A Note from Finovate VP, Greg Palmer
It’s no secret that the last few years have been challenging ones, and the simple act of bringing our community together in the same space feels like a major accomplishment. We’re incredibly grateful to have so much of the fintech ecosystem here with us, and I’d like to offer a sincere thank you to everyone who’s taken the time to join us, whether you’re in the room with us or following along remotely.
"The innovators and dreamers among us have given us new tools, technologies, and ideas to help us meet these challenging times, and steer our financial system towards a brighter future."
While it’s great to be back, it’s not enough for us to simply be present. The last few years have brought about dramatic changes all over the world, and it’s clear that more changes are coming. The financial world has been searching for a new status quo since early 2020, and while we may be closer now to something more settled and sustainable, we still have some way to go before we get there.
The good news is that creativity in fintech abounds. The innovators and dreamers among us have given us new tools, technologies, and ideas to help us meet these challenging times, and steer our financial system towards a brighter future. Over the next few days, you’ll see these technologies on display, hear experts sharing their visions, and connect with like-minded fintech professionals from across Europe and beyond.
1 As tempting as it may be look back before the pandemic began with longing, we need to remember that the system we were operating under was flawed in many ways. Too many people were excluded from basic banking services, too many processes were too costly or overly onerous, and too many financial institutions were resistant to make the updates needed to meet the challenges of the future. The past always looks rosy in times of change, but we owe it to ourselves to be realistic about where it was imperfect.
2As a result of the upheaval brought about by the pandemic, changing behavior across our industry has never been more possible. More customers are willing (or even eager) to engage with digital financial solutions, and more banks are looking to update stale, outdated processes. Where new innovations used to be met with indifference or resistance, now they’re being met with a willingness to engage.
Those two pieces make this a crucial moment for our industry. Recent circumstances have given us a window to enact real change, and there’s a real chance now to create the kind of inclusive, resilient, streamlined financial ecosystem that fintech has been building towards for years. That is why it’s not enough to simply be here – we have to be engaged, and ready for the opportunities (and challenges) that are in front of all of us.
Wherever you come from, however you’re watching, I certainly hope that the next few days help you along your path. Change is upon us; the question now is whether or not we use it to something meaningful.
Sincerely, Greg Palmer
