This year has been a defining one for the fintech community, marked by groundbreaking developments and increasing momentum toward open banking, digital innovation, and financial inclusion. These market shifts dominated conversations at the industry’s top events, including Money 20/20 USA and Boston Fintech Week.
Here’s a look back at some of the event highlights and how the conversations buzzing in the industry today should influence communications strategies:
Money 20/20 USA: Unleashing the Open Banking Revolution
Money 20/20 is known as one of the most influential gatherings on the fintech calendar, and this year was no exception. The event agenda was packed with discussions on how the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) open banking ruling could transform financial access, increase competition, and improve financial literacy for millions.
A track of the Summit titled “Open Banking – Rule 1033 and Beyond” provided a forum for industry leaders to discuss the changing dynamics of data ownership and its impact on consumer empowerment. Speakers such as Paul LaRusso, CEO of Akoya, discussed how the impending regulatory changes are set to reshape the financial landscape, impacting financial institutions as a result, while Justin Benson, CEO of Spreedly, opined about how open banking will transform how people interact with their financial data.
One memorable session, “Advancing Embedded Finance in an Era of Uncertainty,” featured participants such as Eric Sager of Plaid, Johnny Ayers of Socure, and Renata Caine of Green Dot, who highlighted how open banking could enable non-traditional financial services companies to seamlessly integrate banking functions into their platforms. From ride-sharing apps to e-commerce giants, embedded finance was discussed as being on the brink of a major transformation, enabling these platforms to seamlessly integrate financial services into their offerings. Open banking is expected to fuel this growth by making financial services more accessible, ultimately offering consumers smoother, more integrated experiences.
Boston Fintech Week: A Celebration of Fintech Innovation at Home
Much of the discussion at Boston Fintech Week centered around how local fintech firms and financial institutions can leverage emerging technologies to address industry disparities. Panels like “Fast, Furious & Fair – AI in Lending” brought together thought leaders like Laura Kornhauser, CEO & Co-Founder of Stratyfy, and Erin Allard, President of Prism Data, who shared actionable insights on what it takes to successfully drive financial inclusion using AI.
During another session, “The Faces of Fintech in Boston,” local startups showcased their unique solutions including Dispatch, a data orchestration company focused on syncing data across an advisor’s tech stack, and Hometap, an investment platform that provides near-immediate access to funds so homeowners can pay for needs.
Reflecting on Two Powerful Events
Both Money 20/20 USA and Boston Fintech Week illustrated that the fintech industry is on the verge of a transformative period, with open banking acting as the catalyst. There’s an evident drive within the industry to leverage this regulatory change to build a more inclusive, accessible financial system, with data privacy and consumer rights at its core. Money 20/20 highlighted fintech’s potential to drive global transformation, while Boston Fintech Week reminded us of the unique strengths and innovations brewing here in Massachusetts.
With industry transformation on the horizon, it’s essential for fintech companies to prioritize integrated communications strategies that ensure their vision, perspectives, and messaging reach each audience where and when they need it. By educating financial institutions, businesses, and consumers alike on the changes they’re poised to experience, these strategies can shine a light on the companies leading this shift, the experts setting new standards, and the everyday people reshaping their financial futures. In this way, effective communication not only raises awareness but also fosters a deeper understanding of fintech’s evolving role in the broader financial landscape.
That’s where V2 Communications comes in. We’re here to tell these stories, to amplify the impact of fintech pioneers, and to contribute to the broader conversation about an industry that’s redefining how we engage with money. From regulatory milestones to transformative technologies that enhance financial access, our mission as communication professionals is to bring fintech’s most impactful stories to the forefront.
To learn more about V2’s fintech and B2B technology expertise and services, visit: www.v2comms.com/b2b-technology-expertise/