Find out how modern technologies and new players are reshaping the financial landscape at the Money Motion conference.
On March 27-28, Zagreb becomes the epicenter of financial innovation as Money Motion 2025 takes the stage. And if you’re attending DIGIPAY in Bulgaria, consider this as the perfect warm-up.
Experts and industry reports suggest that banks in the future will become almost invisible. The only way for leading players to survive and remain market leaders is to listen to user demands - and the numbers have been proving it for years. In the UK alone, over a million customers switched banks last year, and a quarter of customers worldwide were willing to change their primary bank the year before.
Technological advancements have completely transformed the market, bringing new opportunities but also increasing demands. Customers seek custom-made services - from better conditions and fewer obligations to timely customer support, enhanced cybersecurity, and seamless accessibility with minimal clicks.
New challengers, driven by technology and
more agile than traditional banking infrastructures
New challengers, driven by technology and more agile than traditional banking infrastructures, pose yet another challenge to players across the financial market, from the largest institutions to the smallest startups. Industry challenges, best practices, and innovative solutions will be presented by over 90 professionals across four stages at this year’s Money Motion conference, organized in collaboration with leading regional brands ASEE, Monri, Mastercard, OTP banka, A1 Hrvatska, Croatia osiguranje, and LAQO. It will take place on March 27-28 at the Zagreb Fair.
"The entry of FinTech companies into the banking market is a significant challenge for traditional banking, primarily because it has accelerated the development of digital solutions and so-called time-to-market. This requires frequent updates and adjustments to existing products, as well as a continued, comprehensive digital transformation of banking operations.
Beyond changing traditional business models, financial institutions and service providers are also gaining new opportunities to develop faster, more transparent, and cost-effective services for clients. Ultimately, end users - everyday consumers- stand to benefit the most, through simplified, high-quality, and advanced digital services, an improved customer experience, greater choice, and more competitive pricing," says Christoph Schoefboeck, CEO of Erste Bank.
Erste Bank is an excellent example of a financial institution that has adapted to the rise of new market solutions and increasing customer expectations. Their Keks Pay and George apps have been growing in user numbers for years, now exceeding one million users, regularly competing with the biggest international and local FinTech rivals. Many of Keks Pay’s services are tailored to everyday customer needs and preferences, often offering the most cost-effective way to pay for third-party, non-banking services.
Innovative solutions aimed at enhancing the user experience in the FinTech industry still have time to apply for the Money Motion Startup Pitch competition. During the conference, the top 10 selected teams will present their solutions to a six-member expert jury and compete for the best prizes to date.
Antonio Argir, board member of NLB Bank, Slovenia’s leading bank, agrees that customers dictate the pace and product portfolio.
"We have already digitalized most of our services, allowing clients not only 24/7 access to mobile banking apps but also fully digital access to a range of financial products, including consumer loans, cards, overdrafts, and deposits, available anytime and anywhere.
This ensures a seamless, on-demand service experience, meeting the growing expectations of today's consumers. However, even in this digital world, trust and security remain of greatest importance. Our clients prioritize the security of their financial data, and maintaining that trust is essential for long-term relationships. This is where traditional banks hold a competitive edge - our decades of expertise in risk management, compliance, and data protection."
Hedvika Usenik (second to the right), NLB board member, at the last year’s Money Motion conference
The security of traditional banking systems is becoming an increasingly important concern
The security of traditional banking systems is becoming an increasingly important concern, especially as reports of neobank customers losing funds with no means of recovery continue to emerge worldwide. Whether the issue lies in customers’ digital and financial literacy or in the security practices expected of banks is often difficult to determine case by case. However, one recurring theme remains - customer support and trust. Although public trust in banks has been declining, users value simple, timely, and efficient communication.
Ivan Ostojić, Infobip board member, recently discussed this topic with Efi Pylarinou, a globally recognized FinTech expert, highlighting key trends in Latin America. With WhatsApp’s massive market penetration in the region, some banks have developed dedicated solutions to offer banking services - including payments - directly within the app.
A surprising example comes from the Middle East, where, despite strict banking regulations, financial institutions have successfully integrated conversational banking solutions. As Ostojić explains, customers use WhatsApp for basic tasks like checking account balances, transferring funds, or retrieving information, while they turn to the bank’s mobile app for more complex financial actions, such as investment management.
Over 2,500 experts, entrepreneurs, managers, investors, and consultants will gather at the third edition of Money Motion to engage in open discussions about the future of banking and other key areas of the FinTech industry.
