NextGen Nordics 2025 Agenda

We discuss the evolution of the Nordic payments industry and analyse the impact of various dynamic factors on Nordic banks.

• What is happening domestically as well as across the Nordic payments industry?
• How does this compare to global trends in the payments industry?  
• What does this mean for Nordic banks, and are they prepared for the challenges and opportunities they currently face? 

We explore the impact of DORA and how significant this shift is for financial institutions in the Nordics.

• How might DORA force a fundamental shift in the way that banks manage cybersecurity, moving from compliance-driven approaches to a more proactive, real-time threat mitigation?
• How will DORA influence public perceptions of trust in the banking sector?
• Could DORA accelerate the use of cutting-edge tech in banking, or will it slow down innovation?

We examine the readiness of Nordic banks and ongoing challenges they face as they transition into the Verification of Payee era as the Nordics strive for more secure digital payment systems.

• How prepared are the Nordics for the October 2025 deadline and are the banks and fintechs aligned in creating a harmonised VoP process?  
• Where are we with the standardisation of the CoP and VoP rulebooks?
• Where do the challenges persist and how are organisations attempting to get around them?  

We explore how and why Nordic central banks are responding to the increasing momentum around central bank digital currencies.

• What are the advantages of utilising CBDCs?
• What are the retail and commercial use cases, and are consumers ready for this? 
• What will it mean for native banking systems and the future of payments? 

We examine how Nordic financial services are enhancing fraud risk management practices and leveraging innovation.

• What innovative methods are emerging to detect, prevent and manage fraud?
• Are the Nordics now leading with Verification of Payee to combat fraud?   
• Is the UK view on handling APP fraud an example for the Nordics? 

We explore the ways in which GenAI can be utilised to increase operational efficiency in financial services.

• How can the intended benefits of GenAI in transforming business operations be realised?
• How can AI be used to leverage products and services that consumers want?
• Alongside the EU AI Act, how can Nordic countries achieve greater regional collaboration to effectively manage AI’s benefits and risks? 

During this afternoon break, attendees are invited to join the speed networking session in the exhibition area where you can meet many other attendees in a short space of time. These quick-fire introductions provide a great opportunity to exchange contact details and begin meaningful business relationships.

We consider how the Nordics – renowned for producing innovative fintech startups that disrupt traditional payment methods – are leveraging collaboration between banks and fintechs to enhance the payments ecosystem.

• What is the dynamic between banks and fintechs in the Nordics, and how do they balance competition and collaboration?
• How are fintechs improving the efficiency of international payments?
• How might Nordic banks and fintechs work together to create a more seamless payment ecosystem?

We explore how well positioned the Nordics are to lead the global shift to open finance and consider the hurdles they face in doing so.

• How will open finance transform e-commerce?
• How are the Nordics navigating challenges such as standardisation of data and cyber security?
• How might the EU’s Financial Data Access (FiDA) framework impact the development of open finance in the Nordics?

We’ll summarise the day’s discussions, consider other factors that might disrupt the Nordic banking and payments ecosystem.

• What have we learnt from the discussions that have taken place today?
• Where do we push on?
• What assistance do the banks need to set themselves up for commercial return on the other side of the current payments' evolution?

Join us for a relaxed and enjoyable drinks reception, where you can unwind and connect with fellow leaders in Nordic banking and payments. Share ideas, exchange perspectives, and continue the conversations in a friendly, informal setting.

We look forward to seeing you there!