NextGen Nordics 2025: Shaping the Future of Payments Innovation

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The future of the payments landscape is at the center of discussion at the upcoming NextGen Nordics event, scheduled for April 29, 2025, at the Münchenbryggeriet in Stockholm, Sweden. A convergence of top industry leaders, innovators, and regulatory experts will offer insights into the advancements, innovations, and transformative developments shaping the financial services sector in the Nordic region. This event promises to serve as a pivotal forum for discussing how the payments sector is evolving to meet the demands of a digital-first economy.

Industry Leaders and Key Speakers

The conference will assemble an impressive lineup of key speakers from various sectors, including financial institutions, technology companies, and regulatory bodies.These experts will delve into numerous aspects of the financial landscape, exploring themes such as payment system innovations, real-time payment solutions, cross-border transactions, data privacy, digital currencies, fraud prevention, and the growing role of mobile payments.

One of the prominent speakers, Anders Olofsson, Head of Sales, Payments & Cash Management at Tietoevry Banking, will address the complexities of managing cash flow, payment systems, and the burgeoning need for open banking services in the Nordic region.His expertise in delivering end-to-end payment solutions will provide valuable insights into the innovations at the enterprise level. Visa’s efforts in revolutionizing payment systems will be represented by Bo Knoblauch, Director at Visa Direct. Knoblauch will explore the future of real-time payments and detail the role of Visa in driving industry-wide innovation.His insights will be pivotal in understanding the next generation of payment solutions.

Regional Collaboration and Standardization

Camilla Akerman, Secretary General of the Nordic Payment Council, brings a broad perspective on the regional collaboration and standardization crucial for future cross-border payments.Her role in overseeing payment solutions across Nordic countries makes her a significant voice in the conversation about regional financial integration. She will discuss strategies to enhance regional collaboration and the standardization of payment protocols, which are essential for seamless and efficient cross-border financial transactions.

Carina Olsson, CEO of Bankgirot, will offer her extensive insight into Sweden’s payment solutions landscape. With experience in leading transformative projects within the financial sector, Olsson will discuss the evolving role of bank clearing systems and the push towards quicker and more secure payment options.She will highlight innovative approaches to enhance the reliability and speed of financial transactions, providing a comprehensive view of the challenges and opportunities in developing an efficient payment infrastructure.

Innovation and Digital Strategies

Experts such as Dan Axelsson from Nordea will discuss business development efforts, while Daniel Lexander from SEB will dive into the creation and implementation of innovative payment product strategies.The focus will be on how financial institutions can leverage digital tools and technologies to design and deploy user-friendly payment solutions that meet the evolving needs of their customers. These discussions will underscore the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements to remain competitive in a rapidly changing environment.Journalists like Debi Bell Hoskings from Finextra will provide on-the-ground insights and real-time commentary, capturing the dynamic trends within the payments industry. Her coverage will offer an invaluable perspective on the latest innovations and the broader implications for the industry. This will be complemented by insights from Emmie Silén from SEB, who will add another layer of practical understanding with her work in creating digital payment tools and strategies.Their combined expertise will provide attendees with a multifaceted view of the current trends and future directions in the payments landscape.

Payments Infrastructure and Global Trends

Fredrik Tallqvist from EBA Clearing, with significant experience in payments infrastructure, will offer perspectives on the future of European payments and the importance of interoperability in cross-border solutions.He will delve into the technical and operational aspects of creating a cohesive and efficient payments infrastructure that can handle the complexities of international transactions. Tallqvist’s insights will be crucial in understanding the requirements for building a robust and scalable payments network that aligns with global standards.

Gary Wright from Finextra will provide a comprehensive overview of the global trends, regulatory changes, and emerging technologies within the payments landscape through his research and analysis.He will explore the broader economic and regulatory context shaping the industry’s evolution, highlighting key trends and their potential impact. Wright’s analysis will equip attendees with a deeper understanding of the forces driving change in the payments sector and the strategic responses necessary to navigate this dynamic environment.

Data Privacy and Security

The critical issue of data privacy in the digital payment space will be thoroughly examined by Dr. Igor Mate from Permobil, providing essential guidelines on managing global data protection laws. His expertise will offer valuable insights into the complexities of maintaining data security and privacy in a highly digitized financial ecosystem. Mate will discuss the latest regulatory requirements and best practices for safeguarding sensitive financial information, ensuring compliance with international standards.

From a commercial and strategic standpoint, Jonas Palm from BNP Paribas will discuss the integration of cash management systems, while Martin Georgzen from Bankgirot will focus on developing new business opportunities within Sweden’s payments industry.Their combined analysis will provide a detailed look at how financial institutions can leverage technology to optimize cash management processes and identify new revenue streams. This discussion will highlight the strategic importance of innovation in maintaining competitive advantage and driving growth in the financial services sector.

Mobile Payments and Digital Currencies

Kairi Ilison, a lead project leader from Nordea’s DORA program, will emphasize the significance of digital security and operational resilience in ensuring the sustainability of financial institutions amidst increasing digital threats. Ilison’s expertise will be crucial in understanding the role of cybersecurity in protecting the integrity of financial systems and maintaining trust in digital payment solutions.Her insights will provide practical strategies for enhancing operational resilience and mitigating risks in a constantly evolving threat landscape.

The growing influence of mobile payment platforms will be discussed by figures like Perttu Kroger from Vipps MobilePay, and the increased democratization of banking services by Sarah Hager from Enable Banking. These discussions will explore how mobile payment solutions are transforming the way consumers interact with financial services and the implications for financial inclusion.Kroger and Hager’s insights will underscore the role of mobile technology in broadening access to banking services and driving financial inclusion in underserved populations.

Ville Sointu from Nordea will explore the transformative potential of digital currencies and blockchain within the payments ecosystem.His analysis will delve into how these technologies are reshaping the financial landscape, offering new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. Ylva Palmqvist from Danske Bank will discuss evolving payment services, focusing on meeting market demands and emerging business trends.Together, these discussions will provide a comprehensive view of the technological advancements driving the future of payments and their implications for the industry.

Shaping the Future of Payments

The future of the payments landscape is set to take center stage at the forthcoming NextGen Nordics event, scheduled for April 29, 2025, at Münchenbryggeriet in Stockholm, Sweden. This highly anticipated gathering will bring together top industry leaders, forward-thinking innovators, and key regulatory experts.They will share valuable insights into advancements, novel innovations, and groundbreaking transformations currently shaping the financial services sector within the Nordic region.

This event promises to be a crucial forum for in-depth discussions on the evolving payments sector, emphasizing how it is adapting to the increasing demands of a digital-first economy. Attendees can expect to explore a variety of topics, from the integration of new payment technologies to regulatory changes and consumer behavior trends.

Moreover, the NextGen Nordics event aims to highlight the collaborative efforts among financial institutions, fintech companies, and regulatory bodies to create a more efficient, secure, and inclusive payments ecosystem.Participants will have the opportunity to engage in thought-provoking discussions, network with peers, and gain actionable insights that could shape the future of payments in the Nordic region and beyond. By focusing on these key areas, the event seeks to foster innovation and drive the growth of a resilient, forward-looking financial landscape.

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