Financial Markets & Investor Protection
Interview: Banco Bradesco Europa and Governance.com on bank-FinTech collaboration
Published on 16 February 2025
The 3rd edition of the ABBL Bank CEOs - FinTechs Speed Meeting event, held on 20 January 2025, once again demonstrated the strength of Luxembourg’s financial ecosystem. More than 30 FinTechs and senior banking leaders gathered to exchange ideas and explore new opportunities for collaboration. Among them, Banco Bradesco Europa and Governance.com shared their perspectives on how this initiative fosters meaningful connections and drives progress in the industry. Watch the full video to hear their insights firsthand!
Summary
A unique opportunity to bring the ecosystem together
Reflecting on the event, Alexandre Gartner highlighted its impact:
“It was a fantastic event and a great opportunity to bring together key players from the financial industry. Luxembourg excels at creating spaces where banks, FinTechs, and industry associations can engage in meaningful discussions. The energy in the room and the quality of the interactions were truly impressive.”
He also emphasised the importance of exchanging ideas:
“We had great conversations with FinTechs, many of whom presented solutions that are already market-ready. At the same time, we provided feedback on what the industry needs, which could influence further product development. These discussions are valuable for both sides.”
From initial meetings to long-term collaborations
For Alexandre Gartner, the connections made at the event are just the beginning:
“We already committed to following up with some of the FinTechs we met. What makes this particularly exciting is that some of these discussions could extend beyond our Luxembourg operations—there is potential to involve our head office in these projects as well.”
For Ian Atkinson, this first participation in the event was a very positive experience:
“I’ll be honest—when we received the invitation, I was a bit sceptical. I’ve attended similar events where the turnout wasn’t great. But this time, the energy in the room was incredible. The number of C-level participants, the engagement, the quality of the discussions—it all exceeded my expectations.”
A sign of growing momentum in the financial sector
One of the key takeaways for Ian Atkinson was the level of interest from the banking industry:
“The list of banks that wanted to meet with us was surprising. Some names were very familiar, others less so, but that’s exactly what made this event so valuable. It’s a strong sign that banks are increasingly open to exploring FinTech solutions.”
However, as he pointed out, these first conversations are just the beginning:
“With only eight minutes per meeting, there isn’t always enough time to dive deep into details. The next step is really about following up, understanding the challenges banks are facing, and showcasing how we can help. Digital transformation is not a one-time project—it’s an ongoing journey, and these discussions are just the starting point.”
Looking ahead
The event may be over, but for many participants, the real work is just beginning.
“Transformation takes time, and these discussions must continue. We already have a follow-up event planned for early February, where many of the banks we met here will be present. The goal is to build on the momentum, deepen these conversations, and turn them into real business opportunities.” – Ian Atkinson