Uniting the CEE and Global Fintech Communities

The Unchain Festival in Oradea has concluded, leaving a significant mark on the global fintech landscape. This two-day event brought together over 500 business delegates from more than 30 countries, making Oradea a central hub for financial technology innovation.

Day 1: Insights and Innovations

The festival kicked off with a keynote speech from the National Bank of Romania, providing a comprehensive overview of the fintech landscape and regulatory environment in Europe. The discussions then moved to the impact of instant payments and local payment schemes, with industry leaders sharing their insights on the future of digital finance.

The first day also featured a series of panels and keynotes on critical topics such as:

• AI in Finance: Exploring how artificial intelligence is transforming data-driven financial decisions.
• Digital Operational Resilience Act: Addressing new tech risks in finance and the regulatory measures to mitigate them.
• Digital Identity: Innovations in securing digital identities and their implications for trust and security in financial transactions.
• Blockchain Innovation: Live demos and discussions on the latest blockchain technologies and their applications in finance.

Day 2: Networking and Collaboration

The second day of the festival focused on fostering connections and collaborations. Participants engaged in roundtable discussions, moderated focused discussions, and startup pitching sessions, providing a platform for innovators to showcase their ideas and secure investments.

Key highlights from Day 2 included:

• Cross-Border Payments: Sessions on global payment connectivity and the challenges and opportunities in this space.
• Open Banking 2.0: Innovations and opportunities in open banking, with case studies demonstrating successful implementations.
• Sustainable Finance: Integrating ESG principles with digital innovation to create sustainable financial solutions.
• Insurtech: Transforming the insurance industry with advanced technology, making it more efficient and customer-centric.

The Venue: A Blend of History and Modernity

Held in Oradea’s picturesque medieval fortress, the event provided a unique backdrop where ancient walls met future finance. This blend of history and modernity created an inspiring environment for participants to think creatively and push the boundaries of what is possible in the financial sector.

A Successful Outcome

The Unchain Festival proved to be a pivotal event for the fintech community, driving meaningful conversations and sparking new collaborations. With over 250 represented companies and 346 financial sector representatives, the event highlighted the dynamic potential of the CEE region as a global center for tech development.

Participants left with new insights, strengthened networks, and a clear vision of the future of financial technology. The festival’s success underscores Oradea’s growing importance on the international fintech map and sets a high standard for future gatherings.