tickets on sale for 2025 edition

In anticipation of next year’s event, the UNCHAIN Fintech Festival has announced the sale of blind bird tickets for the fourth edition at a 50% discount. This limited-time offer provides an excellent opportunity for early registrants to secure their participation at a reduced rate. Delegates can take advantage of this discount to ensure their place at the forefront of fintech innovation and networking. For more details and to purchase tickets, visit: https://unchainfestival.com/tickets/.

The Prestigious CEE Fintech Oscars: Recognizing Excellence in Innovation

The Startups Tournament, a key component of UNCHAIN Festival, is designed to spotlight the most promising tech startups. Founders across the CEE are invited to showcase their projects and vie for recognition, support, and investment in an atmosphere buzzing with creativity and collaboration.

“As a global centre of tech development and a hub for innovation, UNCHAIN Festival is the perfect platform for startups to showcase their innovative solutions and connect with industry leaders, investors, and enthusiasts,” said Alexandra Pollack, CEO & Co-founder of UNCHAIN Festival. “We’re excited to provide startups with an opportunity to shine on stage and accelerate their growth in this dynamic ecosystem.“

The Startups Tournament invites early-stage startups with tech solutions that demonstrate significant potential for impact and scalability. Selected finalists will have the chance to pitch their projects live to a distinguished panel of judges comprising industry experts, investors, and thought leaders.

In addition to exposure and networking opportunities, participants will compete for a range of prizes, including, mentorship from industry veterans, access to investor networks, and complimentary exhibition space at future UNCHAIN events.

Welcoming back the winners of previous editions

“We were honoured to be the winners of the first edition, and I believe that UNCHAIN had an incredible energy. Everyone was attending the festival in Oradea for the first time and felt the responsibility of shaping something outstanding, building the DNA of the festival. Some great investment conversations came out from my time in Oradea, and fintech explorations with the likes of Visa. Such ecosystems in CEE are hugely needed.”, Maria Tanjala, FilmChain Co-founder, the winner of the 1st UNCHAIN Startups Tournament. 

“By being on stage a lot of investors and banks come to talk to us. We had great conversations and that was extremely valuable. We’ve learnt a lot, which added a lot of value to who we are and how we’ve grown. What I love about UNCHAIN it’s that it is not a 4000 people event, it’s a very curated event of very important people from the industry. It’s almost like a handpicked selection on who is who in the region for the fintech vertical and you don’t have many events like this which create that impact.”, Rohit Bhosale, Synapze CEO`s, the winner of 2nd UNCHAIN Startups Tournament. 

Application Deadline: May 31st – Don’t Miss Out!

Entrepreneurs eager to participate in the competition are encouraged to submit their applications online through the official UNCHAIN Festival website >> https://unchainfestival.com/startups/. Registrations are available until May 31st, but act swiftly, as applications are reviewed and chosen following each submission.

UNCHAIN Festival, renowned for its engaging panels, insightful keynotes, and vibrant networking opportunities, will take place on 19-20 June 2024 at Oradea’s fortress, Romania. For more information about the Startups Tournament and UNCHAIN Festival, including ticketing and sponsorship opportunities, visit the event website >> www.unchainfestival.com

UNCHAIN on CEE tour: explore innovation across the region

Preceding the summer festival, a series of online events, the Demo Days, will bring an even closer spotlight on the disrupting potential the region has to uncover. 

• UNCHAIN Demo Day – Romania | Bulgaria | Greece | Ukraine | Moldova 
• UNCHAIN Demo Day – Hungary | Croatia | Serbia | Slovenia 
• UNCHAIN Demo Day – Austria | Czech Republic | Slovakia | Poland

The Demo Days will serve as a precursor to the main event, offering a platform for startups and innovators to showcase their groundbreaking ideas and technologies to a global audience. Through engaging presentations, live demonstrations, and interactive Q&A sessions, participants will have the opportunity to highlight the transformative impact of their projects and gain valuable feedback from industry experts and potential investors. 

Digital Payments Revolution

The CEE region is experiencing a surge in digital payments adoption, driven by factors such as increasing smartphone penetration, changing consumer behavior, and supportive regulatory frameworks. Expect to see continued growth in digital payment solutions, including mobile wallets, contactless payments, and peer-to-peer transfers. With a focus on convenience, security, and efficiency, FinTech companies will play a crucial role in driving this digital payments revolution across the region.

Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Innovation

Blockchain technology and cryptocurrencies are gaining traction in the CEE region, presenting new opportunities and challenges for the FinTech industry. As more businesses and consumers embrace digital assets, expect to see increased innovation in blockchain-based solutions, such as smart contracts, decentralized finance (DeFi) platforms, and digital identity management systems. Additionally, regulatory developments and government initiatives aimed at fostering blockchain innovation will shape the landscape for cryptocurrency adoption and usage across CEE countries.

Rise of Neobanks and Digital Lenders

Neobanks and digital lending platforms are disrupting the traditional banking sector in CEE, offering innovative financial products and services tailored to the needs of modern consumers and businesses. Over the next two years, expect to see the continued emergence of digital-first banking solutions, including virtual banking accounts, personalized lending algorithms, and automated loan approvals. With a focus on accessibility, affordability, and customer experience, neobanks and digital lenders will continue to gain market share and drive competition in the financial services industry.

Regulatory Evolution and Compliance Focus

Regulatory frameworks governing the FinTech sector in CEE are expected to evolve in response to technological advancements and emerging risks. Regulatory bodies across the region will likely introduce new guidelines and standards aimed at promoting innovation while ensuring consumer protection, cybersecurity, and financial stability. FinTech companies will need to prioritize regulatory compliance and invest in robust risk management and cybersecurity measures to navigate the evolving regulatory landscape and build trust with customers and stakeholders.

Cross-Border Collaboration and Expansion

Collaboration and partnerships between FinTech companies, traditional financial institutions, and other stakeholders will become increasingly important for driving innovation and expanding market reach across borders. Over the next two years, expect to see more cross-border collaborations, joint ventures, and strategic alliances aimed at leveraging complementary strengths and resources to address regional challenges and capitalize on growth opportunities. Additionally, as CEE FinTech companies look to scale their operations and enter new markets, strategic international expansion will be a key focus area, driving greater competition and diversity in the global FinTech ecosystem.

As a conclusion, the Central and Eastern European FinTech sector is poised for dynamic growth and innovation over the next two years, driven by digital payments revolution, blockchain and cryptocurrency innovation, rise of neobanks and digital lenders, regulatory evolution and compliance focus, and cross-border collaboration and expansion. By staying agile, responsive to market trends, and focused on customer needs, FinTech companies in CEE can capitalize on emerging opportunities and play a leading role in shaping the future of finance in the region and beyond.