Roundup & Reflections on Fintech Meetup Europe 2026

Early October, PaySpace Magazine team had a chance to be present at the first European edition of well-known Fintech Meetup event series that took place Oct. 6-8 in Lisbon, Portugal. The debut set a high bar in terms of networking, agenda intensity, and even extra activities.

Fintech Meetup concept started during the pandemic restrictions, when fintech professionals were eager to connect, if only virtually. From digital-only, the event moved to Las Vegas and was acquired by Hyve Group. Dozens of thousands of technology-enabled and then in-person industry meetings took place there, leading Fintech Meetup to its first expansion to European grounds. 

On 6–8 October 2026, Fintech Meetup brought its meetings-led format to Lisbon, and PaySpace Magazine Global was both among media partners and early visitors. 

The Europe’s launch was supported by major financial companies and institutions including Visa, Wise, Coinbase, ClearBank, BBVA and J.P. Morgan. Worldwide-known fintech brands were also densely present among the speakers, which made agenda tightly packed and impossible to miss. 

The organisers greeted visitors with opening remarks on Build to Last infrastructure – the type that can endure past mere innovation. Gary Dempsey, Event Director, and Douglas Mackenzie, Head of Content, at Fintech Meetup acknowledged European markets and infrastructure systems can be slow and need reform. Yet, they have advantages of strong trusted financial foundations and legislation that helps customers get their protections and clarity. Those strengths are to wield in the next phase of region’s growth, which the event agenda proves will be centered on sustainable growth, credible infrastructure and long-term value. 

Michael Carney, EU CEO of digital challenger Monzo, spoke about the bank’s European expansion path. Fintech founders present at the session could learn a lesson or two about adapting to different national banking environments, operating in fragmented market scenarios and competing with established banks possessing strong history of customer trust. 

Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank, in turn, explained what has driven the brand’s rapid growth. The UK’s unicorn is already one of Britain’s fastest-growing companies and now targets international growth too. Allica has recently applied for a Swedish banking licence but hasn’t lost the focus on the core market. The startup plans to reach a 10% share of the UK established SME market by 2028. As the six-year-old company has already achieved consecutive years of profitability, some of the insights it could share were how to balance expansion ambitions with the discipline required to build a durable bank.

One of the core strengths but also cost drivers of operating in European markets – strong regulation – was the theme of the MEGA: “Is Europe’s Regulatory Depth Becoming a Strategic Asset?” panel. It gathered representatives of fin. institutions, including Banco Português de Fomento, DenizBank, Zango, BDO on one stage with Januš Kizenevič, Vice Minister of Finance, Ministry of Finance of the Republic of Lithuania, to discuss in which cases Europe’s demanding regulatory environment serves as a competitive advantage and when it’s simply adds extra cost of doing business. 

More bank representatives from ABN AMRO, Banco Sabadell, Lloyds, Commerzbank, as well as AI-native digital banking platform Backbase focused on the build-versus-buy decision in banking. Discussions explored when it is meaningful to build solutions in-house vs cases where external technology providers offer more value and convenience. Controversy points revolved around AI rapidly creating many emerging capabilities hard to chase all at the same time, and a reminders of accountability that, especially in case of AI software, is still ill-defined legally but necessary as a solid trust foundation.

As for the payments, 44 Countries, 50+ Payment Rails panel again reminded about one of the main EU issues: fragmentation. In Europe, we have strong and solid payments infrastructure, but payment schemes, regulation and other market specifics remain fragmented, which makes it harder for payment providers to navigate this landscape. So, connecting existing systems and reducing the friction, is number one task to those wishing to make cross-border services on par with domestic ones in simplicity, speed and convenience.

Conversations at the Startup & Investors track were more of interest for the early-stage founders. Here speakers discussed fintech startup’s prospects for funding, lasting growth potential, and credible plans to enter new markets. 

Meanwhile all these discussions were happening, Fintech Meetup Europe 2026 also delivered on one of its main promises and attention-grabbing features. Networking in a pre-arranged one-to-one meetings format is now explored more and more frequently in conference settings, but Fintech Meetup has an established record of organizing such collaborations. Its European edition didn’t differ, so quality face-to-face meetings will hopefully bring more partnership news to fintech media agendas.

Last but not least, Fintech Meetup Europe was an event with a pleasantly bustling atmosphere. Most active visitors could not only meet and greet each other, but also play a little padel – racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. Those from Spain or Italy were probably already familiar with the activity, while others could try something new and get competitive outside of offices and boardrooms. Fotoshoot locations and food trucks for lunch and snacks completed the venue charm, avoiding ‘all work and no play’ attitudes that might spread in environments where you often have no more than 15 minutes to impress and engage your prospective business partners.