By Claire Simpson, Head of Growth
From stablecoins going mainstream to the Great European Listing Exodus, here's what shaped the conversation at this year's flagship fintech event.
Money20/20 Europe returned to Amsterdam this month, bringing together thousands of fintech leaders, innovators, and investors for the industry's most anticipated annual gathering.
Across three days of keynotes, panels, and corridor conversations, several themes emerged that will likely define the fintech landscape in the months ahead. From the maturation of digital assets to Europe's listing woes, here are the five big takeaways from the Money Hall this year…
The buzz around stablecoins was impossible to ignore. Asset-backed digital currencies dominated conversations as the sector steps into the mainstream. What was once considered a niche crypto play is now being embraced by traditional financial institutions and payment processors alike, with regulatory clarity emerging from the GENIUS Act finally providing the confidence businesses needed to build robust stablecoin strategies.
In an about turn from last year, the artificial intelligence hype was decidedly hushed. As Sifted’s Tom Matsuda noted, the event went 'back to basics' with attendees more focused on proven revenue models and sustainable growth rather than flashy AI promises. The message was clear: show me the money, not just the algorithm.
The timing couldn't have been more pointed. During the week of Europe’s premier fintech event, industry darling Wise became the latest European scaleup to list overseas. The global money transfers company joins a growing exodus of European success stories abandoning the continent for better multiples and the growth-friendly environment of the US. The pattern is becoming undeniable: European innovation → American capitalisation.
For the first time, financial regulators held closed-door discussions at the event on crypto, Open Finance, and cross-border policy. What does this mean for the industry? Europe's regulators aren't just reacting to fintech innovation anymore - they're actively shaping it. With regulation and sovereignty emerging as driving forces in Europe’s financial future, policymakers are positioning themselves as industry enablers rather than roadblocks.
Perhaps most exciting of all was seeing fintech accelerate change well beyond financial services. This year's show was peppered with partnerships and customer wins in sectors as diverse as mobility, ecommerce and sports - showing how payment tech is quietly becoming the backbone for innovation in every corner of the modern economy.
As the dust settles on another Money20/20 Europe, one thing is clear: the industry is entering a more mature phase. But with the first generation of fintech giants now part of the establishment, rather than challenging it, where the sector goes from here remains an open question.
Are you a fintech planning your marketing strategy for H2? Get in touch with Claire to discuss how Hard Numbers can help (or, you know, geek out about fintech) via claire@hardnumbers.co.uk.
