What Does 2025 Have in Store for the Fintech Industry? | FF News at Money20/20 USA

What does 2025 have in store for the fintech industry? At Money20/20 USA 2024, we spoke to their President, Tracey Davies to get a sense of how the industry is feeling, as we gear up for the year ahead.

In this video we also find out some exciting news about what to expect from the conference this year. Plus…

• How many financial services companies have launched AI initiatives.
• What an increased regulatory presence means for the conference.
• Why female representation is at an all time high.

AI and Open Banking Take Center Stage

This year, two dominant themes have emerged: generative AI (gen AI) and open banking. In our interview Davies points out that AI, particularly Gen AI, is everywhere, with financial institutions rapidly adopting and integrating it into their operations. Open banking on the other hand remains a major focus as well, with regulatory updates and industry developments continuing to drive discussions. While both trends are significant, Davies believes AI is likely to take the lead in shaping the industry’s future.

The big change will be shifting from exploration to real-world implementation. According to a recent report from Acrew Capital, 76% of financial services companies have launched AI initiatives, with top firms like JP Morgan, Block, and Chime leading the way in the US. This shift from hype to practical application underscores the increasing role AI is playing in financial services, and Money 20/20 is providing a platform for showcasing real-world use cases.

A Renewed Energy at the Event

Reflecting on the atmosphere at Money20/20 USA 2024, Davies emphasized the palpable energy and optimism compared to last year. While 2023 was marked by economic challenges and funding headwinds, this year’s event signals renewed confidence in the industry’s outlook for 2025. She noted the excitement on the show floor from day one, as professionals gathered to discuss innovation, partnerships, and the future of finance.

A major highlight for Davies was the increasing representation of women on stage, with 47% of speakers being female. She acknowledged the ongoing work of Money 20/20’s Rise Up and Amplify programs in championing diversity and inclusion. She also celebrated standout moments such as Sunday Night Live featuring Lynn Martin from the New York Stock Exchange and Sarah Fryer from OpenAI, which she described as phenomenal.

Regional Differences Across Money20/20 Events

While all Money 20/20 events share a common foundation—bringing the financial industry together for business, networking, and innovation—regional nuances shape the conversations. Davies noted that mobile money and wallets remain dominant topics in Asia, while Europe has been at the forefront of open banking. In the U.S., both AI and open banking are key focus areas. Another major trend across all regions is the increasing presence of regulators. In the U.S., high-profile figures such as SEC Chair Gary Gensler and former CFPB Director Rohit Chopra took the stage, signaling a strong regulatory interest in fintech developments globally.

A Major Announcement: Money20/20 Global Awards Is Here

This video is special as we are also party to a pretty big announcement. Here Davies reveals a significant new initiative — Money20/20 will be launching a global awards program in 2025.

This awards program aims to set a new standard for industry recognition, offering independent validation from top industry experts. While details remain under wraps, she assured that it will be unlike any other awards event, with a fresh and innovative approach. Global entries will open in April 2025, with additional announcements expected in the coming months.

It sounds like an exciting time and will be sure to be repeated this year, when Money20/20 USA returns on October 26th-29th. Catch more of our videos from the 2024 conference, right here.