Hi there,

​Fintech Meetup 2025, held from March 10 to 13 at The Venetian in Las Vegas, brought together over 6,000 industry leaders, investors, and innovators to explore the evolving landscape of financial technology. The event featured a rich agenda of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and networking sessions, focusing on themes such as artificial intelligence (AI), embedded finance, and the future of lending.​

Key Themes and Insights

Artificial Intelligence and Fraud Prevention

AI's dual role in both facilitating and combating financial fraud was a significant topic. Catherine Porter, Chief Business Officer at Prove, highlighted the ease with which fraudsters can now operate, stating, "Fraud has never been easier." The panel discussed the rise of synthetic identity fraud, with Bart Willaert, EVP Global Open Banking Americas at Mastercard, noting that these are "identities that never existed, crafted from a mix of real and fake data." To counteract these threats, financial institutions are employing AI-driven fraud detection systems that analyze user behaviors and transaction patterns.

Embedded Finance and Lending Innovations

The integration of financial services into non-financial platforms, known as embedded finance, was showcased as a transformative trend. Companies like Liberis are leading this revolution by offering real-time, revenue-based lending solutions embedded directly into platforms such as Stripe and eBay. Rob Straathof, CEO of Liberis, emphasized that traditional banks often find it unprofitable to lend amounts below $100,000, leaving a gap that embedded finance aims to fill. This approach allows small businesses to access capital more efficiently, tailoring repayments to their cash flow.

Digital Sandboxes Accelerating Innovation

The concept of digital sandboxes emerged as a solution to expedite the onboarding of fintech vendors. Scott Sambucci, Managing Director at NayaOne, pointed out that traditional vendor approval processes can take up to 12 months—a timeframe incompatible with rapid technological advancements. By utilizing external digital sandboxes, financial institutions can test fintech products in real-world conditions without immediate regulatory hurdles, thereby accelerating innovation and maintaining a competitive edge.

Notable Sessions and Networking

The event's structure was built around three pillars: in-depth content sessions, an expansive expo hall, and structured networking opportunities. The content sessions covered a range of topics, including AI applications, customer experience strategies, and regulatory advancements. The expo hall featured both emerging fintech startups and established brands, providing a platform for showcasing the latest innovations. However, the signature networking sessions, involving 15-minute speed meetings powered by an advanced matchmaking platform, stood out as a highlight. These sessions facilitated rapid-fire, high-energy conversations, enabling attendees to forge valuable connections efficiently. ​

Looking Ahead

With its growing reputation, Fintech Meetup is set to move to Mandalay Bay in 2026, signaling plans for further expansion. The event's unique blend of content, networking, and deal-making positions it as a must-attend in the North American fintech calendar. As the industry continues to evolve, platforms like Fintech Meetup will play a crucial role in shaping the future of financial services. ​

In summary, Fintech Meetup 2025 provided a comprehensive overview of the current fintech landscape, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The insights gained from the event underscore the importance of innovation, collaboration, and adaptability in navigating the future of finance.​

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— The Unofficially Fintech Meetup Team

Not affiliated with Fintech Meetup Events

Bobsguide is a Contentive publication in the Events division