Fintech sovereignty: Europe’s new incentive to compete with the US?

30 Sept 2026
Main Stage
Main Stage

Several aspects of Europe’s financial world are dominated by US players, from digital wallets to payments. But with a continental push for sovereignty in motion, will European fintechs finally have a catalyst to overtake?

  • Does European fintech actually need sovereignty?
  • Is building a pan-European sovereign fintech solution really possible?
  • Does building in Europe for Europe genuinely give fintechs a competitive advantage?
  • What could trigger widespread urgency for European fintech sovereignty, similar to what we've seen with frontier models?
Speakers
Tim Chong
Tim Chong, Founder - Yonder
Zara Ryan
Zara Ryan, Venture Capital Investment Manager - BlackFin Capital Partners
Cole Bittel
Cole Bittel, Founder - Walt
Hrvoje Ćosić
Hrvoje Ćosić, Founder and CEO - Aircash
Damisola Sulaiman
Damisola Sulaiman, Fintech Reporter - Sifted