The fall conference season may be in full swing, but it’s never too early to think about next year. Gatherings like the ones listed below can be idea generators. Or they can act like gauges or mirrors as executives and banks measure where their thinking is, in comparison to innovators and competitors. And, of course, there’s networking.
By 2025, at least a couple of things will have changed. There will be a new occupant in the White House, which may spur buzz (either way) as to the future of 2024’s most talked-about regulation — the multiagency proposal to revamp capital requirements.
But as change is a constant, these events can serve as a means to check in on the status of burgeoning technology like artificial intelligence and the myriad strands connecting banking and fintech.
Top banking conferences in 2025
Feb. 25-26
InterContinental, O2, London, U.K.
For executives at the junction of fintech and banking, this jaunt overseas might lend an international perspective. You can expect the British banks to show, sure — last year’s event saw speakers from Barclays, NatWest and Lloyds. But U.S. banks like JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo, European banks BBVA, Deutsche, ING and Nordea and fintechs such as Stripe, Klarna, OakNorth and Raisin were in attendance, too.
March 3-4
Hilton, Nashville, Tennessee
Innovation with artificial intelligence is advancing rapidly. Here might be a chance to drill down alongside others in the space. Past speakers have included representatives from Bank of America, Citi, Wells Fargo, PNC and Discover.
March 11-14
Gaylord Opryland, Nashville, Tennessee
Couched as the largest annual gathering of community bankers, the Independent Community Bankers of America’s annual event boasts sessions on workforce development, digital innovation, lending, risk, growth and strategy.
March 17-19
JW Marriott Grande Lakes, Orlando, Florida
A retail-banking mecca, this year’s event by the Consumer Bankers Association drew more than 1,600 attendees and discussions featuring the heads of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, as well as key figures in BMO, Berkshire Bank and others.
April 14-16
Aria, Las Vegas, Nevada
A gathering centered on strategy sessions meant to grow businesses and brands. It’s aimed at bankers and other finance professionals, but it’s drawing talent from outside that sphere — with keynotes from Kevin O’Leary of “Shark Tank” fame and renowned animal trainer Cesar Millan and a comedy set from “Saturday Night Live” alum David Spade.
May 7-9
Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina, San Diego, California
If London is too far afield, Finovate has you covered stateside, too. Speakers at last year’s spring conference included representatives from JPMorgan, BNY, Wells Fargo, U.S. Bank, Citizens, Umpqua, Plaid, Remitly and SVB.
June 3-5, The Boca Raton, Boca Raton, Florida
Hosted by American Banker, this one focuses on digital innovations. This year’s event featured a “Bank of the Future,” with immersive environments and interactive experiences showcasing strategy and technology. Speakers included executives from Capital One, Fifth Third, Truist and M&T.
June 3-5, the RAI, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Money20/20 has made its name over the past dozens years as a premier gathering spot for firms at the crossroads of fintech and banking, and if you find you can’t wait for Money20/20’s marquee Vegas event in October, this one could be a good primer.
Conferences marked with an asterisk are owned by Informa, the parent company of Industry Dive.
