The first Forbes Cyprus Next Generation Banking & Fintech Summit is taking place at the Four Seasons Hotel in Limassol on Tuesday, bringing together more than 250 participants to discuss the future of banking, the growth prospects for fintech in Cyprus and the impact of technology on financial services.
Organised by Phileleftheros Media Group in collaboration with Capital S.A., the fintech summit aims to examine opportunities and challenges emerging in a rapidly changing financial landscape.
International participation in Limassol
The summit brings together government representatives, policymakers, regulators, banks, fintech businesses, investors, technology companies and academics, providing a platform for dialogue across the financial ecosystem.
President Nikos Christodoulides is also scheduled to address the event.
The summit has an international focus, with industry figures and professionals travelling to Limassol from the United States, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, other European countries and the Middle East.
Their participation offers opportunities to exchange expertise and experience as financial institutions adapt to technological advances, changing customer expectations and an evolving regulatory environment.
The event also aims to explore how Cyprus can strengthen its position in the international financial services sector by attracting investment, developing expertise and encouraging cooperation between banks and technology businesses.
Four discussions on the future of finance
The programme features four thematic discussions covering key aspects of the transformation of financial services.
The first, “How a Small Island Wins”, examines how Cyprus can build a competitive banking and financial services ecosystem despite the limited size of its domestic market.
Topics include regulation, investment attraction, workforce development and the infrastructure needed to support international businesses. Strategy professor Costas Markides highlights the importance of focusing on specific sectors where Cyprus can develop a competitive advantage, rather than attempting to compete across the entire global financial market.
The second discussion, “AI and the Reinvention of Mainstream Banking”, focuses on artificial intelligence and its potential to transform banking operations.
Participants will examine AI applications in customer service, data processing, risk management and fraud prevention, alongside questions concerning oversight, security and responsible use.
The third session, “New Finance / Stack”, explores digital financial infrastructure, digital assets and emerging payment systems.
The sector is creating new opportunities for cooperation between banks, fintech companies and technology providers. Payments are a particular area of interest, with Markides identifying them as a potential source of growth for Cyprus.
The final discussion, “Trust and Security in Digital Finance”, focuses on cybersecurity and public confidence in digital financial services.
As more banking transactions move online, protecting personal data and strengthening digital systems have become increasingly important priorities for financial institutions.
Cyprus seeks a stronger role in financial services
Through its four discussions, the summit aims to connect international developments with the needs of the Cypriot economy.
The event will explore the conditions needed to build a modern, competitive financial ecosystem, with technology, investment, security and collaboration among the central themes.
Also read: How much of your salary goes on rent in Cyprus?
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