As banking and payments continue to evolve at unprecedented speed, financial institutions face mounting pressure to modernise legacy infrastructure, embrace artificial intelligence, strengthen cybersecurity and deliver seamless digital experiences. The 31st Edition Connected Banking Summit – Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, taking place on 21 October in Istanbul, Türkiye, offers a unique opportunity for industry leaders to explore these challenges and discover the technologies and strategies shaping the future of financial services across Eurasia.
Part of the internationally recognised Connected Banking Summit Series, the event will bring together senior executives from banks, fintechs, regulatory authorities, investment firms, technology providers and government institutions. By gathering decision-makers from Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East and emerging Eurasian markets, the summit creates an ideal environment for knowledge sharing, collaboration and new business opportunities.
One of the event’s greatest strengths is its regional focus. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Türkiye has become an increasingly important hub for digital banking and fintech innovation. The country’s growing technology ecosystem, expanding digital economy and strategic location make Istanbul an ideal venue for discussions on cross-border payments, financial inclusion and the future of connected financial ecosystems throughout Eurasia.
The conference programme is designed to address the industry’s most pressing priorities. Sessions will explore digital core banking transformation, instant payments, open finance, embedded finance, AI-driven banking innovation, cloud adoption, cybersecurity, digital identity and KYC modernisation. Attendees will also gain valuable insights into sustainable finance, capital markets digitisation and emerging digital asset infrastructure, providing a comprehensive overview of the technologies reshaping the financial sector.
Beyond the keynote presentations and expert-led panel discussions, the summit places a strong emphasis on practical learning and meaningful networking. Delegates can expect real-world case studies showcasing successful digital transformation initiatives, alongside curated business meetings connecting financial institutions with leading technology partners. These interactions offer valuable opportunities to identify new solutions, exchange best practices and establish strategic partnerships that extend well beyond the event itself.
The summit will conclude with the prestigious Innovation & Excellence Awards 2026, recognising outstanding achievements across banking and financial services. Honouring excellence in areas such as digital transformation, payments innovation, cybersecurity, open banking and executive leadership, the awards celebrate organisations and individuals driving measurable change across the industry.
With a legacy spanning 31 editions, more than 5,000 delegates, 500 industry speakers and hundreds of strategic partnerships, the Connected Banking Summit has established itself as one of the region’s leading executive forums. For banking, fintech and payments professionals seeking fresh insights, high-level networking and a deeper understanding of the trends shaping Eurasia’s financial future, the Istanbul edition is set to be an event well worth attending.
Event website: 31st Edition Connected Banking Summit – Eurasia
