The Baltic and the Nordic regions have emerged as key hubs for fintech innovation, driven by strong tech ecosystems, supportive regulatory environments, and a strong emphasis on digital innovation.
Estonia stands out as one of the most advanced nations in terms of fintech and digital innovation, recognized as a global leader in e-government, blockchain technology and digital identity. Lithuania has gained a reputation for being particularly welcoming to fintech startups, offering fast and efficient licensing processes for financial companies and attracting global fintech companies with its welcoming regulatory framework. Latvia, though home to a smaller fintech scene compared to Estonia and Lithuania, has experienced considerable growth in fintech, especially in the areas of payment services and alternative lending.
In the Nordics, Sweden is often considered the fintech leader, producing several unicorns including buy now, pay later (BNPL) giant Klarna. Finland boasts a strong fintech market, with a focus on digital banking, personal financial management, and open banking. Finally, Denmark has an expanding fintech sector, bolstered by strong government support and a well-educated, digitally savvy population.
These dynamic fintech ecosystems have fueled the rise of major industry events across the Baltics and the Nordics. These events serve as key platforms for industry stakeholders to network, stay up-to-date with the latest trends, and showcase cutting-edge fintech solutions.
As we step into 2025, we look today at some of the biggest fintech events taking place in the first half of 2025 in the Baltic and the Nordic regions. For this list, we focus on prominent events that are set to bring together large crowds of industry leaders.
Top 11 Fintech Events in the Baltics and the Nordics in H1 2025
Breaking the Legacy: How Leading Banks Are Reinventing Themselves for the Future
February 05, 2025
Scandic CPH Strandpark, Kastrup, Denmark
The “Breaking the Legacy: How Leading Banks Are Reinventing Themselves for the Future” seminar will take place on February 05, 2025, at Scandic CPH Strandpark in Kastrup, Denmark.
Organized by Nordic Fintech Magazine in collaboration with Engine by Starling, PwC, and Amazon Web Services (AWS), the event will focus on how banks are modernizing their core systems to remain competitive in the digital era, providing participants with insights on how to leverage new technologies to enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve customer experiences.
The event will begin with a networking breakfast, followed by expert-led discussions on core modernization, including its challenges and opportunities. Notable speakers from Engine by Starling, AWS, and PwC will share real-world case studies, such as how Starling Bank has successfully transformed its operations and supported the launch of Romania’s first digital bank, Salt. Finally, the seminar will conclude with a workshop led by PwC on the practical steps for implementing core banking modernization.
Attendees will also get to network and exchange ideas with peers shaping the future of banking.
TechChill Riga 2025
February 05-07, 2025
Hanzas Perons, Riga, Latvia
TechChill Riga, one of the largest technology and startup conferences in the Baltics, will return from February 05 to 07, 2025, at Hanzas Perons in Riga, Latvia. This year’s event is set to bring together over 2,300 attendees, including more than 310 startups, 250 investors, and 120 speakers, making it a key gathering for entrepreneurs, investors, and tech enthusiasts looking to explore the latest industry trends and opportunities.
TechChill 2025 will focus on three core tracks essential for startup success: People, Business, and Technology. The People track will explore leadership, culture, and team dynamics in startups. The Business track will delve into strategies for scaling, fundraising, and securing investments. Finally, the Technology track will address product development, growth strategies, and the technical challenges of building scalable businesses.
The event will begin with side events on February 05 at Fantadroms, followed on February 06 and 07 with the main program featuring keynote speeches, panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster connections and accelerate startup growth. Speakers will include industry leaders such as Heli Koskimäki from Oura, David Hooker from Printify, Iris Parra from Enlaza, and Marijus Plančiūnas from Paysera LT.
Techarena 2025
February 20-21, 2025
Strawberry Arena, Stockholm, Sweden
Techarena 2025, Scandinavia’s largest tech and business event, will take place on February 20 and 21, at Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. The event is expected to bring together more than 12,000 attendees, including business leaders, founders, investors, and decision-makers from more than 125 countries.
With 350 world-class speakers, 1,500 investors managing a combined US$2 trillion in assets, and more than 100 side events, Techarena will serve as a key platform for networking, investment opportunities, and discussions on innovation and entrepreneurship.
This year’s theme, “Becoming the Best in the World”, will explore what it takes to achieve global excellence across various industries, including business, sustainability, sports, culture, policy, and investment. The event will focus on the mindset, resilience, and adaptability required to navigate setbacks and transform challenges into opportunities.
Attendees will gain insights into leadership, innovation, and collaboration as essential drivers of success in a constantly evolving business landscape, and get to hear from influential industry visionaries; executives and established companies will have the chance to engage in curated networking events and exclusive lounges; startups and innovators will be able to pitch their ideas in front of investors and industry leaders, increasing their chances of securing funding and strategic partnerships; and investors will have the opportunity to connect with promising startups, limited partners, and corporate stakeholders, particularly during Investor Day.
Beyond the main stage, Techarena will host exhibitions, networking lounges, and exclusive side events designed to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Artificial Intelligence in Financial Service Conference Nordics 2025
March 26, 2025
Bella Sky, Copenhagen, Denmark
Artificial Intelligence in Financial Service Conference Nordics 2025 will take place on March 26, 2025, at Bella Sky in Copenhagen, Denmark. The event is set to bring together more than 150 attendees, over 15 exhibitors, and 25 speakers to explore the future of AI in financial services.
This event will focus on how financial services leaders can stay ahead in a rapidly evolving AI landscape, offering executives a unique opportunity to gain insights into AI’s tangible return on investment. The conference will emphasize the importance of building ethical AI frameworks, and discussions will cover how to guard against bias, uphold data privacy, and maintain trust within AI applications.
Participants will get to learn from top-tier experts as they outline actionable strategies leaders must adopt to integrate AI into their financial operations successfully. They will also get to discover the latest innovation and updates in the industry, and engage with specialists who are leading the charge in responsible AI implementation.
2025 speakers will include:
- Lennart Hedlund, Enterprise Architect, Handelsbanken
- Patrik Havander, Head of Visa, B2B Connect Europe
- Erlend Willand-Evensen, SVP, Nordic Head of Analysis, Gjensidige Forsikring
Norway Fintech Festival 2025
April 01-03, 2025
Bergen, Norway
The Norway Fintech Festival 2025 will take place from April 01 to 03, in Bergen, Norway, bringing together some of the most influential minds in fintech, strategy, and innovation. Organized by the Norwegian Fintech Cluster NCE Finance Innovation, the event promises three days of expert discussions, workshops, networking, and groundbreaking insights into the future of fintech.
This year’s festival will focus on five key themes:
- The Next Gen Fintech track will explore how artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, hyper-personalization, and blockchain are reshaping the financial sector. This track will explore the technologies and strategies that will define the future of finance, giving participants the insights and tools needed to thrive in an era of rapid transformation.
- The Sustainable Impact track will highlight how financial institutions can balance profit, people, and planet, addressing the growing importance of environmental, social and governance (ESG) standards, sustainable finance, and diversity-driven innovation. This track will dive into the intersection of profit, people, and planet, exploring how finance can be a force for positive impact through responsible investments, circular economy models, and transparent ESG reporting.
- The Built on Trust track will focus on the latest in regtech, cybersecurity, and European regulations such as anti-money laundering (AML), know-your-customer (KYC) and digital identity. This track will examine how businesses can build resilient and transparent financial ecosystems in an era of increasing cyber threats and regulatory demands.
- The Bold Leadership track will delve into how visionary leaders are shaping the future of the industry, from scaling fintech startups to leading successful mergers & acquisitions. It will explore the role of corporate culture in fostering innovation, managing crises, and adapting to disruption, providing insights on how to lead with impact, inspire teams, and position your organization for success on the global stage.
- The Connected Ecosystems track will showcase how fintech is becoming more interconnected than ever before. This track will explore how connected ecosystems are driving innovation and reshaping the financial services landscape, delving into topics including open banking, embedded finance, digital wallets, biometric security, and banking-as-a-service (BaaS).
Payment Market Conference RIGA 2025
April 09-10, 2025
Radisson Blu Latvija Conferences and Spa Hotel, Riga, Latvia
The Payment Market Conference RIGA 2025 will take place on April 09 and 10, at the Radisson Blu Latvija Conferences and Spa Hotel, Riga, Latvia. This year’s event is expected to bring together over 250 participants and more than 20 speakers from banks, fintech companies, regulatory bodies, payment processors, and card schemes.
Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the latest developments in card schemes, regulatory updates, cloud-based payment solutions, open banking, digital currencies, and cryptocurrency-related challenges. The conference will also focus on enhancing user experience through case studies and real-world insights.
Startup Lithuania Accelerator Expo
April 10, 2025
Vilnius Tech Park, Vilnius, Lithuania
The Startup Lithuania Accelerator Expo will take place on April 10, 2025, at the Vilnius Tech Park, Vilnius, Lithuania. The event will showcase the startups of the third batch of Startup Lithuania Accelerator powered by Plug and Play.
Participants will have the chance to dive into the vibrant Lithuanian startup ecosystem, connect with passionate innovators, and witness the next wave of groundbreaking ideas. The event promises an inspiring evening filled with networking opportunities, exciting venture discoveries, and a celebration of entrepreneurial spirit.
Vilnius Summit AI
April 15-16, 2025
Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva, Vilnius, Lithuania
The Vilnius Summit AI will take place on April 15 and 16, 2025, at the Radisson Blu Hotel Lietuva in Vilnius, Lithuania. The event promises the largest gathering of AI experts, enthusiasts, and innovators in the region.
Over two days, participants will get to experience more than 60 talks and workshops across five stages, covering everything from the latest AI advancements to real-world applications and future trends. They’ll get to meet and connect with business leaders, AI professionals, and others passionate about shaping the future of technology.
Day one will focus on hands-on workshops and mastermind sessions, offering deep dives into AI tools, enterprise AI strategy, automation, and development platforms. On day two, keynote sessions and expert panels will cover Nordic AI trends, business case studies, workforce transformation, and AI-driven development tools.
The Vilnius Summit AI will also feature a dedicated networking area where attendees will get to connect with solution providers and engage with speakers throughout the event. This space will offer valuable opportunities to discuss potential collaborations, explore AI solutions, and build meaningful professional relationships with industry leaders.
Iceland Innovation Week 2025
May 12-16, 2025
Reykjavík, Iceland
Iceland Innovation Week 2025 will take place from May 12 to 16, in Reykjavík, Iceland. The theme for 2025 is science, focusing on the groundbreaking innovations and technologies driving solutions to the climate crisis.
This year’s event will explore the science behind sustainability, from carbon sequestration to afforestation, seaweed farming to renewable energy, and beyond. It will bring together entrepreneurs, venture capitalists (VCs), corporations, and researchers to collaboratively explore how science and innovation can fight climate change.
Iceland Innovation Week 2025 will focus several key topics:
- Shift Happens will highlight disruptive technologies that are pushing the boundaries of innovation and creating new trends;
- Green Up Your Act will showcase eco-friendly innovations and sustainable practices, emphasizing the importance of keeping the planet at the forefront of decision-making;
- Makes Cents will focus on startups, investors, and companies working in the funding space, particularly in climate tech investments;
- State of Health will celebrate health tech and med tech innovations that aim to make health a way of life;
- Game On will explore the intersection of innovation in gaming and creativity; and
- Deep Dive will delve into deep tech and AI, highlighting advancements that push the limits of human ingenuity and machine learning.
Throughout the week, Iceland Innovation Week 2025 will feature side events, such as panel discussions, company visits, happy hours, and even icy ocean dips. These event will be held in locations in Reykjavík, providing opportunities for networking and learning.
2025 speakers will include:
- Alexandra Sif Tryggvadottir of Spotify
- Signe M. Sveinbjørnsson of Heartcore Capital
- Svend Hardenberg of Inuit Development Company
- Emilie Christensen of Nordic Edge
- Lena Thiede of Planet A Ventures
Latitude59
May 21-23, 2025
Kultuurikatel, Tallinn, Estonia
Latitude59 in Tallinn is the flagship startup and tech event of Estonia, the world’s first digital society. This year’s edition will be held from May 21 to 23, 2025, providing participants with an opportunity to network with industry leaders, innovators, and investors from around the world, contributing to shaping the future of technology and entrepreneurship.
Startups will have an opportunity to showcase their products and services to 3,500 visitors from 65 countries and connect with 800+ investors. For investors, Latitude59 will offer the chance to meet 900+ vetted startups that are building world-changing products. Finally, for partners, the event will offer an exceptional platform to present your brand to a diverse and influential audience.
Arctic15 2025
June 04-05, 2025
Cable Factory, Helsinki, Finland
Arctic15 2025 will take place on June 04 and 05, at the Cable Factory in Helsinki, Finland. This annual event is known as one of the most effective startup matchmaking gatherings in Northern Europe, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, corporates, and media representatives from over 60 countries.
This year’s edition will feature 15 tracks focusing on various industries, technologies and topics ranging from digital health and AI, to social impact and scaling. This diverse focus will allow participants to explore various sectors and trends while facilitating networking in a space designed to foster meaningful connections.
In addition to its core program, Arctic15 2025 will feature speed-dating sessions, workshops, demo stand posters, and a pre-event matchmaking tool.
Startups will get to network with investors and corporates, access pre-event matchmaking tools, and participate in workshops, with tickets including full event access and meals; investors will have the chance to discover startups, syndicate with other investors, and attend exclusive VIP events designed for investors; and attendees will get to network with startups to explore opportunities to make their companies more agile.
Arctic15 is organized by ArcticStartup, a startup media covering Nordics and Baltics since 2007. Each year, the business event gathers 1,500-2,000 attendees.
Featured image credit: edited from freepik