The sixth edition of the Fintech Moldova Conference, held on October 11, 2024, at Digital Park in Chisinau, once again demonstrated why it is the premier event for finance and technology professionals in Moldova and the region. Established in 2019, the conference has grown into a key platform for fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange, solidifying Moldova’s reputation as a rising fintech hub in Eastern Europe.
This year’s event brought together over 400 participants from the finance, technology, and public sectors, including representatives from more than 100 companies and organizations. Attendees had the unique opportunity to network, explore emerging trends, and discuss transformative solutions that are shaping the future of financial services.
An Unmatched Lineup of Speakers
The conference featured a stellar roster of industry leaders, innovators, and policymakers who delivered insightful keynotes and participated in dynamic panel discussions. Notable speakers included:
- Anzhela Kashperuk, Vice President of Business Development at Mastercard in Ukraine and Moldova
- Giorgi Shagidze, CEO at maib
- Ali Ezzatyar, Deputy Mission Director at USAID Moldova
- Dumitru Alaiba, Minister for Economic Development and Digitalization of Moldova
- Ian Horrocks, Professor at Oxford University and co-founder of Oxford Semantic Technologies
- Gary Palmer, Founder of Payall and Agile Partners
These experts covered a wide range of topics, from artificial intelligence and open banking to regulatory evolution and cross-border payment solutions.
Key Discussions and Highlights
The packed agenda included a mix of thought-provoking keynotes, in-depth panels, and engaging presentations. Some of the most anticipated sessions were:
- “MIA: Over 6 Months of Progress, Open Banking, and SEPA Opportunities for Moldova” by Liudmila Bejenaru, highlighting Moldova’s strides toward financial integration with Europe.
- “New Paradigms for Cross-Border Payments for SMEs” by Gary Palmer, exploring innovative payment solutions for small and medium enterprises.
- Panel Discussion: Shaping Tomorrow’s Payments, featuring government and industry leaders discussing strategic approaches to payment innovation.
- “How Rules-Based AI is Transforming Financial Services” by Ian Horrocks, offering insights into AI’s transformative potential in banking and beyond.
The conference also tackled pressing topics such as cybersecurity, embedded finance, sustainable finance, and the future of digital identity in financial services.
Networking and Beyond
Beyond the knowledge-sharing sessions, the Fintech Moldova Conference provided numerous opportunities for participants to connect and collaborate. From coffee breaks to a premium networking dinner, attendees engaged in meaningful discussions that could lead to future partnerships and innovations.
An exclusive Winery Tour on the following day offered speakers and premium ticket holders a chance to unwind while enjoying Moldova’s renowned wine culture—a testament to the conference’s commitment to blending professional growth with memorable experiences.
Moldova: A Fintech Crossroad
The overarching theme of the conference was Moldova’s potential to become a regional fintech hub. As highlighted by several speakers, the country’s strategic location, commitment to digital transformation, and regulatory advancements—such as open banking and instant payment systems—position it as a key player in Eastern Europe’s fintech landscape.
Looking Ahead
The Fintech Moldova Conference 2024 reaffirmed its mission to drive the digital transformation of the financial sector while fostering collaboration across industries. By bringing together thought leaders, decision-makers, and innovators, the event continues to shape the future of fintech in Moldova and beyond.
As the conference concluded, participants left inspired, equipped with new ideas, and eager to turn insights into action. Moldova’s fintech journey is far from over, and events like this serve as crucial milestones in its evolution as a regional leader in financial technology.
For those who couldn’t attend, the conference recordings and session materials will be made available online, ensuring that the knowledge shared reaches an even broader audience.
Moldova’s fintech future is bright, and the Fintech Moldova Conference remains at the heart of its transformation.
